Important note:
All text in this color will direct you to another page upon clicking.
Pin images to your Pinterest for an updated vision board.
Subscribe to our mail list for updates, discounts, and early access to our content.
Happy reading!
Starting your wedding plans? Let’s talk about the photos.
If you’re starting to plan your wedding and wondering where to begin, aside from your venue/location, choosing your photographer is one of the most important steps.
Your photos are what you’ll look back on long after the cake is gone and the dress is packed away. That’s why it makes a big difference to book your wedding photographer early.
Every couple plans their wedding in their own way. Some start early and follow every step. Others take it slow and make decisions as they go. Whether you’re mapping out a long timeline or planning something simple, it helps to know which parts of the day need extra time. Photography is one of them. It’s one of the first things that shapes your timeline and your overall experience. If you’re looking for honest, relaxed coverage, some early wedding photography tips in Canada can help you feel prepared.
Not sure where to begin?
Take our wedding theme quiz to start narrowing down your vision.
When should you reach out to a wedding photographer?
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you know where you’re at in the planning process.
This is something that often shows up on a typical wedding planning checklist in Canada.
For more guidance on planning, you can check out this post on planning your dream wedding.
Twelve to eighteen months before the wedding
This is the sweet spot.
You’ll have lots of choice, more time to get to know your photographer,
and room to plan extras like engagement photos in Ontario or a custom wedding photo book in Canada.
This also gives you time to get accurate costs of what photography will cost. Start with your top choice and go from there. Remember, you can adjust your budget in other areas to adjust for the photographer you're really drawn to and trust.
If you're doing to splurge on one thing, let it be your photographer!
You cannot redo these photos and you spend so much time and money planning - hire a photographer that will capture everything in a way that aligns with your vision.
Nine to twelve months before the wedding
Still a great time to book.
Some popular dates may be taken, but many photographers will still have good availability.
Six months or less before the wedding
Even if your date is coming up fast, reach out.
You might still find someone who’s available, especially if your wedding is on a weekday or outside of the busiest months.
Right now, we’re getting many inquiries for weddings in 2026. If that’s your year, now is a great time to start looking.
Why photographers in Ontario book up fast?
Weddings in Ontario usually happen between May and October. That gives couples a shorter season to work with, which means fewer weekends to go around. If you are planning in places like Muskoka or North Bay, the best dates can fill up quickly. It’s why booking your wedding photographer in North Bay or your Muskoka wedding photographer early can give you peace of mind.
This is also why many wedding planning online guides suggest booking your photographer right after you choose your venue. Speaking of which, choosing the right venue is a big first step.
For tips, check out how to choose a wedding venue.
Photographers do more than just show up and take photos. We help with planning, lighting, and creating a relaxed timeline that fits your day. You’re not just hiring someone to take photos — you’re choosing a partner among your trusted wedding vendors in Ontario.
For advice on how to build your wedding vendor team, this WeddingWire guide is a great resource.
Where photography fits into your planning steps
If you’re using a wedding planning free guide or following the basic steps to wedding planning, you’ll notice photography comes early. Once your venue and date are confirmed, your next focus should be on photos.
Booking early gives you more than just a locked-in date. You’ll also get:
- Time to plan your engagement photos in Ontario
- Help creating a photo-friendly timeline
- Options to include a second photographer or add film
- A head start on building your wedding photo book in Canada
- Peace of mind knowing it’s one big thing already checked off
- Time to ask for wedding photography advice for couples and prepare for relaxed, natural moments
If you want to see how this fits into an overall planning timeline, check out:
What if you're planning late?
If your wedding is coming up soon and you haven’t booked your photographer yet, there is still a chance. Sometimes dates open up, and many photographers for weddings in Canada are happy to help with weekday weddings or smaller celebrations.
Last thoughts...
Booking a photographer isn’t just about holding a date.
It’s about choosing someone you trust to document moments you can’t repeat. From the quiet getting ready photos to the in-between glances no one else notices, photography is one of the few things that lasts beyond the day.
Starting early gives you more space to plan, breathe, and enjoy the process. It’s not just about staying ahead. It’s about giving yourself the gift of time. If you’re still unsure, some gentle Ontario wedding tips can help guide you through the process.
Be sure to ask for a couple full galleries when inquiring with a photographer. Also ask if they'll be consistent with their editing style from the date you book them to the delivery of your gallery. You don't want to hire someone based on a current style and then they completely change it to edit your wedding!
Want to know what it's really like working with a documentary-style photographer? This post breaks it all down.
If you’re curious about preserving your memories after the big day, here’s a helpful read on what to include in a wedding photo book.
Don’t be shy to inquire. Your story matters, and photographers like us love hearing it!
I’d love to hear about your vision. Let’s connect and see how to make the day feel just right for you.
All love welcome!
Hi, I'm Sara, your Documentary + Traveling Photographer for the nostalgic + unrefined.
Me and my associate photographers are offering our services for destination weddings, elopements, intimate weddings worldwide.
DESTINATION WEDDINGS 📍Italy, NY, Iceland, Mexico, BC+
If you're interested in eloping or having an intimate wedding, let's connect and get planning!