You've got engaged. You've picked a date. Maybe you've even found your dream venue. Now comes the question:
“When should we actually book our wedding photographer?”
The short answer? As soon as you've found someone whose work you love and who feels like the right fit. But don't panic if your wedding isn't booked two years in advance. Every wedding is different, and availability depends on the photographer, the date and the time of year.
Here's a rough guide to help you plan:
12–18 months before your wedding
If you're planning a popular Saturday wedding, 12–18 months ahead is a good place to start looking. Some photographers will already have dates booked this far ahead, particularly for popular summer weekends. This doesn't mean you need to book that far ahead but if you've found someone you really love, it's worth checking their availability.
9–12 months before
This is a really common timeframe for couples to start booking their suppliers. By this point, you may have your venue and date confirmed, which makes it much easier to start planning your photography. It's also enough time to have a few conversations, look through full galleries and find someone whose style feels right for you.
6–9 months before
Don't worry if you're within this timeframe. There can still be plenty of photographers with availability, particularly if you're getting married outside the busiest summer dates. It's worth reaching out sooner rather than later, though, especially if your wedding is on a Saturday.
Less than 6 months?
Still ask! Having a shorter engagement doesn't mean you can't find an amazing photographer. Photographers sometimes have dates available because of cancellations, weekday weddings or simply because the date hasn't been booked yet. If your wedding is coming up soon, send a few enquiries and see what's available. You might be surprised.
What if you're having a weekday wedding?
Weekday weddings can sometimes give you a little more flexibility when it comes to supplier availability. The same goes for weddings outside the traditional summer season. If you're getting married on a Friday, Sunday or during the quieter months, it's still worth booking your photographer early but you may have more options.
Why does the date matter so much?
Wedding photographers can only photograph one wedding at a time. Once a photographer has your date booked, they're unavailable for another wedding that day. That's why popular dates can disappear quickly.Your photographer might be available on the 14th, but if another couple books the 14th before you, that date is gone. Simple as that.
What if you haven't booked your venue yet?
I'd recommend getting your venue and date confirmed before booking your photographer whenever possible. Once you know where and when you're getting married, you can start looking for photographers and suppliers who are available and familiar with your plans. And if you've already found a photographer you absolutely love, there's no harm in getting in touch early to ask about availability.
