Wedding season is approaching, and if you’re a wedding photographer or own a wedding photography business, you need a solid contract to use with clients! Today I’m sharing 3 things to include in a wedding photographer contract for day-of photography.
3 Things to Include in a Wedding Photographer Contract
There are, of course, other items that should be included in a wedding photographer contract, but today I’m touching on three of the most important. To check out a full list of what should be included in a wedding planner contract, take a look at my Wedding Day Photography Contract Template. I also draft custom engagement photography session contracts as well as wedding day photography contracts. Feel free to email me at [email protected] for more information!
Session Fees and Payment
Outside of including the date of the actual wedding in the contract, the session fees and payment schedule are the most important items to include in a wedding photographer contract. All payment details regarding what the couple owes you for the photography services and when those payments are due should be included.
Most wedding photographer contracts that I’ve dealt with include two payments: one at the time of booking and one a few weeks before the wedding date. The initial payment ensures that the couple is on your calendar and ensures that the couple is committed to having you as the wedding photographer. Requiring the final payment (and all payments) be made prior to the wedding date is also essential. It ensures that you will be paid for your work.
Rescheduling and Cancelation Policies
Life happens and sometimes weddings are postponed, rescheduled, or even called off. It’s important that you include specific language in your wedding photographer contract that addresses what happens if any of these scenarios pop up. This section should include details addressing the amount of advance notice the couple must provide in order to receive any type of refund, whether or not you allow any refunds at all, and whether or not you allow funds to be transferred to other dates.
It’s important to outline this section in as much detail as possible so that the couple is aware of what fees they might be on the hook for if they reschedule or cancel the wedding after booking the photography services.
Editing and Turnaround Time
As the photographer, you want to give the couple ample notice of your editing timeline and turnaround time. This ensures that all parties are on the same page regarding expectations from the beginning. It’s important to set boundaries and keep expectations at bay while still providing top quality service.
As an example, including language regarding turnaround time for sneak peek photos or social media sneak peeks and including a separate turnaround time for the entire portfolio of photographs is a great idea!
Have a specific question about wedding photographer contracts? Shoot me an email! And check out my carefully curated and easy to customize wedding photography contract here: Wedding Day Photography Contract Template.
