How Early Should I book a Wedding Photographer?

Question

How Early Should I book a Wedding Photographer? Simple question whats a good time frame I have a little over a year until my wedding (9.5.09)

Answer 1

6 months in the least or they may already be booked. You need to give it 8 months to a year in advance if you want a May or June wedding.

Answer 2

now.

Answer 3

ASAP!!!! The sooner the better

Answer 4

6 months before or even a year...

just my thoughts 'coz i'm a wedding photographer.

Answer 5

While your wedding is not during the most popular time of the year, I would still say that 6-12 months out is not unreasonable, particularly if you have a short list of sought-after photographers that you are interested in hiring.

I would certainly say that it is not too early to start shopping photographers, as in checking their prices and availability for your date, as well as looking at sample albums and portfolios to see what they offer.

Once you have determined which photographer you prefer to use, ask him/her how far ahead to reserve the date, and what type of deposit is required.

Until the date is set in stone (venue reserved, other services secured) you don't want to be locked in to a particular date, but I would think that the photographer would have some flexibility in dates ahead of time and try to work with you if you have paid an initial deposit.

I hate to even bring this up, but there was a question on here yesterday about returning gowns after a broken engagement--just keep in mind that all these services that you reserve ahead of time are likely non-refundable, so you need to be sure that the wedding is going to take place before you book and pay for lots of services.

Answer 6

do it now. if u w8 he may not b available. then keep calling & confirming so they don't double book! about once a month srating in june 09.

Answer 7

I booked mine a year in advance ( I am getting married 6-28-09)  and she told me she alrady has booking for 18 months from now!

My MOH booked hers already for October 09.

I would not wait. They pretty much can only do one wedding a day.

Answer 8

start looking now.  the earlier the better. you can book up to 2 years out with most wedding vendors.

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Answer 9

Book now!   For a good photographer, they are usually booking 12-18 months in advance, especially for summer weekends.  Most only take up a certain number of weddings, so even if they have that day free, they may not be willing to book a wedding on it if they already have booked up to their limit.

Good luck :-D!

Answer 10

I would check around now. It's best to reserve now and check back in 6 months and keep in touch 2 weeks before the wedding.

I ran into a situation for my sons wedding. I booked a photographer and 2 weeks before, I called and she planned a vacation on the weekend of my sons wedding, so....i called around and others were all booked. That's OK, because someone told me to look on www.craigslist.com and i looked under services and found a photographer for FREE. She arrived on time for my sons wedding and didn't charge anything and the pictures were beautiful. She took 246 pictures. The only stipulation was that she used some of the photos in her portfolio. Heck that was fine by me and my son.

Answer 11

At least 6 months in advance.  Depends on if you want a photographer that is in demand, then I'd say the sooner the better.  Some are booked years in advance.

Figure there are only 52 Saturdays in a year, when most weddings are held, and that doesn't leave much time.  Plus, most photographers also do family portraits, senior pics, etc., so plan ahead

Answer 12

You can book your photographer now. If you don't already have one in mind, it will take time to choose one. You should see their work so that you know if you like their work and they will do what you desire. Work out all the details, making sure everything that you want is in the contract.

Answer 13

I have mine booked and my wedding isn't till next october (2009) but the photographer is doing my engagement pictures too this September. Are you doing engagement pictures? If so book now, well anyway book now! One less thing, right?