A Wedding Photography Licensing Agreement is a legal document between the photographer and the client, typically defining the ownership of copyright for the photos taken. This agreement usually states that the photographer retains copyright, but grants the client rights for personal use. The agreement may also reserve rights for the photographer to use the images for their portfolio or promotional purposes.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY LICENSING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made on [DATE],
BETWEEN
[Photographer’s Full Name or Studio Name], [Photographer’s Address] (“Photographer”)
AND
[Couple’s Full Names], [Couple’s Address] (“Clients”).
All references to the Clients in this Agreement shall include the Clients’ parent companies, affiliates, and subsidiaries, if any.
Participants
Bride: [Bride’s Full Name]
Groom: [Groom’s Full Name]
Events
Ceremony Location: [Full Address of Ceremony Venue]
Date of Ceremony: [Date of Ceremony]
Reception Location: [Full Address of Reception Venue]
Date of Reception: [Date of Reception]
BACKGROUND
This Agreement governs the terms under which the Photographer will provide wedding photography services to the Clients for the events taking place at the above addresses (“Events”).
Rights Granted
1- The Photographer grants the Clients a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the photographs (the “Photos”) for personal use, including but not limited to, sharing with friends and family and on personal social media pages. The ‘active use period’ for the Photos will be indefinite, commencing upon the first delivery of the Photos to the Clients.
Background and Event Appearance
2- The Clients are responsible for ensuring the ceremony and reception venues are prepared and decorated to their satisfaction before photography begins. The Photographer will provide the Clients with a preparation checklist to assist in creating an optimal environment for high-quality photographs. The Photographer is not liable for the impact of venue conditions on the final product.
Photograph Specifications
3- The Photographer agrees to deliver a total of [specific number] photographs, each with dimensions of [specific dimensions] and a resolution of [specific resolution] suitable for high-quality print and digital use. Detailed specifications will be confirmed in a pre-event consultation and documented in writing.
Relationship of Parties
4- The Photographer is retained as an independent contractor, not as an employee. This Agreement does not establish a partnership or joint venture, and the Photographer will not be entitled to employee benefits or workers’ compensation. Responsibilities such as taxes, insurance, and other legalities associated with independent contracting remain solely with the Photographer.
Delivery and Acceptance
5- The Photographer will deliver the Photos in [JPEG/TIFF/PNG] format within [specific time period] after the Events. The Clients have [number of days] to review and request reasonable revisions, limited to [specific number of revisions] rounds, which must be reasonable and within the original scope of work.
Fees
6- The Clients shall pay the Photographer [Total Fee Amount] for services rendered. A non-refundable deposit of [Deposit Amount] is required upon signing this Agreement. The balance is due within [number of days] after the delivery of the Photos. A late payment charge of [percentage] per month will apply to overdue balances.
Creative Discretion and Quality Assurance
7- The Photographer retains creative discretion over the photographic process and commits to using best efforts to meet the Clients’ specifications and deliver high-quality Photos by the agreed deadlines.
Cancellation Policy
8- In the event of cancellation by the Clients, notification must be provided at least [number of days] prior to the event. Cancellations made less than [number of days] before the event will incur a cancellation fee structured as follows: [detailed tiered fee structure].
Use of Photos
9- The Clients may not sell or transfer the Photos or rights without the Photographer’s written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld.
Assignment and Transferability
10- The Photographer’s may not assign or transfer this Agreement or any rights without the Client’s written consent. Any necessary action taken under exigent circumstances must be ratified in writing when practical.
Indemnification
11- The Clients agree to indemnify the Photographer against all liabilities, claims, and expenses that arise from any unauthorized use of the Photos. The Photographer shall maintain an appropriate insurance policy to safeguard against professional liability claims.
General Risk Mitigation Clause
12- In the event of Photographer incapacitation, equipment failure, or other unforeseen circumstances preventing the fulfillment of this Agreement, the Photographer agrees to make best efforts to provide a substitute photographer of comparable skill and style. If this is not possible, the Photographer’s liability will be limited to a refund of all payments received.
Entire Agreement.
13- This document represents the full agreement between the Clients and the Photographer, overriding any previous agreements or negotiations.
Governing Law
14- This Agreement is governed by the laws of [State/Country], and both parties agree to the jurisdiction of its courts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Wedding Photography Licensing Agreement on the date first written above, with each Party ensuring their signatory is authorized to enter into this Agreement.
Client: ________________________
Date: _______________
Photographer: ________________________
Date: _______________