Complete Wedding Contract

I've never gotten REQUIRED both sigatures although some have provided them - perhaps it would make it more "bullet proof" if you did, but I've always just gotten one sig which in most cases has been the bride. If the couple is young parents were paying, they were usually the ones who signed. This has never caused me any difficulties - just so long as somebody provides a legal signature.

I use a contract similar to this, refined to fit my needs.

Its SUPER long though, about 7 pages. Does everyone else use such a long contract? Ive seen some that are only 2 pages, but they leave out so much.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #11108595
I use a contract similar to this, refined to fit my needs.

Its SUPER long though, about 7 pages. Does everyone else use such a long contract? Ive seen some that are only 2 pages, but they leave out so much.

Red, if that 7-page contract works for you just fine then I have no place in criticizing it.

But personally, as a potential client I would be frightened off by such a long and tedious document, or not want to be bothered with filling it out. My contract is easy to read, covers all the bases and fits the front and back of a single sheet of paper. It has worked very well over 30+ years and has enjoyed several enhancements over that time.

The front of the sheet has all the legal terminology, liability, and responsibilities. The back is filled out by the client with all the address/contact info, and additional info relative to what they require the day of the wedding.

I have the bride, groom, and the person paying the bill sign. You need B&G to sign for the model release. Sometimes the groom signs when I meet him the week before the wedding, sometimes they're out of town when contracts are signed.

sapearl wrote in post #11108516
I've never gotten REQUIRED both sigatures although some have provided them - perhaps it would make it more "bullet proof" if you did, but I've always just gotten one sig which in most cases has been the bride. If the couple is young parents were paying, they were usually the ones who signed. This has never caused me any difficulties - just so long as somebody provides a legal signature.

Would I have to whip out a different model release form for the groom to sign ... or would it be legal and binding for him to signature on the agreement that the bride signed?

My contract is two pages. One page is written by lawyers, and is the standard contract used by wedding photographers in NZ. The other page is written by me, and is terms and conditions. I tell people the legalese page is all standard, and that the main point is around copyright, and just to have a quick read through the terms if they like.

If a photographer gave me a 7 page contract i'd be less inclined to book them.

Thats what Im worried about. I don't like that its seven pages, but I just don't know how to dwindle it down.

Post a copy here, or on PM, pdf or copy and paste. If you PM i'll get to it in a day or two.

My contract is also two pages. I'm curious to see yours Bryan, to see what's all in there.

PeaceFire wrote in post #11794907
My contract is also two pages. I'm curious to see yours Bryan, to see what's all in there.

Well, it was much longer, then I purchased the contract from the Photographers toolkit, and it seems to be pretty well written. Still a little long, but I like it much better.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #11795068
Well, it was much longer, then I purchased the contract from the Photographers toolkit, and it seems to be pretty well written. Still a little long, but I like it much better.

where can I find this photographer toolkit ?

tim wrote in post #9097880
http://www.photographe​rstoolkit.com/contract​s

Here it is

I had seen this thread a few weeks ago but forgot to bookmark it. In the process of finding it again, I stumbled across another thread that mentioned some form of release for the guests in which, written to some effect or another, the B&G sign the release for themselves to include ALL guests that may be in the background of photos or the main subject of photos. Now I can't find that other thread...

What would be a contract-worthy way to phrase this? Obviously there are going to be guests in the background of many photos and the formal shots will have the bridal party. When using the photos for editorial, trade, advertising, etc (in the model release section of contract), how could I say that the B&G grant permission?

No point, a B&G can't give away rights they don't have.

Personally I think this contract is too restrictive and un-nessarily wordy. If I were a client faced with this contract, I'd have second thoughts.