Now that you’ve chosen the wedding venue of your dreams, the next step is finding the best wedding photographer to capture your long-awaited day in all its glory. Gone are the days when photographers had to perform acrobatic moves to get a shot from above.
Drone Wedding Photography
Equipped with high-tech cameras, drones can now capture stunning images from unique perspectives. The happy couple can enjoy a 360-degree view of their wedding day from a bird’s-eye view. However, before you invest in a drone photographer or videographer, there are a few things you need to consider. Here is a comprehensive guide on what you need to know before hiring a team for drone services.
What are drones?
Drones are making headlines in the media almost every day. Also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), they are aircraft that can be controlled either by drone pilots from the ground or autonomously via a pre-programmed mission.
There are countless types and brands of drones on the market, but they generally fall into two broad categories: those used for military purposes, which are armed with missiles and bombs, and those used primarily for scouting and surveillance. However, drones are more than just fancy gadgets for tech enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll focus on the latter category and explore how drones can be used for wedding photography.
Benefits of using drones for weddings
These handy gadgets offer a range of possibilities. They can capture intimate moments between a bride and groom from above, providing a unique perspective on your special day. Additionally, family and loved ones can use their bodies to spell out messages or best wishes, creating memorable aerial shots.
That’s a unique and fun way to leave a loving message for the happy couple. These devices can also capture the serene and spectacular surroundings of your wedding venue, allowing you to relive the magic of that day for years to come.
Videos and photos from the day can be compiled into a mini film that tells the story. This beautiful video was shot using a Phantom 4 drone by White Balloon Films in the UK.
Drone wedding photography prices
The cost of hiring a drone for your wedding can vary. You’ll be paying for both the drone and the operator who will fly it. The drone’s usage will be considerably shorter than that of your wedding photographer. Since drones can only be flown outdoors, they won’t capture indoor moments such as walking down the aisle in the church or the dinner reception. However, they can provide stunning aerial shots of you exiting the church, the outdoor drinks reception, and group photos from above.
You can hire drone operators for prices ranging from £200 to £300. Wedding videography packages that include drone footage typically start at around £500 and can go upwards to £1,000 or more, depending on the package and your specific requirements. For a comprehensive video package covering the entire day, not just with a drone, costs can run into several thousand pounds.
What Should I know before hiring them?
There are several important considerations to be aware of before opting for drone services:
Licensing and Registration – While anyone can buy and fly drones for recreational purposes, commercial use requires a different set of rules. To use drones for business activities like wedding photography or videography, operators must hold a valid commercial drone licence. This certification is awarded to those who pass required tests and are officially recognised as qualified drone operators.
Insurance – Since the drone will be flying over your guests, it’s crucial to ensure that the operator has appropriate insurance coverage. If your wedding is taking place at a public outdoor venue rather than a private residence, the operator should verify and comply with the venue’s insurance requirements. Many event locations require proof of insurance before granting permission for drone use.
Site Restrictions – While most venues allow drone usage, some have strict regulations. Public locations such as hotels or golf courses often have limitations on where drones can fly. This is partly due to privacy concerns, as drones might capture images of people who are not part of your wedding. Many venues restrict drone flights to directly above the ceremony and reception areas only. Be sure to check with the venue manager about their specific policies beforehand.
Operator’s Experience – The operator is responsible not only for piloting the drone but also for the safety of your guests and the surrounding environment. It’s important to remember that being able to fly a drone doesn’t automatically mean the operator can capture professional-quality images. Make sure your operator is experienced and adheres to all regulations for drone flying. Additionally, guests should avoid distracting the operator during the flight, as this could lead to accidents.
Noise – Drones can be quite noisy due to their engines and propellers. It’s important to discuss with your operator when the drone should be in use and when it should be grounded, especially during significant moments such as the exchange of vows. Keeping the drone quiet during these key parts of the ceremony will help ensure that the noise doesn’t disrupt the atmosphere.
Weather – Drones are electronic devices and can be affected by water, so they should not be used in rainy conditions. They are also not suitable for use in high winds, as this can be unsafe for both the drone and your guests. For the best results, drones should only be operated on calm, clear days.
Shots – A great opportunity for capturing stunning images is during the cocktail hour, which takes place between the ceremony and reception. This time provides excellent shots of your guests mingling and enjoying themselves. Additionally, since the attention will be on the drone rather than you, it’s best to avoid using it during the ceremony to prevent distraction from the main event.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, hiring a drone to capture images of your special day involves careful consideration.
However, aerial images are spectacular, unique, and breathtaking, making the effort to hire a professional, licensed, and well-qualified operator worthwhile. These devices not only provide unique perspectives but also deliver high-quality pictures. Have you ever used these services before? What were your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you, so please leave us a comment below.