Wedding photography contract

This document comprises the entire understanding between both the Clients (“Clients”) and [Photography Studio Name] ("Photographer").

Confirmation: The completed, signed "Wedding Photography Contract" and the booking fee payment are both required before confirming and reserving the stated services from the Photographer.

Consultation: This consultation typically occurs at the time of booking, but may also be conducted over the phone, email or via other correspondence. This meeting is an opportunity for the Clients to broadly outline requirements, identify important persons and discuss the wedding timeline. In addition, the Photographer may offer advice and provide recommendations to assist with day-of scheduling. If necessary, the Clients may wish to schedule a final consultation (about 2 weeks prior to the wedding date) to go over the finalized schedule and details of the day. 

Cooperation: The Clients and the Photographer agree to fully cooperate and communicate in an effort to achieve the best possible outcome within the understanding of this contract. It is recommended that a designated assistant (such as family member or member of the wedding party) be provided to the Photographer. The assistant will help identify key individuals that are expected to be photographed. The Clients also agree to provide the Photographer with sufficient advance notice of key events, thereby providing the Photographer with adequate time to prepare for events such as the bouquet toss, cake cutting and speeches, etc. Please note that some wedding guests will decline offers to be photographed. In such cases the Photographer will use his discretion but cannot be held responsible for a lack of photos of these persons.

Schedule: The collaborative efforts of the Clients and Photographer to plan and schedule photographic coverage of the day is designed to result in the production of beautiful photographs, documenting one of the most important days of your lives. Both the Clients and the Photographer are in agreement that cooperation, communication and good faith efforts to adhere to the schedule are essential to producing the best possible results. In cases where the wedding does not adhere to the schedule (whether from tardiness, forces of nature, acts of God, etc.) the Photographer will make every effort to compensate so as to make the best of the given circumstances, but cannot guarantee that the quality of the work produced would be as high as it otherwise would be, absent the scheduling delays, disruptions and changes.

Wedding Guests: Many guests will want to make their own photographs of the Clients. The Clients understand the importance of and agree to give the Photographers precedence over wedding guests in order to fulfill the requirements of this agreement, as described elsewhere in this document. The Photographer will not be held liable for missed photographs that are a result of interruptions and obstructions that interfere with photographing the day.

House Rules: Please note that photography professionals may sometimes be limited by rules imposed by registrars, ministers and venue management as to what can and cannot be done. In some situations there may be limitations on flash photography, and in others, photographers may be prohibited from working in restricted areas. In such circumstances the Clients accept that these encumbrances will restrict the quality of work produced. It is advised that the Clients make themselves aware of the rules of venues and officiants, and if necessary, negotiate for fewer and/or more favorable restrictions.

Copyright: The Clients recognize that the Photographer is producing works made for hire and that the copyright of all photographs is retained by the Photographer. Permission is granted to the Clients to reproduce and make use of the photographs under the following conditions. The use of any images by the Client is permitted provided the use is restricted to the Clients’ personal use and the personal use by the Clients’ friends and family. Prior written permission from the Photographer is required for any sale, publication or commercial use of the photographs.

Model Release: The Clients grant the Photographer and its legal representatives, heirs and assigns, the irrevocable and unlimited consent to use, publish and distribute the photographs of the Clients for advertising, editorial, commercial and any other purpose and in any manner, and to alter the photographs without restriction. The Clients hereby release the Photographer and its legal representatives, heirs and assigns from all liability and claims in connection with the photographs.

Limit of Liability: In the event the Photographer becomes injured or is too ill and cannot supply the agreed upon services as specified, the Photographer will make all attempts to find a replacement photographer. If the Photographer is unable to find a replacement photographer, then liability is limited to a refund of any payments received. The Photographer undertakes reasonable efforts to safeguard and prevent loss or damage to your photographs. In the unlikely event that images may be lost, stolen or destroyed for reasons in or beyond our control, liability is limited to the return of payments received for the services provided or part thereof according to the percentage of images supplied.

Booking Fee: The booking fee is a non-refundable payment and secures your reservation for the services of the Photographer on the given date. In the event of a Client cancellation, the booking fee will constitute liquidated damages and become forfeited by the Client.

We have read, understood and agree to the terms of this contract.