You're getting ready to photograph or do videography for your upcoming wedding/elopement. What drone should you buy? We'll be looking at our top 5 drones based on reviews by users, specifically drones designed to handle an event like the video below.
Cover Photo by *Forevermore Films
As an important note, if you're flying drones (especially for commercial work including wedding videography), you'll want to make sure you know the laws (both federal and local) prior to flying your drone to avoid some hefty penalties. Passing the FAA test and getting your certification isn't difficult, but it is necessary. Make sure to follow any and all drone rules, whether you're in business or even just doing it for friends and family.
With that out of the way, here are the top drones we for wedding photography and videography in 2023.
ZION BRIDES TOP PICK
Amazon Rating: ★★★★ 4.3 (302 reviews)
Summary: Coming in with an incredible flight time and range, this drone ranks among the favorites of many videographers. The DJI Mavic Pro 3 touts a lengthy 46-minute flight time with a 9-mile range maximum, one of the highest out there. Certainly a must-have for the serious videographer. At the price tag of $2,049 it's not your cheapest option, but it is one of the best and our top choice.
DJI Mavic 3
Video Res: 4k HD, FHD 1080p
Weight: 1.97 lbs
Included: Lithium Ion Battery, Remote Control... (more)
Video featuring drone by ShutterFreek
What our Videographers say....
We have only shot with DJI drones but we can’t recommend them enough. When time and backpack weight allow we love using the DJI Mavic Pro3. The drone is king for cinematic productions and a must-have for epic adventures.
Summary: With a max flight distance of 11 miles, 30 min flight time and 45 mph speeds, this is a tough one to beat! Certainly not the cheapest option, but highly unlikely you'll be replacing this bad boy anytime during your wedding career.
Reviewer Highlights:
•"4k video is sharp and smooth, exceeds client's expectations"
•"Awesome drone, the picture and video quality is exceptional!"
•"Only offers collision avoidance in Beginner and Tripod modes"
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Video Res: 2160p
Weight: 3 lbs
Included: Rechargeable Batteries, Remote Control... (more)
Summary: Also running about 2 pounds, this drone has many of the sexy features of the Pro3, but lacks the same sustained flight time (still a respectable 31 minutes). It is, however, cheaper at roughly $1,594 and still holds touts the 4k resolution, 20MP.
Many videographers say this can reach some great heights and speeds compared to other models and is a great choice for adventure videography.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Video Res: 4k HD
Weight: 2 lbs
Included: Lithium Ion Battery, Remote Control... (more)
Summary: Standing at up to 5k Ultra HD Video and 20MP for photos, this drone has been marked by some users as a great beginner drone due to its ease of use. While neither the most expensive nor least expensive out there that can handle a wedding day, this user-friendly drone might be worth a look if you're unfamiliar with the tech and don't have time for a learning curve.
Reviewer Highlights:
•"I was impressed how easily you can use this drone..."
•"Is it great value for the money? Yes, yes yes!"
•"Best drone for beginners."
Digital Village DJI Mavic Air 2S
Video Res: FHD 1080p
Weight: 5 lbs
Included: Rechargeable Batteries, Remote Control... (more)
Summary: Lighter than the drones above, this holds the same strong HD quality for footage. It doesn't have the reach (only about 6 miles) or the flight time (34 minutes) of our top pick, but it nonetheless is a favorite among newer videographers breaking into the industry.
Many love its quieter propellers and internal memory, even if it may not have all the bells and whistles of its higher-end models.
DJI Mavic Air 2
Video Res: 4k HD
Weight: 1.26 lbs
Included: Lithium Ion Battery, Remote Control... (more)
If you're planning to be a photographer or videographer for destination weddings in Southern Utah, Nevada, or anywhere in the West with an epic venue (indoors or out), you'd be hard-pressed to find better than the drones mentioned above. Just be sure to fly smart, and fly safe!
Video by *Forevermore Films (see 1:43 thru 1:56)
Know of any other amazing drone recommendations? Drop them in the comments below!
The Federal Aviation Administration requires many drones flown within US, for hobby or commercial purposes to be registered. Not all areas allow drones, including parks and public areas. Be sure to check for any required permits and regulations prior to flying in the area.
To learn more about drone registration requirements, visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s drone page https://www.faa.gov/uas/.
We earn a commission through the links above. However these were selected based on their commitment to customer satisfaction and recommendations based on experience videographers.
