How Much Does Drone Video and Photography Cost in Nashville?
Nashville Drone Co Aerial Photo of the W Hotel Nashville
Whether you're planning a wedding, filming marketing content, documenting construction progress, or updating a real estate listing, drone video and aerial photography add dynamic visual appeal. In Nashville, prices typically range from $100 to $300 per hour, but there’s much more to consider than just cost.
From local vs. enterprise providers, insurance and experience, to gear and post production skills, each factor influences both the price and the quality you’ll receive. Nashville Drone Co prices each job based on scope of the project and client’s budget
1. Nashville Drone Co Overview
1.1 Why Prospective Clients Reach Out
When you search for “drone photography Nashville”, what matters most?
High-quality aerial video and photo
Insured and FAA‑licensed pilots
Clear pricing and budget options
Portfolio evidence of expertise in wedding, real estate, film, construction, or event filming
One standout in the local scene is Nashville Drone Co, a top‑rated local company known for combining safe, insured drone operation with advanced video editing and color grading.
1.2 Hourly Rates: What to Expect
Local drone services in the Nashville area typically charge between $100 and $300 per hour.
Budget operators may quote around $100/hr or less
Full-service pros offering top-tier post production, typically ask $200–300/hr
The key lies in matching your budget to the level of expertise and outcome you expect.
2. Local vs. Enterprise Drone Services
2.1 Enterprise Platforms: FlyGuys, Dronegenuity, and Others
National or enterprise platforms like FlyGuys or Dronegenuity act as intermediaries between clients and drone pilots. What you might not see is that:
They retain a major chunk of your payment
The pilots they dispatch often receive only a small portion of the rate
Turnover or subcontracting can lead to less experienced or inconsistent pilots
The subcontracted pilot may cancel if a better offer presents itself
You might pay the same $200/hr, but the pilot actually doing the work might be just starting out.
2.2 Local Drone Companies
Local providers do it differently. By handling everything in-house including flight operations, editing, and client communication local companies can:
Ensure direct accountability
Maintain consistent quality and creative standards
Offer creative flexibility and budget options
Build relationships with repeat clients in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Nolensville, Mt. Juliet, and Murfreesboro
You’re working with the actual team producing your footage not a third-party contractor.
3. The Risks of Choosing the Cheapest Drone Provider
3.1 Cutting Costs Isn’t Worth Cutting Safety
If someone offers drone services at the rock bottom rate, say, under $100/hr—there’s often a reason:
No insurance or FAA registration
Consumer‑grade drones that lack stabilization or professional sensors
Minimal editing or finishing work
Lack of experience in color grading
Potential liability and unreliability
3.2 Inexperienced Pilots
New or hobbyist pilots may log fewer flight hours, lack runway awareness, and fail to deliver cinematic results. Worse yet, they might lack formal training in video editing, color grading, and storytelling techniques.
When filming weddings, construction sites, marketing campaigns, or real estate tours, you need more than enthusiastic beginners, you need experienced, insured professionals.
4. Pricing Factors: What Goes Into the Rate?
Whether you choose a local pro or an enterprise provider, these are the factors driving rates:
4.1 Experience and Reputation
High‑quality drone companies command higher rates because they deliver dependable results and excellent service.
Local companies with established reputations in Nashville are more likely to offer consistency over time.
4.2 Equipment and Production Value
Pro-grade drones with stabilized 4K or higher sensors cost more to purchase and maintain.
Additional gear, extra batteries, ND filters, drones for backup, ground cameras all add overhead.
4.3 Insurance, Licensing, and Compliance
FAA Part 107 certification is a legal requirement.
Liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong on location.
Local companies that invest in full insurance coverage inevitably price slightly higher, but they significantly reduce your risk.
4.4 Flight Planning and Safety
Pre‑flight location scouting
Filming permits (especially for commercial or urban settings)
Crew coordination and safety measures
All of these are included in professional packages, but may be missing from cheaper services.
4.5 Video Editing, Color Grading, and Delivery
This is where many companies, especially enterprise intermediaries, cut corners.
A local company like Nashville Drone Co includes expert editing, color grading, motion graphics, and final delivery of polished content.
If editing is outsourced or minimal, the final product often looks amateurish even if the raw footage was shot decently.
