4 Crucial Questions to Ask about Drone Footage on your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the most magical moments of your life and capturing it from unique angles can add an extra layer of enchantment to your memories. With the rise of technology, drone footage has become increasingly popular in wedding videography. However, before you jump on the drone bandwagon, there are four important questions you should ask your wedding videographer to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.

1. “Are you licensed? What’s your license number?”

Safety should always be a top priority when incorporating drone footage into your wedding day. A licensed drone operator not only demonstrates professionalism but also ensures adherence to legal regulations and safety standards set by the FAA. Asking for their license number allows you to verify their credentials with the appropriate authorities, giving you peace of mind that you're working with a qualified individual. It also verifies that they’ve invested the time to perfect their craft and ensure that your drone coverage isn’t cut short by local authorities.

2. “Do you have or need clearance to fly a drone at our venue?”

Not all venues permit drone flights, and some may have specific regulations or restrictions in place. Aside from the venue rules, the location of your wedding could be impacted by local airports and FAA regulations. Before finalizing your wedding videographer, it's essential to confirm whether the operator has obtained clearance from the venue or FAA, or if they need to do so. Failure to address this question could lead to last-minute complications or even cancellation of drone services on your wedding day.

3. “Is the drone footage bespoke for our day?”

Every wedding is unique, and your drone footage should reflect the individuality of your special day. Especially if the wedding videographer has filmed weddings at your venue in the past, it’s important to confirm that the aerial footage you see in your film is actually from your wedding day and not re-used from a prior wedding.

4. “Do you fly overhead during the ceremony or dancing?”

While drone footage can offer breathtaking aerial views, it's crucial to establish boundaries to respect the intimacy of certain wedding moments. Discuss with your wedding videographer whether they plan to fly overhead during key moments such as the ceremony or dancing. These particular moments pose a liability to both them (and possibly you) and could be particularly disruptful during heart-felt vows. This decision is ultimately up to you as the couple, but ensure you and your wedding videographer are on the same page.

Incorporating drone footage into your wedding day can elevate your wedding film to new heights, but it requires careful consideration and planning. By asking these four crucial questions, you can ensure a seamless vendor experience that enhances the magic of your special day. Don't hesitate to discuss these details with the wedding videographers you’re considering - it’s best to know these details before booking!