The best time to book your wedding photographer

Mayou Gagnon-Larivière
Oct 28
3 min read

Planning a wedding involves making many important decisions, and one of the most crucial is choosing the right photographer to capture this unique day. But one question often arises: when is the best time to book your wedding photographer? Here are some tips to help you determine the ideal time to secure this key professional for your big day.

Couple de mariés enlacés dans un parc, le voile de la mariée vole au vent — MAY Photographie at Code's Mill on the Park

1. Book early for the best options

The old saying "first come, first served" applies especially to booking your wedding photographer. Talented and reputable photographers are often booked months, or even years, in advance, especially during the high wedding season (typically from May to October). To maximize your chances of securing the photographer of your dreams, it’s recommended to start searching and booking as soon as you’ve set your wedding date and venue. From my experience and that of other colleagues, the majority of bookings happen around a year before the big day!

Couple de mariés qui se tiennent la main, la mariée sourit — MAY Photographie at Manoir Maplewood

2. Understand the peak and off-season periods

The peak wedding season generally runs from spring to fall. During these months, photographers are in high demand. If you are planning a wedding during the peak season, it is even more important to book early. The popularity of your wedding date can also influence when you should secure your photographer. Weekends, especially Saturdays, are the most sought-after days for weddings. If you plan to get married on a weekday or during the off-season, you may have a bit more flexibility. However, even in these cases, it’s best not to wait too long.

Danse père-fille entre la mariée et son père qui rit au éclats — MAY Photographie

3. Find the right style

Each photographer has their own style, whether it’s photojournalistic, artistic, traditional, or modern. Take the time to research different photographers, browse their portfolios, and read client reviews. Once you’ve found a few photographers whose style matches your vision, reach out to discuss their availability and rates. Be sure to ask your wedding photographer a variety of questions during this initial meeting to ensure you make the right choice. To read: 20 questions to ask your wedding photographer before saying "I do!"

4. Assess the budget

Your budget can also play a role in the timing of your booking. If you have a specific budget for wedding photography, start searching early to find a photographer who fits your financial needs. Booking in advance can also give you more time to save and adjust your budget accordingly. Tip: Some photographers may offer discounts for off-season, very intimate, or non-Saturday weddings.

Couple qui s'embrassent, la femme montre sa bague de fiançailles à la caméra — MAY Photographie

5. Plan engagement sessions

If you also want to have an engagement session with your wedding photographer, this can influence when you should book. These sessions are not only a great opportunity to get comfortable with your photographer, but they can also be used for your wedding invitations or wedding websites. Schedule this session several months before the wedding to ensure you have enough time to use the photos as you wish.

The earlier, the better!

In summary, the best time to book your wedding photographer is as soon as possible after setting your wedding date. By booking early, you will have a wider selection of photographers, be able to plan engagement sessions, and have more flexibility in managing your budget. Remember that your photographer will play a crucial role in capturing the memories of your special day, so take the time to find one who perfectly suits your needs and style.

Couple de deux femmes en robes de mariées qui s'embrassent sur un pont — MAY Photographie

For those in the midst of wedding planning, don’t wait any longer to find the perfect photographer. Happy searching and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!