Drone wedding photography—both literally and figuratively—elevates your wedding gallery to breathtaking new heights. Couples are embracing this fresh perspective to capture wide, sweeping shots that showcase the full scope of their day—from the setting to the celebration itself. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a sun-kissed cliffside, saying "I do" in a romantic garden, or hosting a destination wedding, aerial coverage offers a dramatic and dynamic view. But crafting these kinds of shots takes more than just getting something in the air—it requires technical skill, creative direction, and experience behind the lens. To shed light on what makes drone photography so impactful, we’re sharing the latest trends, expert tips, and insights from top photographers—and how this unique approach can elevate your wedding gallery.
Kayleigh Taylor, Cassidy O Photos
How Drone Photography
Makes All the Difference
Maddy Christina, a destination wedding photographer whose portfolio spans from the cliffside villas of Lake Como to the opulent royal palaces of Saudi Arabia, emphasizes that while ground-level images are undeniably beautiful, they often fall short of capturing the full grandeur and breathtaking scale of a wedding venue. As she explains, "Drones allows us to reveal the grandeur of a destination – the full picture. On Lake Como, for instance, some of the most iconic views are only accessible by boat...or by drone! If you've chosen a location for its "wow" factor, it deserves to be shown from every angle." California-based wedding photographer Cassidy Oberleitner, of Cassidy O Photos, also beautifully mirrors this idea, adding, "Offering aerial views showcases the full beauty of your venue, as well as ceremony or reception design. Drone photography is ideal for destination weddings, highlighting the full scope of your venue, from architectural details to breathtaking landscapes."
Florida-based photographer Austin Trenholm highlights another benefit of aerial imagery—one that’s both creative and sentimental: the potential for beautiful wall art that lasts well beyond the wedding day. "Drone photos can be a source of wonderful wall art in your home after the wedding. Oftentimes I will take beautiful location and landscape shots around a wedding venue, even the day before the wedding. These shots can have deep meaning surrounding a wedding day, without having any wedding elements which makes them perfect for wall art for years to come. Be sure to ask if this is something that can be done."
Mandy and Scott of Mandy Wood Studio have seen firsthand the growing interest in aerial photography among modern couples. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in the couples we work with asking about drone photography,” they share, reflecting a broader trend of embracing fresh, cinematic perspectives. They introduced drone coverage into their services specifically to “capture alternative angles and otherwise unseen viewpoints,” adding depth and dimension to each wedding album. “Overhead table and group shots, capturing a sense of location and highlighting the venue, viewing the venue from a totally different perspective, and establishing shots pre-wedding, particularly for destination weddings,” they explain, are just some of the impactful ways drones can tell a richer visual story.
Considerations &
Limitations Explained
However, not every venue and location is drone-friendly. Drones may catch a bit of attention, but with the right approach, they can be used seamlessly—even in more intimate or crowded settings. Renowned wedding photographer Perry Vaile cautions that tight spaces, dense environments, and crowded venues can pose challenges, "In my experience, beyond the limitation of space (low hanging trees), crowds (city environments), or weather which are all pretty straight forward risks it’s important for clients to be aware that drones are not silent – they can make a loud, sometimes distracting buzz and draw attention if not flown high enough."
Austin Trenholm agrees and advises to solve this problem by using quieter drone models and keeping a respectful distance from guests: "I use the smallest and quietest drone possible in order to prevent distractions around the ceremony. I also keep the drone far enough away from guests that it isn’t distracting. This is especially important to communicate when asking your videographer as well."
Cassidy O Photos advises to prepare in advance by learning about all the restrictions associated with drones, "Ensure that your venue allows drone usage, since some prohibit drones due to safety, noise, or privacy concerns. If your venue is near an airport, national park, or densely populated city, it may be within a "No Fly Zone" – check regulations in advance. Additionally, wind, rain, and low light can limit the drone. Lastly, drone photography may incur additional costs for permits, insurance, and other factors."
The Value of a
Skilled Eye in the Sky
Maddy Christina warns against underestimating the skill involved in drone operation, "Unless your photographer is fully equipped, licensed, confident, and has time, which is rare, flying a drone isn’t something you just "add on." If we’re busy launching a drone, we’re missing what’s happening on the ground." Maddy also clarifies a common misconception about drone videography and photography, "Some videographers travel with a drone operator, but he’s there to shoot video. Not photos. The formats, the angles, the instincts – none of it is the same. Some videographers will refuse to take stills, others might not have the eye or technical knowledge for photography. Plus, during key moments like the bride’s entrance, the videographer needs to focus on filming. And as a photographer, working with my drone team is always more efficient – no time lost explaining what I want or correcting miscommunications." That’s why it’s so important to work with professionals who not only understand the technology, but know how to seamlessly integrate it into the rhythm of your day.
Maximizing the
Moment from Above
When it comes to capturing your wedding from breathtaking new perspectives, expert photographers agree: it’s not just about having a drone or the equipment – it’s about knowing exactly how to use it. "The best scenes for drone imagery on wedding days are typically outdoor ceremonies, vast terrain, or compelling design when viewed from above. When used appropriately, drone photography can pack a powerful aesthetic viewpoint that will provide a perspective that not even the guests are given the privilege of seeing," shares Perry Vaile. Indeed, whether it's a sprawling vineyard, a secluded beach, or an intricately designed garden, drones have the ability to elevate these settings into something truly cinematic.
California-based and destination wedding photographer Heather Kincaid emphasizes that drone photography should enhance your wedding gallery, not overpower it, “A skilled photographer will use drones to accent your collection of images with certain key aerial photos, like overhead shots of the ceremony, portraits of the couple, and reception scenes, while keeping the focus on intimate, ground-level moments that tell your wedding story,” she highlights.
Heather also shares how she plans her drone captures at pivotal moments throughout the day, “I typically plan to do my aerial photos at the following points during a wedding day: Ceremony Space, fully set and ready, prior to guest arrival; Post-Ceremony Portraits, love approximately 10 minutes of portrait time with the bride and groom right after the ceremony for that “just married” energy; Reception Space, for weddings with outdoor receptions or cocktail hour spaces, I like to get drone images both before guests arrive for pretty images of the decor and setup, as well as once guests fill the space as lighting allows.” This thoughtful approach keeps the focus on storytelling—while still capturing the full scope of the setting.
Heather Kincaid, Zélikha Dinga
But even the most stunning aerial shots require more than just good scenery. According to Maddy Christina, the magic really happens when there's harmony behind the scenes, "At this level of weddings, seamless teamwork is everything. When drone footage is handled by a dedicated team who knows how to synchronize with both photography and videography, the results are cohesive and stunning. No stepping on toes, no duplicated shots – just a beautifully orchestrated creative flow that tells the full story from every angle."
For couples really considering drone imagery, she offers a clear and practical recommendation:, "If drone imagery is something you're considering for your wedding, my advice is simple: go all in, or skip it. When done properly, it adds an unforgettable dimension to your wedding gallery. When done halfway, it becomes a distraction. Like everything else at this level of celebration, excellence lies in intention, preparation, and trusting the right professionals."
