The Essential Wedding Videography Gear You Need (& What You Don’t)

Let’s face it—wedding filmmaking gear can be overwhelming. Between YouTube reviews, filmmaker forums, and endless camera options, it’s easy to think you need a full production studio to shoot a beautiful wedding film. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a ton of gear to get started—you just need the right gear.

As a wedding filmmaker and educator, I’ve worked with both minimal setups and high-end kits, and I can confidently say that simplicity wins, especially when you’re just beginning. In this post, I’ll walk you through the three must-have pieces of gear to get started filming weddings, a few smart add-ons for when you're ready to level up, and what to skip entirely (at least for now).

🎥 Step 1: Start with These 3 Essentials

If you’re just starting out, here’s the foundation of your kit:

(Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. However, I only recommend products and resources I genuinely use and love—some links are simply here because I believe they’ll be helpful to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the channel!)

1. Camera
   Choose one that fits your budget but gives you strong image quality. You don’t need the newest release—just a reliable, professional-quality camera with manual controls and decent low-light performance.

   • 🎥 My fav camera + lens for beginners: https://amzn.to/3YDiZV9 & https://amzn.to/3EaUo3i

2. Microphone
   A wireless mic for the ceremony and speeches is non-negotiable. Great audio makes or breaks a wedding film—invest here early!

   • 🎤 Wireless mic: https://amzn.to/4imkyhw

   • 🎤 Optional Mic: https://amzn.to/4lAqI00

3. Monopod
   Lightweight, mobile, and easy to set up quickly. It’ll give you those steady shots throughout the day without weighing you down like a tripod.

   • 📍 Monopod I love: https://amzn.to/42EwnK4

Want my full list, broken down by beginner, intermediate, and advanced setups? Download the Tiered Gear Checklist here.

📈 Step 2: Add These As You Grow

Once you're confident with the basics, consider investing in:

• A Second Camera – Capture multiple angles during the ceremony or reception for more dynamic edits.

• Advanced Audio Recorder — Plug into and record through DJ boards, speakers, and sound systems.

  • 🎙️My Favorite Audio Recorder: https://amzn.to/4cHmAHS

• Drone – Adds cinematic aerial shots, but only if you’re comfortable flying, have a license, and it’s allowed at the venue.

  • 🛫 Pro Drone: https://amzn.to/4jfi4Tm

• Gimbal - For smooth, cinematic movement.

  • 🎞️ The Best Gimbal: https://amzn.to/4lHgdID

• Prime Lenses – For dreamy, shallow depth-of-field shots and low-light capability.

• Lighting Kit – A soft light can work wonders indoors, but this isn’t a must-have at first.

  • 💡The Best (and cheapest!) Light: https://amzn.to/4iDNiCB

🚫 What to Skip (For Now)

You don’t need a full cart of gear when you’re starting out. Here’s what to avoid early on:

• Camera sliders

• Large lighting setups

• Every lens under the sun

• Extra gear that will weigh you down

A simpler setup means more mobility, less stress, and more focus on observing and telling the story unfolding around you.

🎁 Grab Your Free Gear Checklist

I’ve created a downloadable Tiered Gear Checklist to help you build your kit intentionally—without the overwhelm.
👉 Click here to get the checklist.

And if you want to dive deeper into crafting emotional, story-driven wedding films, check out my free training, The Storytelling Framework.

🎓 Sign up for the free training here.

💬 Let’s Chat

What gear do you swear by on a wedding day? Are you team minimal or team loaded kit? Drop a comment below or come chat with me over on Instagram.