If you’re planning a wedding for 2026 or 2027—first off, congratulations! It might seem like you have all the time in the world, but some wedding decisions benefit from getting ahead of the game. One of the most important? Booking your photographer.

So… when should you secure your wedding photographer for a 2026 or 2027 wedding? Let’s break it down.

Ideal Booking Timeline: About One Year Out

The sweet spot for booking a wedding photographer is typically around 12 months before the big day. This gives you plenty of time to:

Secure your ideal photographer before their calendar fills
Schedule engagement photos
Plan your photo timeline with your photographer’s input

While some couples may book closer to six months out—and yes, that does happen successfully—the risk is that your dream photographer may already be booked.

Book Early If You’ve Set a Date

If you’ve already picked your venue and set a wedding date, booking your photographer should follow close behind. In fact, many couples reserve their planner, venue, and photographer all at the same time.

Why? These three vendors work closely together and often impact the overall flow and experience of your day. Locking in your top picks ensures everyone is on the same page from the start.

Consider Season & Demand

Fall weekends in the Midwest (especially in St. Louis!) tend to book fast. If you’re planning a fall wedding—or getting married on a popular holiday weekend—it’s smart to inquire with photographers even earlier. Spring wedding dates can also fill quickly depending on the venue and size of your celebration.

Too Early? Not Really

While booking two years in advance isn’t typical, it does occasionally happen, especially for high-demand dates or destination weddings. If you’re the type of bride who’s already secured your venue and planner and just knows who you want behind the camera, there’s no harm in reaching out to get your name on the books.

The Bottom Line

If your wedding date is in 2026 or 2027, your photographer doesn’t need to be the first call you make, but it should absolutely be in the first three. Once your venue is confirmed, and your date is locked in, inquire with photographers you love. Availability can shift fast, especially for photographers who only take a limited number of weddings per year.

Still not sure what timeline makes the most sense for your wedding? Reach out early with questions! Most photographers are happy to chat through your timeline—even if you’re still finalizing a few details.

ASK ABOUT YOUR DATE HERE!