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Wedding Photography Contract Template

Wedding photography is a one-take job with a date that can't move, which is why the contract matters more here than almost anywhere else. This template locks in coverage hours, overtime rates, the second shooter, meals and breaks on the day, the number of edited images and when they arrive, and the retainer that holds the date. It also handles the questions couples ask only when something goes wrong: what if the photographer is ill, what if the venue bans flash during the ceremony, what if the wedding is postponed. Edit it in a couple of minutes, send it to the couple's phones, and collect the retainer the moment both sign.

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Wedding Photography Contract Template

Between
Jane Rivera (Rivera Studio)
And
Alex Chen (Acme Bakery)
Total fee
$2,400.00
Deposit
$720.00
Delivery deadline
October 24, 2026

Coverage

The Sender will photograph the Client's wedding as described in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration, including the agreed number of consecutive coverage hours on the wedding day. Coverage beyond the agreed hours is billed as overtime at the Sender's hourly rate, in 30-minute increments, and only with the Client's approval on the day.

If a second photographer is included in a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration, they work under the Sender's direction and all their images are delivered as part of the same gallery.

On the Day

The Client will provide a shot list of must-have family groupings at least 14 days before the wedding and a point of contact to help gather people for them. For coverage over 6 hours, the Client will provide a hot meal and a 30-minute break for each photographer.

The Sender follows the rules of the venue and officiant (for example, no flash or restricted movement during the ceremony). The Sender is not responsible for images missed because of those restrictions, guest interference, or timeline changes outside their control.

Image Delivery & Usage

A private online gallery of edited, high-resolution images will be delivered by October 24, 2026. Culling and editing are at the Sender's artistic discretion; unedited or RAW files are not delivered. The Client receives a personal-use license to print and share the images; commercial use by the Client or vendors requires written permission.

The Sender keeps backup copies for at least 12 months after delivery and may use images in their portfolio unless the Client opts out in writing before the wedding.

Payment Terms

The total fee for this engagement is $2,400.00. The retainer reserves the wedding date exclusively for the Client and is non-refundable, because the Sender turns down other bookings for that date. The balance is due 14 days before the wedding.

A deposit of $720.00 is due before work begins. The remaining balance is due upon completion and delivery of the final work, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Invoices are payable within 7 days of receipt. Late payments may accrue a 1.5% monthly late fee, and work may be paused until outstanding balances are settled.

Postponement & Cancellation

If the Client postpones, the retainer transfers once to a new date within 18 months, subject to the Sender's availability. If the Client cancels, the retainer is kept and any balance already paid is refunded minus costs already incurred.

If the Sender cannot attend because of illness or emergency, they will make every effort to send a qualified replacement photographer; if none is available, all payments are refunded in full, which is the limit of the Sender's liability.

Limitation of Liability

The Sender's total liability under this agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Client. Neither party is liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from this engagement.

Independent Contractor Relationship

The Sender is engaged as an independent contractor, not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. The Sender is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits, and is free to accept other engagements during the term of this agreement, provided they do not conflict with the confidentiality obligations above.

Governing Law & Entire Agreement

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

This document represents the entire agreement between the parties regarding a full redesign of the Acme Bakery marketing website, including a new homepage, menu page, and online ordering integration and supersedes any prior discussions or proposals. Any changes must be made in writing and agreed to by both parties.

By signing below, both parties confirm they have read, understood, and agree to the terms above.

FAQ

Should the wedding photography retainer be non-refundable?

Usually, yes. The retainer compensates you for turning down every other booking on that date. This template makes it non-refundable on cancellation, but lets it transfer once to a new date if the couple postpones, which is a fair middle ground that couples accept.

Do I have to give the couple RAW files?

No, and this template says so explicitly. You deliver edited images chosen at your artistic discretion. If you do want to sell RAW files, edit the Image Delivery section and price them separately.

What if I get sick on the wedding day?

The Postponement & Cancellation clause commits you to finding a qualified replacement and, if you can't, refunding everything. It also caps your liability at that refund.

Is this Wedding Photography Contract legally binding?

Yes. Signatures collected through Clinch are Simple Electronic Signatures, valid for standard business contracts under the US ESIGN Act and the EU's eIDAS regulation. See our legality page for the full picture.

Can I customize this template?

Every section is editable before you send it — add, remove, or rewrite clauses, and fill in your own fees, deadline, and party details. Nothing is locked until you send it for signature.

How do I send it for signing?

Click "Use this template," edit the details, and send it — your client signs from their phone in about 30 seconds, no account required on their end.

Is it really free?

Yes — every Clinch account can send contracts for free (see /pricing for the exact monthly limit). No credit card required to start.

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