When should I start to think about hiring a photographer?

Easily up to 12-18 months in advance.

Most photographers will need a deposit and agreement to hold your weeding date for you. That doesn't mean you can't start looking for a photographer as soon as possible. You will find some photographers are happy to discuss your wedding needs and this is really good to help you with your planning. However, you do need your date set and your venue confirmed for that date if you are serious about hiring a photographer. I hope this helps with your wedding planning.

Most of my clients book within 12-18 months of there wedding.

In saying that some are much longer!

One you have the date its best to start thinking about the photographer and also videographer if you are having.

It tends to be the venue, celebrant and then photographer- you want to make sure you can ge tthe person you love! and that is most suited to your plans!

Its such a shame when I get enquiries for the dates I am already booked!

Get in as soon as possible! 

Enjoy every part of the planning!

Madeleine 

As soon as possible. Your photographer will be with you for most of the day and can help you plan your initial schedule.

I would suggest that as soon as you’ve decided on a date, start contacting photographers,  ask for their packages and confirm if they are free for that date you have chosen. This way you can start a process of elimination (so to speak) and find the perfect photographer to capture your day.

As soon as you lock that date in, the first thing we suggest you book is definitely a photographer. Photography these days is such a massive part of your big day. These images are the one thing you can take away from the wedding and have them last you a life time. If you see a photographers images that you love jump onto that straight away. 

Photography should be the first thing you lock in after your venue is booked - I find popular wedding dates in the spring / early summer book out at least a year to eighteen months in advance. All the best! Ruth

Great question !

It all depends what time of year. Spring/Summer are peak periods and the week end slots disappear fast -  so its' worth booking in a fav phtogographer 6+ months in advance.

In winter and if your wedding is a week day, photgoraphers tend to be more easliy avialble so less lead time is needed.

Even if your photographer is availabe on the date you want, he/she will need time to recce the venue and talk to you about a  plan. Personaly, even for last minute bookings I'd like 2 weeks minimum to get everything lined up correctly.

Most of our clients book us about 10-14 months away from their wedding. 

Hi CarliB

The wedding season fluctuates with the most popular times being spring and autumn. Given this photographers tend to book out rather quickly. If your wedding is somewhere within these times I would consider giving selection of a photographer priority day over something like dress selection. Having said this I encourage you to use the time you have and do a lot of research, check out a lot of websites and look for the style of photos that you are happy with that falls within your budget. Ensure a reputable company and ask to see more examples of their work. Meet them and make sure you get along with them and you get a good vibe. Short answer to your question is don’t leave it too late but don’t rush it either! Best of luck