How Far in Advance Should You Book a Wedding Videographe
You've set a date, started your venue search, and maybe even started pinning inspiration. But when exactly should wedding videography make it onto your booking checklist? The answer might surprise you.
The short answer: as soon as you've locked in your venue — and ideally 12 to 18 months before your wedding day. Here's why that window matters, and what happens if you're working with less time.
According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average engagement lasts 15 months — with serious wedding planning kicking off about 12 months before the big day. That means the competition for top vendors starts early.
Why Wedding Videographers Book Up So Fast
Unlike some vendors who can take on multiple clients in a day, a wedding videographer can only be in one place at a time. On any given Saturday in peak season, a sought-after studio might turn away five couples for every one they book.
Add to that the reality that most couples get engaged in the fall and winter — meaning January through March sees a massive surge in vendor inquiries — and you start to understand why the best videographers fill their calendars quickly.
Popular wedding months like May, June, September, and October tend to book up first, often a full year or more in advance. In fact, October is the single most popular month to get married in the US — followed closely by September and June — which is exactly why those dates go fast.
The Ideal Booking Timeline
12–18 Months Out: The Sweet Spot
This is the ideal window for most couples. Booking this far out gives you access to the full roster of videographers in your market, the ability to compare studios without feeling rushed, and time to align your video style with your overall wedding vision.
If your wedding is on a Saturday in June or October, treat 12–18 months as your target — not just a suggestion.
9–12 Months Out: Still Solid
You're in good shape here, especially if your date is mid-week, a Sunday, or falls outside the busiest months. You'll still have strong options, but the most in-demand studios may already have your date spoken for — so don't delay once you start researching.
6–9 Months Out: Move Quickly
You can absolutely still find a talented videographer in this window, but you'll need to be decisive. Have your questions ready, watch reels before your first call, and be prepared to book within a few days of connecting with someone you love.
Less Than 6 Months Out: It Happens
Short engagements are more common than people think, and experienced studios understand that. Reach out anyway — cancellations happen, and some videographers keep a short list of couples they'd accommodate on shorter notice. Be upfront about your timeline and you may be pleasantly surprised.
What to Have Ready When You Reach Out
When you're ready to contact a videographer, having a few key details on hand will speed up the process significantly:
• Your wedding date and ceremony start time
• Your venue name and location
• An approximate guest count
• A sense of your video style preference — cinematic, documentary, or a blend
• Your overall budget range for videography
You don't need to have everything figured out. A good videographer will help you work through the details. But the more context you can share upfront, the faster they can confirm availability and put together the right package for you.
Does It Matter If You Book the Photographer First?
Many couples ask whether they should lock in their photographer before their videographer, or vice versa. The honest answer: book whichever you connect with first. That said, The Knot's data shows 82% of couples hire their venue first, then move to photographers and videographers — so once your venue is locked, your visual team should be next on the list.
That said, there's real value in having your photo and video teams work well together. Some studios offer both services, which naturally keeps communication seamless. If you're booking separately, let both vendors know who the other is — it helps with coordination on the day.
Signs You've Waited Too Long
Here are a few red flags that you may be running out of time:
• Multiple studios have told you your date is already booked
• You're getting quotes that feel misaligned with the quality you're seeing in their work
• You're feeling pressured to book someone you're not fully excited about
If any of these apply, pause and refocus. It's better to take a few extra days to find someone whose work genuinely moves you than to book out of urgency and regret it later.
A Note from Mora Media
At Mora Media, we serve couples across New Jersey, Philadelphia, Long Island, and beyond — and our calendar fills up quickly, especially for peak-season Saturdays. If you have a date in mind, we'd love to check availability and chat about what we can create together.
Reach out early — even if your wedding is still a year and a half away. A quick conversation never hurts, and it could save you from scrambling later.