What Happens If We Cancel Our Wedding?

In my 9 years as a professional wedding photographer, I have had 3 weddings cancelled. You don’t see it often, but sometimes sh*it happens. Whatever the reason, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of what happens with your money when you cancel your wedding photography collection.

Why You Pay Up Front

As you are probably aware, most wedding vendors take retainers. I am absolutely one of those vendors. Because I book most weddings 8 to 24 months in advance of the wedding date, it’s necessary that my couples put some money down. This means that my couples invest thousands of dollars up front! There’s two reasons for this: for your sanity, and for mine.

I need to know that my couples are serious about their wedding date. Putting money down tells me that you are married to yours (pun intended). It tells me that it’s reasonable to reserve that date for you, and you alone. And for you, it’s important that you know that I will be showing up for your wedding. You should feel confident that I won’t up and give your date away to someone else. Paying your retainer gives you that confidence.

So what happens to that money if the wedding is cancelled?

Termination In Your Wedding Contract

Your wedding photography contract should cover termination, no matter what photographer you’re working with! Be sure that it is outlined very clearly, and that you understand your photographer’s terms.

My wedding contracts include 2 clauses regarding termination. Here they are:

1. If you cancel your wedding and I rebook your wedding date, I will refund everything you’ve paid me.

2. If you cancel your wedding and I do not rebook your wedding date, all payments made up until the date of cancellation will not be refunded.

You should know that the earlier your cancel, the more likely I will be able to rebook your original wedding date. This means that the earlier you cancel with me, the more likely I will refund your payments.

Refunds are not made immediately. Instead, they are issued 30 days following the signing of the new contract. That means that if I rebook your wedding date the day before your wedding, you will receive your refund up to one month after your wedding date.

Your contract should include terms like these. Have your photographer add them if not. Do not pay a retainer and do not book your photographer without a contract.

Your Dream Photographer

Are you looking for your dream wedding photographer? Well, if you like my style, contact me here! I’m happy to sit down with you and discuss your plans.

If, however, you don’t live in my area, you should grab a copy of Our Dream Photographer Workbook: Wedding Edition. you can use the workbook to search, find, and book your dream wedding photographer.

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