Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Project Party

You’ve made the exciting decision to incorporate a drone for wedding photography into your special day. The outdoor setting, planned lawn activities, and the grandeur of your venue are perfect for capturing breathtaking aerial views.

While drones excel at delivering stunning bird’s-eye view shots and capturing dynamic moments, they won’t account for the majority of your wedding photos. As you prepare your wedding day photo lookbook, it’s essential to strategically plan for those unique and unexpected moments that only a drone can seize.

Why Opt for a Drone for Wedding Photography: Top 3 Reasons

The concept of using a drone for wedding photography has been catching on rapidly, adding a new dimension to capturing moments on the big day. Drone photography provides an extraordinary perspective and brings an element of enchantment to your wedding memories. Here are three compelling reasons to consider integrating a drone into your wedding photography plans:

1. Unparalleled Aerial Shots: The ability of drones to capture awe-inspiring aerial views of your wedding venue is one of the key reasons to employ a drone for wedding photography. Traditional photography struggles to match the unique vantage point that a drone can provide.
2. Reaching Inaccessible Angles: Drones can venture into areas and angles that are out of reach for humans, capturing shots that would be otherwise unattainable. This adds depth and diversity to your wedding album, making it far from ordinary.
3. Capturing One-of-a-kind Moments: Drones have a knack for seizing unexpected and unique moments, often overlooked by ground-level photography3. Be it a bird’s eye view of a group photo or a romantic shot of the couple amidst the grandeur of the venue, drones can capture these precious moments in remarkable ways.

In summary, if you’re in the process of planning your wedding and aiming to create an unforgettable visual narrative, incorporating a drone for wedding photography could be an excellent decision. It not only encapsulates the magnificence of your venue but also captures unique angles and moments in a truly special way.

If you’re leveraging a drone for wedding photography and want to maximize its potential, here are some invaluable tips:

1. Do: Capture the Arrival with Drone Footage

Utilizing a drone for wedding photography can add an extra dimension to your special day, capturing unique, breathtaking aerial shots. The arrival of guests and the bridal party is a perfect opportunity to use a drone. Start with footage of the anxious groom and his entourage, then pan over to the bride’s grand entrance. Drone photography makes these moments from unique perspectives possible, adding an exciting element to your wedding video. It’s worth noting that employing a drone for wedding photography during the arrival phase can add a sense of drama and excitement that ground-level photography may not capture. This innovative approach to capturing the arrival sets the tone for a wedding day that is sure to be remembered.

2. Don’t: Use Drones During the Ceremony

While drones can greatly enhance wedding photography, they can also be disruptive during the ceremony. The noise from the drone can distract guests and detract from the solemnity of the vows. It’s better to rely on traditional photography for these intimate and quiet moments. Save the drone for wedding photography moments where the noise won’t be a distraction, such as during the reception or group photo sessions. This ensures that the sacredness of the ceremony is preserved while still making the most of drone technology. The drone is a tool to enhance the experience, not to take away from the importance of these pivotal moments.

3. Do: Take a Group Photo with the Drone

One of the standout features of using a drone for wedding photography is its ability to capture large group photos from above. Instead of the photographer struggling to get everyone in the frame from a hill or chair, a drone can effortlessly capture everyone from an elevated angle. Get creative with your group photo; consider arranging everyone in a heart shape or other fun formation. Using a drone for this purpose can result in unique and memorable wedding photos. These group shots become keepsakes that look great in photo albums or displayed on social media.

4. Don’t: Use Drones Indoors or for Close-Up Shots

Drones are mainly designed for outdoor use. The noise, required space for take-off, piloting skills needed, and safety considerations make indoor drone photography a challenge. Also, avoid getting too close to the drone for safety reasons. For close-ups, stick with traditional photography methods. Using a drone for wedding photography should enhance your experience, not pose a potential risk. It’s important to remember that while drones offer unique perspectives, they also have limitations that must be respected for the safety of all involved.

5. Do: Unleash Your Creativity with Drones

The unique perspectives offered by a drone for wedding photography can lead to some truly original photos. Consider shots of the couple lying down, groups forming words or shapes, or even daring shots that show off your adventurous spirit. This is your chance to use drone technology to create memorable images that reflect your personality as a couple. Remember, your wedding day is a reflection of you as a couple, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with your drone footage.

6. Don’t: Forget a Backup Plan for Bad Weather

While drones can capture amazing footage, they’re not suitable for all weather conditions. Wind and rain can cause a drone to crash or veer off course. So, if the weather forecast looks bleak, it’s best to rely on traditional photography techniques. Having a backup plan when using a drone for wedding photography ensures that you won’t miss out on capturing your special day due to unforeseen weather conditions. After all, you want your wedding day to be perfect, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.

7. Do: Familiarize Yourself with Your Drone’s Features

Drones come with a range of features that can enhance your wedding photography. Some drones can automatically track movements, fly between set waypoints, respond to gestures, or adjust speed quickly. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can make the most of using a drone for wedding photography. It’s all about understanding the capabilities of your drone to maximize its potential in capturing your special day. The more you know about your drone’s capabilities, the better you can plan to capture stunning footage.

8. Don’t: Disrespect Privacy Rules

When employing a drone for wedding photography, remember that privacy rules still apply. Ensure that your drone does not invade the privacy of others, especially when in public places or near private properties. Always respect boundaries and use your drone responsibly. It’s important to maintain the balance between capturing beautiful memories and respecting the rights of others. A responsible drone operator is aware of these rules and adheres to them, ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.

9. Do: Check Venue Permissions

Before booking a drone for your wedding, ensure that your venue allows drones. Some venues may have restrictions due to safety concerns or noise issues. It’s essential to communicate with your venue about your plans for drone photography to avoid any last-minute surprises. This step is crucial when planning to use a drone for wedding photography, as it ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience on your big day. Doing your due diligence in advance can save you from potential headaches on your big day.

10. Don’t: Overdo Drone Usage

While drones can provide amazing perspectives, overusing them can lead to redundancy in your wedding photos. It’s important to strike a balance between traditional photography and drone shots. Too many drone shots can take away from the intimacy and personal touch that ground-level photos provide. Remember, when using a drone for wedding photography, it’s all about enhancing your photos, not overpowering them. The drone should complement your wedding photography, not dominate it.

11. Do: Ensure Proper Licenses and Insurance

Before hiring a drone photographer, check that they have the necessary licenses and approvals to operate a drone commercially. Also, ensure that the drone is insured. This will protect you from any potential liability in case of accidents. Ensuring these precautions when using a drone for wedding photography guarantees that you are working with a professional, reducing the risk of mishaps. This is a crucial step in ensuring that your wedding day goes smoothly and without incident.

Soaring High with Wedding Drone Photography!

Yes, it might sound like a cliché, but it perfectly captures the magic of using a drone for wedding photography. With proper planning and expertise, you can achieve innovative footage that will surely wow your guests. Given the right location, why not elevate your wedding memories?

Incorporating a drone into your wedding photography can result in extraordinary, lasting images. However, it’s crucial to plan, be aware of the limitations and possibilities, and hire a skilled and licensed operator to ensure the best outcome. Following these guidelines can help you fully leverage the use of a drone for wedding photography. With careful planning and a dash of creativity, a drone can significantly enrich your wedding photos, creating cherished memories of your special day.