Gear Packing Checklist

Never forget essential gear again. Use this comprehensive checklist before every wedding. Click items to mark them packed. Print this for your gear room.

Essential - Cannot shoot without
Recommended - Standard kit
Optional - Situation dependent

Camera Bodies

  • Primary Camera Body
    Qty: 1 - Charged, formatted card inserted
  • Backup Camera Body
    Qty: 1 - Identical or compatible system
  • Video-Dedicated Camera
    Qty: 1 - If doing hybrid coverage

Lenses

  • 24-70mm f/2.8 (or equivalent)
    Qty: 1 - Workhorse zoom
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 (or equivalent)
    Qty: 1 - Ceremony, portraits
  • 35mm f/1.4 or f/1.8
    Qty: 1 - Getting ready, reception
  • 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8
    Qty: 1 - Portraits, ceremony
  • Macro Lens (90-105mm)
    Qty: 1 - Ring shots, details
  • Wide Angle (14-24mm)
    Qty: 1 - Venue, dance floor

Memory & Storage

  • Memory Cards (formatted)
    Qty: 6-8 minimum - More for video
  • Memory Card Case
    Qty: 1 - Separate used from fresh
  • Portable Card Reader
    Qty: 1 - For on-site backup
  • Portable SSD/Hard Drive
    Qty: 1 - On-site backup device

Power & Batteries

  • Camera Batteries (fully charged)
    Qty: 6-8 - More in heat
  • Battery Charger(s)
    Qty: 2 - Dual chargers preferred
  • Flash Batteries (AA)
    Qty: 24+ - Rechargeable recommended
  • V-Mount/NP-F Batteries (video)
    Qty: 4 - For lights, monitors

Lighting Equipment

  • On-Camera Flash
    Qty: 2 - Primary and backup
  • Wireless Flash Triggers
    Qty: 3 - Transmitter + receivers
  • Light Stands
    Qty: 2 - Compact for travel
  • Flash Modifiers (MagMod, etc.)
    Qty: Varies - Grid, gel, sphere
  • LED Video Light
    Qty: 2 - Bi-color preferred
  • Reflector/Diffuser
    Qty: 1 - 5-in-1 collapsible

Audio Equipment (Videographers)

  • Wireless Lavalier System
    Qty: 2 sets - Groom + officiant
  • Audio Recorder (Zoom, etc.)
    Qty: 1-2 - Backup audio
  • Shotgun Microphone
    Qty: 1 - On-camera audio
  • XLR Cables
    Qty: 2-3 - Various lengths
  • Headphones
    Qty: 1 - Monitor audio levels

Camera Support

  • Monopod
    Qty: 1 - Ceremony, long lens
  • Tripod
    Qty: 1-2 - Video, static shots
  • Gimbal/Stabilizer
    Qty: 1 - Smooth video motion
  • Slider
    Qty: 1 - Cinematic shots

Accessories & Tools

  • Camera Straps
    Qty: 2 - Dual strap system preferred
  • Lens Cleaning Kit
    Qty: 1 - Cloth, blower, wipes
  • Gray Card/Color Checker
    Qty: 1 - White balance reference
  • Gaffer Tape
    Qty: 1 roll - Black preferred
  • Multi-Tool/Leatherman
    Qty: 1 - Solve problems fast
  • Clamps (A-clamps, etc.)
    Qty: 4-6 - Secure modifiers, fabric

Hawaii-Specific Additions

  • Rain Covers for Cameras
    Qty: 2 - Quick tropical showers
  • Silica Gel Packs
    Qty: 10+ - Combat humidity
  • UV/Clear Filters (all lenses)
    Qty: Per lens - Salt air protection
  • Lens Hood (all lenses)
    Qty: Per lens - Harsh sun control
  • Circular Polarizer
    Qty: 1-2 - Ocean, sky enhancement
  • ND Filters (variable or set)
    Qty: 1-2 - Bright sun video

Personal & Comfort

  • Comfortable Shoes
    Dark, professional, broken-in
  • Professional Attire
    Black or neutral colors
  • Sunscreen (Hawaii!)
    SPF 50+, reef-safe preferred
  • Water Bottle
    Stay hydrated!
  • Snacks/Energy Bars
    Long days require fuel
  • Business Cards
    Networking opportunity
Pro Tip: The Night Before
  • Charge ALL batteries overnight
  • Format all memory cards (after backup!)
  • Clean all lenses and sensor
  • Check weather forecast one more time
  • Review venue and timeline documents
  • Set multiple alarms - never be late!