When Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer? (The Real Answer)

You just got engaged. The ring is still catching the light every time you move your hand, and suddenly everyone has opinions about your wedding. Flowers, venues, DJs — the list grows fast. But there’s one vendor you don’t want to leave until the last minute: your photographer.

So when should you actually book? Not “eventually.” Not “when we figure out the venue.” Here’s the real answer, based on more than 25 years of shooting weddings across Toronto and the GTA.

The Short Answer: 10 to 14 Months Before Your Wedding

Most experienced wedding photographers in Toronto are fully booked for peak season (May through October) a full year in advance. If you’re planning a Saturday wedding during summer, you’re competing with every other couple who got engaged around the same time — and there are a lot of them.

At SIGS Photography, we typically turn away more than 40 weddings a year because we’re already committed to other couples. We limit ourselves to two weddings on Saturday and one on Sunday so every couple gets our full attention. That means dates disappear quickly.

Why Earlier Is Better

Booking early isn’t just about locking in a date. It gives you more time to build a relationship with your photographer, plan your engagement session at the right time of year, and coordinate your wedding day timeline without rushing.

Your photographer should be one of the first vendors you call — ideally right after your venue. Here’s why: your ceremony and reception times directly affect your photo schedule. Golden hour doesn’t wait for anyone, and a great photographer will help you build a timeline that protects the best light of the day.

What If You’re Getting Married in Less Than Six Months?

It’s not impossible, but your options narrow significantly. Most established studios will be booked, and you may end up choosing based on availability rather than fit. That’s not ideal for something this important.

If you’re in this situation, reach out anyway. Cancellations happen, and some photographers keep a few dates open for late bookings. Just be prepared to move quickly once you find the right match.

Peak Season vs. Off-Season: Does It Matter?

Absolutely. If your wedding falls between November and March, you’ll have more flexibility. Fewer couples book during winter months, which means more photographers are available and you may have more room to negotiate.

That said, winter weddings in Toronto and Southern Ontario can produce some of the most stunning photography — snow-covered landscapes, dramatic light, and intimate indoor settings. Don’t avoid winter just because it’s not traditional.

What to Do Right Now

If you’ve recently gotten engaged and you’re starting to plan, here’s your action list. First, set your wedding date or narrow it down to two or three options. Second, start researching photographers whose style matches what you’re looking for — not just price, but the way their images make you feel. Third, reach out for a consultation. A quick phone call or meeting will tell you a lot about whether this is someone you want by your side on one of the most important days of your life.

Don’t wait until everything else is figured out. The venue can sometimes flex. The flowers can always be adjusted. But the photographer who’s going to tell the story of your day? That person books up fast.

If you’d like to chat about your wedding date, we’d love to hear from you. Contact SIGS Photography and let’s see if we’re the right fit.