Wedding photography contract template
Wedding contracts protect the couple's once-only day and your calendar. This version covers the things that actually cause problems: dates that move, overtime, and who can post the photos.
The template
1. Event and coverage[Date], [venue(s)]. Coverage from [time] to [time] ([8] hours) by [Photographer] [and one second shooter]. Additional hours on the day are billed at [rate] per hour, agreed before continuing.
2. Fee and paymentsTotal [amount]. A non-refundable retainer of [30]% reserves the date. The balance is due [30] days before the event. Overtime and travel are invoiced after the event, net 7.
3. DeliveryA preview of [20] images within [1] week; the full gallery of at least [400] edited images within [8] weeks, delivered via online gallery for [12] months with download.
4. Rescheduling and cancellationIf the event moves, the retainer transfers to the new date once, subject to availability; a new date within 12 months carries no rebooking fee. If Client cancels, the retainer is retained and, within 30 days of the event, the balance is also due.
5. Image rightsPhotographer owns the copyright. Client receives a personal-use licence to print and share the images. Photographer may use images for portfolio and marketing unless Client opts out in writing before the event.
6. Day-of termsClient provides a meal for the photography team when coverage exceeds 5 hours, and a list of must-have shots at least 2 weeks before the event. Photographer is not responsible for missed moments caused by guests, venue rules or schedule changes.
7. Failure to performIf Photographer cannot attend due to illness or emergency, Photographer will try to arrange a substitute of similar quality; if none is available, all payments are refunded and that is the limit of Photographer's liability.
The Photographer template in Paperwork drops these terms into the contract.Paperwork fills the proposal, contract, invoice, SOW, NDA and change order from one form, and your client signs from a link. $19 once. Try the free demo first.
The retainer is non-refundable because the date is
You turn down other weddings for that Saturday. Say so on the call and in the contract, and put "non-refundable" next to the word retainer. Couples understand; the ones who argue were going to argue about something.
Balance thirty days out
Chasing money the week of a wedding is miserable for everyone. Thirty days before gives time for a reminder and avoids doing the job unpaid.
One free reschedule
Since 2020 every couple asks. One transfer within 12 months, subject to availability, is generous and bounded.