Wedding Photographer Scams: Don’t Let Your Dream Day Turn into a Nightmare

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You want to capture every precious moment, from the first dance to the cutting of the cake, so you hire a professional photographer. But what happens when that photographer vanishes without a trace, leaving you with no photos and an empty wallet?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received numerous reports of wedding photographer scams, highlighting the devastating impact these scams can have on couples. These scams can take various forms, leaving couples scrambling and heartbroken. Some unscrupulous individuals take couples’ money and disappear before the wedding, leaving them with no photographer at the last minute. Others may show up on the day, seemingly fulfilling their duties, but then never deliver the promised photos, leaving couples without the cherished memories they paid for.

One common scenario involves finding a photographer online through social media or a wedding vendor website. After exchanging emails or messages, discussing the details, and confirming the wedding date, you decide to book them. You sign a digital contract and send a deposit using a peer-to-peer payment app, with the final payment due just before the wedding.

However, as the wedding date approaches, the scam can unfold in several ways. Some couples report making the final payment only to have the photographer cancel a few days before the event, citing a sudden emergency or unforeseen circumstance. Others experience the ultimate disappointment when the photographer simply doesn’t show up on the wedding day. When you attempt to contact them to get your money back, they become unresponsive, or their contact information is no longer valid.

The consequences of these scams can be devastating. Couples lose not only their money but also the opportunity to preserve the memories of their special day. They are left with feelings of anger, frustration, and heartbreak, knowing that they have been victimized by a deceitful individual.

One victim shared their experience with the BBB Scam Tracker, stating, "After receiving my money, she stopped contacting me and all of her contact information went out of service. After digging I found she had done the same if not worse to 30+ other brides, some who never received their wedding photos." This person reported losing $1,700.

Another report detailed a similar experience: "She began the process of setting up a plan for our wedding day. She took our deposit. She took our payment in full the week before the wedding. She cancelled two days before the event and kept the entirety of the money." This unfortunate couple lost $5,300.

In some cases, the scam doesn’t occur until after the wedding. Couples eagerly await their photos, only to be met with silence from the photographer. A BBB Scam Tracker entry reads, "… He charges a deposit and has you sign a contract. Full payment is due before the wedding/event and he would either show up and do the work and you never hear from him again or he doesn’t show up at all, either way you never get any photos [or] videos and he stops all contact with you." This victim reported a loss of $2,400.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from wedding photographer scams and ensure that your special day is captured beautifully.

First and foremost, do your research thoroughly. Before booking any vendor, check multiple sources for ratings and reviews. Don’t rely solely on one website, as scammers may manipulate or fabricate reviews. A great place to start is BBB.org, where you can check the business’s BBB Accreditation and read complaints and reviews. If you suspect a potential scam, search BBB Scam Tracker to see if any reports have been filed against the photographer.

Next, examine the photographer’s online presence. In addition to ratings and reviews, look for the photographer’s website and social media pages. Reputable photographers typically share their work on social media, showcasing a history of satisfied clients. A strong online presence with consistent activity and positive feedback is a good indicator of legitimacy.

Exercise caution when dealing with photographers who primarily operate through social media. Be wary of booking services with someone who only communicates through social media and lacks a professional website or other online presence. If you can’t find any additional information about the photographer online, request references and contact them to obtain feedback on their experience.

Before finalizing your booking, request a phone call or an in-person meeting with the photographer. This allows you to discuss the details of your wedding, ask questions, and assess their professionalism. If the photographer refuses a phone call or meeting, consider it a red flag and proceed with caution.

Carefully review your contract and keep a copy on hand. Ensure that the terms and conditions meet your expectations, especially regarding cancellations and refunds. Confirm the details for the wedding day, including the photographer’s arrival time, the duration of their services, and the expected turnaround time for receiving your edited photos. Review the payment terms and ensure that the contract includes the photographer’s contact information. Obtain a copy of the contract signed and dated by both you and the photographer.

Be cautious of businesses that only accept payments through peer-to-peer payment apps. While these apps offer convenience, they often lack the security features and fraud protection of traditional payment methods. If a photographer insists on using only peer-to-peer payment apps, inquire about alternative payment options such as credit cards, cash, or cashier’s checks.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a wedding photographer scam. Remember, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you deserve to have it captured by a reliable and trustworthy professional.

Jan Diaz is the President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit www.bbb.org. Visit BBB Scam Tracker to research and report scams.