1 or 2 photographers for 40 guests?

For me, the choice to have two photographers wasn't really about my guest count but simply because one photographer can't be two places at once. I want photos of me getting ready and FH. I want one camera on me coming down the aisle and another on him, to capture both of our reactions. I also want one photographer taking photos of cocktail hour and guests while our main photographer takes our after-ceremony photos of just the two of us. Just my thoughts, good luck!

The number of photographers is more based on what each can actually capture.
For instance, you can't get your partner seeing you coming down the aisle AND you seeing them. It's impossible for one person. One photographer can't get photos of guests coming in AND you getting ready.
It's more about being able to capture your day in a more detailed way.

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Hi Allison. Thanks for your reply!

I just talked to one photographer. She did more than 80% of her wedding alone and she said she wouldn't recommend having a second photographer as it might get distracting (with 2 photographers and a video maker where there's only 40 guests).

She does work with her husband who's also a wedding photographer when 2 is needed so there's an option. But she really seems very confident that she'll be able to capture important moments herself as she always have 2 cameras with her. For example, when I'm walking down the aisle, she would aim at me and when I'm getting closer, she turns to my husband.

TBH I have no idea how that works but I do get a feeling from her that she's comfortable managing this (whereas another photographer I talked to told me she's not comfortable working along to provide enough images).

Do you have any thought on that? Thanks for sharing in advance!

View Quoted Comment Honestly, it comes down to what you're expecting.
I've shot a wedding on my own so I know it's doable, but there were shots cut out of the typical wedding list. There wasn't any time to do detail shots of rings, stationery, shoes, etc. Their getting ready shots were also minimal (going back and forth, you're bound to miss something). And since their reception was in a different location, but they requested photos of every tables guests, they didn't get what I'd usually give as far as getting their own interactions with each other.

If those detail shots don't matter much (just a few will do) and you're not looking for a point by point retelling, then it can be perfect for you. Everyone doesn't want or need all of that and that's valid. Just make sure you let her know what is important to you, and understand that you won't get one of those ridiculously long Pinterest lists of shots lol
Once y'all are on the same page, I'm sure it'll work out fantastically! 🤗

We had 2 photographers at our destination wedding with 15 guests, and 2 photographers for our local reception for 50 guests. The 2nd shooter was only there about 90 minutes (not very expensive) and totally worth it because the main photo opportunities happen within 2 hours. It really helps to have two photographers who capture different angles! Or even different people. Those key moments happen so fast!