How Far Ahead Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer and Videographer?

When to book a wedding photographer and videographer? Start looking 12 to 18 months before your wedding. That is the short answer, and it matters even more if you are planning a Saturday in summer or a celebration abroad.

We are Gemma and Stu of Wild Revival Photo and Film. Every year we meet couples who are a little surprised that their wedding is two years away and the conversation about photography is already urgent. Here is why, and what it means if you are getting married in 2027 or 2028.

Why the best suppliers book 12 to 18 months ahead

A wedding photographer and videographer can only be in one place on your date. Small, independent teams like ours give each couple real attention, so we only take a limited number of weddings each year. Once a date is taken, it is gone.

Most couples start with the venue, and the date follows from that. Photographers and videographers tend to be booked soon after, often within weeks of a couple confirming their venue. That is why the most sought-after Saturdays disappear first, long before the invitations are designed.

What you risk by waiting

Leaving it late does not mean you will not find anyone. It means your choices get narrower. These are the things couples most often lose:

• Your first-choice team. If you have fallen in love with someone’s work, they may already be booked on your date.
• Peak dates. Summer Saturdays and popular bank holiday weekends go first.
• Destination and multi-day weddings. Travelling to a wedding abroad means we need to plan the trip around our other bookings, so these need more notice.
• Time to get to know us. An early booking gives you space for a relaxed chat, an engagement shoot and plenty of time to talk through what matters to you.

Your photographer and videographer will be with you from the first look to the last dance. Having that relationship in place early takes one worry off a very long list.

Why book your photographer and videographer together

Photos let you hold a moment still. Film lets you hear your dad’s speech again and see the way your partner looked at you as you walked in. Most couples want both, and booking them as one team has real benefits.

The Photo Edit

The Film Edit

We work together on the day, so we plan the timeline once and stay out of each other’s way. You will not be asked to pose twice, and you will not have two sets of suppliers asking you for the same details. It is also easier on your schedule, which matters when you are already juggling the venue, catering and guests.

We know this from the inside too. Our own UK wedding, with around 180 guests, came together within six months of getting engaged, so we understand both the rush of a short engagement and the value of having your suppliers sorted early.

A simple booking timeline

Here is how we would pace it, counting back from your wedding day:

1. 12 to 18 months before: Confirm your venue and date, then enquire with the photographers and videographers whose work you love. This is the best window for summer Saturdays and weddings abroad.
2. Soon after enquiring: Have a call or meet up, check the packages, and book. Most couples feel much calmer once this is done.
3. 9 to 12 months before: Book your engagement shoot, and start thinking about the people and moments that matter most to you.
4. 3 to 6 months before: Share your plans, venue details and guest list, so we can build a timeline that gives you the best light and enough time for portraits.
5. 1 month before: Run through the final timeline, confirm family groups and relax. You will already have done the hard part.

What if your date is closer than that?

Do not panic. We got engaged, booked and planned our own wedding within six months, so we know it can be done. Plenty of couples book with less notice, and weekday, off-peak and winter weddings are often easier to fit in. The sooner you get in touch, the better your chances, so send an enquiry even if you are not completely sure of your plans.

When you write, include your date (or the dates you are considering), your venue or the area, and a line or two about the kind of day you want. That is all we need to tell you whether we are free.

Getting married in 2027 or 2028?

We are taking enquiries for 2027 and 2028 now, in the UK and across Europe. If your date is set, or you are still choosing between a couple of options, we would love to hear about your plans.

Get in touch through wildrevival.co.uk and tell us about your day. We will reply to talk through your date, answer your questions and, if we are a good fit, send over our packages. There is no pressure, and the sooner you ask, the more choice you will have.