Wedding days don't repeat. Your kit has to cover ten hours of changing light, and nothing can fail without a backup. Use this checklist as a starting point and adapt it to your style.
Cameras
- A primary cinema or mirrorless body that records reliably for long takes without overheating
- A second matching body for ceremony and speech angles, set to the same picture profile and frame rate
- Enough batteries for a full day plus spares, and a way to charge during the reception
Lenses
- A standard zoom (24–70mm or similar) for run-and-gun moments
- A telephoto (70–200mm) for ceremonies where you can't get close
- A fast prime or two for low-light reception footage
Audio
Audio is what turns footage into a film. Vows, readings and toasts are the parts couples rewatch most.
- A wireless or recorder-based lavalier for the officiant or the person being married
- A backup recorder on the podium or at the DJ or band's sound board
- An on-camera microphone for ambient sound
- Fresh batteries and windscreens for outdoor ceremonies
Stabilization and support
- A gimbal or other stabilizer for movement shots
- Tripods for locked-off ceremony and speech angles
- A monopod for long ceremonies where tripods aren't allowed
Light
A small, dimmable on-camera or handheld LED lets you film receptions and late-night moments without flattening the scene.
Media and backup
- More cards than you expect to need, labeled and tracked
- A plan to back up footage the same night
- Never format a card until its footage is in two places
Our wedding videographer roles list the minimum kit we ask for.