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:

ILEA NCC event on sustainability.

How can the wedding industry be more sustainable and eco-friendly?

Last month, we attended an educational event that was hosted by ILEA NCC, focusing on best practices for sustainability in the wedding industry. The good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly options available to you.

Here are the top 10 ways to be eco-friendly while planning a wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area:

1. Ask your venue how they practice sustainability: If enough couples ask venues about sustainability, venues will start to compete in the marketplace for eco-friendly couples. Thankfully, there are many wedding venues in the Bay Area that are committed to sustainability, from LEED-certified buildings to outdoor spaces that utilize natural light and renewable energy. We recommend Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California, as a leader on this front. In addition to have organic gardens and a whole team that is dedicated to environmental protections for their grounds, they also have a culture that is eco-conscious. Learn more about Filoli here: www.filoli.org

2. Use recycled paper for invitations: Consider using recycled paper for your wedding invitations, or go digital with e-invitations to save on paper waste.

3. Rent your wedding attire: Instead of purchasing brand new wedding attire, consider renting or borrowing dresses, suits, or accessories for the big day.

4. Opt for eco-friendly florals: Choose flowers that are locally sourced and in season to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. You can also look for florists who use sustainable growing practices.

5. Serve organic and locally sourced food: Choose a caterer who uses organic and locally sourced ingredients to reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses. Serving an all-vegetarian meal will reduce your carbon footprint by 50% or more. You can also limit the size and types of meats offered to your guests.

6. Reduce food waste: Work with your caterer or wedding planner to reduce food waste by accurately estimating your guest count and donating any leftover food to local food banks.

7. Skip the single-use plastics: Avoid using single-use plastics, like plastic utensils or straws, at your wedding. Instead, opt for compostable or reusable options.

8. Use eco-friendly decorations: Choose decorations that are eco-friendly, like LED lights, repurposed wood or paper, and potted plants.

9. Select vendors who share your values and will amplify them on social media: As a wedding videographer in the SF Bay Area, we feel lucky to film many couples who are trying their best to be conscious about environmental concerns. We love to tell that story. We’ve also been lucky to encounter other vendors who promote these values in their brands, as well. For a great example of an eco-forward company, check out Brannan Events & Design: https://brannanevents.com/

10. Avoid Saran Wrap: Use beeswax wraps or reusable containers to store leftovers instead of using Saran Wrap, which can take up to 500 years to decompose. During our above-mentioned educational event in San Francisco, one of the speakers was from Recology Waste Management, and she emphasized how saran wrap can be detrimental to the recycling sorting machines that the city uses to recycle trash.

If you're looking for more resources on sustainability in the San Francisco Bay Area, be sure to check out Recology, a local waste management company committed to sustainability and reducing waste in the community: https://www.recology.com/

San Francisco is a city that offers amazing options for wedding videography. From breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge to historic buildings and charming neighborhoods, San Francisco has a wealth of options for couples looking for the perfect backdrop for their wedding film.

As wedding videographers in San Francisco, we have a few favorites, which we’ve listed below with details.

Ceremony at Julia Morgan Ballroom.

1. The Fairmont Hotel: Located atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont Hotel is an iconic San Francisco landmark. With its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city, it's the perfect location for capturing the magic of your special day on film. From the grand ballroom to the intimate garden courtyard, the Fairmont has a variety of spaces to suit your needs. Visit their website at www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/weddings/ for more information.

2. Flood Mansion: Situated in the heart of Pacific Heights, Flood Mansion is a historic gem with stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Its elegant architecture and grand ballroom make it a popular choice for weddings, and its beautiful gardens offer a serene setting for outdoor ceremonies. For more information, visit their website at www.floodmansion.org/weddings.

3. Webster Hall: San Francisco’s newest wedding venue is located in the heart of the city in an old college library — and the space is filled with books, making it the perfect space for some proud bookworms with high-end tastes. Visit their website at https://www.websterhallsf.com for more information.

4. The Julia Morgan Ballroom: Designed by famed architect Julia Morgan, this elegant ballroom is located in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. With its soaring ceilings and stunning views of the city, it's the perfect setting for a glamorous wedding film. The ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests, and the adjacent Green Room offers a private space for the wedding party. Visit their website at www.juliamorganballroom.com/weddings/ for more information.

These are just a few of the many amazing wedding venues in San Francisco that are perfect for wedding videography. Check out a stylized shoot that we recently completed at Webster Hall: