Hiring a Wedding Photographer? Here’s Why You Should Get One with a Drone

Five or six years ago, drones were a novelty for wedding photographers.

Only a handful had them, and they were often more of a party trick than a real tool in the wedding photographer’s toolbox.

But these days, high-quality drones are relatively inexpensive, and more and more wedding photographers have them.

And with good reason. Drone shots can add an extra layer of magic to your wedding photos—especially if you’re getting married in a beautiful place (which, duh, you probably are!).

Credit: Daniel López Pérez

Why You Should Put Drone Photos on Your Wedding Shot List

Wedding photography is a stressful proposition. After all, you just have one chance to get all the photos you want from that special day.

A good wedding photographer is able to handle that stress. Their job is to get all the shots they need, masterfully capturing both candid moments and ad hoc portraits with the couple and other key members of the wedding party, all while making sure to get shots of the venue, the decor, and anything else the couple deems important.

To do all this, wedding photographers have to get creative.

You may have seen a wedding photographer standing on a ladder to get a big group shot, or walking up a hill or onto a second floor balcony to photograph the grounds of the venue.

Credit: Daniel López Pérez

While creative, these are limited solutions to a problem that drones were made to solve: How do you get your camera to exactly where it needs to be in space, regardless of height or your physical ability to be there with the camera?

Because, at its heart, a drone is just a flying camera. And when you have a camera that can be almost anywhere, the possibilities for the types of moments you can capture are much broader than when you’re stuck on the ground.

Enhanced Storytelling Capability

A wedding day is a story—one full of intimate moments and grand celebrations.

A good wedding photographer understands this intuitively, either because they have a natural sense for the dramatic or because they’ve studied and worked on their art (and probably a bit of both).

Drones contribute a narrative depth to the story a photographer is trying to capture. By weaving together shots taken from ground level with those from above, a photographer can craft a more comprehensive story.

For instance, a drone video of a ceremony can start with a broad shot of the wedding venue, slowly zooming in to focus on the couple saying their vows. And that one ten- or twenty-second shot can tell an entire story.

Credit: Daniel López Pérez

Unobtrusive Nature

Another big advantage to using a drone for wedding photos is their ability to capture vivid moments without disruption.

Traditional photography, especially during intimate moments, can sometimes feel intrusive to guests or even the couple.

Wedding drone photography can eliminate this discomfort by capturing photos from a distance, ensuring the natural flow of the wedding is maintained without a camera constantly in guests’ faces. This means more genuine smiles and spontaneous interactions captured, which is the essence of what makes wedding photography so precious.*

Credit: Daniel López Pérez

*One caveat on this—drones are loud. So it’s important to keep that in mind when planning with your photographer. Although a drone shot of your actual ceremony could be amazing, remember that the drone will create a fairly noisy buzzing sound in the air, making it important for your photographer to fly at a distance, using a zoom lens if needed.

Ideal for Destination Weddings

For couples planning destination weddings, drones are almost non-negotiable.

Whether it’s a beach wedding in Mexico, a rustic countryside setting in Tuscany, or a mansion outside New York City (like the one shown below), drones can capture the essence of the location spectacularly.

Credit: Daniel López Pérez

These aerial shots highlight the destination’s beauty, making your wedding album even more unique and enchanting.

Practical Considerations

When you’re hiring a wedding photographer with a drone there are a few things you should keep in mind: When you’re hiring a wedding photographer with a drone there are a few things you should keep in mind: Make sure the photographer is experienced in operating drones and has the necessary licenses or certifications to comply with local regulations. It’s also important to understand the unique qualities to seek in a photographer, such as their ability to seamlessly incorporate aerial shots into your wedding album without sacrificing creativity or professionalism. Additionally, inquire about their backup plans in case of technical issues or inclement weather, ensuring your special day is captured flawlessly from every angle.

Check their certification. In the U.S., anyone flying a drone for work has to be Part 107 certified. Other countries have similar requirements. Ask your photographer if they or the person who will be flying is certified and up to speed with all the regulations in the country where your wedding is taking place.
Ask about insurance. Drones can have both liability and property insurance, and ideally your photographer will at least have the first one.
Ask for references (or look at reviews). Safety is really important with drones, so it’s a good idea to get references saying your photographer is a safe pilot, or to track them down in their online reviews. On this note, getting Part 107 certified only requires a knowledge test but not an actual demonstration of flight proficiency—so just because they have it doesn’t mean they’re good at flying.
Ask your venue. Some venues may not want a drone flying there or may be in restricted airspace due to being close to an airport, so it’s important to communicate your plans in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises the day of your wedding.
Drones are loud. We noted this above, but it bears repeating. When planning drone shots for your wedding, keep in mind that the drone’s noisiness may be distracting if it flies too close to people. And this is especially true for a quiet moment, like the ceremony or even the first dance, if it’s happening outside.
Look at their drone photos. Do you like them? Great! But if you don’t, then they may not be the right person to take drone photos for your special day.

Need help with your destination wedding? Check out Paradise Weddings, a site devoted to helping you plan the perfect destination wedding.