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Wedding Photography Contract template

A wedding photography contract sets out the coverage, deliverables, fees, image rights, and cancellation terms between a photographer and a couple for their wedding day.

Replace everything in [BRACKETS], export to PDF, then send it for signature.

1. Parties

This Wedding Photography Contract (the "Contract") is made on [DATE] between [PHOTOGRAPHER NAME / BUSINESS], of [PHOTOGRAPHER ADDRESS] (the "Photographer"), and [CLIENT 1 NAME] and [CLIENT 2 NAME], of [CLIENT ADDRESS] (together, the "Clients").

2. Wedding Details

Wedding date: [WEDDING DATE] Preparation location: [ADDRESS] Ceremony location: [ADDRESS] Reception location: [ADDRESS] Coverage: [NUMBER] hours, from [START TIME] to [END TIME] Day-of contact: [NAME AND PHONE]

3. Package and Deliverables

The Clients have selected the [PACKAGE NAME] package, which includes: [INCLUSIONS, e.g. lead photographer, second shooter for NUMBER hours, engagement session, online gallery of at least NUMBER edited images, NUMBER-page album]. Edited images will be delivered within [NUMBER] weeks after the wedding. A preview of [NUMBER] images will be delivered within [NUMBER] days.

4. Fees and Payment

The total package price is [TOTAL AMOUNT AND CURRENCY]. A non-refundable retainer of [RETAINER AMOUNT] is due on signing to reserve the date. The balance of [BALANCE] is due no later than [NUMBER] days before the wedding. Additional coverage is charged at [HOURLY RATE] per hour. Travel and accommodation beyond [DISTANCE] are [INCLUDED / CHARGED AT COST].

5. Shot List and Cooperation

The Clients will provide a timeline and a list of must-have family groupings at least [NUMBER] days before the wedding and will assign a family member or coordinator to help gather people for group photos. The Photographer will use professional judgment but cannot guarantee specific shots, particularly where the timeline changes or guests obstruct views.

6. Venue Restrictions and Other Photographers

The Photographer will follow venue and officiant rules, which may limit movement or flash use. The Photographer is not responsible for shots missed due to such restrictions or due to guests with cameras or phones blocking the view. The Photographer will be the exclusive professional photographer at the wedding unless agreed otherwise.

7. Meals and Breaks

For coverage of more than [NUMBER] hours, the Clients will provide a meal for the Photographer and any assistants, and a short break during the reception.

8. Copyright and Usage

The Photographer retains copyright in all images. The Clients receive a personal, non-commercial license to print, share, and post the images, including on social media, with credit where reasonable. The Photographer may use the images for portfolio, marketing, and competition purposes [UNLESS THE CLIENTS OPT OUT HERE: ____].

9. Cancellation and Date Changes

If the Clients cancel, the retainer is not refunded, and if cancellation is within [NUMBER] days of the wedding, [PERCENTAGE]% of the balance is also due. If the wedding date changes, the Photographer will apply payments to the new date if available; if not, the change is treated as a cancellation. If the Photographer cannot attend due to illness or emergency, it will try to arrange a qualified replacement, and if none is accepted, will refund all payments.

10. Limitation of Liability

In the unlikely event of equipment failure, file corruption, or loss of images, the Photographer's liability is limited to a refund of payments made (or a proportional refund for partial loss). The Photographer is not liable for emotional distress or consequential damages.

11. Governing Law and General Terms

This Contract is governed by the laws of [GOVERNING LAW JURISDICTION]. It is the entire agreement between the parties and may be amended only in writing signed by all parties.

12. Signatures

The Parties agree that this Agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts, and that electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten signatures. PHOTOGRAPHER: [PHOTOGRAPHER NAME / BUSINESS] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE] CLIENT 1: [CLIENT 1 NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE] CLIENT 2: [CLIENT 2 NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE]

When to use this template

  • When a couple books a photographer for their wedding day
  • For engagement sessions bundled with wedding coverage
  • For elopements and destination weddings with travel costs
  • When second shooters, albums, or extra hours are part of the package

How to fill it in and get it signed

  1. Enter the photographer's details and both clients' names and address.
  2. Add the wedding date, locations, coverage hours, and day-of contact.
  3. Describe the package, deliverables, delivery timeline, fee, retainer, and balance date.
  4. Review cancellation, date-change, and usage terms, then add the governing law.
  5. Upload the contract to eSignSimple and send it to both clients for e-signature. Each signer gets their own link and needs no account.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state; have a lawyer review contracts with high stakes.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a typical wedding photography retainer?

Many photographers ask for 25% to 50% of the package price, or a fixed amount, to reserve the date. The right figure depends on your market and pricing.

What happens if the wedding photographer gets sick?

A good contract says the photographer will try to send a qualified replacement and refund payments if no replacement is accepted. This template includes that clause.

Can we post our wedding photos on social media?

Usually yes. Wedding contracts typically give the couple a personal-use license covering printing and social sharing, while the photographer keeps copyright.

Should both partners sign the wedding photography contract?

It is common for both to sign. eSignSimple lets you add multiple signers so each partner signs from their own device.