Photographers and videographers move constantly around guests with tripods, light stands, cabling and cases. Venues require liability insurance from them for the same reason as any other vendor: if someone's hurt or something's damaged, the vendor's policy — not the venue's — should respond.
What venues typically require
| Coverage | Typical requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial general liability | $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate | Baseline |
| Additional insured | Venue named on the GL policy | Always |
| Equipment coverage | Optional | Protects the shooter's gear, not the venue |
| Workers' compensation | If employing second shooters | Varies |
These are common requirements, not advice — see the full vendor insurance requirements.
Liability vs equipment coverage
- Commercial general liability covers third-party injury or property damage — the thing a venue cares about, with the venue named as additional insured.
- Equipment (inland marine) coverage protects the photographer's own cameras and gear. Valuable to them, but it doesn't protect the venue.
Solo shooters and second shooters
A solo photographer still needs general liability to work at most venues. If they employ a second shooter or assistant, workers' compensation may apply. An independent contractor arrangement is different — but that's a question for the photographer's broker.
For the photographer: what to send
Ask your insurer for a certificate showing $1M/$2M general liability, naming the venue as additional insured at its address, covering the event date.
What this means for your venue
As with DJs, the frequent issue is a certificate that names the venue only as certificate holder. Confirm additional insured status with matching wording. VenueCOI verifies this automatically on every photographer and videographer certificate — or check one free.