(And Why Waiting Costs You More Than You Think)
You’re engaged, you’re excited, and—let’s be honest—your browser tabs probably look like a wedding-themed explosion right now.
Everyone tells you to “start booking vendors early,” but no one tells you how early… or what actually happens behind the scenes when you wait too long.
As someone who’s photographed weddings in Ottawa for nearly 15 years, let me give you the straight truth:
Your wedding photographer should be one of the first vendors you book—right after your venue and planner.
And the earlier you book, the better your entire planning experience becomes.
Let’s break it down.
Why Photographers Book Out So Early (Especially in Ottawa)
Ottawa isn’t Toronto.
We don’t have hundreds of full-time wedding photographers competing for every weekend.
We have:
- limited prime dates
- a smaller pool of true full-time pros
- a high number of popular venues
- and a wedding season that’s condensed into about six ultra-busy months
That means experienced photographers—people who can handle black-tie weddings, multi-location timelines, unpredictable light, and demanding family dynamics—fill their calendars fast.
If your date is in June, September, October, or on a long weekend, you’re competing with dozens of other couples starting their searches at the same time.
So… When Should You Actually Book?
Here’s the honest guideline based on nearly 15 years in this industry:
Book 12–18 months in advance for prime dates.
This includes:
- June
- September
- October
- Long weekends
- Any date at Evermore, Stonefields, Le Belvédère, or Fairmont Château Laurier
Book 9–12 months in advance for all other dates.
And if your wedding is under 6 months away?
You’re rolling the dice.
You might get lucky… but if you have a particular photographer in mind, you shouldn’t bank on it.
Why Booking Early Isn’t Just About Snagging a Date — It Directly Impacts Your Photos
This is the part most couples don’t realize.
Booking early doesn’t just secure availability—it gives your photographer the time and space to actually invest in you.
Here’s what early-booked couples get that last-minute couples don’t:
1. Priority on engagement session timing
Golden hour dates go first.
Cherry blossoms? Gone fast.
Fall leaves? Even faster.
Book early, and you get:
- perfect light
- prime dates
- full location choices
- the ability to reschedule if it rains
Engagement photos aren’t an afterthought. They’re training for the wedding day.
2. A custom timeline built around the best light
Light is everything.
Your planner creates the flow of your day, but your photographer designs the photographic structure of your day.
Booking early lets us coordinate:
- first look timing
- sunset portraits
- when family photos will run smoothly
- travel time between locations
- indoor backup plans
This is the difference between rushed photos… and intentional, beautiful ones.
3. A relationship that makes your wedding day easier
Comfort doesn’t happen overnight.
You don’t want a stranger showing up with a camera on the most important day of your life.
When you book early, we get to:
- build trust
- learn your posing comfort level
- understand your priorities
- prepare for any family dynamics
- make sure we’re fully aligned
This directly affects how you look in your photos.
When you’re comfortable, you look natural.
When you’re rushed or unsure, you look tense.
What Happens When Couples Wait Too Long
Let’s talk about the reality no one tells couples:
1. Your dream photographer is likely already booked.
Especially if they’re established, in demand, or full-time.
2. You may get stuck choosing based on availability—NOT fit.
And that’s how couples end up with:
- inconsistent galleries
- someone who doesn’t match their style
- a photographer who’s more stress than support
3. Engagement session options shrink to whatever’s left.
Middle-of-the-day sun…
An off-season date…
A location chosen out of convenience rather than aesthetic.
4. Your timeline becomes reactive instead of intentional.
When a photographer is brought in late, they just fit into whatever’s already planned.
You lose the chance to optimize your day for beautiful images.
5. You end up spending more—emotionally and financially.
Rushed decisions → regrets → album redesigns → reshoots → stress.
The couples who have the best experience are always the couples who book early.
So… When Should You Reach Out?
If you’re engaged now and getting married:
In 12–18 months → Inquire now.
Prime dates are already moving.
In 9–12 months → Inquire this week.
Availability is tightening.
In under 6 months → Inquire today.
You need to check availability immediately.
Why I Take On Limited Weddings Each Year
I don’t photograph 30–40 weddings anymore.
I cap my calendar so every couple gets:
- a tailored timeline
- fast communication
- creative focus
- dedicated support
- beautifully curated albums
- reasonable turnaround time
- and a photographer who isn’t burned out
This is the only way to deliver the quality and experience couples deserve.
But it also means dates disappear quickly.
If You’re Newly Engaged, Let’s Talk
I’d love to hear about your day, your venue, your priorities, and what you’re envisioning.
There’s zero pressure—just genuine conversation so you can feel confident moving forward.
Choosing your wedding photographer shouldn’t feel stressful.
When you book early, everything becomes easier—your timeline, your photos, your comfort, and your entire wedding day experience.
Let’s start planning something beautiful together.
