When to Book Your Wedding Photographer

When to Book Your Wedding Photographer in Sydney & NSW

If you’ve just started planning your wedding, one of the very first questions on your mind is probably, “When should we book our wedding photographer?”

It’s a smart question to ask early. Unlike other suppliers who can service multiple weddings on the same day, your photographer is locked into one couple per date. That means once your date is taken, it’s gone. If you’ve fallen in love with a certain style of photography – or a particular photographer whose work you admire – leaving the booking too late can mean disappointment.

The good news is that with a little forward planning, you can secure the right person to capture your day exactly as you imagine it. As a Sydney wedding photographer, I’ll help you learn how far in advance you should book your wedding photographer if you’re planning a wedding in Sydney or anywhere in New South Wales, plus some practical tips on timelines for different seasons and days of the week.

Why Booking Early Really Matters

In Sydney and across NSW, demand for wedding photographers follows strong seasonal patterns. Spring (September – November) and Autumn (March – April) are by far the busiest times of year, with couples drawn to mild weather, blooming or autumn coloured gardens, and the perfect golden light for photos. These months also line up with school holidays and long weekends, which makes them even more competitive.

Think of photographers like venues: both are “single-booking” suppliers. Your florist might be able to create arrangements for three weddings on the same Saturday, but your photographer can only be in one place at a time. If you’re aiming for a Saturday in October or March – the most sought-after weekends of the year – you’ll be competing with dozens of other couples for the same small pool of top-quality wedding photographers.

That’s why knowing when to book your wedding photographer isn’t just about being organised, it’s about making sure you get the photographer you truly want, not just the one who happens to still be available.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Here are the general timelines most couples in NSW should work with:

• Peak season Saturdays (Spring & Autumn) → Book 12 – 18 months in advance

• Fridays & Sundays in peak season → Book 9 – 12 months in advance

• Weekday or winter weddings → Book 6 – 9 months in advance

• Elopements or last-minute weddings → Book 3 – 6 months ahead, but you’ll need to stay flexible with photographer choice and style

On average, Sydney & NSW couples book their wedding photographer around 9 – 12 months before their wedding. That said, it’s not unusual for photographers to open their books up to two years in advance for especially popular dates. If you know you want to get married in October at one of the city’s best-loved venues, don’t hesitate – get in touch early.

 

Infographic: Most Popular Wedding Months in NSW

Here’s a visual overview of the most popular wedding months across New South Wales.

Notice how March, October, and November sit right at the top as the busiest months, while June and July are far quieter due to colder temperatures, giving couples more options and flexibility.

 

Infographic: Booking Lead Times by Month & Day

Here’s a practical guide to show you exactly how far in advance to book a wedding photographer in NSW depending on your chosen month and day of the week.

And here’s the supporting month-by-month breakdown so you can see the specific ranges at a glance:

This makes it clear: if you’re planning a Saturday wedding in October, you’ll need to book at least 12 – 18 months ahead. If you’re planning a Wednesday wedding in July, 3 – 6 months may be enough.

 

Some Photographers Cap Booking Numbers 

While we have provided some guidance for general booking time frames above it’s important to also know that most popular photographers will also cap their yearly or monthly booking numbers to ensure they don’t burn out and can give each couple the attention and care their day deserv es. So, even if you’re planning a weekday celebration or wedding in the low seasons – winter or summer, it’s important not to assume that you’ll have endless time to book your photographer. Even if your chosen photographer doesn’t have another booking on your exact wedding date, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll still be available – they may have already reached their limit for the season. This is why it pays to enquire early, no matter the timing of your wedding.

 

Final Tips for Sydney & NSW Couples

• Secure your venue first, then start the process for find and booking your wedding photographer (ideally within a week or two).

• Don’t wait on peak dates. March, October, and November Saturdays are the first to go, so if you are planning a wedding during book your photographer as soon as possible!

• If you’ve got a specific photographer in mind, add an extra 2 – 3 months to the suggested timeline so you can ensure you don’t end up disappointed.

• Even if you’re planning a smaller or weekday wedding, remember: the best photographers often book out well over a year ahead and most will even cap their bookings

 

Wrapping It Up

So, when to book your wedding photographer in Sydney and NSW?

• For most couples: 9 – 12 months before the wedding is perfect.

• For peak weekends in March, October, and November: 12 – 18 months is essential.

• For weekday or winter weddings: 6 – 9 months may be enough.

At the end of the day, choosing your wedding photographer is about more than ticking off a supplier on your to-do list—it’s about finding someone who can tell your story in a way that feels authentic, natural, and timeless. If you’re planning a wedding in Sydney or anywhere across NSW, don’t leave it to chance. The earlier you enquire, the more likely you are to secure a photographer whose style and personality align perfectly with your vision.

At Lonely Hunter, we usually book out due to the fact that I only take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure every couple gets the focus, energy, and attention they deserve. That means popular dates often book out well over a year in advance. If you’ve been wondering when to book your wedding photographer, consider this your sign to start the conversation today. Reach out, check availability, and let’s talk about how we can capture your day in a way that feels truly you.

👉 Enquire with Lonely Hunter