When Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer? Here’s What We See Behind the Scenes
Let’s talk about one of the big wedding planning questions:
When should you book your photographer?
Now, I know there’s a lot of information out there on this. If you’ve been Googling or scrolling through planning checklists, you’ve probably seen recommendations to book your photographer anywhere from 9–12 months out. And honestly, that’s solid advice!
But from our perspective—the ones on the other side of the lens, answering inquiries and planning timelines with couples—there are a few things we think are worth adding. Maybe it’ll help you feel a little more confident about your timeline.
Fall Is Huge (And Books Up FAST)
We can’t stress this one enough:
Fall weddings are incredibly popular, and for good reason—perfect temps, golden leaves, dreamy light. But that means fall dates fill up quickly. Like, sometimes over a year in advance.
If you’re dreaming of a September, October, or even early November wedding, it’s a good idea to start reaching out to photographers as soon as you have your venue booked. In our experience, fall dates are often the first to go—we’ve had some couples lock in dates 14–16 months ahead of time.
Booking Early Means More Than Securing a Date
It also gives you more time to build a real connection with your photographer (which we love), plan an engagement session if you're doing one, and talk through timeline ideas or lighting tips before all the little details start piling up.
Plus, if you wait too long, you might miss out on the photographer you really connect with—and honestly, that relationship matters. Your photographer is with you for so many moments throughout the day. Being comfortable together makes a big difference.
So... When Should You Book?
Here’s what we typically recommend:
12–16 months out for peak-season dates (especially fall)
9–12 months out for spring/summer weddings
6–9 months out if you're planning a smaller or off-season celebration
Shorter timelines? Still reach out! If we’re available, we’re in—and we’ll help you pull it together quickly.
At the end of the day, every wedding is different. But if you’re eyeing a fall date or know photography is a top priority for you, earlier is always better. We see the rush every year, and we hate having to send those “we’re already booked” emails—it breaks our hearts!
Hope this helps as you plan your day. If you have questions, even if you're not quite ready to book, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat and help however we can.
