Jorge Santiago Photography
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Wedding Photography Equipment Checklist


Wedding Photography EquipmentWedding Photography Equipment


One of the most common phrases you hear among photographers is “It’s Not The Camera, It’s The Photographer” However, when photographing once-in-a-lifetime events such as weddings, I believe both the equipment and the photographer should be top notch.

“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” ― Ansel Adams

So, if you are perusing this page, chances are you are jumping into the world of photography and wondering: What equipment do you need for wedding photography? In my opinion, you need at least two professional-grade cameras, fast memory cards, two flashes, and fast lenses ranging from wide angle to telephoto.

I upgrade my set up every year, but here is the list of photography equipment I’m using in 2023 to photograph weddings:

Cameras for Weddings:

  • EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR Camera: Definitely my workhorse. I can photograph with this camera rain or shine. 80% of my pictures are taken with it.
  • EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR Camera: This is the back-up to my main body. Still an amazing piece of equipment.
  • Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: My second photographer’s main camera. This is one of the best DSLR ever made by canon.
  • Canon EOS 5D Mark III: This is the back-up to my second photographer’s main camera.
  • Leica M11: What can I say, it’s a Leica! Read more about my first impressions using the Leica M11 for weddings.
  • Hasselblad Xpan II: I sometimes bring this panoramic film camera for outdoor weddings. You can read more about it here.
  • Hasselblad 503CX: I have had this medium format film camera for 15 years now. I rarely use it nowadays but every once in a while I bring it to an event to capture black and white pictures with it. The quality is just unreal.


Photography Lenses for Weddings:

  • Canon 24-70 II 2.8 (2)
  • Canon 50mm F/1.2L USM (2)
  • Canon EF 85mm F/1.2L II USM
  • Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
  • Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II
  • Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro
  • Leica 35 mm Summicron F2
  • Hasselblad XPan 90mm F4
  • Hasselblad Xpan 45mm F4
  • Hasselblad 80mm f/2.8 Planar


Lighting Equipment for Wedding Photography:

  • Profoto B1x
  • Profoto A1x
  • Profoto A1 (2)
  • Profoto Air Remote TTL-C
  • Profoto OCF Beauty Dish (White, 24")
  • Profoto Deep White Umbrella (Large, 51")


Memory Cards For Weddings:

  • Lexar Compact Flash 128GB - 1066x (6)
  • Lexar CF Express 128GB - 1750MB/s (3)
  • Lexar SD Card 128GB - 1667x (2)



Best Lighting Equipment for Wedding PhotographyProfoto is the best lighting equipment for weddings. In the image, Elisa carrying the B1x during a winter photo session in freezing temperatures.


I have tested multiple cameras over the years and believe no single camera is perfect for wedding photography. My best strategy has been to always use a combination of cameras to get all the features I’m looking for. For instance: I get fast focusing, weather resistance, great low light performance and durability with the EOS 1DX Mark III, but when I need a high resolution image I go for my Leica M11.


Profoto is hands down the best lighting equipment for wedding photography in 2022.
I have used Lexar memory cards for 10 years and I’ve never had any issues with them!