Planning your dream wedding means making a lot of decisions, and some of the biggest ones need to happen early. One of the most common questions I get is: “How far in advance should we book you?”

Let’s break it down so you can plan with confidence, and get the wedding photographer that’s the best fit for your day.

The Short Answer: 9–18 Months in Advance

Generally speaking, the ideal time to book your wedding photographer is 9 to 18 months before your wedding date. The more popular your date or location is, the sooner you’ll want to reach out. Saturdays in peak wedding season (May–October) tend to book fast—especially if you’re getting married in a popular area like St. Louis or planning a destination celebration.

If you’re planning a short engagement or elopement, don’t worry! You may still find availability within 3–6 months, especially for weekday weddings or off-season dates. You may just have to search a little harder to find the best photographer for your needs.

Why So Early?

Photographers typically only take on a limited number of weddings per year. That’s because each wedding requires so much more than just showing up with a camera. From pre-wedding planning to gallery delivery and custom albums, every couple gets a lot of time and energy, and that means our calendars fill quickly.

Booking early means you:

Secure your dream photographer before someone else does
Have plenty of time for planning engagement photos
Get support with timeline creation, vendor recommendations, and more

What Impacts Availability?

There are a few factors that can influence how soon you should book:

Time of year – Peak season (spring/fall) dates go first
Location – Popular venues often mean more vendor competition
Day of the week – Saturdays are top priority, but Fridays & Sundays are rising in popularity
Extra services – Want rehearsal dinner coverage? An engagement session? Book early to ensure availability for everything you want

Bonus Tip: Book Once You’ve Chosen Your Venue

It’s best to book your photographer right after you secure your venue. Once your date and location are set, you’ll be ready to lock in other key vendors–including photography, which is one of the most in-demand services (and obviously my area of expertise).

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been eyeing a certain photographer (hi, it’s me!!), don’t wait too long to inquire. Even if your wedding is over a year away, it’s never too early to start the conversation. My calendar fills up fast, and I’d love to hear about your day and make sure we’re a great fit.

Ready to chat about your wedding day coverage?

CONTACT ME HERE!