"That was her magic
she could still see the sunset
even on those darkest days."
atticus
How Long Before a Wedding Should You Book a Photographer?
The short answer: At least one year before your wedding date.
Popular photographers get booked up fast—sometimes 1 to 2 years in advance. If you wait too long, you might have to settle for someone who’s either new or not what you’re looking for.
If your wedding is during peak season (think summer weekends or holidays), this is even more important.
Top photographers often start filling up their calendars two years ahead of time.
If you’re planning an off-season or weekday wedding, you might have a little more flexibility, but it’s still smart to get moving as early as possible.
The Big Three: Date, Venue, Photographer
Once you’ve said “yes” and shared the good news, the first big decisions to make are your wedding date, venue, and photographer.
Start by picking a general timeframe. What season or month feels right? Then, reach out to venues to check their availability. Once you’ve booked your venue and have a set date, it’s time to find your photographer.
Some couples do things a little differently—if they know exactly which photographer they want, they’ll contact them first to see what dates they’re available. Then they plan the rest of the wedding around that. If you’re obsessed with a specific photographer’s style or reputation, this can be a great way to make sure you get them.
If you’re on a tight timeline, you might need to make some compromises. Maybe you’ll choose a weekday wedding or go with your second-choice photographer or venue. But the earlier you start, the better your chances of getting everything you want.
Bonus tip: Many photographers have connections with venues and other vendors. Booking early might give you access to discounts or great recommendations for other parts of your wedding.
Why Timing Matters
Couples who book their vendors over a year in advance often have the smoothest planning experience. And not just with photographers—it applies to florists, caterers, planners, and more. Booking early means less stress, more options, and sometimes even better prices.
If you’re working with a short timeline, consider choosing a less popular date. Summer weekends will get snapped up quickly, but weekday weddings or off-season dates are usually easier to book. Plus, some vendors offer discounts for non-peak days, which could save you money.
Think of it like this: the earlier you book your photographer, the sooner you can check it off your list and focus on other fun parts of wedding planning, like picking out your dress or sampling cake flavors.
What Happens After You Book Your Photographer?
Booking your photographer is just the start. Here’s some things that might happen next:
- Consultations: Your photographer will want to chat with you about your vision for the wedding, your must-have photos, and anything else that’s important to you.
- Engagement Session: Many photographers include engagement shoots in their packages. This is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a relationship with your photographer.
- Planning Your Timeline: Your photographer will help you plan out your wedding day to make sure there’s enough time for everything—from getting-ready photos to sunset portraits.
When you book early, you’ll have plenty of time to talk through your ideas and work with your photographer to create a plan that works perfectly for your big day.
Final Thoughts
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time planning any sort of large event. To help, I’ve created a free PDF guide. It’s full of tips to make sure you find the right photographer without any regrets.
May the odds be ever in your favour,
All the wedding photographer hiring tips you need in one place!
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"5 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring a Wedding Photographer"
