When Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer?
If you’ve recently started planning your wedding, you’ve probably realised one thing very quickly—everyone has advice.
Book your venue first.
Don’t leave the dress too late.
Send your invitations early.
But one question comes up time and time again:
When should you actually book your wedding photographer?
The short answer?
Earlier than you probably think.
The longer answer depends on your wedding date, location and the photographer you’ve fallen in love with. Here’s everything you need to know.
⸻
Why Wedding Photographers Book Up So Early
Unlike venues, photographers can’t take on more than one wedding a day.
Once a date is booked, it’s gone.
For photographers who only accept a limited number of weddings each year, popular Saturdays often disappear 12–24 months in advance.
If you’ve already found a photographer whose work genuinely speaks to you, waiting rarely works in your favour.
⸻
The Best Time to Book Your Wedding Photographer
18–24 Months Before Your Wedding
This is the ideal time.
You’ll have the widest choice of photographers, venues and suppliers.
If you’re getting married during peak wedding season—especially between May and September—booking this early gives you the best chance of securing your first choice.
⸻
12–18 Months Before
This is still an excellent time to book.
Many photographers will still have availability, but the most sought-after dates may already be taken.
If you’ve already chosen your venue, don’t wait too long before reaching out.
⸻
6–12 Months Before
Don’t panic.
Fantastic photographers are still available.
You may simply have fewer options than couples who booked earlier.
Being flexible with your date—or considering a weekday wedding—can sometimes make all the difference.
⸻
Less Than 6 Months Before
It’s absolutely still possible to find an incredible photographer.
Many weddings are planned in a shorter timeframe, and cancellations occasionally create unexpected availability.
The key is to enquire as soon as possible.
You might be pleasantly surprised.
⸻
What Should You Book First?
This is one of the questions I hear most often.
Generally, your venue comes first.
Once your wedding date and venue are confirmed, your photographer should be one of the very next suppliers you book.
Many couples spend months choosing flowers, stationery or decorations, only to discover that their favourite photographer is already unavailable.
Photography is one of the few parts of your wedding that becomes more valuable as time passes.
Long after the flowers have faded and the cake has been eaten, your photographs remain.
⸻
Why Choosing the Right Photographer Matters More Than Choosing Quickly
Booking early doesn’t mean booking the first photographer you find.
Take your time.
Look through complete wedding galleries—not just Instagram highlights.
Read reviews.
Arrange a call.
Ask questions.
Most importantly, ask yourself one simple question:
Can I imagine this photographer documenting one of the most important days of my life?
Style matters.
Personality matters.
Trust matters.
⸻
Signs You’ve Found the Right Photographer
You don’t just love one or two photographs.
You love the consistency of their work.
You feel something when you look through their galleries.
You can imagine yourselves in those moments.
You trust their experience.
And perhaps most importantly…
You feel comfortable with them.
Because your photographer will spend more time with you on your wedding day than almost anyone else.
⸻
What If Your Favourite Photographer Is Already Booked?
It happens.
Especially with popular dates.
If that happens:
* Ask whether they have a waiting list in case of cancellations.
* Ask if they can recommend another photographer whose work they genuinely admire.
* Don’t settle simply because someone is available.
The right photographer is worth searching for.
⸻
Should You Book Before Your Engagement Session?
Absolutely.
Most engagement sessions are arranged after you’ve booked your photographer.
They’re a wonderful opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera, build trust and enjoy a relaxed experience together before the wedding day.
Many couples tell me it completely changes how they feel about being photographed.
⸻
Final Thoughts
There isn’t a perfect number of months before your wedding to book your photographer.
But if you’ve found someone whose work you truly connect with, my advice is simple:
Don’t wait.
The best photographers don’t become available again.
They simply become unavailable for that date.
Your wedding photographs will be one of the very few things that grow more valuable with every passing year.
Choose someone whose work still makes you feel something today—because it should still make you feel something thirty years from now.
If you’ve recently started planning your wedding and would like to find out more about my approach to documentary wedding photography, I’d love to hear your plans.
