How early in the wedding-planning process should I book a wedding photographer?

If photography is very important to you, you will also want to book as early as possible to ensure booking the best photographer for your needs. If your wedding will be in nice weather, during a holiday, or on another popular date, you may want to consider booking your photographer as early as 12 to 18 months ahead of the date. If you have a favorite wedding photographer in mind before you have booked your wedding venue, you can call the photographer to confirm his or her availability before signing the contract with the venue. In any event, it is in your best interest to have your wedding photographer booked at least a year in advance.