With all the wedding photography talk recently, Id figure Id share a rough copy of the contract I use for weddings with clients. It may help for reference to those that are interested in getting into the business.

Wedding Photography Service Agreement
1 Yawkey Way
Red Sox Nation
123-456-7890
email goes here

( ) Bride’s Name: __________________________________ Phone: ____________________
Address: __________________________________________________ __________________
email: __________________________________________________ __
( ) Groom’s Name: _________________________________ Phone:_____________________
Address: __________________________________________________ __________________
email: __________________________________________________ __
Note: Please check ( ) address above we should ship photos and discs to.
Wedding Date: _________________________
Time Photography Starts: __________am / pm
Time Photography Ends: __________ am / pm
Ceremony Location: __________________Ceremony Phone: _____________
Ceremony Address: ______________________________________________
Reception Location: __________________Reception Phone: _____________
Reception Address: ______________________________________________
Other Photography Location: __________________________________________________ ____
Other Photography Address: __________________________________________________ ____
Photography fee agreed to: __________ A deposit of $XXX is due at the signing of this agreement, with the balance of _________ to be paid in full Before or Two(2) Weeks prior the date of the wedding.
Services included:
• Photographer plus Assistant
• Up to 10 hours (consecutive) of photo coverage, within up to three locations. (Additional locations will be included at photographer's discretion and no extra charge if time permits).
• Virtually unlimited number of images (usually 1500+, exact number at discretion of photographer)
• Three sets of Photo CDs or DVDs containing high-resolution jpegs of the images
• Photographer's travel time and travel expense are included in this package at no additional charge.
• 4x6 Proof Album (# of images Photographers discretion)

Terms and Conditions

ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This agreement contains the entire understanding between PHOTOGRAPHER (Matthew Bailly) and CLIENT (_____________). It supersedes all prior and simultaneous agreements between the parties. The only way to add to or change this agreement is to do so in writing, signed by all the parties.

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT: A $XXX deposit and signed agreement is required to reserve CLIENT's wedding date. All deposits are non-refundable in the event of a date change or wedding cancellation by the client for any reason. CLIENT agrees to pay the balance due on or before the wedding date, in the form of cash or check made out to “Matthew Bailly.”

PRE-EVENT CONSULTATION: The parties agree to a pre-event consultation (usually two to three weeks before the event date) in order to finalize the shooting times, locations, and CLIENT's particular requirements. This consultation may take the form of a meeting in person, a phone conference or call, or an exchange of emails, at the discretion and for the convenience of the parties.

COOPERATION: PHOTOGRAPHER will do his best to capture the day in a professional manner that is pleasing to the clients. The parties agree to cheerful cooperation and communication for the best possible result within the definition of this assignment. However, weddings may involve unforeseen circumstances that sometimes preclude the taking of certain pictures. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to, time constraints, late members of the party, late bride or groom, or even members of the party unable or refusing to be photographed. PHOTOGRAPHER is not responsible if key individuals fail to appear or cooperate during photography sessions, or for missed images due to details not revealed to PHOTOGRAPHER. Photography of any specific moment is not guaranteed and PHOTOGRAPHER is not responsible for any missed moments. CLIENT may present a list of suggested photos, but PHOTOGRAPHER is unable to guarantee that those suggested photos, or any particular image will be captured. PHOTOGRAPHER recommends that CLIENT designate a "photo helper" to designate which individuals should appear in specific photographs, and to assist in gathering the individuals just prior to their photos being taken.

DELIVERABLES: In addition to any prints or albums included in the package price, PHOTOGRAPHER will provide CLIENT with three copies of the full-resolution images of the wedding on CD-R's or DVDs, in the JPEG file format within five weeks of the wedding. Depending on the complexity of any album(s) ordered, albums may require additional time to prepare and will be delivered separately. Images will receive basic cropping, color and exposure corrections. At the discretion of PHOTOGRAPHER, other artistic retouching and editing may be performed on some of the images, including, but not limited to, blemish removal, colorizing, conversion to black and white, or other creative enhancements. Once the full-resolution images have been delivered to client, PHOTOGRAPHER will make reasonable efforts to keep a copy of the images in his own files, however, PHOTOGRAPHER is not obligated to do so, and it is up to CLIENT to provide a suitable and secure storage location for their images.

