What Can You Do When Your Photographer Hasn't Delivered Your Wedding Photos?

Here’s a basic game plan if you’ve been waiting too long for your wedding photos:

1. Check Your Contract

What does it say about turnaround time? Is there a delivery window spelled out (e.g., 6–12 weeks)? If so, document how far past that date you are.

2. Send a Clear, Written Request

Skip the casual text. Send an email with a calm, direct tone:

“Hi [Photographer],
I’m writing to follow up on our wedding photos. According to our contract, they were due by [insert date]. I haven’t received any updates and I’d appreciate a status report by [give a reasonable deadline—e.g., 5 business days]. Thank you.”

Keep it polite. Keep it documented. As I would say to my clients: never put in writing what you don't want a judge or your mother to read.

3. Set a Boundary

If the deadline passes and you get silence—or vague excuses—consider following up with a firmer message. Again: not angry, not emotional, just professional.

“I need to know the delivery status of my images by [date], or I will consider next steps.”

That doesn’t mean lawsuit (yet). It means you’re asserting your right to your files or to compensation. You can mention that you're keeping records of all communications.

By the way, that threat, "I am calling my lawyer?"  You don't have a lawyer on speed dial.  Very wealthy people might but not you.  

But about lawyers . . .

4. Consider a Lawyer or Small Claims Court

If you’ve paid hundreds or thousands of dollars and received nothing in return, this isn’t just “bad service.” It’s a breach of contract. In many jurisdictions, you can take them to small claims court without needing an attorney.  I think it can be worth it to go and pay a lawyer for an hour of their time to give you advice - even if you end up in small claims court where no attornesy are allowed. 

Why would you talk to a lawyer if it is a small claims?  Because maybe the amount is over the limit for small claims.  Because maybe you never had a formal written contract (but maybe one can be implied).  Because maybe there is a case for negligent infliction of emotional distress.  Because maybe this is all very scary and if the photographer does delete photos, you want to know how to take them to the cleaners.  If your wedding photos mean that much to you, don't rely on strangers in a social media forum to steer you right.

5. Make Your Case Heard in a Review—But Only Once It’s Final

If you never get the images—or the final product is poor—then a truthful, professional review helps warn others.

Stick to facts, not feelings. Don’t say “they’re a scammer.” Say “my wedding photos were delivered five months late with no communication.” 

Keep ALL CAPS and exclamation marks to a minimum!!!!!!!  Because nothing says "cray cray" more than seeing that punctuating an overly emotional review.