Do You Really Need a Second Photographer for Your Wedding?
You’re ready to book your wedding photographer—exciting! But now you’re wondering: Do I need a second photographer? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common questions couples ask when choosing their wedding photography package.
The answer? It depends on your wedding. Some weddings run smoothly with just one photographer, while others truly benefit from having a second shooter. Luckily, most professional wedding photographers have package options that include a second photographer (I have several), or at the very least offer this as an add-on. So, let’s break it down so you can decide what’s best for unique wedding day.
What Kind of Wedding Are You Planning?
If you’re having an intimate or average-sized wedding (around 150 guests or fewer) and don’t have any elaborate plans, one experienced photographer can handle it all. In fact, I’ve personally photographed weddings with up to 300 guests and a 12-person wedding party—solo—without stress or any missed moments.
However, if you’re planning a large wedding (150+ guests, big wedding party, lots of family photos, multiple locations), having a second photographer makes capturing all the important moments easier. With two photographers, your team can divide and conquer so nothing gets missed.
What Moments Matter Most to You?
While a single photographer can definitely capture your ceremony, the rest of the day might be a factor in your decision. Here’s where a second photographer can be extra helpful:
Getting Ready Photos
If "getting ready photos" are super important to you, a second photographer can come in handy. Are you going to be on a tight timeline and want coverage of both partners getting ready at the same time? Do you want a dedicated photographer for both sides so nothing gets missed if one photographer has to go back and forth? In all honesty, as a wedding photographer with a lot of experience, I'm able to easily accomdate "getting ready" photos of both sides without an issue, but having a second for this part can be nice.
Reception & Guest Photos
A solo photographer will focus a lot on you—capturing key moments like your first dance, cake cutting, and speeches. If tons of guest photos are important to you, a second photographer can dedicate more time to that. It can also be helpful to get more photographs of special moments or details - maybe you're having a band play at your reception, or maybe you're planning a party game, etc.
What’s Your Timeline Like?
Some weddings have tight schedules—maybe your venue has a strict timeline, or you’re working with limited time for posed photos, cocktail hour, etc. In these cases, a second photographer can speed things up by capturing different angles and groupings simultaneously.
If your wedding is large, fast-paced, or packed with events, a second shooter can be a game-changer.
How Experienced is Your Photographer?
Weddings are fast-paced, and moments can’t be missed—there are no do-overs! Timelines change and unexpected things happen at nearly every wedding, and your wedding photographer needs to be able to roll with anything that comes their way.
If your photographer is highly experienced (like I am, with 15+ years in the industry), they can anticipate moments, think on their feet, and handle challenges solo. However, if your photographer is newer or less experienced, a second photographer adds a safety net to ensure everything is captured perfectly.
Pro Tip: Hire the most experienced photographer you can! Wedding photography is a specialized skill—it takes a lot of time, knowledge, the right attitude/temperment and the right equipment to do it well. I would choose one highly skilled photographer over two that have less experience any day of the week - but if you have the opportunity to get two experienced photographers, you're golden!
Final Thoughts
Your wedding photographer should be one of your top priorities for your wedding day, because when the day is over, your photos will be one of the few things that last forever. If you’re still unsure whether you need a second photographer, let’s chat! I’d love to hear about your wedding plans and help you create unforgettable memories while choosing the perfect package for your unique wedding day vision. Contact me today!