The Wedding Videographer's Contract

So, you’ve found your wedding videographer, time to have a good look at their contract. This of course assumes there is a contract – if there isn’t, my advice is to get one or walk away. The contract is vital for both parties: the videographer needs to know you won’t change your mind at the last minute and leave them with an empty Saturday, and you need to know they’ll show up when they say they will and provide the service they’ve agreed to. I’ve had too many phone calls from brides getting married in less than a week whose videographer has let them down at the last minute.

At its most basic, the contract should confirm the date and location of the wedding, state the total price of the videographer’s services and the date by which payment is due, and set out exactly what’s included – how many hours of coverage (preferably with start and end times); how many cameras/camera operators; how many copies of the DVD you’ll get.

It’s a good idea to make sure the contract includes a completion date for the finished DVDs to be delivered to you. This timeframe varies wildly between videographers. Some have a team of dedicated editors who will get the DVD to you before you return from honeymoon, while others will do all the work themselves and be so busy filming during the wedding season that they won’t even start editing for four or five months. Whichever it is, make sure you know in advance and that you’re happy with how long you’ll have to wait.

The contract should detail what to do if you need to cancel for any reason (and how much you’ll have to pay if you do) and also what to do if you’re not happy with the service you receive.

Just like a photographer, a videographer automatically owns the copyright to their work. This means that only they have the right to make additional copies and that they may use clips from your video on their website or show reel. The contract should detail their rights and yours in this regard.

Finally, if there is anything in the contract that you don’t understand or want to change (or add), speak to your videographer. If you both agree then the contract can be amended before you sign. If you stay quiet and an issue arises later then you are on much shakier ground.

Article by Hertfordshire Wedding Videographer Jim Cliff

Image Courtesy of Aardvark Wedding Films

Read more Wedding Videography Advice articles

Read other Wedding Advice articles