As a wedding planner, I know that capturing the beautiful, emotional moments during the ceremony and reception is crucial. One thing that can make or break these moments is the quality of the audio recording. So, to help you out, I’ve put together a list of the top 5 microphones for recording wedding vows and speeches.

1. Rode VideoMic Pro+

If you’re looking for a shotgun microphone with a built-in shock mount, the Rode VideoMic Pro+ could be the perfect choice for you. Not only does it provide crystal-clear audio, but its battery life is impressive, too. This microphone features a super-cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on the sound source directly in front of it, reducing ambient noise and echoing.

A Rode VideoMic Pro+ with a bride and groom in the background

2. Sennheiser MKE 600

If you want a lightweight, highly directional microphone with a long battery life, consider the Sennheiser MKE 600. Its super-cardioid lobe pattern reduces background noise and, with a frequency response from 40-20,000Hz, it picks up the sound of the person speaking with remarkable clarity.

A Sennheiser MKE 600 sitting on a wooden table

3. Zoom H6 Handy Recorder

If you want to record audio without a camera, then the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder is a great choice. Its built-in X/Y microphones provide versatility and high-quality sound, and you can also attach external microphones or use its four XLR/TRS inputs.

A Zoom H6 Handy Recorder on a table with a microphone attached

4. Audio-Technica AT4053B

Audio-Technica’s AT4053B is a professional-grade hyper-cardioid boom microphone that provides high-quality sound recording even in noisy environments. Its low-frequency roll-off switch further enhances audio fidelity by reducing low-frequency noise and rumble.

An Audio-Technica AT4053B on a table with a vintage microphone in the background

5. Shure SM7B

The Shure SM7B is an iconic studio microphone known for its clarity, warmth, and natural sound. It features a bass rolloff and mid-range boost controls, excellent for taming plosives and rejecting electromagnetic hum from nearby electronic equipment. Due to its versatility and exceptional recording quality, it has become a favorite among recording artists, podcasters, and voice-over actors.

A Shure SM7B in a recording studio with headphones and a pop filter

📝 In Summary

When choosing a microphone for recording wedding vows and speeches, quality should be the top priority. You don’t want to miss out on those once-in-a-lifetime moments because of poor audio quality. Therefore, invest in a microphone that is versatile, reliable, and can provide high-quality audio recording.

A bride and groom holding hands at the altar