You just got engaged. Congrats! Now begins the whirlwind of wedding planning — and one of the first questions that comes up is: when should we book our wedding photographer?

Short answer: as soon as you have your date and venue.

Here's why timing matters and what to do if you're running behind.

The Ideal Timeline

Why Book Early?

Photography is one of the few wedding investments that lasts forever. Your flowers will wilt. Your cake will be eaten. But your photos? You'll look at them for the rest of your life.

Here's what happens when you wait:

• Your top choice books up. Good photographers often book 12-18 months in advance for popular dates.
• You rush the decision. Choosing a photographer should be thoughtful, not panicked.
• You pay more. Last-minute bookings sometimes come with premium pricing.
• You settle. Instead of finding someone whose style matches yours, you take whoever's available.

What to Do First

Before you start reaching out to photographers, you need two things:

1. Your wedding date (or a few options)
2. Your venue (or at least the city/region)

Without these, photographers can't tell you if they're available. Get your date and venue locked in, then immediately start the photographer search.

How to Choose the Right Photographer

Once you're ready to book, here's how to find the right fit:

1. Look at Full Galleries, Not Just Highlights

Anyone can put together 10 great shots. Ask to see full wedding galleries. That shows you what your actual photos will look like — the candids, the family formals, the reception dancing, everything.

2. Match Styles

Wedding photography styles vary widely. Some photographers are light and airy. Others are dark and moody. Some focus on posed portraits; others are documentary-style. Look at their work and ask yourself: does this look like us?

3. Meet Them (Even Virtually)

You'll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else. Make sure you actually like them. A quick video call can tell you a lot about whether you'll vibe.

4. Read Reviews

What do past couples say? Google reviews, wedding directories, and social media comments tell you how the photographer is to work with — not just how their photos look.

5. Understand What's Included

Ask about: hours of coverage, number of photos delivered, turnaround time, second shooter (if needed), and what happens if they get sick. Good photographers have contracts that cover everything.

What If You're Behind?

If you're reading this and panicking because your wedding is in 4 months, don't worry. Here's what to do:

1. Start reaching out today. Don't spend weeks browsing. Contact your top 5-10 photographers immediately to check availability.
2. Be flexible. If your first choice is booked, ask if they can recommend someone with a similar style.
3. Consider weekdays or off-season. Sunday weddings, Friday weddings, and winter weddings have more availability.
4. Check for cancellations. Sometimes photographers have last-minute openings due to rescheduled or cancelled weddings.

The Bottom Line

The best time to book your wedding photographer is as soon as you have your date. The second best time is today.

Your wedding photos are how you'll remember this day for the rest of your life. They're worth prioritizing early in your planning process — and worth choosing carefully.

Don't wait until it's too late to get someone you love.