Wedding Terms & Conditions

It is agreed that the following terms set out the total agreement made between the parties and that no variation or modification of this contract shall be effective unless agreed by both parties in writing.

Confirmation

A signed “Contract for Wedding Photography Services” and payment of a £199 non-refundable booking fee are required to confirm the photographic services of ‘Ritchie Coatsworth Photography’. The final balance is then due 3 weeks prior to your wedding date.

Pre-planning Consultation

The parties agree to a pre-wedding consultation approximately four weeks prior to the wedding in order to finalise shooting times and the client(s) request for any specific shots.

Completion Schedule 

Ritchie Coatsworth Photography aim to provide you with your wedding images within six weeks of your wedding date. Please note that during busy periods this time may increase.

Co-operation

The client(s) and the photographer consent to happily cooperating and communicate with each other to achieve the best possible result within the understanding of this contract. We recommend that the photographer be provided with a helper (usually the best man or a bridesmaid) who will point out key individuals to be photographed. The photographer will also require the assistance of the helper in organising family groups. The client(s) also agree to give the photographer sufficient warning of key events at the wedding in order to give the photographer time to prepare e.g. bouquet throwing, cutting the cake, speeches etc. Please note that not all guests at weddings like having their photo taken. In such cases the photographer will use their discretion but cannot be held responsible for a lack of photos of these people.

Safety

Ritchie Coatsworth Photography reserves the right to terminate coverage and leave the location of the event if the photographer experiences inappropriate, threatening, hostile or offensive behaviour from person(s) at the event or in the event that the safety of the photographer is in question.

Wedding Albums

If a wedding album is included within your chosen package this will be designed once you have received your complete disk of images. The client(s) will be required to approve a draft of the design and only once this has been agreed will the album be sent to print. Printing can take up to ten weeks, but as this is outsourced, the photographer cannot be held responsible for any delay.

Permits

The client(s) is responsible for acquiring all permits and necessary permission for all locations on which the photographer will be performing services.

The Schedule

Both The photographer and the client(s) agree that both punctuality and co-operation are essential. A good effort will be made to capture any requested photographs on the day but due to the rapid pace and unpredictable nature of wedding photography it is impossible to guarantee that specific requested photographs will be captured.

Artistic License

Ritchie Coatsworth Photography shall be granted artistic license and the photographers judgement regarding posing, lighting, locations used, photographing and editing shall be deemed correct. All decisions made are in the best interest of the client(s) who will be given the highest quality selection from the images taken.

Paparazzi Wedding Guests

Ritchie Coatsworth Photography is to be the sole and exclusive professional photographer. It is understood that wedding guests will of course want to take photos of the client(s), however, the photographer must be given precedence over your guests in order to take the wedding photographs required. Ritchie Coatsworth Photography cannot be held responsible for lack of wedding photos if guests taking their own photos of the client(s) have interrupted the photographer’s work.

House Rules

Please note that photographers are sometimes limited by rules imposed by registrars, ministers and venue management as to what can and cannot be done. For example, some ministers insist that no flash photography is allowed and others insist that photographers can only shoot from a specific location. In such circumstances the client(s) agrees to accept the technical limitations that may be imposed on the equipment used. It is advised that the client(s) make themselves aware of the rules of the venue and if necessary negotiate with the personnel concerned.

Copyright Law

English Copyright Law states that the copyright of photographs remains with the photographer. The photographer grants the client(s) permission to make copies of the images under the following conditions. The images taken by the photographer are for personal use by the client(s) and their friends and relatives. Selling, publication or any commercial use of the photographs is not allowed without prior written permission from the photographer. The client(s) are not permitted to pass on images to any third party, such as suppliers, that will be used for marketing or advertising purposes without written consent from the photographer.

Model Release

The client(s) hereby allow the photographer to display any images covered by this contract and to generally promote the business by means of advertising, publicity material, websites, exhibitions, competitions, social media, magazine articles, and other such media, providing that the images are used lawfully and without damage to the client(s).

Limit of Liability

In the unlikely event of severe medical, natural, or other emergencies, it may be necessary to retain an alternate photographer. The photographer will make every effort to secure a replacement photographer that is able and willing to provide a similar package as chosen in this contract at a similar price. If such a situation should occur and a suitable replacement is not found, responsibility and liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the event package, including refund of the booking fee.

The photographer makes every effort to produce the highest quality photographs possible, including using professional grade equipment, professional grade backup equipment, and making multiple backup copies of images. However, in the unlikely event of the client(s) photographs being lost, stolen or destroyed for reasons beyond the photographer’s control, their liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the event package, including booking fee. The limit of liability shall not exceed the contract price stated herein.

Force Majeure or Act of God

The due performance of this contract is subject to alteration or cancellation by either party owing to any cause beyond their control. Although all equipment is checked regularly and reasonable steps are taken to ensure backup equipment is available, the photographer will not be responsible for photographs that are not produced due to technical failure.

Right of Withdrawal

Ritchie Coatsworth Photography’s discovery of new information, changes to agreed circumstances, or other factors which tend to circumvent its policies may result in its withdrawal. Non-cooperation; changes in locations, facilities or available times; missed appointments and late payments are examples of contributing factors. Should Ritchie Coatsworth Photography initiate the withdrawal, all fees will be returned, excluding booking fee.

Cancellation

Written notice must be given to Ritchie Coatsworth Photography should you need to cancel your booking, but in doing so shall forfeit any monies paid.