How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer? (Nashville Wedding Photographer Guide)

How Far in Advance Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer? (Nashville Wedding Photographer Guide)

One of the first questions couples ask when they reach out to me is:

“How early should we book our wedding photographer?”

If you're getting married in Nashville — or honestly anywhere in Middle Tennessee — the short answer is:
earlier than you think.

Photographers tend to book far in advance, especially for popular dates, and the sooner you secure your dream photographer, the smoother your entire planning experience becomes. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about booking timelines, peak seasons, and how to avoid losing your preferred vendor to another couple.

So, How Early Should You Book Your Photographer?

⭐ Most couples book their photographer 12–18 months before the wedding.

But here’s a more detailed breakdown based on real Nashville trends:

• Peak season Saturdays (April, May, October, November):
  👉 14–20 months in advance

• Other Saturdays:
  👉 12–16 months in advance

• Fridays & Sundays:
  👉 8–14 months in advance

• Weekday weddings or elopements:
  👉 4–12 months in advance

If you’re someone who knows EXACTLY which photographer you want, booking even earlier gives you a huge advantage — especially since photographers take a limited number of weddings each year.

Why Wedding Photographers Book Out So Early

Photographers aren’t just showing up to take pictures — they’re one of the only vendors who are part of every single moment of your day.

Here’s why couples book early:

✔ You spend 8–10 hours with your photographer

Personality fit matters. Energy matters. Comfort matters.

✔ Your photographer helps design your timeline

Especially around lighting and golden hour portraits.

✔ Many photographers include an engagement session

You’ll want to schedule this months before your wedding.

✔ Photographers limit how many weddings they take

To keep each couple fully supported (and to avoid burnout!).

✔ Wedding dates overlap across venues

If you’re considering a popular venue, the date is nearly guaranteed to be in high demand.

Booking early = peace of mind + better planning + the photographer you really want.

How Nashville’s Wedding Seasons Affect Availability

Nashville has a very seasonal wedding market:

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Blooming flowers, perfect temperatures, and gorgeous light.
HIGH DEMAND — these dates disappear first.

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Hot, but beautiful.
Dates book at a moderate pace, especially June.

🍁 Fall (September–November)

The MOST popular season in Middle Tennessee.
Think: glowing leaves, comfortable weather, dreamy golden hours.
HIGHEST DEMAND — often books 18–24 months in advance.

❄ Winter (December–February)

Lower demand, but beautiful for indoor venues and moody portraits.
Great for last-minute bookings.

A Month-by-Month Booking Guide for Nashville Couples

This helps you visualize what “book early” actually means.

If you’re getting married in April–May:

👉 Inquire the moment you're engaged.
These dates are often the first to go.

If you're getting married in June–August:

👉 Aim for 10–14 months ahead.

If you're getting married in September–November:

👉 Expect to book 14–20 months out.
These months book faster than any others.

If you're getting married December–February:

👉 You may have flexibility, but 6–12 months is ideal.

Signs Your Photographer Will Book Quickly

If a photographer has:

✔ A consistent, recognizable style
✔ A strong social media presence
✔ Many weddings at desirable venues
✔ Multiple featured publications
✔ A backlog of full galleries
✔ A quick response rate
✔ A limited number of weddings per year

…they will book out FAST.
These are the photographers couples inquire about early, often even before choosing a venue.

What If You Haven’t Booked Yet and Your Wedding Is Soon?

Don’t panic — you still have options.

Last-minute openings happen because:

• couples reschedule

• dates shift

• photographers adjust their caps

• weekday availability is easier to fill

Even if you're getting married soon, reach out.
You may get lucky — or you may find a photographer who turns out to be a perfect fit.

Destination Weddings: When to Book Your Photographer

For destination weddings or travel-heavy weddings (Colorado, Arizona, Florida, The Smokies, etc.):

Book 12–24 months in advance.

Travel weddings require:

• securing flights

• booking accommodations

• adjusting seasonal travel schedules

Photographers often take on fewer destination weddings per year, so availability is even more limited.

Booking Your Photographer Early vs. Late: What’s the Difference?

Booking Early Gives You:

✔ Your dream photographer
✔ A more customized planning experience
✔ Better engagement session scheduling
✔ Time to personalize timelines, locations, and ideas
✔ Peace of mind

Booking Late May Mean:

❌ Limited availability
❌ Fewer experienced photographers still open
❌ Higher rates
❌ Losing the style you really want

Early booking is ALWAYS in your best interest.

Timeline: Here’s Exactly When to Reach Out

Step 1: Once your venue is booked

Reach out immediately — or reach out OFTEN even before you book a venue.

Step 2: Schedule a consultation

You want to make sure you connect with your photographer.

Step 3: Reserve your date with a retainer

Once your photographer is booked, they’re committed to you — and only you — for that day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Photographers Early

Can we book before choosing a venue?

YES. Many couples secure their photographer first to ensure availability.

Do weekday weddings book fast?

Not usually — but they are increasing in popularity.

Does the time of year affect pricing?

For many photographers, yes — peak season dates may have premium pricing.

What if we don’t know our vision yet?

That’s normal. Your photographer will help you shape your timeline and style.

Final Thoughts: When Should You Book Your Photographer?

If you want your top choice:

✔ Peak-season weddings: 14–20 months ahead

✔ All other Saturdays: 12–16 months ahead

✔ Fridays/Sundays: 8–14 months ahead

✔ Weekday weddings: 4–12 months ahead

Booking early means you get the photographer who makes you feel confident, comfortable, and excited — and trust me, that makes all the difference.

⭐ Ready to check my availability?

I would love to hear about your wedding vision and see if we’re the perfect fit.