When couples receive their stunning online gallery of wedding photos, it’s natural to feel like those images are yours. After all, you’re in them, you paid for them, and they were captured during one of the most meaningful days of your life. So, you must own them—right?
Not exactly. And that’s where a lot of confusion tends to pop up.
As the owner of Joe Goetz Photography LLC and someone who has photographed over 350 weddings, I can tell you this: one of the most common misconceptions I run into is about who owns the photos after they’re delivered.
Let’s clear it up.
The Photographer Owns the Copyright
According to U.S. copyright law, the person who takes the photo automatically owns the copyright, unless there’s a written agreement transferring ownership. That means that I, as your wedding photographer, legally own the rights to every image I take—even the ones delivered to you in your final gallery.
This might sound a bit surprising, but it’s actually pretty standard in the photography industry.
So What Do You Get When You Hire Joe Goetz Photography?
When you book me for your wedding, you’re not buying the copyright to your images—you’re purchasing a license to use them. That license typically includes:
- Downloading and saving your images
- Printing them for personal use
- Sharing them online (with credit to Joe Goetz Photography LLC, of course!)
But it doesn’t include things like:
- Selling the photos
- Editing or altering the images in ways that misrepresent my work
- Using the images for commercial purposes without permission
Why I Include All of This in My Wedding Contract
Because there are so many misunderstandings about copyright and image use, I always take time during the consultation process to explain what’s included. That’s also why I’ve made sure this information is clearly written in my contract.
My goal isn’t to restrict you—it’s to protect both of us. I want you to enjoy your images fully while also preserving the integrity of my work. Being open and clear about copyright helps ensure there are no surprises down the road.
Clear Communication = Happy Clients
At Joe Goetz Photography LLC, I pride myself not just on capturing unforgettable wedding moments, but on making the entire process easy to understand and transparent. I love answering questions and making sure my couples know exactly what they’re signing and what they’re getting.
Because at the end of the day, you deserve to feel confident—not just in your photos, but in your rights and responsibilities too.
If you ever have questions about how you can use your wedding photos—or if you’re just starting the planning process and want a photographer who’s all about clarity and communication—let’s talk.
