How Far Out Should You Book a Wedding Photographer?

If you’re recently engaged, one of the first questions you might be asking is: “How far out should you book a wedding photographer?”

The short answer: In Charlotte — you’ll want to book your photographer 12–18 months in advance. For popular wedding months like April, May, September, and October, dates can book out even earlier.

Let’s break down what you need to know so you don’t miss out on your dream photographer

Why Booking Early Matters

Your wedding photographer is one of the most important vendors you’ll hire — after all, they’re responsible for capturing every moment of your day. Unlike florists or caterers who can often take on multiple weddings per weekend, most photographers only take one wedding per day.

That means once a date is gone, it’s gone. Booking early secures your spot and ensures you have time to plan your engagement session, timeline, and photography details stress-free.

The Ideal Timeline for Booking a Photographer

Here’s a general guide for when to book your photographer:

• 12–18 Months Out: Best for luxury venues, prime wedding months (spring & fall in Charlotte), or if you have your heart set on a specific photographer.

• 9–12 Months Out: Still a good timeframe for most couples. Many photographers will still have availability for less peak weekends.

• 6–9 Months Out: You may need to be flexible on your date or photographer choice, but you can often still find great options.

• Less than 6 Months: Considered “last-minute” in the wedding world. Some photographers may be booked solid, but you might get lucky with an open date or weekday wedding.

Charlotte Wedding Season Hot Spots

In Charlotte, the busiest wedding months are:

• Spring: April, May, and early June

• Fall: September, October, and early November

These dates often book up 18+ months in advance — especially for luxury photographers and high-demand venues. If you’re eyeing a Saturday in October in Charlotte, don’t wait!

What If You’re Planning a Destination Wedding?

For destination weddings, it’s wise to book your photographer 12–24 months in advance. Travel logistics, visas, and vendor coordination all take extra planning. Plus, destination dates are limited since photographers usually only take on a select number of international weddings each year.

Signs You Should Book Sooner Rather Than Later

• You’re set on a specific date or venue.

• You want a high-demand photographer with limited availability.

• You’re planning a holiday weekend wedding.

• You want engagement photos taken during a specific season.

  
  

If any of these apply to you, don’t wait — reach out as soon as your venue is locked in.

Final Thoughts

So, how far out should you book a wedding photographer? The safe answer: 12–18 months in advance for peak season weddings, and as soon as possible if you have a dream photographer in mind.

Your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so give yourself plenty of time to secure the photographer who feels like the perfect fit.

If you’re planning a wedding in Charlotte or beyond, I’d love to chat about capturing your day. You can inquire here to see my current availability. Let's get in touch!