WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER GUIDELINES

Weddings are something in which we take great joy in our parish, and part of that is making sure that all involved know the layout of the space and to be sure that expectations of all are properly set and understood.   Sweetest Heart of Mary is steeped in culture with 135 years of tradition and beauty.   Please take a moment to read through the guidelines below - adhering to them will ensure that everything goes smoothly for everyone.    We have had almost exclusively positive experiences with our photography guests, and look forward to meeting and working with you!

  • There is no way to plug into our sound system.   It might look like it, but there isn’t without causing issues with our setup.    We do place a mic on our groom, so the vows will be heard in the space during the wedding.

  • If you would like to come to the choir loft (the elevated space in the rear of the church) please speak with the Director of Music (Ron Weiler) before the wedding.   Generally speaking, any tripod in the loft must be left unmanned during the Mass/Ceremony.  There are a couple of good places to put a camera, but there are also some places that are problematic, so just connect with me before hand and we’ll make it work!  

  • Our church does have its own video camera and live streaming setup.   We do record many events in the church, including weddings, so please know that this is happening and just be aware of the equipment.    You might see this being set up before the wedding, especially if it’s the first event of the day.   It is also one of the ways in which the organist maintains awareness of what is happening during the wedding, so we ask that you not block those cameras.

  • The experience of all guests and worshippers is very important to us, as well as maintaining the safety of all those inside our church.  Plus, as stated, we try to maintain a reverent atmosphere in our church, and we simply ask that guests honor that culture and tradition.  As such, we do have some restrictions as to which spaces are accessible to any guests, and where equipment can be placed (tripods, etc).    Some places are simply off limits, others it depends on when, so please take a moment and read below. Please be aware that not honoring these restrictions could result in a loss of the deposit placed on the church by the couple.

    • BEFORE THE WEDDING: You are pretty much free to go where you like in the main church space to get area footage.   Just be aware of other preparations happening as the wedding gets closer to beginning.

    • DURING THE WEDDING:

      • NO personnel or equipment is allowed beyond or on the communion rail for any reason at ANY time until the entire wedding service has concluded.   This includes tripods, unmanned cameras, etc., and includes during any devotions on the side altars.

      • During the procession: Handheld cameras are allowed in the front between the columns and center aisle, but NO TRIPODS please.   Genuflection toward the altar is part of the procession, and it can’t be blocked by equipment.

      • After the procession and during the entirety of the ceremony: The center aisle in front of the cross aisle to the communion rail is to be kept clear at all times.  No video equipment is to be in between the large columns in the front.  Also, no videography personnel should be in the pews where guests are seated. 

      • DURING COMMUNION: Please keep the front and center aisle clear at all time to avoid interfering with our guests receiving communion (which is done at the communion rail)

      • During the recession, you may be in the center aisle to get footage, but please do not lengthen the ceremony in any way (stopping the procession, interrupting the final moments of the services for any reason).   There is time after the wedding (30 minutes) for any additional pictures or filming.    This helps keep the day’s schedule on time!

  • It is important to know that we have a STRICT NO DRONE policy for our church (this includes inside the church, and outside as well).   Literally millions of dollars of stained glass windows alone….

  • Our wedding coordinators are volunteers, they may approach you if there are any issues with the above guidelines during the wedding, please don’t take offense!  It’s a lot to remember!   If someone is asked to move or move equipment, we trust that will happen quickly.

  • Above all, we just ask that you remember that you are in a house of worship that is very important and sacred to many people, and not a film set where a movie is being shot.  We are happy to help you preserve this magnificent event for your clients, with a mutual understanding of respect for this 130+ year old church!

As with any set of guidelines, these have been developed over the last 10 years at least and after about 850+ weddings.   These guidelines insure that those present are able to feel present for the ceremony, that the liturgy and sacred spaces are revered and honored according to our traditions and culture, and that the safety of all present is ensured.   I know this basically feels like a list of “don’ts” but many churches as old as ours simply deny all access to some of these locations, or prohibit videography/photography altogether, so we are so grateful for your cooperation in helping us accommodate everyone involved!    

P.S.  If you can, please be sure to share this information with any colleagues you may have working with you as well.   It’s going to be a great day!!!