Terms & Conditions


In this document, “Photographer” refers to Martin Carter Photography. The “Client” refers to the individuals specified as Partner 1 and Partner 2 on the booking form.


1. Coverage & Timeline

  • Standard Day: Full-day coverage begins two hours before the ceremony (no earlier than 9:00 AM) and concludes shortly after the first dance (no later than 9:00 PM).
  • Overtime: Extensions beyond these hours must be pre-arranged and agreed upon in writing.
  • Preparation: Coverage includes Partner 1’s preparations as standard. Partner 2’s preparations are included only if they occur at the same location. Separate locations may incur additional fees and must be booked in advance.
  • Wedding Breakfast: Photography during the meal is limited to key moments: the Grand Entrance, speeches, and the cake cutting.


2. Payment & Cancellation

  • Booking Fee: A non-refundable booking fee is required to secure your date. The contract is only in effect once this is received.
  • Balance: The remaining balance is due three months before the wedding date.
  • Non-Refundable Policy: All payments made are non-refundable. If you have paid in full at a discounted or "early-bird" rate, this fee is strictly non-refundable due to the nature of the discount.
  • Late Payments: The Photographer reserves the right to cancel the agreement without further notice if payments are not received within one week of the due date or signing.
  • Cancellation Fees:
  • > 12 months notice: Booking fee is forfeited.
  • 6–12 months notice: Booking fee forfeited + 50% of the total package fee due.
  • < 6 months notice: 100% of the total package fee due.


3. On the Day

  • Exclusivity: Martin Carter Photography shall be the sole professional photographer(s) for the event.
  • Guest Conduct: While we welcome guests taking their own photos, we ask that they do not "shadow" the Photographer, as this interferes with our ability to deliver high-quality professional work.
  • Catering: For bookings exceeding 5 hours, the Client must provide two hot meals (e.g., bar meals) for the photography team, served at the same time as the wedding breakfast. If meals are not provided, the Client will be invoiced for reasonable meal expenses.


4. Creative License & Style

  • Artistic Integrity: By booking, the Client acknowledges they are familiar with and accept the Photographer’s current style. While we strive for pleasing color balances, exact color matching (e.g., specific fabric dyes) cannot be guaranteed due to the limitations of digital sensors and varying light sources.
  • Requested Shots: Any "must-have" shots should be communicated in advance. We will do our best to capture these, but they are subject to weather, guest cooperation, and venue restrictions.


5. Post-Production & Delivery

  • Online Gallery: Professionally edited images will be delivered via a secure online gallery within two calendar months. The gallery will be hosted for one year.
  • Albums: Once production begins, the estimated lead time for albums is 6 to 10 working weeks. Albums are shipped via courier at no extra cost.
  • Archive: We endeavor to store images for one year. After this, a £100 retrieval fee applies if the images are still available. It is the Client’s responsibility to download and back up their images immediately upon receipt.


6. Pre-Wedding Shoot (PWS) & Guest Book

  • Location: Shoots take place in/around Christchurch, Dorset.
  • Deadlines: Image selections for the Guest Book must be submitted at least two months before the wedding. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of the Guest Book.
  • Liability: The Guest Book is provided “as is,” and the Photographer accepts no liability for damage caused to or by the book at the event.


7. Logistics & Travel

  • Travel Expenses: Included for venues within 100 miles of the BH23 postcode. Beyond this, travel is charged at £0.45 per mile.
  • Accommodation: For locations over 100 miles away or where an early start/late finish is required, a £150 accommodation fee may apply. This must be confirmed prior to booking.


8. Legalities, Liability & Copyright

  • Copyright Ownership: In accordance with the Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act, the Photographer maintains full copyright of all images unless otherwise specified in writing.
  • Promotional Rights: The Photographer retains the right to utilize any commissioned images across various media for advertising, trade, self-promotion, and other lawful purposes, including (but not limited to) competition entries and exhibitions.
  • Client Consideration: The Photographer will make every effort to avoid using any image in a manner that could cause distress, embarrassment, or negative consequences for the Client.
  • Usage License: Rights pertaining to reproduction and storage are confined to the named Client and are non-transferable. The provided images are intended for the Client's private, non-commercial use. While they may be used for newspaper or magazine articles, the Photographer must be credited.
  • Unforeseen Circumstances: In the unlikely event the Photographer is unable to attend due to illness, injury, or emergency, we will make every effort to secure a professional replacement of similar style and caliber. If a replacement cannot be found, our total liability is limited to a full refund of all fees paid.
  • Technical Failure: While backup gear is always on hand, the nature of digital photography means equipment failure is a remote possibility. In the event of total photographic failure or data loss, liability is strictly limited to a full refund of all fees paid.
  • Accidental Damage & Injury: The Photographer cannot accept liability for accidental damage or personal injuries during a session. By engaging in the photoshoot, the Client acknowledges inherent risks and undertakes the session at their own discretion.
  • Consents: The Client is responsible for ensuring all required consents have been obtained from venues, locales, and attendees prior to the wedding.
  • Severability: If any provision of this contract is held to be invalid or unenforceable, that specific provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force.


9. Dispute Resolution

If the Client has a complaint, it must be communicated in writing to the Photographer within 30 days of receiving the images. In the rare event of an unresolved complaint, the Client may seek arbitration through The Societies of Photographers, subject to membership status.