How far ahead in advance did everyone book their photographer/videograper?

I knew exactly who our photographer would be so I booked her the same day we booked our venue which was 11/28/21. Wedding is 10/28/22.

The sooner the better, in my opinion! Photographer / Video was the second thing I booked! They typically just need a small deposit.

That’s VERY last minute. Most photographers are already booked for 2022. We booked our venue in September and booked our photographer immediately after. Like 3 weeks later for next October. If they’re very sought after they’ll be possibly already booked for 2022. Trust me we booked our photographer, videographer, day of coordinator, venue, officiant, DJ and our caterer in like 2 months and the down payments were killer 😅 and I just got a dress too. It’s rough but every one is very booked already for this year and even starting next year already

View Quoted Comment I had a budget of a few thousand for my photographer and then my top choice is costing me $7100 😅 brutal lol. $6500 for 10 hours and then we paid an extra $600 for him to bring a second photographer for 7 hours. We might pay $200 more for the second photographer for 3 more hours. I paid so much because I wasn’t going to do a videographer and then changed my mind and now I’m paying $3500 for a videographer. I’m gonna cry lmao

View Quoted Comment But looking at his pictures on instagram and his website they’re BEAUTIFUL

We’re getting married in April and I booked our photographer and videographer back in July. We only had to put down deposits to have them keep our date and the balances are due a few weeks before the wedding. I would suggest booking as far out as possible, because you don’t want your date to be booked!

Photographers book up very quickly if they are popular/quality, up to 2 years in some cases. Take a look at Instagram for your area and interview them ASAP to see if your favorites are still available.

My recommendation is to book the photographer ASAP! July is WAAAAAAY too short of a timeframe, I don't even think a photographer would book that close to a wedding. Our deposit was only $500 if I recall correctly. And my photographer said she normally booked her weddings a year in advance. Photographers are also a lot more expensive than you might think. I was hoping to pay less than $2000 but ended up about $500 over that. My fiance and I have very different tastes in photography so finding one we could agree on was worth the price increase.

I booked mine 2 years in advance. Some potential vendors have turned me down two years out because they're already booked for my date. I suggest booking immediately to find someone you're happy with and can afford.

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I agree with Lisa, start looking now. With your your wedding in Oct. some might not have your date available but don't worry i'm sure you'll find a few you'll like. However, you had have to hurry and book them.

Good Luck