How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer?
- Shawn Eastman
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
When you’re planning a wedding, one of the most exciting (and let’s face it, slightly overwhelming) parts is choosing your suppliers. From venues to florists, cake makers to musicians - there’s a lot to consider. But if there’s one decision you’ll absolutely thank yourself for making early, it’s booking your wedding photographer.
(Psst.. utilise this super handy wedding planning timeline from Hitched.)
As a professional Cardiff wedding photographer who has worked with countless amazing couples across South Wales and beyond, I’m here to give you the inside scoop.
This isn’t just about "saving the date" - it’s about securing the storyteller of your day.
Let’s break it all down with everything you need to know about when to book your wedding photographer, why timing matters, and how to avoid missing out on the one person capturing your most treasured memories.
Table of Contents
Why Booking Early Is So Important
Wedding photography isn’t just another checkbox on your wedding planning to-do list - it’s one of the most important investments you’ll make.
Great wedding photographers (especially those with a distinctive style and strong reputation) often get booked up well in advance - sometimes 12 to 24 months ahead. Once peak wedding season rolls around (May to September in the UK), prime dates disappear fast.
I’ve had 2026 enquiries come in before couples have even secured their venues - and honestly? That’s smart planning!
Tip: If your wedding is during a popular season, on a weekend, or falls on a bank holiday, book your photographer at least 12-18 months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Ideal Booking Timeline (UK-Based Couples)
Here’s a rough guide to help you figure out when to book your wedding photographer based on your wedding date:
Booking early also gives you the benefit of:
Locking in current pricing before any annual rate increases
Building a rapport with your photographer well before the big day
Planning engagement shoots or pre-wedding consultations with ease
What Factors Affect Availability?
Not all dates are created equal. Some get snapped up like wedding cake at a summer reception.
If any of these apply to you, book even earlier:
Popular venues that work with a select group of photographers
Summer weddings (May - September in the UK)
Bank holidays or festive weekends
Destination weddings (more coordination required)
Unique dates (e.g. 20/06/2026 - couples love a cool number!)
Can I Still Find a Great Photographer If I’m Booking Late?
Absolutely - but you’ll need to be flexible.
If your ideal photographer is unavailable, don’t panic.
Consider:
Weekday weddings, which are becoming more common and have greater availability
Off-season dates (October - March)
Asking for referrals - I have a network of trusted photographers I’m always happy to recommend if I’m already booked
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Whether you’re booking 2 years out or 6 months before, make sure you ask:
Are you available on our wedding date?
How far in advance do you typically get booked?
Can we meet or video call before securing our booking?
What’s the deposit and when is the balance due?
What’s your cancellation or postponement policy?
Need help asking the right questions? Check out my post: Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before Booking
Don’t Forget the Engagement Shoot!
An added bonus to booking early? You’ll have plenty of time to schedule an engagement session, which helps you get comfortable in front of the camera (and gives you stunning images for your invites or save-the-dates).
Thoughts from a Cardiff Wedding Photographer
If there’s one thing I’d shout from the rooftops, it’s this: don’t wait too long to book your photographer.
Photographers aren’t just turning up with a camera on the day. We’re working with you months ahead of time, understanding your vision, getting to know you, and making sure your memories are captured in a way that feels truly "you."
So once you’ve got your date and your venue? Book your photographer next. Your future self (and your wedding album) will thank you.
If you're getting married in Cardiff, South Wales or anywhere in the UK, I'd love to hear from you. Just head over to my contact page and tell me all about your day!
