Is It Worth Having Two Photographers at a Wedding?

One of the most common questions couples ask me when planning their wedding photography is:
“Do we really need two photographers?”

The short answer? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
The longer—and more helpful—answer comes from experience. I’ve photographed many weddings over the years, and around one third of them include two photographers. Whether or not it’s worth it depends on your day, your priorities, and how much of the story you want documented.

Here’s a breakdown, based on real weddings, real timelines, and real moments.

Getting Ready: Two Stories, Told Fully

If you and your partner are getting ready in different rooms—or different locations altogether—having two photographers means each of you gets your own dedicated coverage.

The getting-ready portion of the day is filled with fleeting, emotional moments:
bridesmaids sipping mimosas, groomsmen sharing a quiet toast, a mum tearing up as she buttons a dress, or a father helping straighten a tie. These moments are deeply personal and completely unrehearsed—and once they pass, they’re gone.

With two photographers, there’s no running back and forth between rooms and no compromises. Both stories are told fully, without anything being rushed or missed.

The Ceremony: So Much Happens at Once

Ceremonies are one of the biggest reasons I recommend two photographers—especially in churches.

Churches often come with strict rules about where we can stand, how much we can move, and whether flash is allowed. Having two photographers allows us to work within those limits while still capturing everything that matters.

It means we can photograph:

• Your walk down the aisle and your partner’s reaction
• Your vows and your parents’ emotional responses
• The wide, atmospheric moments and the intimate, quiet ones

It also allows for more creative perspectives—shots from behind the bride, behind the groom, through the bridal party, and those fleeting glances you share during the ceremony that you may not even realise happened.

Tight Timelines & Multiple Locations

Tight timelines are where a second photographer truly shines.

At one particularly hot summer wedding, while I was with the couple taking formal portraits, my second photographer was at the reception venue capturing details and guest moments during cocktail hour. She noticed that the cake was starting to melt in the heat.

Because there were two of us, we were able to flag the issue early and suggest a small timeline adjustment, ensuring the couple still got the cake-cutting photos they really wanted. That’s not just coverage—that’s problem-solving in real time.

At weddings with multiple locations, it’s also common for one photographer to head straight to the reception venue to photograph details untouched, while the other stays behind for family formals. Without that extra set of hands, something usually has to give.

Guests, Entertainment & the Atmosphere

One thing couples often don’t think about until after the wedding is guest coverage.

At one wedding where I was working alone, I was photographing emotional family formals—there were tears from both fathers—while guests were enjoying an incredible magician during drinks reception. I couldn’t be in two places at once.

The couple later told me they loved their family photos but wished they’d had images of their guests laughing and reacting to the magician. With two photographers, that wouldn’t have been a trade-off.

When there’s a larger guest list, multiple entertainment elements, or simply a lively crowd, a second photographer ensures the full atmosphere of the day is captured—not just the key moments.

Bridal Party & Couple Photos (Especially in Scottish Winters!)

With two photographers, we can often cut bridal party photo time in half. One photographer can work with the groomsmen while the other photographs the bridesmaids, then we switch.

This is especially valuable during Scottish winters, when daylight is limited and time is precious. It also means more creative input—you’re not just getting more photos, you’re getting two creative minds working together.

A second photographer can also assist with lighting, reflectors, diffusers, or flashes during couple portraits, helping us adapt quickly to tricky conditions.

When One Photographer Is Enough

I always believe in being honest.

For elopements and intimate weddings—like Edinburgh City Chambers ceremonies—one photographer is often perfect. These days are usually shorter, simpler, and focused on a smaller group of people, making it easier to tell the full story solo.

Why the Relationship Between Photographers Matters

A second photographer isn’t just “someone with a camera.”

I work with photographers I have long-standing relationships with. We know how each other shoots, where we need to be, and how to communicate quickly and quietly. That familiarity makes it easier to problem-solve, adjust timelines, and stay flexible when plans change (as they often do).

Every image—no matter who captured it—is hand-edited by me in my bright, colourful signature style. Couples receive around 80 images per hour, delivered in an online gallery that’s hosted for life, so everything feels cohesive and intentional.

So… Is It Worth It?

If your wedding includes:

• A larger guest count
• A tight or complex timeline
• Multiple locations
• Lots of entertainment or guest interaction

Then yes—two photographers are absolutely worth it.

But if I had to sum it up in one sentence, this is what I tell couples:

The best part about having two photographers is that both partners get a dedicated photographer while getting ready—meaning no running back and forth, no compromises, and no missed moments with the people you love most.

And those are the moments you’ll never get back.

…

LOVE WHAT YOU SEE? – Let’s connect!

I am so thankful for the wonderful people that hire me and support my passion! If you’re currently planning your wedding and wondering what level of coverage makes sense for your day, I’m always happy to talk it through with you. Every wedding is different, and my goal is never to upsell—it’s to help you choose what will allow you to fully relive your day for years to come.
Get in touch and tell me about your plans—I’d love to hear your story.

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