5. Nashville Drone Co: Raising the Standard
5.1 What Makes Nashville Drone Co Stand Out?
Local expertise: Operates directly in Nashville and surrounding areas (Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Nolensville, Mt. Juliet, Murfreesboro)
Seasoned pilots: Experienced in film sets, construction documentation, weddings, music videos, real estate, and marketing
Full-service production: From flight to final edit with professional color grading
FAA‑compliant and insured: Minimum required liability aviation insurance, safe operations
Transparent pricing: Rate based on project scope; they work with your budget to offer scalable options
5.2 Use Cases Across Industries
Construction progress and site documentation: Scheduled aerial capture to track work milestones
Marketing videos: Clean, cinematic drone shots bolstered by polished post‑production
Wedding cinematography: Dramatic aerial sequences integrated into wedding videos
Real estate tours: Smooth property flyovers that enhance listing quality
Music videos & film projects: Locals familiar with director workflows, green light protocols, and creative shot delivery
5.3 Custom Pricing Based on Scope
Simple real estate flyovers: shorter sessions at the lower end
Full-day marketing shoots or weddings: more expensive but more comprehensive
All jobs include planning, pilot flight time, post‑production, and final HD delivery
Clients can select packages that give them the balance of price and visual impact they want
6. What You Should Do Before Hiring a Drone Company
6.1 Check Portfolios and Website Samples
View full‑resolution aerial footage, not just thumbnails
Compare sample videos from multiple vendors
Look for evidence of consistent quality, storytelling, and editing finesse
6.2 Ask About Insurance and Licenses
Confirm FAA Part 107 certification and insurance coverage
Ensure liability and aviation coverage (especially for commercial work or events)
6.3 Request Project-Specific Quotes
Provide full project context whether for real estate, construction, wedding, marketing campaign, etc.
Ask for itemized pricing (flight time, editing, revisions, additional fees)
See if they offer customizable package tiers or budget options
6.4 Consider Value Over Price
A cheaper rate might sound appealing, but could cost you in results, delays, or risk
The best value lies in a balance of professional gear, experienced pilots, insurance, and high-end editing services for a rate typically in the $200–$250/hr range
6.5 Local Knowledge Matters
A Nashville‑based company understands local regulations, scenery, and locations
They likely have relationships with local venues, permitting offices, and even repeat clients which translates to smoother planning and delivery
7. When Cheap Can Be Costly
Consider this scenario: a platform quotes you $120/hr and claims they send licensed pilots. But digging deeper shows pilots getting paid only $50–60/hr once the platform takes its cut and often the pilot is inexperienced. Editing may be outsourced or limited to a basic color filter. If you want cinematic grade results or assurance that the pilot knows the area and is insured that often costs more than the lowest offers.
On the flip side, working with a boutique local team ensures you know exactly who’s flying, what gear is used, and how the final edit will look. You’re paying $200-$300/hr but you get white‑glove service, and most of that fee flows directly to the team doing the work.
8. Why Middle‑of‑the‑Range Rates Are Often the Best Choice
8.1 Too Low = Risky; Too High = Budget Overkill
Under ~$120/hr: Could be uninsured, undertrained, or unprofessional
Above ~$250/hr: Often enterprise rates inflated by platform fees, brand premiums, or over‑spec service
8.2 Middle Tier = Reliability + Creativity
Usually $200–$250/hr
Includes insured pilots with professional gear
Real editing, revision flexibility, consistent quality
8.3 Nashville Drone Co Pricing Example
Example 1: Real estate listing $350-$650 depending on house/lot size and whether you need video, photos, fly through or all. Luxury properties, ranches and farms require further assessment to quote.
Example 2: Wedding video $1500-$2500 depending on the package
Example 3: Full day marketing shoot. Full Day rate is $1600. half day rates and hourly rates are also available. Additional time may be added for editing depending on the project.
Nashville Drone Co can customize estimates to fit your scope and may offer scaled down packages, for example, simplified edits or single drone usage to meet tighter budgets.
9. Client Testimonials & Repeat Business
High‑quality local drone operators thrive on word‑of‑mouth and repeat clients. Nashville Drone Co has earned strong positive feedback for:
Professionalism on‑location
Flexible scheduling and transparent communication
Creative visuals tailored to each client’s branding or story
Reliable delivery of final product on time
Because Nashville Drone Co serves Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Nolensville, Mt. Juliet, and Murfreesboro, they bring local familiarity to every shoot saving on logistics, allowing faster turnaround, and providing consistent talent for regional clients.
10. How to Book with Nashville Drone Co
Gather project details: event type, location, date, goals, and any special shots you envision.
Request an estimate: get an itemized quote based on scope and service level.
Review portfolio samples: ensure the style and quality match your vision.
Communicate your budget: Nashville Drone Co will tailor a package that balances your spend and desired outcome.
Confirm insurance and FAA certification: get documentation before day of shoot.
Schedule planning time: even short flights require location prep and safety review.
Once confirmed, you’ll receive polished aerial imagery with cinematic editing and grading ready for wedding videos, marketing, film, or real estate display.
Conclusion
Drone video and photography in Nashville vary widely from $100 to $300 per hour but the smartest investment lies in choosing insured, experienced professionals who understand the local area and offer full‑service production.
Enterprise platforms often leave you with inexperienced subcontracted pilots and limited editing. Budget operators may lack insurance, legal compliance, and post-production quality.
That makes local, mid‑tier providers like Nashville Drone Co, a top choice. They combine reliable FAA‑certified pilots, professional equipment, creative video editing, flexible pricing, and deep local expertise. Serving Nashville and surrounding communities like Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Nolensville, Mt. Juliet, and Murfreesboro, Nashville Drone Co is a go‑to favorite for weddings, marketing, construction, real estate, and film production.
Need an accurate quote or want to compare portfolios? You can contact them directly to get a customized package that fits your vision and budget, resulting in gorgeous aerial footage, safely and affordably. info@nashvilledrone.co