As a wedding videographer, one of the best parts of our work is traveling the world to record couples as they tie the knot. In recent years, we’ve filmed in Vail, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Maui, Jamaica, and New York. But traveling with your gear can be complicated. You want to make sure you have all the necessary equipment to capture every moment, but you also don't want to lug around a heavy suitcase. That's why we've put together a list of must-have gear for destination wedding videographers, including the following:

1. Manfrotto Be Free Tripod: This lightweight and compact tripod is perfect for destination weddings, as it can easily fit into a carryon bag. It's also sturdy enough to hold a heavy camera and can be set up quickly for those fast-paced moments. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MKBFRA4-BH-BeFree-Aluminum-Tripod/dp/B00COLBNTK/

2. Sony FX3 Cinema-Line Camera: This compact and powerful camera is perfect for destination weddings, as it's easy to transport and produces high-quality footage. It features a 10.2MP full-frame sensor and can shoot 4K video at up to 120fps. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ILME-FX3-Full-Frame-Cinema-Line-Video/dp/B08WCTB3MK/

3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone: A drone can add a unique perspective to any wedding video. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a top-of-the-line drone that produces high-quality footage and is easy to fly. It's also compact and can be easily transported to any destination wedding location. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/DJI-Mavic-Drone-Integrated-Controller/dp/B07GDC5V6G/

4. Sennheiser AVX Lapel Microphones: Good audio is essential for any wedding video, and these lapel microphones from Sennheiser are a great choice. They're easy to set up and provide high-quality sound for capturing vows and speeches. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-504781-AVX-ME2-SET-3-3-EK-100-G4/dp/B07HJFMZS5/

5. Sachtler Campack Plus Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack is a must for carrying all your gear to a destination wedding. The Sachtler Campack Plus Backpack is designed specifically for videographers, with compartments for cameras, lenses, and accessories. It's also weather-resistant and can withstand the elements of any location. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sachtler-Campack-Plus-Backpack/dp/B075T3T3HN/

6. Zoom F3 Recorder: Good sound is essential for any wedding video, and the Zoom F3 Recorder is a top-of-the-line option. It features advanced preamps and can record up to 192kHz/24-bit audio. It's also compact and easy to transport. Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Zoom-F3-Field-Recorder-Production/dp/B01LWXHPUV/

7. Lume Cube Adjustable 5ft Light Stand: Good lighting can make all the difference in a wedding video, and the Lume Cube Adjustable 5ft Light Stand is a great option. It's easy to set up and can be adjusted to different heights and angles. It's also compact and can be easily transported to any destination wedding location.

Check out our most recent destination wedding from Sea Island, Georgia, which we filmed with only two carry ons of gear:

Photo by Diana Coulter

One of the perks of working as a wedding videographer is travel, especially when it means filming a destination wedding. This past summer, we joined Pop Parties, a Dallas-based planning company, at Camp Hale for Daniel & Shea’s big day.

As one of the premier destinations for mountain weddings, Vail, Colorado offers a breathtaking backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot in a picturesque setting. And with Camp Hale, a luxurious wedding venue located just outside of Vail Valley, capturing the magic of a Vail wedding on film has never been more exciting.

But shooting a wedding in Vail isn't without its challenges, from the potential for altitude sickness to unpredictable summer thunderstorms. That's why we've put together this guide to help you film a beautiful and seamless wedding in Vail, Colorado, with Camp Hale as your backdrop.

Drone Coverage: Elevate Your Shots

One of the best ways to capture the stunning mountain landscape of Vail is to use a drone. Not only does it allow you to get those sweeping shots of the surrounding peaks, but it also adds a cinematic quality to your footage that your clients will love. Just be sure to check the local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying your drone.

Altitude Sickness: Be Prepared

Vail's high altitude can take a toll on those not used to it. As a filmmaker, it's important to be mindful of the potential for altitude sickness, which can cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Make sure to hydrate and take frequent breaks to avoid getting sick.

Integrating Local Activities: A Unique Touch

One of the best ways to make your Vail wedding footage stand out is to incorporate local activities, like fly fishing or hiking, into your shots. These activities not only add an extra layer of depth to your film, but they also highlight the natural beauty of the area.

Thunderstorms: Plan Accordingly

Summer afternoons in Vail are notorious for their thunderstorms, which can wreak havoc on outdoor weddings. As a filmmaker, it's important to be prepared for these storms, whether that means having a backup indoor location or planning your shooting schedule around the weather.

Check out our most recent highlight film from Camp Hale below.

Planner: Molly from Pop Parties www.popparties.com