Planning your wedding is such an exciting journey — but with so many vendors to book, it can be hard to know where to start. One of the most common questions I get as a Tallahassee wedding photographer is: “When should we book our wedding photographer?”

The short answer: as early as possible — ideally 9 to 12 months before your wedding day. But the right timing can depend on your date, season, and the style of photography you love. Let’s dive into what you need to know.

Why Booking Early Matters

Your wedding photos are one of the few things that last long after the cake is gone and the flowers fade. Photographers often book only a limited number of weddings per year to ensure each couple receives their full attention and care.

If you’re getting married during peak wedding season in Florida — typically March through May and October through November — photographers’ calendars can fill up quickly. Booking early ensures you get your first-choice photographer rather than settling for someone with availability.

The Ideal Timeline for Booking

Here’s a general guide for when to reach out and secure your wedding photographer:

• 16–18 Months Before: Start researching photographers whose style fits your vision. Browse galleries, read reviews, and inquire about pricing and availability.

• 12–18 Months Before: Book your photographer! This is the sweet spot for most couples, giving you plenty of time to plan your engagement session and work together on your wedding timeline.

• 6–9 Months Before: If you’re planning a shorter engagement, book as soon as possible. Many photographers can still accommodate you, but popular dates may be gone.

• Less Than 6 Months Before: Don’t panic if your wedding is coming up fast — reach out anyway! You might get lucky with an available date or a cancellation.

How Engagement Sessions Fit Into the Timeline

Most wedding photographers include or offer engagement sessions in their packages. These sessions are not only a fun way to celebrate your engagement, but they also help you get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.

Booking your photographer early gives you flexibility to plan this session during your favorite season — whether that’s spring blooms, golden summer light, or cozy fall colors in Tallahassee’s natural beauty.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

When you’re ready to inquire, here are a few key questions to ask your potential photographer:

• Are you available on our date?

• What is your typical turnaround time for photos? (I try to get full galleries back as quickly as possible but I would say 3 weeks is my standard turnaround time)

• Do you include an engagement session? (My most popular package comes with an engagement session included and I also have it as an add on in my a-la-carte section so it can be added to any package)

• How do you help with wedding day timelines? (I help create wedding day timelines for all of my clients! In the past, I was a wedding planner and I have created hundreds of wedding day timelines and I love offering this as a added benefit to my clients!)

• How many hours of coverage do you recommend? (I offer packages for 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours but I would say 8 hours is the sweet spot)

These questions will help you get a feel for not only their packages but also their personality and process — which is just as important.

What If You’re Planning a Destination or 30A Wedding?

For couples planning destination weddings or celebrations in 30A, Rosemary Beach, or Destin, I always suggest booking at least 12–18 months in advance. Travel logistics and coastal wedding season dates can make availability more limited, so getting on your photographer’s calendar early is key.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding photos will tell the story of your day — the laughter, tears, and tiny moments you’ll want to relive for decades. By booking your photographer early, you’ll secure peace of mind and have time to build a relationship with the person capturing it all.

If you’re engaged and planning your Tallahassee or North Florida wedding, I’d love to chat about your day and help you create timeless images you’ll cherish forever.

👉 Inquire about your wedding date here.

Author Bio:
Hi, I’m Lauren Taylor — a Tallahassee wedding photographer capturing heartfelt love stories across North Florida and beyond. My approach blends timeless elegance with natural emotion, creating imagery that feels authentic and true to you. Ready to chat about your day? Inquire here.