You could argue that a well-orchestrated wedding has elements of a film or stage presentation including gorgeous settings, anticipation, romance, and powerful emotions.
And now, thanks to drone photography, you can add a cinematic feel to your pictures of your big day, whether you’re planning a large formal affair or more of an intimate, reception-only wedding.
Drone photography refers to images taken by a remote-controlled or autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a high-resolution camera. Using drones, photographers can capture stunning scenes from overhead.
This approach to wedding photography has become highly sought after by couples, but it’s not for everyone.
Below, you’ll find some of the pros and cons of drone wedding photography so you can decide if getting shots from above is a good fit for you. But first, for those of you already interested in drone photography, we have a few tips for getting the best possible results.
Tips for You
Select your photographer carefully. You want a photographer who’s experienced in drone photographer and has Part 107 certification from the FAA to fly drones. They also should be insured.
Less will be more. While drone photography can contribute amazing shots to your collection of wedding photos, you’ll want a variety of shots. We recommend encouraging your photographer to use their drone strategically, and sparingingly.
Also, keep in mind that drones make a sound. So, you may want to talk about optimum moments for using drones and when it would be best to stick with traditional photography.
Talk with your wedding venue. Make sure drones are allowed to be flown at their location. If the venue is near an airport, for example, drones may not be an option.
Now, on to the pros and cons of drone photography.
Benefits
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in a scenic spot, drone photography is a highly effective way to capture the natural beauty surrounding you, from mountains and lakes to colorful garden scenes.
You have an opportunity to capture truly creative shots with a drone, and it can add a unique feel to images of key moments like the couple’s send-off.
Drones, even from their vantage point high above, can capture surprisingly intimate scenes as well. One of their strengths is their ability to help brides and grooms witness touching moments from a unique perspective.
Drones can transform traditional group shots into something special. You also can use them to capture the sense of fun and excitement at your event.
Drones may not be ideal for severe weather (see more below), but they can handle cold temperatures. If you’re planning a winter wedding and want some lovely outdoor shots, drones can get the job done.
Drones also help you capture the beauty of your venue and the surrounding grounds. And if you’re marrying in a unique location, like a theatre or historical building, a drone is an ideal way to take exterior shots.
Drawbacks
Between engine noise and their propellors, drones can be noisy. Depending on when your photographer uses them, they can be distracting. If you do opt to use them, talk with your photographer about running them strategically.
Drone photography can be expensive. Wondering how much you can expect to pay? According to wedmegood.com, the average cost for drone photography at a wedding is $10,000 to $15,000 per day. If you’re looking for an affordable way to capture the fun and unique moments at your wedding, in addition to your photographer’s on-the-ground shots, you might want to go with a considerably more affordable choice like a photobooth.
There is also a bit of a risk factor. While it’s unlikely, a drone, like any aircraft, could crash. Ask your photographer about their drone experience.
Some venues prohibit drone use. If getting spectacular drone shots is a priority, ask your venues if they have any policies or restrictions you should know about.
Like many aspects of your outdoor wedding, drone photography can be impacted by weather. Yes, many drones are water-resistant and can even handle a windy day. But, if the weather is more severe, your chances of getting good shots are reduced. Of course, at that point, you may be moving your wedding indoors. We recommend talking to your photographer about how they adjust pricing when drone shots have to be canceled.
Drone photography is a popular wedding choice for good reasons: it can add a unique element of beauty and drama to your pictures. But, it certainly isn’t a must for an incredible photo album.
Contact the Bell Tower on 34th to learn more about how we can work with your photographer to help you get the beautiful wedding shots you’ve been envisioning.
Drone Photography at a Venue: The Practical Side
Beyond the artistic question, drones at a wedding venue raise practical points worth settling before you book.
Ask the venue first. Venues control their airspace agreements and noise policies, and some property owners or nearby event schedules restrict flights; the answer takes one phone call and prevents a day-of surprise. Confirm your photographer holds an FAA Part 107 certificate, which is the legal requirement for commercial drone operation, and that they carry liability coverage for the aircraft itself.
Plan the shots, not the spectacle. The drone earns its keep in fifteen minutes: one high establishing frame of the property with everyone in place, a cinematic pull-back of the first dance on a patio, the sendoff from above. Long flights tire the crowd and the battery at the same time. Wind and rain ground most consumer drones, so treat the drone shot list as a bonus list with a weather backup, and brief the couple that the best use is the moment nobody else can film: the whole celebration in one frame.
The verdict from our side of the aisle: drones are a yes when the venue and the shot list justify them, and an easy skip when they do not. A property with dramatic architecture, courtyards, or a landmark like our bell tower gives the aerial frame real content; a simple ballroom wedding may gain nothing that the ground cameras missed. Price the add-on honestly, most studios bundle it at a few hundred dollars, and spend the same money on an extra hour of ground coverage if your venue is not the star of the pictures.
Talk it through at the tour: we walk couples through where a drone can legally and safely fly on the property, and the answer shapes whether the flight plan is worth a line in your photography contract.
If you do book the drone, brief the ceremony moment carefully. Most venues, including ours, restrict flights over guests, so the aerials happen before the ceremony, during the cocktail hour, or at the sendoff, when the aircraft can work at a distance. That is not a limitation; it is why the shots look cinematic rather than intrusive, sweeping over the property rather than hovering over the crowd.
The couples who love their drone footage most booked it for one or two hero shots rather than full coverage: the property reveal that opens the highlight film, the courtyard from above during golden hour portraits, the sparkler exit seen from the tower's height. Ask your studio to show you their favorite drone frame from a recent wedding; if the answer excites you, book it, and if the answer is generic, spend the money on the dance floor.