Do I Need Two Wedding Photographers?

When planning your wedding, hiring a wedding photographer is essential to create lasting memories. While some weddings may only require single photographer, there are several benefits to hiring two wedding photographers! The decision to hire one or two wedding photographers largely depends on your wedding day vision and budget. Today, we’re going over some things to consider when deciding whether to hire one or two wedding photographers!

do I need two wedding photographers
Max and Janice during their Biddle Ranch Vineyard Ceremony

Comprehensive Coverage

One of the primary benefits of having two wedding photographers is the comprehensive coverage they can provide. With two photographers, you can capture both the formal and candid moments of your day. While one photographer can focus on capturing the traditional portraits, the other can focus on capturing candid shots of your guests and wedding details.

Having two photographers also allows for greater coverage of your wedding day timeline. With one photographer, it can be difficult to capture every important moment, especially if you have a tight schedule. Having two photographers means that we can be in two places at once, and capture multiple events or locations simultaneously.

For example, we can split up while you’re each getting ready at two different addresses! Another example is if you have a large extended family that you will be taking photos with after ceremony. You will need a second photographer who can cover cocktail hour while the lead photographer is taking those family photos!

We always recommend two photographers for weddings with 50+ guests. This way we can also promise to capture every moment in 100+ images per hour!

Different Perspectives and Styles

Another benefit of having two wedding photographers is the opportunity to capture your special day from different perspectives and styles. By hiring two photographers, you can have a wider range of photos that capture different angles. And while one is capturing the most important portraits, the second photographer can help capture more artsy, candid moments.

Less Stress for the Lead Photographer

We cannot begin to try and explain everything that is going through our head on your wedding day. Wedding photography can be a challenging and stressful job, especially if you’re working alone. By hiring two photographers, the primary photographer can focus on capturing the essential shots and directing, while the second photographer can help capture other moments, guests, and details.

This can help reduce the stress and pressure on the primary photographer, and ensure that you have the best photos. It also means that the primary photographer can focus on creating artistic and memorable images, rather than worrying about missing a vital moment because they were capturing another.

biddle ranch vineyard spring wedding couple bridals

Backup Plan

Finally, having two wedding photographers provides a backup plan in case of any unforeseen circumstances. For example, if one photographer falls ill or has a camera malfunction, the second photographer can step in and ensure that your wedding day is still captured in full.

This can be especially important for weddings that have a lot of moving parts or are held in challenging locations. Having a backup plan ensures that you’ll have the photos you want, even if something unexpected happens.

In conclusion, hiring two wedding photographers can provide comprehensive coverage, different perspectives and styles, less stress for the primary photographer, and a backup plan in case of any unforeseen circumstances. While it may be a slightly more expensive option, the benefits are clear. If you want to ensure that your wedding day is captured in full and that you have the best possible photos, hiring two photographers may be the perfect choice for you.

biddle ranch vineyard spring wedding couple bridals

So in What Circumstances Can You Get Away with One Photographer?

First is you have 50 people or less at your wedding. One photographer can seamlessly handle 50 guests! It is important to note that most photographers only guarantee about 50 images an hour. If you feel that is sufficient to capture the details and story of your wedding, one photographer will do!

Next is if you plan on joining cocktail hour because you did a first look. The number one benefit of a first look is that you get to finish the majority of your photos before ceremony and can join the party at cocktail hour! You will have wedding party photos, family photos, and your first photos together as a couple BEFORE your ceremony. This allows your photographer time to capture photos of your details and guests enjoying cocktail hour.

Finally, you’re eloping, having a micro wedding, or only need 6 hours or less of photography. The smaller the wedding, the less details and guests there are to capture!

Ultimately, the decision to hire one or two wedding photographers will be based on your wedding day vision and budget. It’s important to discuss your options with your photographer so that they can meet your needs specifically. You can set up a call with us here!