When you’re planning a wedding, there are a lot of things to keep track of. One of the most important parts is bringing in a photographer to capture all the special moments. But with all the wedding vendors that you need to check off your wedding planning checklist, when should you really book your wedding photographer?

Hear the perspective of this humble photographer and allow us to guide you in finding that perfect timing when booking your photographer!

Your Wedding Date Matters

The best way to secure that photographer you’ve been eyeing is the moment you have your wedding date set. If you wait a few more weeks, you risk losing them to someone else, especially if your wedding is on a weekend or during peak wedding season!

12-18 Months for Popular Dates

If your wedding falls on a weekend, between June and August, or on a big holiday like Valentine’s Day or Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, photographers will almost certainly be fully booked! The best way to secure your wedding date is to book your photographer as early as 12 to 18 months! If you think that’s too soon, believe me, it’s not! Most photographers are reserved a year to a year in a half in advance, so anything later may slim your chances of securing the wedding photographer you have in mind. Additionally, booking them as early as possible will allow them to organize and prepare their strategy for your big day.

6-9 months for weekday weddings

If your chosen date is not a typical wedding date, such as the weekdays, you can book your photographer within the timeframe of 6-9 months prior to your wedding. I wouldn’t recommend anything later since you’ll still have to meet with them and talk about how you want your big day to unfold. If you book them later than 6 months, you’ll have a hard time squeezing in a day or two to get to know your photographer and vice versa!

Why You Should Book Your Photographer Early

Aside from securing their availability, there are many more reasons why you should book your photographer as early as possible.

You’re able to be acquainted with your photographer better

One of the best things about hiring a photographer early is that they have time to look at your ideas and help them shape into reality. They can make time for you and make sure that you’ll have a voice every step of the way. Booking them early would allow them to tailor your experience better and they’ll ensure that your gallery will reflect your wedding day the way you want!

You’ll Have Room+ Time for an Engagement Session

Engagement sessions have long been a staple in the wedding industry. One of the reasons why we highly encourage you to book your photography early is so your photographer can set an ideal schedule for your engagement session that aligns with your goals and vision! One of your goals may be to send your save the dates out in a timely manner! Another goal and vision you may have in mind is to capture your engagement session in a certain season! Booking your photographer early will allow your photographer to serve you well. It will help determine the process of your engagement session from the location to your wardrobe, and more!

You Can Save More

Booking your photographer closer to your wedding date might mean they’ll charge higher due to availability and planning. You might also have to pay them in a single payment contrary to an installment plan that might have been available if you booked earlier. On top of that, many photographers offer discounts and promos to couples that book them early! It’s true what they say about the early bird catching the worm!

Don’t Book TOO Early

Although booking your photographer early is preferable, reserving them 24 months or more in advance is not recommended. Photographers’ styles have the possibility to shift! This is very common among photographers in general. Keep this in mind when securing your wedding photographer early!

So there you have it! We hope we were able to help you decide when to book your wedding photographer! For us at Terrie Images, we prefer our clients to book at least 9 months to 1 year ahead since we truly value quality in our work, and giving us a lot of time to plan for your big day is the best possible way to ensure you’ll have beautiful photos in your wedding album!

Vendors

Venue: @theroyalcrestroom || Planning & Design : IG: @terrieimages || HMUA and Hair Pieces: @gadartistry || Florist: IG: @faiella.creations || Lead Photographer: @terrieimages || Second Shooter: @joygracephotography || Talent: Marquise: @w._marquise And @tatichiriv || Rentals: @rebeccarentals || Cake: IG: @sugar_dreams_by_dessy || Place Settings/stationery: IG: @boxedweddinginvitations || Charcuterie Board: IG: @sabrina.g.lewis ||
Bridal Gowns: @nicolemareebridal ||Tux: @generationtux