When you’re planning a wedding in Columbus, timing is everything, especially when it comes to booking your photographer and videographer. At Kodjoarts Videography & Photography, we’ve spent over a decade filming real weddings across Central Ohio, including venues in Gahanna, Dublin, New Albany, and Westerville, and we see firsthand how fast the best vendors book up.
We’ve worked with hundreds of couples who reached out early and secured their dream photo and video team, and just as many who waited too long and had to settle for whoever was still available. This guide is based on what actually happens in the Columbus wedding market, not generic wedding advice, and it’s designed to help you avoid one of the most common mistakes couples make when planning their big day.
Did you know that when to book wedding photographer Columbus services can make or break your big day plans? Actually, most professionals in our industry are booked 12 to 18 months in advance for popular Saturday dates. This timing isn't arbitrary—it reflects the reality of our thriving industry, which was valued at approximately $15 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $24 billion by 2032.
As experienced Columbus Ohio wedding photographers, we typically book up 12-20 months before wedding dates, especially for peak wedding months like May and October. This early reservation window isn't just a marketing tactic—it's a necessity in our field. If you have specific vendors in mind, we recommend reaching out at least a year before your wedding date, as professionals book up remarkably fast. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the ideal timeline for securing your photography and videography team, explain why timing matters so much in Columbus, and provide practical advice to ensure you don't miss out on your perfect wedding documentation team.
The timing of your photographer and videographer search can significantly impact your wedding experience. Let me share insights from my years in the Columbus wedding industry about why this timing matters more than most couples realize.
Your wedding photos and film aren't just services—they're the only elements that preserve your special day forever. Once the cake is eaten and flowers have wilted, these visual memories become your most treasured keepsakes. Furthermore, most professional photographers and videographers deliberately limit the number of weddings they accept each month or season to maintain quality and prevent burnout.
This limited availability creates a competitive booking environment, particularly for skilled professionals. Consequently, waiting too long means potentially missing out on your dream photo/video team or settling for someone who doesn't fully capture your vision.
Another overlooked aspect is the relationship-building time. Early booking allows your photo/video team to get to know you as a couple, understand your preferences, and prepare thoroughly for your wedding story. This familiarity translates into more authentic, personalized documentation of your celebration.
The ideal booking window depends on several factors, but generally, you should secure your photographer and videographer 9-15 months before your wedding date. Nevertheless, this timeline can vary based on:
In fact, many couples begin researching photographers 12-18 months before their wedding date. This might seem excessive, but it's not too early if you've confirmed your wedding date and venue. The photography and videography booking process typically includes:
Is it ever too early? Generally, you shouldn't book until you've confirmed your wedding date and venue. However, if you've found a photographer whose work you absolutely love, reaching out early to discuss their general availability is perfectly reasonable.
Columbus wedding photographers certainly experience seasonal booking patterns. From my experience working with countless Ohio couples, peak wedding season in Columbus runs primarily from May through October, with Saturday dates booking up fastest.
During these months, talented Columbus, Ohio wedding photographers often book 12+ months in advance for weekend dates. Meanwhile, weekday weddings face less competition and might allow booking within a 6-month window.
What makes Columbus unique is our relatively condensed wedding season compared to year-round wedding destinations. This creates intense competition for the limited number of perfect-weather weekends. Additionally, our vibrant arts scene means many skilled photographers and videographers divide their time between weddings and other creative pursuits, further limiting availability.
Remember that booking isn't just about securing a date—it's about finding someone who truly connects with your vision. By starting your search early, you'll have time to find professionals who not only have technical skills but also understand your unique love story.
Securing the right photography and videography team requires strategic timing based on your specific wedding circumstances. After years of experience in the Columbus wedding industry, I've developed this practical timeline to help you navigate when exactly to book your visual storytelling team.
For weddings between May and October—Columbus's prime wedding months—booking your photographer and videographer at least 12–15 months ahead is absolutely essential. This timeframe isn't arbitrary; it reflects the reality that the most sought-after Columbus wedding photographers book out 1–2 years in advance for popular weekend dates.
Throughout my career, I've seen countless couples disappointed because they waited too long to secure their dream team. Peak season Saturdays in particular often book 18–20 months ahead. Moreover, January through February represents the busiest inquiry period for wedding photographers, with newly engaged couples (especially after holiday and Valentine's Day proposals) flooding inboxes.
Essentially, this extended timeline gives you:
Planning a November through April wedding offers some breathing room. For these off-season celebrations, booking your photography and videography team 9–12 months in advance typically suffices. Likewise, weekday weddings face less competition regardless of season, possibly allowing for this shorter timeline.
Ultimately, this window represents what many professionals consider the "sweet spot" for booking. Even for off-season dates, this timeframe ensures you're ahead of most couples while maintaining your pick of quality professionals.
