My upselling secret recipe included!

Reading time: 5 minutes

Let’s talk about something that no one warns you about when you first start wedding photography business: Your Wedding Photography Contract. Oh yes, that thrilling, spine-tingling document that separates you from a chaotic, unpaid, stress-filled disaster. If you’ve ever had a couple disappear after an engagement shoot or ask for a 400-photo reshoot because “Aunt Karen blinked,” you KNOW the pain.

That’s why today, we’re diving into the absolute must-have clauses in your wedding photography contract. Because nothing says “professional” like having your legal ducks in a row. Plus, stick around—I have a FREE bonus that might just help you book bigger wedding packages without even trying. (Yes, it’s possible. No, it doesn’t involve hypnosis. I checked)

1. Payment Terms (a.k.a. “Pay Me, Please”)

You’d think people would understand that photographers aren’t capturing their big day for free, but alas, some couples have selective amnesia when it comes to payments. Your contract should clearly state when and how you get paid—deposit, final balance, and whether you accept payment in cash, card, or goats (just kidding on the goats… unless you’re into that).

Pro Tip: Never, and I mean NEVER, shoot a wedding without a retainer. Love won’t pay your rent, friend.

2. Cancellation & Rescheduling (a.k.a. “My Cousin Just Bought a Camera, So We Don’t Need You Anymore”)

Couples get cold feet. Sometimes about marriage. Sometimes about hiring a professional. Either way, your contract should lay out what happens if they cancel or reschedule—because you blocked that date for them, and no one should be left unpaid just because someone decided to elope in Vegas last minute.

What to include:

Is the deposit refundable? (Spoiler alert: It shouldn’t be.)

How far in advance can they reschedule without fees?

What happens if YOU have an emergency and can’t make it? (No, “I really needed a nap” is not an emergency.)

3. Image Delivery (a.k.a. “No, You Can’t Have Every Photo I Took”)

Couples often think you’ll hand over all 5,000 raw images by the next morning. Your contract needs to specify how many images they’ll receive, when they’ll receive them, and in what format. If you have a set turnaround time, make it crystal clear.

Also, make sure they know that editing takes time. I mean, would they want to show up to their wedding in their PJs with bed hair? No? Exactly. Good editing takes finesse, and finesse takes time.

4. Copyright & Usage (a.k.a. “No, You Can’t Slap an Instagram Filter on My Work”)

One of the biggest heartbreaks as a photographer is seeing your carefully edited masterpiece absolutely butchered by a random Instagram filter. Avoid this heartbreak by including a clause on copyright—who owns the images, how they can use them, and whether or not they can edit them (hint: they shouldn’t).

Also: If you plan on using their photos for your portfolio, be sure to mention that. Some couples are cool with it. Others? Not so much.

5. Meal Breaks (a.k.a. “Feed Me or Risk Terrible Photos”)

Wedding days are long. If you’re working six, eight, or ten hours straight, you need food. Your contract should politely state that for weddings over a certain number of hours, you require a meal (and preferably not just a granola bar from the bottom of someone’s purse).

I like to phrase it as: A well-fed photographer is a happy photographer, and a happy photographer takes better pictures.

6. Client Expectations (a.k.a. “No, I Can’t Control the Weather”)

Some clients expect miracles. You need a clause that sets realistic expectations—like, you can’t change the weather, you can’t force guests to smile, and no, you don’t “Photoshop in” missing family members who skipped the wedding.

Got no time to draft your own contract? Not sure whether your contract is solid enough?

👇🏼This editable contract template in Google Docs & PDF format is your ultimate tool to protect your work, simplify bookings, and stay professional with every client!

If you’re providing an upselling strategy in your contract (which, btw, I highly recommend), make sure it’s framed as an opportunity rather than an obligation. And speaking of upselling…

BONUS: How to Effortlessly Upsell Without Feeling Like a Used Car Salesman

I promised you a freebie, and I deliver! (See? Unlike some flaky wedding guests, I show up.) I’ve created a free Upselling Strategy Guide to help you gently nudge your clients towards higher packages without sounding pushy. This is the same method I use to get couples to upgrade their wedding coverage and add more services, increasing my income without adding more stress.

Click it here to see how I implement the method into my consultant call.

And if you’re ready to get serious about protecting your business, click the video to watch the full video where I go deeper into these contract must-haves (with even more real-life horror stories and tips!).

Final Thoughts: Don’t Learn the Hard Way

Listen, I made all the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome.) Contracts might not be glamorous, but they are your safety net. They protect you from drama, misunderstandings, and potential legal nightmares.

So, do your future self a favor—get your contract in place, add that upselling strategy, and start booking those high-end packages without the stress.

Now, tell me—what’s the biggest contract mistake you’ve made? Feel free to write to me. Let’s all learn together. 🍵

Ah if you still doubt why shall you have a bullet proved wedding photography contract, read here.