I'm Eric Goldstein, a Boca Raton wedding photographer. Here is when to book one, what happens after you do, and what to do if your date is closer than you'd like.
The Short Answer
Most couples book a wedding photographer 9 to 14 months before the wedding. That gives you a real choice of photographers, time for an engagement session, and no rush on the planning that follows.
If Your Date Is Within 6 Months
Reach out right away. I often have late-season availability that isn't publicly listed, so a quick email with your date and venue is the fastest way to find out. If I'm booked, I'll tell you early.
What Holds Your Date
A signed contract and a retainer. I don't hold dates informally, so until both are received the date stays open to other clients. The retainer is a percentage of your package and is applied to the final balance. It's non-refundable, because it reserves your date and covers the other bookings I turn down.
If you need to reschedule, I'll work with you to find a new date at no additional charge, subject to availability. The full terms are in the contract.
What Happens After You Book
- Soon after booking: we talk, usually on the phone, about your timeline and what matters most to you. If an engagement session is in your package, we pick the location and date.
- A week or two out: we lock the schedule, the locations and the shot list, and I coordinate with your planner and venue.
- A few days out: you send your family shot list and your point people's cell numbers. There's a printable family shot list you can use.
- The wedding day: I show up early and answer texts.
- Within 48 hours: a sneak peek.
- 4 to 6 weeks: the full gallery, typically 600 to 900 edited images, in a private online gallery that stays active for 12 months.
Decide These Before You Book
You'll want the date and venue settled, a rough idea of the hours you need, and a feel for whether you want video or drone. My guides cover each: how many hours of coverage you need, what a wedding photographer's price depends on, and the questions to ask before you book.
Common Questions
When should I book a wedding photographer?
Most couples book 9 to 14 months before the wedding. If your date is within the next 6 months, reach out right away. I often have late-season availability that isn't publicly listed.
How do I hold my wedding date with a photographer?
With a signed contract and a retainer. I don't hold dates informally, so until both are received the date stays available to other clients.
Is the wedding photography retainer refundable?
Mine isn't. It reserves your date and compensates me for declining other bookings. It's a percentage of your package and is applied to your final balance.
What if I need to reschedule my wedding?
I'll work with you to find a new date at no additional charge, subject to availability. The full cancellation and rescheduling terms are in the contract.
How long until I get my wedding photos?
A sneak peek within 48 hours, and the full gallery in 4 to 6 weeks. The gallery stays active for 12 months, and I can extend it if you ask.
Planning a South Florida Wedding?
Send me your date and venue and I'll tell you if I'm free. Get in touch here.