When Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer?
One of the most common questions I’m asked by couples is, when should we book our wedding photographer?
My honest answer is simple, as soon as you have your venue and date confirmed.
Your photographer is one of the few suppliers who is with you for most of the day, capturing moments you can’t repeat. Once a date is gone, it’s gone, so securing the right photographer early removes a huge amount of stress later on.
Book Your Photographer Once Your Venue Is Confirmed
Venues usually dictate your wedding date, especially popular locations with limited availability. As soon as that date is locked in, it’s the perfect time to start booking key suppliers.
Photographers often book up 12 to 24 months in advance, particularly for peak season dates. Leaving it too late can mean compromising on style, experience, or availability, rather than choosing someone you genuinely connect with.
Why I Recommend Booking Early
Booking early gives you peace of mind. You know your photography is sorted, your date is secured, and you can move forward knowing one of the most important parts of your day is taken care of.
I keep my deposit at just 10%. (You can see the prices here) That means you can lock me in without a large upfront payment. I’ve seen some photographers charge 30 to 40%, which personally feels like a lot when you’re juggling venue payments and other big costs early on. I prefer to make things flexible and accessible, especially at the start of your planning journey.
My Recommended Booking Order
If you’re wondering what to prioritise, this is the order I usually suggest:
Venue – this sets your date
Photographer – once the date is confirmed
DJ or Band – popular ones book quickly
With these in place, you can relax. The foundations of your day are sorted, and everything else becomes far more enjoyable to plan.
Then Enjoy the Details
Once your venue, photographer, and DJ are booked, you can focus on the fun parts. Save the dates, guest lists, seating plans, outfits, and all the personal details that make your wedding yours.
Because your photographer is booked early, there’s also time to chat properly, plan timelines, and make sure the photography fits naturally around your day, rather than feeling rushed or squeezed in.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve secured your venue and date, my advice is not to wait. Booking your wedding photographer early gives you choice, flexibility, and peace of mind, all without unnecessary pressure.
If you’d like to check availability or have a relaxed chat about your plans, you can explore my recent weddings and get in touch via the website. I’m always happy to help, even if you’re still early in the planning process.
How far in advance should I book a wedding photographer?
Ideally, as soon as your venue and date are confirmed. Many photographers book 12 to 24 months ahead, especially for popular summer and weekend dates. You can see real weddings I have photographed here, so if you’re looking for this style, get in touch.
Is it normal to pay a deposit?
Yes. Most photographers require a deposit to secure your date. I charge 10%, which keeps things flexible while still locking in your booking.
Can I book a photographer before other suppliers?
Absolutely. After your venue, your photographer and DJ are two of the most important bookings to secure early, as both are limited to one wedding per day.