How Far in Advance Should We Book a Wedding Photographer?
The moment you’ve said “Yes!” and started dreaming about your big day, one of the first things to consider is booking your wedding photographer. Securing the right photographer ensures that the memories of your day will be beautifully captured for a lifetime.
The Ideal Booking Window
At Hazel Eyes & Co., we recommend booking your photographer 9 to 12 months in advance, especially if your wedding falls during Michigan’s peak seasons—summer and fall. These seasons are popular for their stunning natural backdrops, ideal weather, and high demand. Booking early allows you to secure your preferred date and ensures ample time for planning engagement sessions, consultations, and timeline coordination.
For particularly popular dates or sought-after photographers, couples often book as far as 2 years in advance. If you’ve found “the one” for your wedding day memories, don’t wait—reach out as soon as possible to lock in your date.
Popular Wedding Dates in 2025
2025 brings a variety of memorable and lucky wedding dates, making it even more important to plan ahead. Some of the most sought-after dates include:
May 25 (5/25/25): A palindrome date, which is rare and symbolic.
July 4, 5, and 6, 2025: A holiday weekend starting with a Friday wedding, perfect for festive celebrations.
August 8 (8/8/25): Associated with luck and prosperity, ideal for summer weddings.
August 29, 30, and 31, 2025: A holiday weekend starting with a Friday wedding extends the length of a 3-day weekend.
October 5 (10/5/25): Associated with luck and prosperity, ideal for early fall weddings.
October 25 (10/25/25): A Saturday with repeating numbers, ideal for fall weddings.
October 31 and November 1, 2025: Perfect for couples wanting to lean into the bold Halloween or Dia de los Muertos traditions and decor.
December 12 (12/12/25): A Friday with repeating numbers, great for planning around the holidays.
December 31, 2025: New Year’s Eve, a glamorous and celebratory choice.
The dates above that are in bold are dates that are already in high demand and we anticipate fully booking out. If your date is in bold, I encourage you to reach out sooner rather than later as these dates will book quickly.
Notable 2026 dates include:
January 2, 3, 10, 24, and 25, 2026: Lucky start-of-year dates.
February 1, 7, 8, and 28, 2026: Known for good fortune.
March 6 and 7, 2026: Lucky and unique early spring dates.
April 3, 10, and 18, 2026: Great for spring weddings.
May 2, 8, and 30, 2026: Popular for their balance of weather and significance.
June 6 and 26, 2026 (6/6/26 and 6/26/26): Associated with luck and prosperity; a palindrome date, which is rare and symbolic.
June 20, and 21, 2026: Perfect for peak summer weddings.
July 3, 4, 2026: A holiday weekend perfect for festive celebrations.
July 10, 11, and 25, 2026: Flexible summer options.
August 1, 8, and 15, 2026: Late summer elegance.
September 5, 19, and 26, 2026: Beautiful early fall days.
October 2, 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2026: Ideal autumn vibes.
The dates above that are in bold are dates we are anticipating being in high demand and fully booking out. If your date is in bold, I encourage you to reach out sooner rather than later as these dates will book quickly.
Why Booking Early Matters
Availability: Top photographers tend to fill their calendars quickly, especially for high-demand dates.
Peace of Mind: Checking photography off your list early allows you to focus on other planning details.
Flexibility: Booking in advance gives you time to discuss your vision, schedule engagement photos, and finalize timelines.
Can You Book Last-Minute?
While we always encourage early booking, we understand that life happens. If you’re planning a wedding on a shorter timeline, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’ll do our best to accommodate your date.
Tips for Choosing the Right Photographer
Know Your Style: Review portfolios to ensure their aesthetic aligns with your vision.
Read this blog post about different photography styles to see what you like best.
Ask Questions: Discuss packages, deliverables, and any add-ons, like videography or albums.
Connect Personally: Your photographer will be with you throughout your day. Make sure it’s someone who feels like a good fit.
Don’t Wait to Book Your Photographer
Your wedding day is a story worth capturing with artistry and care. At Hazel Eyes & Co., we specialize in preserving your most precious moments with timeless photography. Let’s start planning your dream wedding today!