CLIENT'S USAGE RIGHTS: Upon receiving payment in full, PHOTOGRAPHER, as Copyright holder, grants CLIENT the following usage rights to the images from the wedding: a license to freely reproduce, duplicate, print, display and distribute copies of the images for personal use, in any manner, and for any editorial purpose relating to CLIENT, or members of the wedding party or wedding guests, in perpetuity, for an unlimited duration of time. However, Copyright of the photographs remains PHOTOGRAPHER's, and CLIENT may not sell, give away, or otherwise transfer the images for commercial purposes, including but not limited to, stock photography or advertising of a product or service, without express written permission from PHOTOGRAPHER.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES: CLIENT may order additional prints, digital copies, albums, or other products from PHOTOGRAPHER at any time, at PHOTOGRAPHER's cost + 10% markup. Payment for any such items is due at time of order. However, CLIENT is under no obligation to purchase these items from PHOTOGRAPHER, and may use any vendor or supplier for prints and albums. Reproduction quality will depend on the properties of the devices that the images will be printed on. If CLIENT chooses to use printing services other than PHOTOGRAPHER's, CLIENT is encouraged to use a professional (custom) photo lab to obtain best results.

HOUSE RULES: PHOTOGRAPHER is limited by the guidelines imposed by the ceremony official or reception venue management. CLIENT agrees to accept the technical results of their imposition on PHOTOGRAPHER. Negotiation with the officials for moderation of guidelines is CLIENT's responsibility; PHOTOGRAPHER will offer technical recommendations only.

MEALS: PHOTOGRAPHER requests that CLIENT shall provide a suitable meal (not necessarily the banquet meal served to guests) for the photographer and his assistant if the contracted coverage extends through a seated meal service AND the contracted coverage is four or more hours.

MODEL RELEASE: The CLIENT hereby grants to PHOTOGRAPHER and his legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the CLIENT or in which the CLIENT may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising, display, exhibit, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same. The CLIENT hereby releases PHOTOGRAPHER and his legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: If PHOTOGRAPHER is unable to perform to the terms of this agreement due to fire, flood, or other casualty, act of God, act of terrorism, act of war, grave illness, or any other cause beyond the control of the parties, and if PHOTOGRAPHER is unable to provide a photographer that is agreeable to CLIENT, then all fees paid by CLIENT will be returned in full, but PHOTOGRAPHER shall have no further liability with respect to this agreement. If PHOTOGRAPHER is unable to perform to the obligations in this agreement for reasons outside the sole control of PHOTOGRAPHER, he will not be liable for costs or damages in excess of the amount the client has paid. This limitation of liability will also apply in the event that digital images are lost through equipment malfunction, damaged in processing, lost in the mail, or otherwise damaged or lost without fault of PHOTOGRAPHER.

By signing of this agreement, PHOTOGRAPHER and CLIENT acknowledge that they have read and agree to all terms and conditions stated in said agreement. If the parties agree to waive one provision of this agreement, that does not mean that any other provision is also waived.


Photographer Matthew Bailly __________________________________ Date__________


Client (Bride)_____________________________ ________________Date___________


Client (Groom)___________________________________________ _Date___________

that's not your real address... :P
good work though, thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

that's not your real address... :P
good work though, thanks for sharing.

I know , I can dream cant I? Although the wife and I may get season tix for next year which will bring me one step closer!

no prob on the contract stuff.

Originally Posted by subimatt

Although the wife and I may get season tix for next year which will bring me one step closer!

that's a bit of a drive...

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

Originally Posted by subimatt

Although the wife and I may get season tix for next year which will bring me one step closer!

that's a bit of a drive...

