Re: What do you think is the best tripod location in a church?

I haven't shot a wedding in a while, myself, but I can share what has worked well for me in the past. Keep in mind, however that I usually edit the ceremony a LOT - like down to 5-10 minutes, so that gives me a bit more flexibility to move around. Also, of equal importance to how I marketed myself was the quality of the video AND being discreet!

I almost always shot single camera, although I did from time to time put a stationary camera somewhere for a wide shot - usually in the balcony/choir loft. i would shoot the processional handheld, then go to my tripod which was on the side - whichever side gave me a better shot of the BRIDE during the ceremony. I'd stay on the side for the early part of the ceremony, until the vows, when I would move, tripod and all (a dolly helps this move be more unobtrusive and faster) to the center isle (it is a good idea to get permission from both the priest/rabbi/etc AND photographer before the ceremont starts - or at least give them a heads up that this is what you're doing - always good to keep a healthy working relationship with the photographer!) where I would stay for the vows and rings. I would then go back to my side location (you can use the other side now for variety now if you wish and it is practical) for the remainder of the ceremony, then go handheld for the kiss/recessional at the end (also something to tell the photog). Note I used a full-size shoulder cam for this - helps a LOT for handheld work, and is much better in low light (had a Sony DSR-300/400).

I never had a single complaint of the quality of the coverage and was able to book many "hi-end" NYC events using this technique. It also helped me in the edit that I didn't have a ridiculous amount of footage to go through.

For a Jewish ceremony I found there was often more flexibility - for whatever reason rabbis don't seem to mind as much. I'd often park myself either under or just behind the chuppah (sp - sorry) to get the couple's face the whole time (they usually have their backs to the audience and face the rabbi for the majority). And would move around if I saw a better angle or something changed. I never went to rehearsals (unless I was hired to shoot it) and never had a problem. The vast majority of wedding ceremonies are VERY similar - especially church weddings.

Good luck - there's really no right or wrong way, just find something that works for you and, more importantly, your clients.