For intimate weddings, elopements, or very small ceremonies, you might successfully book quality visual documentation within the 6–9 month range. This timeframe works primarily for:
Be aware that even at this stage, you're entering what some professionals consider "late-booking territory". Although possible, your options will begin narrowing, particularly for distinctive styles of photography or videography.
Attempting to book Columbus wedding photographers within 3–6 months of your date comes with significant limitations. While not impossible—I've personally booked weddings just months before—this last-minute approach drastically reduces your options.
At this stage, your success largely depends on:
Remember that with such a compressed timeline, you'll need to move quickly and decisively when you find available professionals. Many photographers require deposits within 24-48 hours of expressing interest to secure dates, as popular dates can book within hours once inquiries begin.
Throughout all these timeframes, prioritize photographers and videographers early in your vendor selection process—typically right after securing your venue and date, as visual documentation represents one of the few elements that permanently preserves your celebration.
Before rushing to secure your Columbus wedding photographers, there are several critical elements you need to have in place first. These foundational decisions will shape your entire photography and videography experience.
First thing to remember, your venue choice must be locked down prior to contacting photographers and videographers. In fact, after hiring a planner, venue selection should be your next immediate step. This sequence is crucial since your venue determines not only your official wedding date but sometimes imposes timeline constraints or exclusive vendor relationships.
Once your venue is confirmed, your photographer and videographer should be among the very next vendors you book. Given that most photography professionals work solo and can only shoot one wedding per day, waiting too long could mean missing out on your preferred visual storyteller.
For Columbus couples specifically, venue booking typically happens 12-18 months before the wedding day. This timeline aligns perfectly with photographer/videographer booking windows, creating a natural progression in your planning journey.
Photography and videography typically represent 10-15% of a couple's total wedding budget, making them one of the largest expenses after venue and catering. Understanding this proportion helps set realistic expectations as you begin your search.
Based on current market research, wedding photography ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, with most Columbus couples investing between $2,000-$5,000. Meanwhile, wedding films typically run between $3,000-$6,000 depending on:
Importantly, be prepared to budget slightly more for videography than photography because video requires additional equipment and twice the editing time. For comprehensive coverage including both services, having a combined budget exceeding $5,000 is recommended.
Always be upfront about your budget when consulting with potential photographers and videographers. This transparency helps both you and them determine if there's a good fit without wasting anyone's time.
Many Columbus couples wonder whether to hire one company for both photography and videography or secure separate specialists. Each approach offers distinct advantages.
Booking together often results in savings of 15-25% compared to hiring separately. In addition, companies offering both services typically:
On the contrary, booking separate specialists enables you to:
If considering a company that offers both services, inquire whether dedicated professionals handle each medium separately or if one person attempts both simultaneously (which can compromise quality). Additionally, verify they're not subcontracting to untested vendors at the lowest rates.
Whatever you decide, both photographer and videographer should be booked shortly after securing your venue to ensure you don't miss out on your preferred professionals.
Selecting the right visual storytellers requires looking beyond availability and pricing. Once you've determined when to book, focus on finding professionals whose work truly resonates with your vision.
Highlight reels only tell part of the story. Always request to see full wedding galleries from potential photographers and videographers. This approach allows you to evaluate their complete work—not just their carefully curated best shots. When reviewing galleries:
Indeed, the best way to find your style is by immersing yourself in complete wedding films and full galleries. This comprehensive view helps you understand if their storytelling aligns with how you want to remember your special day.
Photography and videography styles vary dramatically—from documentary to editorial, cinematic to traditional. Each professional has their own "coloring style," so it's important to choose one that matches your wedding's aesthetic.
Pay close attention to transitions between scenes (flashy or subtle) and editing techniques. For videography specifically, notice whether professionals use directed poses or prefer capturing natural moments. If many shots show couples looking directly at camera, expect a more involved approach on your wedding day.
Through meaningful conversations, you'll discover if a professional is truly the right fit. Key questions to ask include:
Ultimately, these discussions reveal not just technical skills but their overall approach to documentation. Consider how they handle equipment questions and whether they explain their process transparently.
According to studies, 80% of couples find reviews very important in their decision-making. Look for specificity in positive reviews—what exactly did the vendor do to earn praise?
Check how recently reviews were written (70% of couples pay attention to this). Even if a vendor has a perfect star rating, actually reading about other couples' experiences provides deeper insight into what to expect. Above all, look for professionals whose client relationships appear friendly and responsive based on their review interactions.
As a Columbus-based photo and video team that works with real couples every week, we see this play out constantly. At Kodjoarts Videography & Photography, many of our bookings come directly from couples who took the time to read detailed reviews from past clients and felt confident reaching out because they could see how we treat people, not just how our work looks. Reviews don’t just reflect technical skill; they show how a team communicates, handles pressure, and shows up on one of the most important days of a couple’s life. That’s why we always encourage couples to look beyond star ratings and focus on real stories from real weddings.
