Do i need a 2nd photographer?

A 2nd photographer is great if you can afford it, but if it’s an intimate ceremony then it’s not necessary.

It’s nice to have a second for yourself and for your photographer. It alleviates them and takes a huge weight off their shoulders and gives you more pictures and coverage throughout the day.

Honey I had a minimony with three guests (one left after the ceremony) and I still splurged and got a 2nd photographer. I regret nothing and think it was a great investment. I got more shots and different angles that one may have missed. Plus great for getting ready because one can be with you then one can be with the groom. I would say at least 3:30 - 9:30 unless you're having a special exit.

Yes!!! So glad we had 2 photographers at both of our wedding events (DW-15 guests, local reception-50 guests). Key moments go fast, having two ensures you get those moments and various angles.


To save money, ask your photographer if they can bring someone (they might know a junior shooter for less money). And consider hiring the 2nd shooter just for 2-3 hours—from getting ready to reception entrance.

Alot of them are standard. They can get pictures your main photographer is not able. Talk to the photographer because most have a partner they frequently work with.

I found in a lot of quotes the second shooter was only $150-200 more, so it was an easy decision for us. Photographers want a second shooter because it makes it much more likely to get all the right shots, it’s an insurance measure for them (and you!), but definitely not essential if you are less picky about very specific shots.

It does seem more and more common. Our photographer is a two person team as well.

I couldn't imagine not having a second shooter. Our second shooter was amazing! He went with the groomsmen in the morning while the main photographer was with us girls. He was also able to look around the venue and recommend good places for photos to be taken. Some of the photos he took were actually my favorite. Having a second photographer enables you to not only get more photos, but photos from different angles so I highly recommend a second photographer. Our ceremony started at 4:30 pm and our package included 10 hours of coverage. My husband wanted them there for the entire reception so they arrived at 12 pm and left at the end of the reception which was at 10 pm.

I highly recommend having 2 photographers. With only 1 photographer, you only get 1 view. With 2, you get 2 views. So, for example, when you’re walking down the aisle, you will get photos of both yours and your FS’s face. You also get double the shots.

Our photography package came with 2 for full day coverage. But when we downsized, we made some adjustments to the package and only had a second photographer for about four hours -- from first look to cocktail hour.

As others have mentioned, having two perspectives is really cool - you get shots that you just simply would not have otherwise. It comes in handy for first looks, walking down the aisle, etc., and you can just get more pictures overall because two people can be in two different places.

This is one of our favorites that we got from the second photographer's perspective:

It's becoming more common, but I, personally think it's unnecessary

Check your contract! If your photographer doesn’t offer a second shooter option, hiring an additional photographer is often a breech of contract.

I personally wouldn't for only 60-70 people. If you were having over 100 I would suggest it

I was torn as well. We could use the $350 credit for a 2nd shooter or use the money towards the pics thumb drive. We have 90 person guest list. I talked to my photographer & he recommended using the $$$ towards pics.

I have two photographers. The main photographer is my fiances co-worker and did our engagement pictures. The secondary is my bridesmaids sister. Both I am paying and do photography professionally. It is just nice I didn't have to search too hard for them. Originally I wasn't going to have a second but I am not comfortable having a man doing the "getting ready shots". So that was a big factor for me. But it all depends on budget and what your needs are.