How Far in Advance Should You Book?
The Reality of Booking Windows
Most experienced wedding photographers and videographers work 12 to 18 months in advance. This isn’t arbitrary — it’s because they genuinely book out during their preferred seasons.
For summer destination weddings in Europe, many couples start booking the year before. Spring weddings in Portugal or Tuscany can fill up 10-12 months ahead. Even winter months, once considered off-season, now fill 6-9 months in advance.
The point isn’t to panic if you’re booking closer to your date. It’s simply to understand that the best options disappear first.
Why Early Booking Matters
Booking your photographer or videographer early gives you choice. The best professionals in each destination have limited availability — they can only shoot a finite number of weddings per year by design. They want to give each couple their full attention and creative energy.
When you book early, you’re not fighting for scraps. You’re choosing from their full availability, which means you have more dates to choose from, more flexibility in planning, and you’re not stressed by the pressure of a ticking clock.
Early booking also gives your photographer and videographer time to truly prepare for your destination wedding. They can scout locations, understand the light at different times of day, build a genuine connection with you, and plan the details that separate a good day from an extraordinary one.
The Minimum Timeline
If you’re booking for a destination wedding, aim for at least 9-12 months in advance during peak season (May through September), or 6-9 months for shoulder seasons (April, October). For winter weddings or smaller destinations, 6 months can work, but earlier is always better.
That said, we’ve photographed destination weddings with shorter notice. If you’re flexible on photographers, or if you’re wedding is in an off-peak season or location, it’s possible to book 3-6 months out. But you’re limiting yourself significantly.
What Happens When You Wait
When couples book late — often because they’re still planning, uncertain about dates, or simply haven’t prioritised photography — they find themselves with limited options.
The photographers they love are booked. They’re choosing from the remaining availability, which may mean less experienced professionals, or having to compromise on creative style. They’re also typically paying more to bump up in priority, or they’re sacrificing flexibility in planning their day.
Late booking also means less time for communication, planning, and preparation. Your photographer doesn’t know your vision as deeply. They haven’t scouted your location. They’re approaching your wedding as one of many, rather than something they’ve been anticipating.
The Destination Wedding Factor
For destination weddings specifically, booking your photographer and videographer should be one of your first decisions. Before you book the venue, before you confirm guest numbers, lock in your creative team.
This is because destination wedding photographers and videographers need to coordinate travel, potentially spend extra time scouting locations, and truly prepare for the unique logistics of your day. They’re not just documenting your ceremony and reception — they’re becoming part of your destination wedding experience.
When you book early, your photographer or videographer can give input on timing, locations, and planning that enhances the final outcome. When you book late, they’re just responding to what you’ve already decided.
A Word on Flexibility
If you’re still in the early stages of planning and don’t yet have a confirmed date, that’s okay. Start conversations with photographers now. Tell them your approximate timeline and location. Many will hold conversations or even tentatively block time for couples who are in the planning process.
The key is to move quickly once you’ve confirmed your date. That window between confirming your date and actually booking someone determines whether you have the full menu of options or whether you’re choosing from what’s left.
Bottom Line
Book your photographer and videographer as soon as you have a confirmed date and location. For destination weddings, aim for 12 months ahead during peak season, 9 months for shoulder seasons, and at least 6 months for off-season or flexible timelines.
Yes, it’s early. But it’s the difference between choosing the creative team of your dreams and settling for whoever is available. For something as important as documenting your destination wedding, it’s a difference worth making.
