Drone wedding photography and video - all your questions answered

Drone wedding photography has taken the wedding industry by storm, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives and a unique way to capture your wedding day in photo and video. As a fully licensed and insured drone operator, where possible I include drone photography and video with my wedding packages.

Why Are Drones Ideal for Wedding Photography?

Drones provide stunning aerial views that add a cinematic touch to wedding albums. Imagine sweeping shots of the venue, picturesque landscapes, and creative group photos captured from above. Whether your wedding is set in a rustic countryside or a grand estate, drones can showcase the scale and beauty of the location in ways traditional cameras can’t.

They’re also perfect for capturing candid moments and drinks receptions from a distance without disrupting the natural flow of your day. This perspective offers an entirely new dimension to your wedding photography.

Carlton Towers at dusk by drone. Illuminated wedding venue in Yorkshire.

Above: Carlton Towers East Yorkshire at dusk and Peckforton Castle (Cheshire) emerging from the early morning mist.

What Are the Key Wedding Day Moments for a Drone to Photograph?

Here are some of the best moments for drone photography:

Wedding Venue / Church Photographs: Capture the location in its entirety, whether it’s an historic castle, stately home or barn wedding venue
Couple’s Entrance or Exit: Document the grand entrance or a romantic getaway with confetti flying in the air.
Ceremony Overview: A bird’s-eye view of the ceremony setup and guests can add a unique touch to your wedding video and photo gallery. (My drones are small, unobtrusive and very quiet)
Group Shots: Drones can capture large group shots from above, ensuring everyone is in the frame.
Couple Portraits: Aerial shots of just the two of you against dramatic backdrops create show-stopping photos.
Drinks Reception: Setting the scene with a wedding photograph or video of the drinks reception showing the environment, venue and number of guests at the wedding.
Fireworks and Twilight: Drones can still fly after dark and with a little external lighting we can use them to create something different and unique for your wedding album.

Fireworks by drone, twilight wedding photography with a drone. Chris chambers, Yorkshire wedding photographer at Allerton castle

Above: Bride and groom with Fireworks at Allerton Castle, North Yorkshire Captured by drone.

Can You Fly if the Weather Isn’t Too Good?

Weather plays a critical role in drone operation. High winds, rain, or snow can make flying unsafe and may compromise the quality of your photos and videos. Many professional drone photographers monitor weather forecasts closely and have backup plans for less-than-ideal conditions. If the weather is unsuitable for flying, your photographer should communicate alternative options, such as rescheduling specific shots.

Is a drone Fun to Fly?

To be honest, yes they are! But on a wedding day it’s more important to create the photographs as quickly and safely as possible. The drone is a way of me positioning my camera in locations I would otherwise struggle to get to without either platforms or helicopters.

flying a drone in a confined and limited area. Wedding drone photography

Above: Flying in Central London (left) and Salford Quays Manchester (Right) both present various challenges including air space permissions, pre-flight checks and sometimes even authorisation form local airports to fly.

Do I Need Permission from the Wedding Venue to Have a Drone at My Wedding?

Yes, it’s essential to check with your wedding venue in advance. Some locations have restrictions on drone use due to safety regulations and occasionally noise (especially if there are stables nearby). Historical sites, National trust properties, and venues near airports may have strict rules. I need permission to ensure legal compliance and can liaise with the venue before hand to provide my license and insurance details.

Manor House Lindley (above) with a bride and groom just before sunset. A unique perspective from flying in between the trees.

Will the Photos Be Good Enough Quality from a Drone?

Absolutely. Modern drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of capturing professional-grade images and videos. My drones also have stabilisation features, ensuring sharp, clear images and smooth video footage. Years of flying and photography experience have allowed me to maximise the technology and use it creatively.

Is Having a Drone at My Wedding Safe?

Operated correctly, a drone is perfectly safe at your wedding. As a fully licensed and insured drone operator I will ensure all safety measures include maintaining a safe distance from guests, avoiding crowded areas, and adhering to venue and legal guidelines are met before any flights.

Above: Careful planning and organisation was required to capture the bride and groom departing Hazlewood Castle, by Helicopter as the guests waved them off

Final Thoughts

Drone wedding photography offers a unique and memorable way to capture your special day. From sweeping aerial views to creative group shots, it adds a magical touch to your wedding photograph album. By ensuring good weather, and venue permissions, you can enjoy stunning and safe drone photography and video at your wedding.