How Far in Advance Should You Book a Wedding Photographer?
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
If you've recently got engaged, Congratulations! Along with all the excitement comes one big question that nearly every couple asks:
How far in advance should you book a wedding photographer?
The short answer? As soon as you've chosen your date.
According to Bridebook- the average UK engagement now lasts 23.8 months. That means most couples are booking suppliers up to two years in advance.
And on a personal note as a Hampshire wedding photographer, I'm now (as of July 2026) taking bookings into 2028, and around 75% of my 2027 dates are already reserved. That's becoming increasingly common across the wedding industry, especially for photographers, venues and celebrants whose availability is limited to one wedding per day, and in my case one per week so there's enough time to edit!
If you've found a photographer whose work makes you feel something, don't assume
they'll still be available in six months' time. Check out my portfolio here!
Why Wedding Photographers Get Booked So Far in Advance
Unlike many other suppliers, your photographer can only be in one place on one date. Once that Saturday is gone, it's gone.
Couples are also spending much longer planning their weddings than they did a few years ago. Two to three-year engagements have become increasingly common, meaning photographers are booking further ahead than ever before.
If your wedding falls between April and September, especially on a Saturday, you'll be competing for the most sought-after dates.
Booking early means you can relax knowing one of the most important parts of your wedding is already taken care of.
Should You Book Your Venue or Your Photographer First?
Traditionally, couples book their venue first, as your venue determines your wedding date.
However, if photography is one of your biggest priorities, it's worth checking your favourite photographer's availability before paying a venue deposit. I have two weddings booked for 2027 where I was booked before the venue and the venue was then chosen based on my availability.
Many venues have multiple dates available, whereas your photographer only has one.
If you've fallen in love with someone's work and can't imagine anyone else capturing your day, ask them about their availability while you're still choosing between dates. A little flexibility could mean you get both your dream venue and your dream photographer.
Weekend vs Weekday Weddings
If your heart is set on a particular photographer have you considered a weekday wedding?
The office of national statisitics states that Saturday remains the most popular wedding day, accounting for 43.6% of all marriages in England and Wales. And I have to say from experience that this is still the case but...
Weekday weddings are becoming more popular, particularly Mondays through Thursdays. Not only are photographers more likely to have availability, but many venues also offer significant savings on weekday dates.
The same applies if you're planning outside peak wedding season.
While April through September remains the busiest period for weddings in the UK, autumn and winter weddings have their own magic. Beautiful golden leaves, cosy candlelit receptions and dramatic skies create photographs that feel completely different from a midsummer wedding and you'll often find there's much greater supplier availability too.
If you're flexible with your date, you'll usually have far more choice.
Booking Early Can Save You Money
One thing many couples don't consider is that wedding photography prices naturally increase over time.
As photographers gain more experience, invest in better equipment, undertake further training and refine their service, their pricing often reflects that growth.
When you book early, your price is secured. For reference here, my price has increased by around £100 a year since I first began.
Whether your wedding is in one year or three years, your photography package is locked in at the price you booked, even if prices increase before your wedding day.
It's one of the few wedding suppliers where booking early can genuinely save you hundreds of pounds.
Make Sure Everything Is Watertight
Price and style are important, but so is peace of mind. Paying someone a lot of money a long way in advance is scary and I think before booking any wedding supplier, it's worth asking a few practical questions.
Do they provide a professional contract?
How much is the booking fee? (For my weddings, it's 30% to secure your date, with the remaining balance due closer to the wedding.)
What happens if they're ill?
Do they carry professional insurance?
Are they a member of any recognised professional photography organisations?
Do they have backup cameras, lenses and memory cards?
How are your images backed up after the wedding?
A professional photographer should have clear answers to all of these questions. You aren't simply paying for beautiful photographs, you're investing in experience, preparation and multiple layers of backup so that your memories are protected no matter what.
When Should You Actually Book Your Wedding Photographer?
Getting married in the South East of England? The South East hosts more weddings than any other UK region, accounting for 16.4% of all marriages, making Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire particularly competitive areas for popular suppliers according to the office of national statistics.
As a general guide:
18–36 months before: Ideal for popular photographers, Saturday weddings and peak season dates.
12–18 months before: Still a great timeframe, but availability will begin to narrow.
6–12 months before: You'll still have options, but your favourite photographer may already be booked.
Less than 6 months: Absolutely possible, particularly for weekday or off-season weddings, but you'll need to be more flexible.
The earlier you start looking, the more choice you'll have.
Thinking About Booking?
If you're planning your wedding and wondering whether your date is available, I'd love to hear from you.
My approach combines natural documentary photography with gentle guidance whenever you need it, so you can spend your wedding day enjoying yourselves rather than worrying about the camera.
You can explore exactly what's included in each collection, view pricing and frequently asked questions in my package guide here:
If your wedding is in 2027 or 2028, I'd recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later. Even if you're only at the beginning of planning, securing your photographer early gives you one less thing to think about and ensures the person whose work you love is there to tell your story.
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