Weddings haven’t been quite the same since the 2010s for two big reasons. The most obvious one is social media. As society becomes more and more interconnected through the internet, most younger couples have become enamoured with curating and sharing photos of picture-perfect events and life milestones.
The second major reason weddings have changed is the integration of drone technology. Since the market entry of affordable “prosumer-grade” camera drones in the early 2010s, drones have become part and parcel of a typical wedding experience, with the presence of a drone now often fully expected for events in outdoor venues. In the hands of an experienced photographer, the aerial perspectives offered by drones could add a new dimension to weddings that make them even more memorable. Aerial shots aren’t exactly novel for weddings. Before drones, helicopters and cranes were occasionally used for such shots. However, these options were far too expensive for the vast majority of couples. Today, drones have made aerial shots extremely accessible, with better camera equipment rental businesses now offering at least a few drone options for photographers who don’t want to invest in a complete rig.
Indeed, drone shots are now so commonplace in weddings that they’re often offered as a standard option by some wedding photographers. Let’s look at what drones actually bring to the table in these intimate events:
How Drone Photography Elevates Weddings
Aerial Perspectives
Perhaps the most obvious advantage of using drones in weddings is their ability to capture breathtaking aerial perspectives. Newer model drones in particular have exceptionally high-quality cameras and can provide detailed panoramic shots, making them perfect for showcasing the grandeur of the wedding. If a couple paid a lot to rent the wedding venue, these sweeping shots can also help in making the most of the investment through memorable, highly shareable photos.
Creative Flexibility
Drones are less intrusive and more flexible than either helicopters or cranes, offering photographers more freedom to experiment with compositions and angles. Typical weddings without drones usually offer same-looking shots, simply because of the limited angles and distances from which cameras can be placed. Because drones can go virtually anywhere, photographers can use them to more easily push the boundaries of conventional wedding imagery to deliver unique results.
Enhanced Storytelling
Another benefit of using a drone in taking wedding photos and videos is that it can expand the narrative possibilities of wedding documentation, especially when footage is used as part of a montage. A top-down view of preparations, wedding vows, and celebrations can give a wider overall perspective that—when interspersed with close-up shots—may create a more immersive experience for those reminiscing about the day’s events.
Where Drones are the Most Useful
Outdoor Ceremonies
Weddings held in scenic outdoor locations such as beaches or gardens can be elevated with drone shots that capture the beauty of the surroundings. They’re an especially popular addition to destination weddings in less developed locations, as they are able to navigate terrain that may be otherwise inaccessible for traditional photography equipment.
Large Venues
Drones are perfect for venues with expansive grounds or notable architectural features. They can provide effective location setting shots for weddings featuring a historic castle, for instance, or a distinct urban skyline. The enhanced mobility offered by drones also allows photographers to quickly locate cameras wherever they are needed. In smaller venues where constant flight is not possible, drones can still be great options for establishing shots and group shots taken at the end of the ceremony.
Group Photos
This brings us to what is, perhaps, the most underrated use of drones in weddings. Coordinating large groups of guests for after-ceremony photo shoots can be challenging if you do it the old-fashioned way. Drones simplify the process by offering a bird’s-eye view that enables photographers to capture expansive group shots with ease, ensuring that all the guests are included in the frame.
Instances Where Drones are Not Appropriate
Indoor Venues
Drones are generally not recommended for indoor weddings, even in large venues. These confined environments amplify the noise drones make and elevate the risk of collisions which could injure guests. Even large indoor venues are not always suitable for drones, since these environments have objects with magnetic fields that may impact drone communications and potentially result in a crash.
Densely-Populated Areas/Restricted Airspace
Drones are less suitable in densely populated areas or venues where other events may be taking place at the same time. The privacy concerns surrounding drone use have also resulted in a growing number of venues and communities restricting drone deployments, which means that photographers and wedding organisers must obtain necessary permissions beforehand.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Even the best professional drones will struggle to perform in adverse weather such as high winds, rain, or fog. In these situations, cancelling aerial photography should be done to prevent the loss of the drone, since image quality is likely to suffer, regardless.
Intimate Closeups
Drones have come a very long way but there is a practical limit to their usefulness, particularly for closeups. They’re usually equipped with wide-angle lenses for expansive views and these are not ideal for intimate shots. If you do switch up the lenses or cameras, the drone may need to come dangerously close to the subjects and still risk producing poor results. Drones also produce an intrusive noise that can negatively affect the vibe of the wedding—something that photographers must always avoid.
Harnessing Drones Wisely for Timeless Wedding Memories
Drones have revolutionised wedding photography and opened up unparalleled creative possibilities for photographers. When used appropriately, drones can help couples immortalise their special day, ensuring that every cherished moment is captured from every angle. Once photographers are aware of the limits of the technology, they can use drones to produce results that truly capture the magic of the event.
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