TL;DR: You need a legit elopement photography contract and I have the links for them below
Real talk—if you’re out here booking $5,000+ elopement packages but still using a DIY contract… you’re playing a risky game.
I’ve been there. I used to piece contracts together from Google, Facebook groups, and “something I got in a course once.” But once I started booking more travel-based and adventure elopements, I realized how exposed I was.
Hiking with gear, shooting in unpredictable weather, dealing with national park permits or last-minute travel shifts? That’s not your average session. That’s liability. And I wanted no part of that kind of stress.
That’s when I found The Legal Paige—and I’ve used her elopement photography contracts ever since.
*This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through one of my links, at no cost to you. I only recommend what I personally use and love.
Why I Use (and Recommend) The Legal Paige Contracts
If you’ve never heard of her: Paige is a licensed attorney and former photographer who built an entire contract shop for creative entrepreneurs. What I love most? These aren’t just legal templates. They’re contracts that actually match how we work.
- Written in plain English
- Designed for photographers, by a photographer
- Legally sound and customizable
- Editable in Canva or Google Docs
- Includes add-ons like a film clause, second shooter clause, reschedule and cancellation language, and more
I added a film photography clause to all of mine recently—and it’s already protected me in situations that could’ve gotten messy.
What Contracts I Personally Use in My Business
As an elopement and adventure photographer, here are the exact templates I use:
- Elopement Photography Contract – covers adventure sessions, travel, weather, delays, location changes, and more
- Model Release – protects me when I want to use images online or in marketing
- Film Photography Clause Bundle – a must if you shoot film; it sets the expectation that things like processing delays are part of the process
- Website Terms & Privacy Policy – legally required in most places if you’re collecting client info on your site
You can shop her full contract library here: Shop with my Code (Affiliate link)
And when you use my code TOBIN10, you’ll get $10 off your purchase—and depending on when you’re shopping, you might be able to stack it with one of her site wide sales (sometimes up to 40% off).
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Let me put it this way: you wouldn’t hike up a mountain with broken gear. So why would you run a $5,000+ elopement business without a real contract?
I don’t care how chill your clients are or how “unlikely” it feels that something could go wrong. If you shoot weddings or elopements, you need to be protected.
This is about:
- Setting clear boundaries
- Creating legal coverage for cancellations, delays, and travel issues
- Communicating expectations with confidence
- Running your business like a professional (because you are one)
Elopement Photographer Contracts for when you need to get legally legit
Being an elopement photographer is absolutely amazing, but it is still my business and my responsibility to protect my clients & myself with every job.
If you know your contracts aren’t cutting it, fix that now. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your business and your peace of mind.
Use my code TOBIN10 for $10 off at The Legal Paige Contract Shop (affiliate link). Depending on the season, you might even catch one of her big sitewide sales and get up to 40% off.
Got questions? Send me a message. I’m always happy to share how I customized my contract or help you figure out which one’s best for your business.
Best Elopement Photography Contract
Code: TOBIN10
Link: https://thelegalpaige.com?aff=755