It usually takes 2.5 hrs to get there from my house. Plus my In-Laws live in Boston so we have a place to stay if needed.

yeah, but seasons tickets? Thats a lot of trips.
I don't think I could handle sox season tickets. A few games per year are awesome, but there are just too many games in baseball for me. I like preseason up to maybe the all star break, then October.

I've had pats season tickets for a year though. That was awesome, wish I could have them again.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

yeah, but seasons tickets? Thats a lot of trips.
I don't think I could handle sox season tickets. A few games per year are awesome, but there are just too many games in baseball for me. I like preseason up to maybe the all star break, then October.

I've had pats season tickets for a year though. That was awesome, wish I could have them again.

It is, well the though was I can always sell the tickets to games I know I will miss or dont care for, plus you know you have tickets for all the good games, i.e. yankees, playoffs, ect. We will see, depends on how busy my schedule gets for next year. Ive been crazy busy so far and its only going to get busier. Which is good, but I may not even have time. Im hoping to have 15+ weddings booked for next year. So who knows.

wow, 15 weddings, nice.
And yeah, a few NESIC guys have done the same. Pete (Redobs) has tickets. Whenever he doesn't want to go he "gives" them to someone on IRC for cost. Works well for everyone. I'm sure if you got the tickets, you get get rid of tickets here even with the 5 of us that are "local". I know I'd buy a few games if you had them.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

wow, 15 weddings, nice.
And yeah, a few NESIC guys have done the same. Pete (Redobs) has tickets. Whenever he doesn't want to go he "gives" them to someone on IRC for cost. Works well for everyone. I'm sure if you got the tickets, you get get rid of tickets here even with the 5 of us that are "local". I know I'd buy a few games if you had them.

Thats the goal, hav'nt hit it yet, but Im working on it. Yea, tix are just a thought, only made it to two games this year, really wished I could have gotten to more. I figured since that in my 20+ years of watching the redsox at fenway, Ive never seen them lose, It would be awesome to get season tix. but that may be pushing my luck, it is the sox after all.

I bet if you get season tickets, they lose the first game you watch...
I've seen maybe 10 games there now, I think I've seen 2 loses. Weird.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

I bet if you get season tickets, they lose the first game you watch...
I've seen maybe 10 games there now, I think I've seen 2 loses. Weird.

First game, knowing my luck it will be the worst season ever.... maybe I should rethink these tix.

Not a bad contract, but skimming over it, I found a couple of problems:

- don't use the word "deposit" - ultimately in court that would mean 'refundable'; use 'retainer' instead, that is, for them to 'retain'/reserve the date; if they change their minds and want their money back, and you've already turned down work for that day, you're screwed out of money for that date

- not sure what you charge for a full wedding, how much for prints, etc., but you should consider getting away from giving full JPGs on a CD/DVD, without charging as much for it as from the expected loss of prints from those images; that is, if you would expect to get $1000 for prints... charge $1000 for the CD

Originally Posted by mkfotos

Not a bad contract, but skimming over it, I found a couple of problems:

- don't use the word "deposit" - ultimately in court that would mean 'refundable'; use 'retainer' instead, that is, for them to 'retain'/reserve the date; if they change their minds and want their money back, and you've already turned down work for that day, you're screwed out of money for that date

- not sure what you charge for a full wedding, how much for prints, etc., but you should consider getting away from giving full JPGs on a CD/DVD, without charging as much for it as from the expected loss of prints from those images; that is, if you would expect to get $1000 for prints... charge $1000 for the CD

Thanks for the tips, I did put "Non-refundable deposit" in the contract, But I will consider changing the wording. As far as getting away from the jpg CDs, Its something I may do down the line, but not sure yet. I have definitely thought about it before though.

Matt, this is an old thread, but is there anything you'd change now that you've been at it for a few more years from your experience?

Also, how do you handle this in the field, do you usually just sign two copies, one for you one for the client, or do you mail them a copy?

Originally Posted by thechickencow

Matt, this is an old thread, but is there anything you'd change now that you've been at it for a few more years from your experience?

