When Do I Need to Book My Wedding Photographer?
Now, this is a great question, and not necessarily one that I can give a definitive answer to. But let’s open the space for a discussion!
So, picture this: you’ve just got engaged, congratulations!
Now you’re heading into full on planning mode, with a tonne of hints and tips telling you what you need to do and in what order. But it can all get a bit confusing, right?
What should you book first for your wedding?
The lowdown of wedding planning is that there are a couple of big things you need to secure first:
Your wedding date
Your wedding venue
Everything else thereafter is pretty dependent on those two things.
Generally, what comes next is formalising your ceremony. Will it be at your venue, or perhaps separately in a church? Will it be led by a registrar or a celebrant? Both of these options will need to be booked and planned into your day.
Then, after this, it’s supplier time!
That’s where I come in…
When should I book my wedding photographer?
Photographers are generally one of the first big suppliers you book once you’ve chosen your wedding date and venue.
But why is this?
Wedding photographers and videographers can get booked up well in advance because they are often among the first suppliers couples book after securing their date and ceremony arrangements.
This means that if you have a particular photographer in mind, it’s worth getting in touch sooner rather than later.
But does this mean you have to book your wedding photographer years in advance?
No. That’s the simple answer.
How far in advance should you book a wedding photographer?
I’m seeing a shift in couples not necessarily booking their weddings years in advance, which in turn means enquiries are happening with less notice.
Every wedding photographer runs their business slightly differently. Some may take on a larger number of weddings each year, while others deliberately limit the number of weddings they photograph.
There’s no right or wrong way to run a photography business, but it does mean that how far in advance you need to book your photographer can vary.
For example, if your chosen photographer only takes on 10 weddings a year, there’s naturally less chance of them having availability if you leave it until the last minute.
On the other hand, a photographer who takes on more weddings each year may have greater availability closer to your wedding date.
There’s also the simple fact that your favourite photographer might be someone else's favourite photographer too!
So, if you’ve found someone whose style you absolutely love, it’s worth getting in touch to see if they have your date available rather than assuming you have to wait until a certain point to book.
So, when do I need to book my wedding photographer?
As soon as possible once you know your wedding date and venue.
Whether that’s two years in advance or six months before your wedding, getting in touch early gives you the best chance of securing your number-one choice of photographer.
And if your wedding is only a few months away? Don’t panic!
It’s always worth asking. Photographers can have cancellations, dates may still be available, and not every couple books their photographer years in advance.
Your wedding photographer is responsible for capturing your day and helping to immortalise those memories for years to come, so finding someone whose work you love, and whose personality you get along with, is worth making a priority.
If after all that chat, you're still wondering whether you should be filling out my contact form, you absolutely should: here it is:
So, get searching, send those enquiries and start doing a happy dance for another big tick off the wedding planning list!
Happy wedding planning!
Lucy x
FAQSs
How early is too early to book a wedding photographer?
There’s no such thing as too early if you’ve found a photographer you love and they’re already taking bookings for your wedding date. Booking early simply gives you the best chance of securing your first choice.
Is 6 months too late to book a wedding photographer?
Not necessarily! Some photographers will already be fully booked, while others may still have plenty of availability. It’s always worth asking your preferred photographer rather than assuming they won’t be available.
Do I need to book my wedding photographer before my venue?
I’d recommend choosing your venue and wedding date first, as your photographer needs to know where and when your wedding is taking place. Once those are confirmed, photography can be one of the next suppliers on your list.
When should I book my wedding videographer?
The same principle applies to videography. If you have a particular videographer whose work you love, it’s worth enquiring as soon as your wedding date and venue are confirmed, as popular dates can book up well in advance.
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