When I started photographing weddings, I had no idea how much gear would actually come with the job—or how little of it I’d really use consistently. Over time (and after many wedding days where I packed too much and used half of it), I’ve slowly dialed in a gear kit that’s reliable, efficient, and travel-friendly. Everything I bring with me on a wedding day serves a purpose—whether it’s to back up important files, capture dreamy portraits, or simply make the experience more fun for my couples.

Here’s what I bring to each wedding—both the essentials I couldn’t work without and the extra little details that elevate the experience for my couples and for me.

My Wedding Photography Gear

Mirrorless Camera Bodies

Canon R6 Mii

This is my go-to body for weddings. It’s fast, performs incredibly well in low light, and has dual card slots—an absolute must when it comes to backing up irreplaceable wedding day memories. I carry two of these on a wedding day to make sure I always have a back-up on me in case one camera fails.

Canon RP

My trusty backup body. It’s lightweight and gets the job done if anything goes wrong with both of my R6 Mii. It’s also great for snapping quick BTS shots or using with lighter lenses during slower parts of the day.

Why do you need a camera with two card slots?

Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime events. Having a camera with dual card slots means your photos are automatically saved to two cards at once—so if one card fails, you have a backup. It’s peace of mind I wouldn’t shoot without.

Lenses

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0

This lens lives on my camera most of the day. It’s heavy, sure, but it’s also incredibly versatile. I can shoot wide for getting ready and ceremony shots, then zoom in just enough for mid-range portraits—without switching lenses.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8

Perfect for ceremonies, toasts, and candid moments at a distance. It gives me beautiful compression and a buttery background, all while keeping me out of the way.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8

Lightweight and great in low light—this one is my go-to for getting ready rooms and cozy receptions. It’s also super affordable and gives a lovely classic look.

Off-Camera Flash

Godox V-1c

I love how soft and natural the light looks from this flash. It rotates easily, pairs well with my MagMod modifiers, and keeps things looking true-to-life even when the dance floor gets wild.

Carrying Case

Pelican 1510 Case

This hard-shell roller is practically indestructible. It fits in most overhead compartments (hello, destination weddings) and keeps my gear organized and protected.

Why I Love the TrekPak Insert

The TrekPak insert was a total game-changer for my Pelican case. I love how customizable it is—I can create perfectly snug compartments for each piece of gear, which keeps everything secure and super organized. No more digging around or worrying about things shifting during travel. It makes setup and teardown way faster, and honestly, there’s just something satisfying about everything having its place.

Pelican 1510 Lid Organizer

This addition turns the lid into functional storage—perfect for batteries, memory cards, and small accessories I need to grab quickly.

Tech Bag

A simple zip-up pouch where I store chargers, cables, adapters, and other techy bits I’d rather not lose in the bottom of my case. This is also great for carrying my laptop charger and phone charger while on the road.

Camera Strap

Rose Anvil Dual Harness

Stylish, secure, and a lifesaver for my back. This dual harness lets me carry two cameras at once without digging into my shoulders. It also looks super sleek, which is a bonus.

Accessories

• Batteries: I always carry more than I think I’ll need. There’s no time to charge mid-ceremony!
• SD Cards: Fast and reliable cards only—I won’t risk anything slow or glitchy.
• SD Card Case: Keeps everything safe, sorted, and easy to find.
• Cleaning Kit: Smudges happen. I like to keep lenses and sensors clean throughout the day.

Non-Essential Wedding Photography Gear

Gear that Adds to the Wedding Experience

While it’s not necessary to bring things like Instax cameras, flat lay styling kits, or behind-the-scenes glasses, I’ve found that these little extras can really elevate the overall experience—for both me and my couples. Instant photos give couples something fun and tangible on the spot, flat lay details add a polished touch to their gallery, and BTS clips help tell the full story of the day. These non-essentials help me stay inspired and creative, while also making the experience more personalized and memorable for the people I’m there to serve.

Behind the Scenes

Rayban Meta Glasses

These are a fun little extra for capturing behind-the-scenes content hands-free. They let me record short clips while I’m shooting, which I love to use in client sneak peeks or for social media.

Instant Cameras

Instax Mini + Instax Mini Evo

These are a big hit with couples and guests. I’ll bring them out during getting ready or the reception and snap a few fun shots to give the couple on the spot. It adds a personal touch and gives them something tangible right away.

Instax Film

I always bring extra packs—these go fast when the bridal party finds out I have them!

Wedding Flat Lay Kit

Carrying Case

Keeps all my styling details in one place and makes setup quick and efficient.

Ribbons, Ring Boxes, Ring Trays, + Flat Lay Mats

These little elements make flat lay photos feel curated and polished. I love layering textures and colors to match each wedding’s vibe.

Vintage Copper Scissors + Gold Scissors Set

They’re functional and aesthetic. I use them as props and for trimming ribbon or tags. Bonus: they look super cute in the final photos.

Let’s Talk Gear!

Every photographer has their own approach when it comes to packing for a wedding day—this is just what works best for me after lots of trial, error, and long days on my feet. I love hearing what other photographers swear by, whether it’s a lens they can’t leave home without or a quirky tool that makes their life easier.

So, what’s in your wedding photography bag? Drop your must-have gear in the comments—I’m always curious to hear what others are using (and maybe discover a new favorite myself!).

Let’s Connect

If you’re a fellow photographer and have questions about any of the gear I use—or just want to chat shop—I’d love to hear from you! I know how overwhelming building a kit can be, and I’m always happy to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t). Feel free to reach out through my contact form or shoot me a message on Instagram @beneaththespruce. Let’s geek out over gear together!

Thinking of Leading an Intimate Elopement Ceremony?

If you’re a photographer who’s considering leading an intimate ceremony for your elopement couples, I’ve got a helpful guide for you! Check out my blog post on how to get ordained in less than 5 minutes—it’s a quick and easy way to add a personal touch to your elopement services and make the day even more special for your couples. Read it here →