Also, how do you handle this in the field, do you usually just sign two copies, one for you one for the client, or do you mail them a copy?

In light of recent events, does anyone have thoughts of a new clause or rewording of current information on this contract for the betterment of all.

• get in my way and I get to kick you in the nutz, but in such a way as to not disturb the B&G.

Originally Posted by Bone

In light of recent events, does anyone have thoughts of a new clause or rewording of current information on this contract for the betterment of all.

There are a lot of things you have to work around during a wedding, and you can't have a clause for all of them.

This is very old... I have a 3 page contract with alot more stuff in it, this is more or less a place to get started.

Originally Posted by subimatt

This is very old... I have a 3 page contract with alot more stuff in it, this is more or less a place to get started.

want to post the new version? could be very helpful for others to have a better basis. I've been going through this one and changing verbiage but IDK. Seems like a lot of stuff is probably missing here but IDK what would be missing due to lack of events and such.

pretty please.

Thanks for posting this.

I have a similar version, I'll copy/paste. It's a hybrid of matt's and another few I found online:
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AGREEMENT – xxx Photography
address -- www.xxx.com – (phone) – xxx@gmail.com

Wedding Date: __________ Time Photography Starts: __________ Time Photography Ends: __________

Other sessions/times agreed upon: __________________________________________________ ______________

Wedding, Location & address: __________________________________________________ ___________________

Reception, Location & address: __________________________________________________ __________________

Other Shooting Location 1: __________________________________________________ ___________________

Other Shooting Location 2: __________________________________________________ __________________

Bride’s Name: __________________________________ Phone: __________________ email: __________________

Address: __________________________________________________ ________________________________________

Favorite, Food:_________ Candy:___________ Drink: __________ Sport:______________ Store:______________

Groom’s Name: _________________________________ Phone: ___________________ email: __________________

Address: __________________________________________________ ________________________________________

Favorite, Food:_________ Candy:___________ Drink: __________ Sport:______________ Store:______________

Wedding theme & attire: please specify a theme (if any) traditional / formal / informal / casual etc, as well as colors/


AGREEMENT Overview: This Agreement expresses the full and complete agreement between the named parties and xxx Photography (Hereafter refereed to as STUDIO NAME) regarding the subject matter hereof. It supersedes all prior agreements. The only way to add or change this agreement is to do so in writing, signed by all parties.

COOPERATION: Unless otherwise noted, STUDIO NAME, it's associates or employees will be the exclusive photographer(s) at this event. CLIENT agrees that guests may not take photos of the assigned photographer(s) setups, poses or arrangements without prior permission of the photographer(s). The Parties agree that good faith cooperation and communication between them is important in obtaining a good result. STUDIO NAME recommends that CLIENT identify to the photographer(s) important individuals during the event and during associated portraits, if they wish to have them photographed. STUDIO NAME or the photographer(s) will not be held accountable for not photographing desired guests if there is no one to assist in identifying and gathering people for photograph's. STUDIO NAME is not responsible if key individuals fail to appear or cooperate during photography, or for missed images due to details not revealed to STUDIO NAME or beyond the photographer(s) control.

HOUSE RULES: CLIENT agrees and understands that the photographer(s) are limited by the guidelines of the ceremony official or reception site/venue management and CLIENT agrees to accept the results that may occur from said guidelines. Negotiation with the officials for moderation of guidelines is solely the CLIENTs responsibility. STUDIO NAME will however offer technical recommendations concerning such guidelines.

IMAGES and COPYRIGHTS: Photographs/images produced by STUDIO NAME are protected by Federal Copyright Law (all rights reserved). Upon final payment by CLIENT, CLIENT is granted limited license to use and display resulting images for personal use. Said images may not be altered or reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of STUDIO NAME. This excepting CLIENTS who receive a high resolution digital disk with printing rights, who may make prints for personal use, as indicated on disk label, but may not copy, or re distribute the disk in any manner. The CLIENT must obtain written permission from, and compensate STUDIO NAME prior to the CLIENT, its associates, friends or relatives publishing or selling the photographs.

