Is a second photographer needed?

I can't tell you from experience, yet, but we are only doing one. How many pictures, after hours of shooting, do you want to go through. I think it also depends on size and style of your wedding. For reference mine is about 60 guests and the whole thing is at one venue, so I am super confident I can get everyone in shots.

I'm having a second photographer but only bc it comes with my package. I would not have paid extra for one bc ceremony and reception are at the same place and both FH and I are getting ready there as well. For reference, we're planning for about 100-120 people

If you are not having a large wedding, if you are doing a first look, I do not see a need for a second photographer.

Our package is for two photographers. One will go with the guys to get ready and one will be with the girls. I also like the idea of capturing us both from different angles for the first look and ceremony. Ours is significantly cheaper than yours though.

The package I can afford comes with one. But ceremony & reception are in the same place as well as bridal suite & our wedding will be small around 75 people.

I'm also having two photographers. It was included in my package; plus the main photographer is a longtime friend in the Army who does professional photography for a living so I got one hell of a deal for what I am paying. We are having around 150-170 guests attending.

I'm having a second shooter for the reception only. Maybe you could do that?

ETA Oops! I meant ceremony only

We are having a second shooter. It came with our package, and I like the idea that someone will be able to capture the same moment at different angles AND get lots of pics of the BM and GM getting ready.

Personally though I think $5K is a crap ton of money even for two shooters. I would probably skip it.

How big is your wedding? That's really the important question.

I have an option for a 2nd shooter but I opted not to. I'm bringing my photographer with me from Ohio to Florida so it was a lot cheaper for me to take the single shooter. I'm confident I won't regret it.

If you love his work, why would you want it any differently? I don't use a second shooter at all.

It depends on the size of your guest list and the level of importance of photography. Smaller guest list won't require a second photog. The beauty of having a second photog with a larger list is that they can capture more without having to sacrifice too much. If you want pics of you during your first dance, there's no extra photog to get guest reactions to your first dance.

I'd say if your budget is pretty firm. skip on the 2nd person