Re: Priests That Won't Wear Mics - How do you Cope?
 

I'm glad this thread is getting so much response. It seems like everyone has a pretty similar audio tactic...mic the groom and a recorder on the lectern...drop another recorder somewhere else hidden. We also like to set one up on a little tripod under the piano (when a piano is used)...or smack in the middle of the string quartet. makes the music sound really great.

We've never had any complaints about audio, even in a big echo-ey churches it's just my own nitpicking that makes me want to mic the priest / officiant...like Nigel, we also tend to put the groom's mic lower and upside down. Not only does it get a good pick up of the three major players, but it also makes it easier to avoid sniffle sounds and "popping" P's and similar.

Re: Priests That Won't Wear Mics - How do you Cope?
 

A couple of methods I used to use when I shot weddings.

1. Shotgun mic
2. Buy a wireless plugin adapter and plug into the churches audio board.
3. Plug a portable audio recorder into the churches audio board.
4. If the board is close enough just run a cable to the board from your camera.
5. Use a stand and mic or recorder and place it near a speaker.
6. Ask if the priest will use a small pocket audio recorder instead. Many times they were just done in by wireless mic interference once and have a blanket rule against wireless.
7. Tape a lav to the floor right in between where the couple and the priest will stand. So-so results but it would balance out between the three of them.
8. Have it in your contract that you are not responsible for church restrictions. This will at least save your behind.
9. Have the bride talk to the Priest. They are more likely to listen to a member of their church / family friend / relative / paying customer then some random video person who just shows up and starts demanding mic placement.
10. Be friends with the Priest. They like nice people just as much as you do. They have a job and that is to perform a ceremony with no complications or problems. They are going to be very protective of their church and the way they do things. Keep in mind that Priests have been doing many of us a favor by evening allowing us to shoot in their churches. Be kind and become friends with the Priest and that can go a long way. It may mean the difference between throwing a couple of jobs your way or making your life hell when you shoot at that church.