5 reasons you need a second videographer at your wedding
Imagine it’s a few weeks after your wedding day. You’re back from honeymoon and you’ve found rhythm in your new normal as a married couple. But today is exciting because it’s the day you finally get to watch your wedding video.
You think back on that day when your months of planning finally came together: the flowers, the cake, that dress that fluttered just right when you twirl. It was a perfect day.
But you’d chosen not to spend that extra five hundred bucks on a second shooter, and as you watch the video you have an almost immediate pang of regret. You like the film well enough — your partner's heartfelt vows, the laughter from your best friends, the emotional reactions of your family — they're all there, but the story is incomplete.
There’s footage of the bride getting ready, but not the groom. He doesn’t enter the scene until they first see each other for the day. There’s plenty of footage of the happy couple between ceremony and reception, but why isn’t that in the video? Since your videographer can’t be in two places at once, unfortunately, there was no footage of any of those events.
This is a common story that we hear from couples who didn’t think they needed that extra coverage. But let's face it: your wedding day is one of the most significant days of your life, and (hopefully) only happens once.
Unfortunately, many couples overlook the value of having a second videographer. They may consider it an unnecessary expense when they’re already pouring money into so many other aspects of their wedding.
But the truth is, having a second videographer can be crucial for creating your ideal wedding film. Let’s explore why having a second videographer is almost necessary to get the perfect wedding film.
1. Having a second shooter ensures every moment is captured
Capturing the magic of your wedding day means covering every moment, and a second videographer helps make that happen. Think about it: if you’re having a traditional wedding, the groom is likely getting ready at his home while the bride is at hers. A single videographer can only be in one place at a time, which means one-half of the story might be completely left out.
With two shooters, both stories are captured simultaneously — no need to miss the groom’s preparation just because the bride is being filmed. After all, it’s his day too!
For key moments like the ceremony or first dance, two videographers give you multiple angles: one focused on you, the other on guest reactions and venue shots. It brings your film to life, letting you relive those emotional moments.
And let’s not forget that weddings move fast and things can easily be missed. A second shooter ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Even if your main videographer steps away to do your same-day edit, the second will keep capturing everything so you don’t miss a thing.
2. A second videographer gives you more angles, more moments, and a better story
Storytelling is what makes a wedding film truly special. Having a second videographer can take that storytelling to the next level. With two cameras rolling, one can focus on the traditional must-have shots, while the other captures candid, creative moments that make your day unique.
Think about those emotional reactions — your partner’s look during the vows or your mom tearing up as you walk down the aisle. While one videographer focuses on you, the second can zoom in on these priceless moments, adding depth and emotion to your film.
Two perspectives also mean smoother transitions and more dynamic storytelling in the final edit. One videographer might capture sweeping shots of the venue while the other focuses on intimate interactions between family and friends. The result? A cinematic wedding film that feels complete and personal.
In short, having multiple angles and perspectives turns your wedding video into more than just a recording—it becomes a beautifully crafted film that tells your love story from every angle.
Sources
3. A second videographer gives you peace of mind with backup and redundancy
One big perk of having a second videographer is the peace of mind it brings. Weddings can be unpredictable, and having two shooters means you're covered if something goes wrong.
Technical issues, though rare, can happen. If one camera fails or a battery dies, your primary shooter is likely to have backups. But what if by some strange oddity, both sets fail or the primary falls ill in the middle of the day? The second videographer ensures nothing important is missed.
Plus, human error is always a possibility — someone might step in front of the camera at the wrong moment or a key shot could be missed. With two videographers, there's always another angle to capture those crucial moments.
In short, having a second shooter reduces stress for everyone involved, allowing you to relax knowing all the important moments will be beautifully captured from multiple perspectives.
4. A second videographer is a small investment for big value
Worried about the cost of hiring a second videographer? It’s understandable, but the extra investment — usually around €500 — pays off in a big way. You’re not just getting more footage; you’re getting more memories captured from different angles and perspectives.
Your wedding video is about preserving every special moment, not just documenting the big events. With two videographers, one can focus on the main action, like the ceremony or speeches, while the other captures candid moments — guests laughing, kids playing, or emotional reactions from family members. These little moments are what make your day unique, and having two shooters ensures they aren’t missed.
If you’re planning a same-day edit, having a second videographer is almost essential. While one is busy editing earlier footage, the other can keep filming everything else happening in real-time, to ensure your final edit doesn’t miss a beat.
In short, while it adds a bit to your budget, hiring a second videographer is a small price to pay for capturing every angle of your wedding day — and it’s worth every cent.
5. A second videographer is essential for larger weddings or complex schedules
If you’re planning a large wedding or have a packed schedule, a second videographer is a must. With 100+ guests, it’s impossible for one person to capture every interaction, reaction, and special moment. A second shooter ensures that while one videographer focuses on key events, the other captures candid moments of your guests enjoying the day. This adds depth and helps tell a fuller story.
If your wedding has a tight timeline or lots of moving parts, having two videographers keeps everything on track. One can focus on formal events while the other captures candid moments in between, making sure every detail is covered efficiently.
Two videographers are almost essential
Hiring a second videographer for your wedding gives you more than just extra footage; it ensures every moment is captured, enhances storytelling with multiple perspectives, and provides peace of mind through backup coverage. It’s especially important for larger or more complex weddings where one person simply can’t be everywhere at once.
Your wedding day is full of once-in-a-lifetime moments that deserve to be filmed from every angle. If you want a cinematic wedding film that truly captures the full story — from intimate close-ups to wide shots of your guests — a second shooter makes all the difference. When planning your budget, remember that investing in two videographers will give you a film you’ll treasure forever.
Hiring two videographers will give you a film you’ll treasure forever. At Aeterna Wedding Films, we are so committed to the two-shooter approach, that this is already worked into most of our pricing. Contact us today to learn more about how we can capture every special moment of your wedding day.