How Far in Advance to Book a Wedding Photographer?
Booking your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process. Your photographer is the only vendor who stays with you from the quiet moments of getting ready to the final send-off, and your photos become the lasting record of your day. Because of this, wedding photographers tend to book out farther in advance than many couples expect.
This guide breaks down exactly when to book, why the timeline matters, and how to secure a photographer whose work feels like you.
The Short Answer: 9 to 18 Months Before Your Wedding Day
Most couples book 9 to 18 months ahead. If you want to check your date, visit my Contact Page.
If you want a documentary or cinematic style, or you’re planning a Nashville or destination celebration, the earlier side of that window is safest.
Peak season couples
Spring, late summer, and fall Saturdays book fastest. Plan to secure your photographer 12 to 18 months ahead.
Flexible season couples
Weekdays, winter dates, and off-season weddings generally book well with 9 to 12 months of planning.
Booking early protects your preferred date and ensures you do not have to compromise on style or availability.
Peak vs Off-Peak Planning
Peak Season
April, May, September, October, and early November
These dates are in high demand and often reserved far in advance.
Off-Peak Season
January, February, July, August, and most weekdays
You may have more flexibility here, though booking early still helps.
If you’re unsure how many hours you need for your peak or off-peak date, you can review my Full-Day Coverage Page
Recommended Booking Timeline by Wedding Type
Local Weddings
12 to 16 months is ideal, especially for popular fall Saturdays.
Destination Weddings
12 to 20 months ahead.
Destination photographers often build travel around their calendar, so early planning protects availability and pricing.
Elopements or Weekday Weddings
6 to 9 months is usually enough.
These dates are more flexible, though last-minute bookings are sometimes possible.
For Nashville weddings, you can explore examples in my Wedding Portfolio to see real timelines at work.
Why Booking Early Matters
Photographers take a limited number of weddings each year. Booking early helps you secure:
• Your preferred date
• Your preferred shooting style
• Smooth and stress-free pre-planning
• Better alignment with your planner and venue
• A timeline crafted around your celebration
When you reach out early, you give yourself more of everything: more choice, more breathing room, and more confidence.
FAQ
How early is too early to book my photographer?
It is never too early. Many couples book 18 months ahead for peak dates.
Do I need my venue secured first?
It helps, but many couples reach out during early venue shopping.
Can I book last-minute?
Sometimes. Off-season and weekday dates are more flexible.
Do documentary-style photographers book faster?
Often yes. Their approach is specialized and high-demand.
How Many Photos Will You Receive?
Quick answer: 600–900 for full-day coverage.
You’ll receive a complete gallery that reflects your entire story, including candid moments, portraits, ceremony highlights, reception energy, and all the in-between details. The final count depends on your timeline, guest count, and how your day unfolds naturally.
I focus on delivering the images that matter, not overwhelming you with dozens of versions of the same moment. Your gallery is curated with intention so every photo adds to the storytelling. You’ll receive enough images to relive the full experience of your wedding day while keeping the collection meaningful, clear, and true to how the day felt.
