"Under the cancellation policy, it should clearly explain what happens if the client cancels the event and what happens to all monies paid to date," she said. The COVID-19 pandemic taught both couples and vendors to pay close attention to the cancellation policy section of any agreement, especially when it comes to a force majeure (unforeseen circumstances that would preclude a vendor from doing their job) event. However, according to Mandee Johnson of Mandee Johnson Photography in Los Angeles, California, you can typically expect to see three critical sections at the top of your wedding photography agreement:
Unfortunately, there isn't a standard wedding photography contract template that all professional photographers use. Here's what to look for in a wedding photographer contract. "The photographer can work with the client as it pertains to the situation, but they are only required to do what the contract says," she added. Remember, once both parties sign, contracts are legally binding documents that can be upheld in a court of law. "The biggest misconception we encounter is that clients think contracts are ‘flexible.’" "They need to understand the contract’s general ‘BIG areas,’ including cancellation, total cost, and what is being delivered by the photographer," said Meredith Ryncarz of Meredith Ryncarz Photography in Savannah, Georgia.
"The contract also protects the photographer in the event those services are no longer needed at any point during the wedding process."īut before signing a wedding photographer contract, the first step is ensuring the couple understands all aspects of the terms and has read thoroughly through it. "The contract protects the client, ensuring they receive the services and products requested for their wedding day," explained Julia Wade of Julia Wade Photography in Apex, North Carolina. What exactly is the wedding photography contract?Ī wedding photography contract gives clear details of the services offered for a specific wedding date as well as the pricing and contact information. So before reading over the entire agreement and giving an in-person or electronic signature, here are the basics to look out for. And when it comes to something as priceless as your wedding photos, it’s essential that you understand exactly what it is that you’re signing in your wedding photography contract and that you and your photographer are on the same page every step of the way. Having so many different versions of unique legal documents to look over can feel daunting, especially if you don’t know what exactly you should be looking for. As you get further into your journey planning the perfect wedding day and start choosing vendors, there’s one thing you’ll learn very quickly: With lovely photos, flowers, and cake comes contracts - and lots of them.īut as you start looking over the paperwork before making things official with your favorite wedding pros, you’ll likely notice that not only is each category’s contract different (think caterer versus florist) but also each specific vendor you interview will have his or her own terms and paperwork to agree to.