Do I need a drone footage for my wedding? A very common question that couples ask. We asked Mary Angelini with Key Moment Films to share her best advice for our couples wanting to find out more about drone wedding videography.
Including drone coverage in your wedding video package can add additional epic shots that really boost the cinematic feel of a wedding film. If you are considering adding drone coverage to your wedding videography package, here are some questions you should ask the wedding videographer and considerations you will need to factor in when having drone coverage at your wedding.
Venue: Garza Blanca Resort and Preserve in Puerto Vallarta
Epic Shots
Think epic, sweeping cinematic perspective shots of the venue, aerial shots of the two of you from above. Using a drone adds production that no other camera technique can replicate. Greenery, scenic shots of the landscape, and architecture are where the drone shots shine.
Not-So-Epic Shots
Imagine walking down the aisle, to the romantic sounds of…. a thousand swarming bees.
Drones are noisy. This is the reality when you have a drone flying overhead. We highly suggest not having drone coverage for the ceremony and other formal events where your guests are involved. Having drones flying over a large group of people is not just unpleasant for the guests, it’s against FAA regulations. Let’s leave the epic shots to where your guests can avoid the sounds of an impending biblical plague.
Venue: Seagate Beach Club
Venue Rules and Restrictions
Each wedding venue has their own rules about when and where they can be flown. Some venues do not allow drone flights on property at all. Make sure you check with your venue about restrictions and share them with your videographer.
Switching to Airplane Mode
Did you know that to fly a drone at a wedding, videographers must get a pilot’s license? It’s called a Remote Pilot Certificate or FAA part 107 license.
The certification process includes a fairly challenging test and federal background check required for the FAA to give a videographer the green light to fly commercially. Make sure that your videographer has this license – no excuses.
Venue: Stonewall Estate
Timeline Tips
Sweeping drone shots of you two during the photo session is where drones shine.
They can create some epic shots of the two of you from above. These shots are usually wide and sweeping. They may need to be set up with a bit more coordination with the photographer.
We suggest you notify your photographer about the importance of getting drone shots during your portrait session. This will also give your photographer the heads-up about how they should plan their session with you. Talk about adding time during your portrait session with your wedding planner and photographer to avoid any feelings of rushing through the session. “We hated having so much time for photos and video” – said no one ever.
Weather and FAA Airspace
Heavy wind, fog, low visibility, or rain can ground a drone. The airspace matters too. Some areas are no-fly zones, like if you’re getting married close to The Mouse or close to an airport or helipad. And then there are temporary flight restrictions, for example, if the President or other high ranking official is in the area.
Talk to your videographer about drones and flight space, they will be able to determine what is safe airspace to fly.
Chelsea Erwin: http://chelseaerwin.com
Weather Alternative
If weather is bad, ask your videographer if they will come another time to get alternative drone shots of the venue or surrounding areas. This may cost extra, but it can be well worth it if you encounter rain on your wedding day.
How Much Does It Cost?
Each wedding videography studio has their own policies about drones. A recent poll indicated that videographers charge between $350-600 to add on drones. We found that many companies include it in their package and have added the cost of a drone by increasing their rates overall to accommodate the drone.
In the end, you are still paying for the added perk of epic cinematic shots for your wedding.
About the author:
Mary Angelini is the co-owner of Key Moment Films and Calypso Wedding Films wedding videography companies. Self-proclaimed IG Stories Queen, she has been filming weddings for over 10 years and her work has been featured on MNSBC and she sits on the Love Stories TV Filmmaker Council. She has been nominated for Rising Tide Society “20 on the Rise,” has spoken at several industry conferences including InFocus in Charleston, B&H’s Depth of Field in NYC and has been a guest on the Disney Wedding podcast. She focuses on building the community and is the past president of the Professional Videographers of Central Florida, Past VP of NACE So. FL, and current Co-Leader of the Tuesdays Together of West Palm Beach.
Header Photo credits: Ashley Upchurch Photography
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