MODEL RELEASE. The CLIENT hereby grants to STUDIO NAME and successors, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, attorneys, representatives and agents, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the CLIENT or in which the CLIENT may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising or any other purpose and in any manner or medium; to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same. The CLIENT hereby releases STUDIO NAME and all associates representatives and assigns from any and all claims, actions, demands, suits, liabilities, damages, expenses, and obligations of any kind arising from, or related in any manner to STUDIO NAME use if said images.

RETAINER & PAYMENT SCHEDULE: $300 is due at the signing this agreement. This is a NON-REFUNDABLE RETAINER. Should CLIENT cancel or otherwise breach this Agreement, the NON-REFUNDABLE RETAINER shall be liquidated for damages to STUDIO NAME. The CLIENT shall also be responsible for payment of any materials/charges incurred up to time of cancellation. Otherwise, the retainer shall applied towards the Final Total, with The remainder of charges payable in full, one week prior to the date of the event.
Full fee for package selected: __________
Minus retainer - $300
Remainder due one week prior to event: ___________

LIMIT OF LIABILITY: In the unlikely event that the photographer(s) are injured, become too ill, or has an emergency that prevents them from photographing the event, STUDIO NAME will make every effort to secure a replacement photographer. If a suitable replacement is not found, CLIENT agrees that responsibility and liability of STUDIO NAME to the CLIENT is limited to the return of all payments received for the event. STUDIO NAME takes the utmost care with respect to exposure, storage, and processing the photographs/images, but cannot and does not, guarantee that photographs/images of the event will not be lost, stolen, or destroyed for reasons within or beyond STUDIO NAME control. CLIENT agrees that STUDIO NAME or the photographer(s) full and complete responsibility and liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the event. CLIENT further agrees that the limit of liability for a partial loss of originals shall be a prorated amount of the exposures lost based on the estimated percentage of the total number of original images.

COMPLETION SCHEDULE: Images are expected to be prepared for proofing within 4 weeks of the event date. CD/DVD creation is expected within 6 weeks. Printed items and albums may require additional time.
ALBUMS: Album images are chosen by STUDIO NAME staff. Once designed, the design may be viewed CLIENT for final approval. Minimal changes may be made at that time, but no changes may be made after final album approval. Changes in more than 10% of pages may incur additional charges. Production and delivery time will be approximately six weeks from final approval date.

Other Notes/Changes:


Services Included:



I hereby agree to the terms of this agreement.

Print ______________________ Sign_________________________ (Bride) Date ________________

Print ______________________ Sign_________________________ (Groom) Date ________________

Print ______________________ Sign_________________________ (Other) Date ________________

Print ______________________ Sign_________________________ (Photographer) Date ________________

thanks for posting this, I'm working on tweaking on this weekend to setup with my sister in-laws cousin to shoot her wedding (I'm only doing it for the cost of rental of a couple lenses and insurance on my gear and other expenses incurred by the whole process). But I don't want to even mess with the chances of anything going sower, so a contract will be signed or I'm not doing it.

MEALS: PHOTOGRAPHER requests that CLIENT shall provide a suitable meal (not necessarily the banquet meal served to guests) for the photographer and his assistant if the contracted coverage extends through a seated meal service AND the contracted coverage is four or more hours.

MODEL RELEASE: The CLIENT hereby grants to PHOTOGRAPHER and his legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of the CLIENT or in which the CLIENT may be included, for editorial, trade, advertising, display, exhibit, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same. The CLIENT hereby releases PHOTOGRAPHER and his legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs.

I always wondered about these two.

It's getting to a point where I actually need contracts now...just want to thank you guys for posting these

Originally Posted by SubieBoobie

Me too Still haven't gotten full payment for the gig I did in July. But I will NOT be doing anything without one now, friends or not.

Did you already give them the photos?

Sorry to hear that Marisa I've been lucky but its going from friends...to co workers of friends for me now so I am a little less trusting.