Booking your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. Your photographer isn’t just someone who shows up with a camera—they’re there to capture the story, the emotion, and the fleeting moments you’ll treasure forever. To help you make the best choice (and get the most out of the process), here are my top tips on when and how to book your wedding photographer—plus how I make the process simple and stress-free for my couples.

1. When Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer?

The short answer? As early as possible. Many in-demand photographers book up 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season (May–September). If your wedding falls on a Saturday during those months, it's wise to make photography one of your first bookings after securing your venue.

Booking early means:

  • You get the photographer you really want.
  • There’s time to plan your engagement session.
  • You can build a relationship with your photographer before the big day.


2. Things to Consider Before Booking

When choosing your wedding photographer, think about:

  • Photography Style: Do you love natural, documentary-style images? Romantic and editorial? Make sure their portfolio reflects what you’re drawn to.
  • Experience at Your Venue: Has the photographer worked at your venue before? This can be a huge bonus in terms of familiarity with lighting, angles, and hidden photo spots.
  • Personality Fit: You’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer—make sure you feel comfortable with them.
  • Budget vs. Value: Look at what's included—are you getting full-day coverage, a second shooter, albums, or extras?


3. What to Ask Before You Book

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Some good ones include:

  • How many weddings have you shot?
  • Can we see full galleries from real weddings?
  • What happens if you’re ill on the day?
  • How do you back up and protect our images?
  • When will we receive our photos?


4. What I Do to Make Booking Simple and Stress-Free

I know wedding planning can be overwhelming, which is why I’ve made my booking process as smooth and supportive as possible:

  • Quick and Clear Communication: I respond promptly to all enquiries and keep you updated every step of the way.
  • Online Booking System: Contracts and invoices are all handled digitally—no printing or posting required.
  • Custom Packages: I offer flexible packages and can tailor coverage to your needs.
  • Help With Timelines: I help you create a photography-friendly wedding timeline to ensure we capture everything, from the prep to the dance floor.
  • Planning Resources: You’ll receive a welcome guide and helpful tips on getting the best photos on the day.
  • Pre-Wedding Catch-Ups: Whether it’s a call or an engagement shoot, I make sure we connect and you feel confident before the big day.
  • Videography partnership: Being partnered with an award winning Yorkshire videography - NL Videography, I can help you with full coverage on your big day and work seamlessly with a trusted supplier giving you piece of mind your day is captured the way you want it with no teething issues, and saving you having to shop around for video too.


Final Thoughts

Choosing your wedding photographer is a big step—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Do your research, ask the right questions, and find someone whose work and approach you connect with.

If you’re planning your wedding and want to chat more about how I can help capture your story, I’d love to hear from you.