Of all the suppliers on your wedding list, videographers and photographers tend to get booked the furthest in advance - and for good reason. There's only one of each of us, and we can only be in one place on any given day. So how early should you actually book? Here's an honest guide.

The short answer: 12 to 18 months ahead

For most couples, booking your videographer 12 to 18 months before the wedding is the sweet spot. By that point you'll usually have your date and venue confirmed - the two things a videographer needs to hold your booking - and you'll have the widest possible choice of filmmakers still available.

If you're getting married in peak season (late spring through early autumn) or on a popular date like a bank holiday weekend, lean towards the earlier end. Those dates go first.

Why good videographers book up early

It's simple maths. A wedding videographer can only film one wedding a day, and most take on a deliberately limited number each year to give every couple proper attention. I'm the same - I cap how many weddings I take on annually so that each film gets the time and care it deserves.

The most popular dates with the most in-demand filmmakers can be booked 18 months to two years out.

That means the couples who book early get their first choice. Those who leave it late are often choosing from whoever happens to still be free.

What you need before you can book

You don't need everything finalised - just the essentials:

  • Your date - the single most important thing.
  • Your venue - or at least a confirmed location and rough timings.
  • A rough idea of your day - though this can absolutely evolve later.

You don't need your full timeline, your playlist, or your shot list sorted. All of that comes together closer to the day. Securing the booking is about holding the date.

What if my wedding is sooner than that?

Don't panic - and definitely don't assume it's too late. While booking early is ideal, plenty of couples book on shorter timelines and find a wonderful videographer. Sometimes dates open up due to cancellations. Sometimes a couple decides late in planning that they want film after all.

If your wedding is only a few months away, the best thing you can do is reach out straight away. The sooner you ask, the better your chances. I always do my best to accommodate couples on shorter timelines where my calendar allows, and if I genuinely can't, I'll tell you honestly rather than waste your time.

How to secure your date

Once you've found a videographer whose work you love and who's available, securing the date usually involves a booking fee or deposit. Mine is straightforward: a deposit holds your date, with the balance due closer to the wedding. I'll always be completely clear about this before anything is confirmed - no hidden terms.

In summary

Book 12–18 months ahead if you can, especially for peak-season and weekend dates. But if your wedding is sooner, get in touch anyway - it's always worth asking. The worst that happens is a date isn't free; the best is you secure exactly the film you were hoping for.

If you've got a date in mind, check my availability here - I'll come back to you within 24 hours, whatever your timeline.