Key Takeaways

Why Audio Matters More Than You Think

Consider this: when streaming video buffers and the picture freezes, you'll wait if the audio continues. But if audio cuts out while video plays, you immediately lose patience. Our brains prioritize audio for storytelling.

In wedding films, audio carries the emotional weight:

• Vows: The most intimate, personal words the couple will ever speak
• Officiant: Sets the tone and often includes meaningful stories
• Speeches: Best man, maid of honor, parents—often the highlight of reception films
• First dance song: Chosen carefully by the couple for its meaning
• Ambient sound: Waves, birds, music—the soundscape of the day

Microphone Types Explained

Different microphone designs serve different purposes. Understanding when to use each type separates professional wedding videographers from amateurs.

Lavalier Microphones (Lavs)

Small clip-on microphones that attach to clothing, capturing the speaker's voice directly. These are your primary tool for capturing vows and speeches.

How They Work: Lavs are omnidirectional or cardioid microphones positioned inches from the speaker's mouth. This proximity means clear voice capture regardless of ambient noise.

Best For:

• Officiant during ceremony (primary vow capture)
• Groom (backup vow capture)
• Speech givers at reception
• Any situation requiring isolated voice recording

Shotgun Microphones

Highly directional microphones that capture sound from where they're pointed while rejecting sound from the sides. Mount on-camera or on a boom pole.

How They Work: The long, narrow design creates an interference tube that cancels sound waves arriving from the sides, focusing pickup on the front.

Best For:

• On-camera ambient sound and reference audio
• Capturing environmental audio (waves, music, laughter)
• Backup ceremony audio from a distance
• Interviews and testimonials

Handheld Microphones

Traditional microphones held by the speaker. Common at receptions where a DJ or band provides a mic for speeches.

Best For:

• Tapping into venue/DJ audio feeds
• Formal speeches with a podium
• Situations where lavs aren't possible

External Recorders vs. In-Camera Audio

Your camera records audio, so why use external recorders? Several critical reasons:

In-Camera Audio Limitations

• Preamps: Camera audio preamps are noisy and limited
• Bit Depth: Most cameras record 16-bit audio with limited dynamic range
• Control: Limited gain control and monitoring options
• Single Point: Camera-based recording fails if the camera stops

External Recorder Advantages

• Better Preamps: Dedicated audio circuits produce cleaner recordings
• 32-bit Float: Modern recorders capture impossible-to-clip audio
• Multiple Inputs: Record several sources simultaneously
• Independence: Audio continues if camera issues occur
• Better Monitoring: Headphone outputs for real-time checking

Ceremony Audio Setup

The ceremony is the most critical audio moment. Here's a reliable setup approach:

Primary Audio: Officiant Lavalier

Place a wireless lavalier on the officiant. They're stationary throughout the ceremony and positioned between the couple during vows. This single microphone often captures everything you need.

Secondary Audio: Groom Lavalier

Place a second wireless lav on the groom. This captures his vows clearly and serves as backup for bride's vows (she'll be facing him).

Tertiary Audio: Pocket Recorders

Hide small recorders (Zoom F2-BT or Tascam DR-10L) on both the officiant and groom as backup. These record independently—if wireless fails, you still have audio.

Ambient Audio: On-Camera Shotgun

Your on-camera shotgun captures the environment—laughter, applause, music, the crash of waves. This layers under your clean lav audio in editing.

Reception Audio Setup

Reception audio presents different challenges:

Speeches

If the venue provides a microphone for speeches, ask to tap their audio board for a direct feed. This gives you clean, professionally mixed audio.

If no PA system exists, place a wireless lav on each speech giver. Brief them: "I'm going to put this microphone on you—please don't tap it or put your hand over it."

Toasts and Spontaneous Moments

Keep your on-camera shotgun ready for impromptu toasts and moments. You won't always have time to mic someone up.

