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Wedding Photography Proposal Template

Wedding photography is high-stakes — clients only get one shot. Your proposal must build trust through specificity: hours covered, photographers on site, edited photos delivered, turnaround. Vague language scares brides who've heard horror stories.

What to include in your wedding photography proposal template

  • Coverage hours and photographer count (lead + assistants)
  • Specific moments covered (getting ready, ceremony, portraits, reception)
  • Edited photo count delivered
  • Turnaround time for full gallery
  • Online gallery and download access duration
  • Print release and personal-use license
  • Album, prints, or canvas options (if any)
  • Travel fees and accommodations beyond X miles

How to price it

Wedding photography: $1,500-$3,500 (entry, 6 hours, 1 photographer), $3,500-$7,500 (mid, 8 hours, 2 photographers, album), $7,500-$15,000+ (high-end, full day, multi-shooter, custom album). Add 30-50% for destination weddings.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Vague 'full-day coverage' (define hours)
  • Including raw files by default
  • No backup photographer/equipment clause
  • Underestimating edit time (1 hour edit per 15 min coverage)
  • No cancellation/postponement policy (COVID showed why)

Sample template content

Here's an example of what a complete proposal looks like for this niche. Use it as a starting point — you'll fill in your own details when you create one.

Scope of Work

Wedding photography for [Couple] on [Date]: • 8 hours of continuous coverage • Lead photographer + second photographer (2 total) • Coverage: getting ready, first look, ceremony, family portraits, reception (until first dance) • 600+ edited high-resolution photos • Online gallery for sharing with guests (active 1 year) • Download all photos in full resolution • Print release for personal/non-commercial use • 4-week editing turnaround for full gallery • 1-hour pre-wedding consultation • Sneak peek (10-15 photos) within 48 hours of event

Sample Line Items

DescriptionQtyTotal
Wedding day coverage (8 hours)1$3,500.00
Second photographer1$800.00
Editing & online gallery1$700.00
Pre-wedding consultation1$0.00
Total$5,000.00

Sample timeline: Wedding date + 4 weeks for full gallery

Terms & Conditions

25% retainer to book the date (non-refundable). Remaining 75% due 14 days before event. Travel beyond 50 miles billed at IRS standard rate. Destinations beyond 200 miles include accommodation cost. Personal use license — commercial use of images requires separate license ($200-$500 per image). Postponement: date changes within 90 days subject to availability. New date confirmed at no charge if available. Cancellation: deposit non-refundable. Within 30 days of event: 50% of total. Within 7 days: 100%. Backup equipment carried at all times. If primary photographer is incapacitated, qualified replacement provided.

Frequently asked questions

Should I include raw files?

Default: no. Raws contain blinks, misframed shots, and test exposures that hurt your brand. Charge $500-$2,000 if a couple insists, with usage rights still restricted.

How fast should I deliver?

Industry standard: 4-6 weeks. Faster is a competitive advantage but burnout risk. Sneak peeks (10 photos in 48 hours) buy goodwill while you edit the rest.

What if I get sick on wedding day?

Have a vetted backup photographer on retainer (you pay them only if needed). Couples expect this clause — they'll dump you if you don't have it.

Ready to send a winning wedding photography proposal template?

Use this template to create and send your proposal in under 2 minutes. Free to start.

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