The Ultimate Guide:

1. The Earlier, The Better: Why You Should Book Your Photographer ASAP

As with most wedding vendors, photographers can get booked up quickly, especially if you're planning to get married during peak wedding season (spring, summer & fall). Many photographers book weddings 12–18 months in advance, and some even longer. If you’ve set your wedding date and found a photographer whose work you are in love with, it's always a good idea to reach out and lock them down as soon as possible.

2. Peak Wedding Seasons and Availability

Wedding season typically peaks between May and October, with some months like June, August, September, and October being the busiest. These are the times when top photographers may be fully booked well in advance. If you’re planning a wedding during one of these months, try to book your photographer as soon as you have a date secured—ideally, within the first few months of your engagement. For off-season weddings (usually November through March), you might have a bit more flexibility, but it’s still wise to book early to ensure you get your first-choice photographer.

3. Engagement Session: Booking Before or After the Wedding Photographer?

Many photographers offer engagement sessions as part of their wedding packages or as an add-on. It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day and to capture some beautiful moments of you and your partner. If you want to make sure your photographer is available for your engagement shoot, you'll want to lock them in as soon as possible. You can typically schedule an engagement session 6-12 months before your wedding, depending on your photographer's availability.

4. Consider Your Wedding Date and Photographer’s Lead Time

Once you have a date in mind, it’s time to research photographers and see who fits your style and budget. If you're hoping to book a highly sought-after photographer, keep in mind that some photographers may have longer lead times, meaning they could already be booked for the date you want. Don't delay your decision—when you know you’ve found the right fit, get in touch and reserve them as soon as possible.

5. Your Wedding Vision and Photographer Availability

Some couples don’t have a clear idea of what they want for their wedding photos until after they’ve secured their venue and other major vendors. While that’s totally understandable, if you have a specific style in mind (e.g., fine art, documentary, cinematic), it’s even more important to book early to make sure you find a photographer who aligns with your vision. Wedding photographers often have distinct styles, so getting on their calendar early gives you more options and flexibility for your big day.

6. Things to Think About While Booking: Contract and Deposit

Once you’ve decided on a photographer, make sure to secure the booking with a signed contract and deposit. This ensures that both you and your photographer are clear about the details and expectations. The contract will typically outline the services provided and the timeline for receiving your photos after the wedding. Paying a non-refundable deposit (usually 25-50% of the total cost) is standard practice, and it gives both you and the photographer peace of mind.

7. How Early Should You Book if You Have a Smaller or DIY Wedding?

If you’re planning a more intimate or DIY wedding, you might think you don’t need to worry about booking a photographer as early as a larger, more traditional event. While this may be true to some extent, it’s still a good idea to book a photographer as soon as you have your date and location set. Smaller weddings may have fewer options when it comes to vendors, and a talented photographer could be in high demand—even for smaller-scale events.

8. Final Thoughts: Book When You’re Ready, but Don’t Wait Too Long!

In summary, the best time to book your wedding photographer is as soon as you’ve locked in your wedding date, ideally 12–18 months before the wedding. This gives you a better chance of securing your dream photographer and helps you avoid stress as your wedding day approaches. Remember, your photographer will be with you throughout your entire wedding day, capturing some of the most important and intimate moments, so finding someone who aligns with your style, personality, and budget is key. Don't rush the decision, but don’t wait too long either!


Pro Tip:

When researching photographers, be sure to check out their portfolio, read client reviews, and schedule a consultation if possible. This will give you a feel for their personality and approach, ensuring you’re a great fit for each other.


Happy planning, and here’s to making memories that will last a lifetime! 💍📸