First Dance and Music

For the first dance song, the cleanest audio often comes from the DJ's board feed. Alternatively, position a recorder near a speaker. Never rely solely on on-camera audio for music—it sounds thin and distant.

Hawaii-Specific Audio Challenges

Wind

Trade winds are constant on Hawaiian beaches. Without protection, wind noise destroys audio.

Solutions:

• Use foam windscreens on all lavs (included with most)
• Add furry "dead cat" covers on shotgun mics
• Position subjects with their backs to the wind when possible
• Use natural wind breaks—buildings, trees, cliffs

Surf and Ocean Noise

Waves create constant, loud ambient noise. Beautiful visually, challenging for audio.

Solutions:

• Position ceremonies farther from the water when possible
• Use lavaliers close to speakers' mouths to maintain voice-to-noise ratio
• Embrace ambient ocean sound—it adds to the atmosphere
• In editing, use noise reduction carefully on voice tracks

Humidity and Salt

Humidity corrodes electronics. Salt air accelerates the damage.

Solutions:

• Store audio gear in sealed bags with silica gel packets
• Wipe down equipment after beach shoots
• Keep backup gear dry until needed
• Replace batteries frequently—humidity affects their performance

Tropical Birds and Wildlife

Hawaiian birds are vocal. Roosters crow at all hours. Doves coo constantly.

Solutions:

• Scout locations for animal sounds during the time of the ceremony
• Accept that some wildlife sound adds authenticity
• Use directional microphones to minimize pickup from off-axis

Audio Workflow Best Practices

Before the Wedding

1. Test everything: Check all wireless connections, battery levels, and recording functions
2. Format cards: Start with empty, freshly formatted memory cards
3. Pack backups: Bring spare batteries, cables, and recorders
4. Coordinate: Confirm with officiants and venues about microphone placement

During the Wedding

1. Monitor with headphones: Spot problems before they ruin audio
2. Check levels: Watch meters—aim for peaks around -12dB to -6dB
3. Start recording early: Begin before you think you need to
4. Mark important moments: Use markers or notes for sync points

After the Wedding

1. Back up immediately: Copy all audio files before leaving the venue
2. Label clearly: Note which recorder captured which source
3. Sync in post: Use waveforms or timecode to align audio with video

Syncing Audio in Post-Production

External audio must be synchronized with video. Several methods work:

Waveform Matching

Most editing software (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut) can automatically align audio based on waveform matching. Record scratch audio on-camera, then let software match external recordings.

Timecode

Professional workflow uses timecode. Devices like Tentacle Sync jam timecode to cameras and recorders, enabling instant synchronization.

Manual Slate

A classic clap or slate creates a visual and audio spike. Align the spike in both recordings. Simple but effective.

Understanding 32-Bit Float Recording

Modern recorders offer 32-bit float recording. This technology is transformative for wedding work.

What It Means

Traditional audio recording requires setting gain levels before recording. Set it too low, and your audio is noisy. Set it too high, and loud sounds clip (distort beyond recovery).

32-bit float recording captures an enormous dynamic range—you can record audio that's too quiet or too loud and adjust it perfectly in post-production. Clipping becomes virtually impossible.

Why It Matters for Weddings

Wedding audio is unpredictable. The officiant whispers, then suddenly the crowd erupts in applause. A speech giver shouts into the microphone. With 32-bit float, these scenarios don't cause permanent distortion.

Summary

Professional wedding audio requires understanding the tools, planning for redundancy, and practicing your workflow. Key principles:

• Use lavaliers for voices: Officiant and groom lavs capture ceremonies reliably
• Record redundantly: Multiple sources ensure you never lose critical audio
• Invest in 32-bit float: Modern recorders eliminate gain-setting anxiety
• Monitor actively: Wear headphones and watch levels
• Adapt to Hawaii: Wind, waves, and humidity require specific solutions
• Practice your workflow: Audio sync and organization should be second nature

Great wedding films combine stunning visuals with crystal-clear audio. Master both, and you'll create films couples treasure forever.