Locking In Your Photographer: When To Start Planning Your Wedding Photos

Planning a wedding involves a myriad of tasks, but booking a photographer is a crucial step. The ideal booking time varies depending on personal preferences and photographer availability. While some couples opt to book 2-3 years in advance, others wait just 2 weeks before their wedding. However, for those who prioritize photography or have a specific photographer in mind, it's recommended to book 12-18 months in advance, especially if planning April through November. This ensures you secure your desired photographer and have ample time to prepare and communicate your vision.

Photographer availability

Most wedding photographers open their booking availability about 15-18 months in advance. They end up being booked between 12-15 months in advance. If you are planning your wedding in peak months of May or October, you will want to book your wedding photographer as soon as you have a date. For those who are planning anytime from April through November, you goal should be closer to the 15 month mark. If you decide to plan December through March, you will probably have a bit more leeway. You can most likely start booking your wedding photographer around 12 months out! If you are past this time frame, don’t worry! You should book your wedding photographer 9 months before your wedding. This is the average time though I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer to this question really. One source suggests booking a photographer at least 2 months before the wedding. It is important to note that waiting until the last minute, or in this case, the last six months, simply isn’t an option if photography is a priority to you or if you have your heart set on a specific photographer. It is recommended that you book your photographer as early as possible to ensure you get the right photographer for you.

Peak months

If you are planning your wedding in peak months of May or October, you will want to book your wedding photographer as soon as you have a date. Most wedding photographers open their booking availability about 15-18 months in advance and end up being booked between 12-15 months in advance.

If you are planning your wedding in peak months, you should book your photographer as soon as you have a date. This is because photography is a priority for many couples and specific photographers tend to get booked up quickly.

If you are planning your wedding in April through November, you should aim to book your photographer closer to the 15-month mark. If you are planning your wedding in December through March, you will probably have a bit more leeway and can start booking your photographer around 12 months out.

It is important to note that the average time to book a photographer is 9 months before the wedding. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer and you should book when you feel is right for you.

If you are planning your wedding in peak months, it is recommended to book your photographer as soon as you have a date. This will give you the best chance of securing your desired photographer and ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly.

Budget time

If you're planning a wedding, booking a photographer is a crucial step. The best time to book a photographer depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, most sources recommend booking a photographer at least 9 months before the wedding. This is the average time and gives you enough time to find the right photographer for you.

If you're planning your wedding in peak months (May or October), you should book your photographer as soon as you have a date. Some photographers open their booking availability 15-18 months in advance, and they get booked between 12-15 months in advance.

If you're planning your wedding anytime from April through November, you should aim to book your photographer around the 15-month mark. If you're planning your wedding in December through March, you can start booking your photographer around 12 months out.

If you're still deciding on a date, it's a good idea to book your photographer earlier to give yourself more time to shuffle your budget around and ensure you get the right photographer for you.

Engagement time

The earlier you book your wedding photographer, the better. Most wedding photographers open their booking availability about 15-18 months in advance, and they end up being booked between 12-15 months in advance. If you are planning your wedding in peak months of May or October, you will want to book your wedding photographer as soon as you have a date.

For those who are planning anytime from April through November, you should aim to book your wedding photographer closer to the 15 month mark. If you decide to plan December through March, you will probably have a bit more leeway. You can most likely start booking your wedding photographer around 12 months out!

You should book your wedding photographer 9 months before your wedding, but this is the average time and there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Waiting until the last minute, or in this case, the last six months, simply isn’t an option if photography is a priority to you or if you have your heart set on a specific photographer.

Hannah + Andrew originally booked me as their wedding photographer around 9 months before their wedding. If you’re getting married soon and need to book a wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you if you think I could be the right wedding photographer for you.

One should hire a photographer at least 2 months before the wedding.

Timeframe flexibility

The earlier you book your wedding photographer, the more likely you are to get your preferred photographer. Most wedding photographers open their booking availability about 15-18 months in advance, and end up being booked between 12-15 months in advance. If you are planning your wedding in peak months of May or October, you will want to book your wedding photographer as soon as you have a date.

For those who are planning anytime from April through November, you goal should be closer to the 15 month mark. If you decide to plan December through March, you will probably have a bit more leeway. You can most likely start booking your wedding photographer around 12 months out!

If you are past this time frame, don’t worry! You can still book a photographer, but you may need to leave more time so you can book your photographer earlier or allow you more time to shuffle your budget around ensuring you get the right wedding photographer for you.

One should hire a photographer at least 2 months before the wedding, but this is the average time and there is no right or wrong answer to this question. You’re planning a wedding and need to do a million and one things, though of these one million things some are more important than others. You'll most likely book a wedding venue first then you’ll start looking at other wedding suppliers. Knowing when to book your wedding photographer though can be vital in getting the right photographer for you.

Hannah + Andrew originally booked me as their wedding photographer around 9 months before their wedding. Here are a few images from their wedding. Be sure to have your brightness and sound on! If you’re getting married soon and need to book a wedding photographer id love to hear from you if you think I could be the right wedding photographer for you.

Frequently asked questions