As one of Ohio's most vibrant wedding destinations, Columbus presents unique challenges when securing visual documentation for your special day.
Columbus has evolved into a wedding hotspot, creating intense competition for quality photographers and videographers. Spring and fall represent our traditionally popular seasons, with venues booking up to 18 months in advance. According to The Knot, 43% of couples choose September-November weddings, followed by 28% between June-August. This concentrated demand means acting quickly once engaged.
Most photographers require a non-refundable retainer ranging from 20-50% of the total cost. This payment secures your date and compensates professionals for turning away other potential clients. In essence, these retainers protect both parties—giving you peace of mind while providing photographers with financial security for reserved dates.
Your photography/videography contract should clearly outline:
To clarify, contracts exist to ensure everyone understands exactly what they're getting without surprises.
Approximately two months before your wedding, confirm final details with all vendors. Prepare vendor tips in advance by setting aside labeled cash envelopes. For weather contingencies, develop a backup plan with your venue and communicate it to your photography team.
At Kodjoarts Videography & Photography, we provide both wedding photography and wedding films under one roof, making it easier for couples to secure a coordinated, professional team without juggling multiple vendors. Because our photographers and videographers work together on every wedding, we’re able to offer a streamlined experience, consistent visual style, and more affordable bundled pricing than hiring separate companies, all while delivering high-end, cinematic results. This one-stop-shop approach allows couples to book with confidence, knowing their entire wedding story will be captured seamlessly.
Securing the right photography and videography team remains one of the most crucial decisions you'll make for your Columbus wedding. Throughout my years capturing Ohio couples' special moments, I've witnessed firsthand how proper timing dramatically increases your chances of working with professionals who truly understand your vision.
Planning ahead offers significant advantages beyond simply checking a box on your wedding preparation list. Early booking actually provides peace of mind, builds meaningful relationships with your visual storytellers, and ensures you receive the highest quality documentation of your celebration. Most couples who wait until the last minute end up disappointed or settle for professionals whose style doesn't match their preferences.
Remember that Columbus wedding seasons create unique booking patterns. Peak season dates (especially Saturday weddings from May through October) require booking 12-15 months ahead, while off-season celebrations might allow a slightly shorter timeline of 9-12 months. Still, rushing this decision rarely ends well.
After securing your venue and date, make photography and videography your next priority. These visual keepsakes will last long after the cake is eaten and the flowers have wilted. Though finding the right professionals takes time and research, the investment pays dividends through images and films that authentically capture your love story.
Finally, trust your instincts when selecting your team. Beyond portfolios and pricing, personal connection matters tremendously. The best photographers and videographers become almost invisible on your wedding day while simultaneously directing just enough to create magical moments.
Your wedding deserves to be documented beautifully. Start your search early, ask meaningful questions, review complete galleries, and you'll find professionals who will preserve your Columbus wedding exactly as you've dreamed it.
Q1. How far in advance should I book my wedding photographer and videographer in Columbus?
For peak season weddings (May through October), it's recommended to book 12-15 months in advance. Off-season or weekday weddings may allow for a 9-12 month booking window. However, the most sought-after professionals often book 1-2 years ahead for popular dates.
Q2. What percentage of my wedding budget should I allocate for photography and videography?
Typically, couples allocate 10-15% of their total wedding budget for photography and videography combined. In Columbus, most couples invest between $2,000-$5,000 for photography and $3,000-$6,000 for videography, depending on the coverage and services required.
Q3. Should I book my photographer and videographer together or separately?
Both options have advantages. Booking together can result in savings of 15-25% and ensure a cohesive style. Booking separately allows you to choose specialists in each field. Consider your priorities and budget when making this decision.
Q4. What should I look for when reviewing a photographer or videographer's work?
Request to see full wedding galleries or films, not just highlights. Look for consistent quality throughout events, how they handle challenging lighting, and if they capture meaningful moments. Pay attention to their editing style and approach to ensure it aligns with your vision.
Q5. What key elements should be included in my photography/videography contract?
Your contract should clearly outline event details, package information and services provided, payment terms and schedule, copyright language and image usage rights, and cancelation and rescheduling policies. This ensures both parties have a clear understanding of the agreement.
About the Author
Kodjo Somana is the founder and lead videographer of Kodjoarts Videography & Photography, a Columbus, Ohio–based company specializing in wedding films, commercial video, and photography. With over a decade of professional experience filming weddings throughout Central Ohio, including Gahanna, Dublin, New Albany, and Westerville, Kodjo and his team are known for creating cinematic, emotionally honest wedding films that preserve real moments, not staged ones.
KODJOARTS VIDEOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY
6605 Longshore St, Suite 240, Dublin, OH 43017
