Why My Wedding Retainer Is Only $100

(And Why I Don’t Ask for the Rest Until You’re Ready)

When most couples start booking vendors, the first thing they notice is the money. Venues want thousands up front. Caterers demand deposits. DJs and florists expect payment before the big day. It can feel like you’re handing out checks faster than you’re making decisions.

That’s why I’ve built my business differently. My retainer is just $100 — and I don’t ask for the remaining balance until your wedding photos are complete and ready for delivery.

Why $100?

Because securing your date with me should be simple and stress-free. Couples often call me right after getting engaged, when excitement is high but finances aren’t fully settled yet. A $500 or $1,000 deposit can feel like another roadblock, but $100 is something nearly anyone can manage. It lets you lock in your date today without waiting.

And this isn’t about undervaluing my work. I’ve photographed over 500 weddings in 17 years and cancellations are almost unheard of — fewer than ten total. Once you and I connect, schedule your engagement session, and start working together, the trust and excitement take over. By the time we’ve laughed through your engagement photos and shared those teasers, you’ll know I’m fully invested in your story.

Why No Balance Until After the Wedding?

Here’s where I really stand apart. You’ll get your engagement session, your teaser photos, and my full commitment to your wedding day without having to pay the balance up front. I hold onto your completed wedding gallery until payment is finalized, but that timing is entirely up to you.

Some couples prefer to pay everything before the wedding. Others wait until the day of. And many need a week or two after, when the checks from friends and family have cleared or after they’re back from their honeymoon. I’ve seen how overwhelming wedding finances can be — and I’d never want to add stress during what should be the happiest time of your life.

Couples tell me all the time how much they appreciate this. They love knowing they won’t be hit with big demands while they’re trying to celebrate. They love that they get their engagement photos and teasers without feeling like they’re behind on payments. And honestly, they love that I trust them enough to work this way.

Why Trust Works Both Ways

This approach only works because I’m intentional about the couples I take on. I’m not interested in working with people who are difficult or dishonest. I don’t want to worry about being scammed. That’s why I’m selective — I want clients who respect me the same way I respect them.

I also make it easy to stay connected. Every couple has my direct phone number, can text me any time, and usually ends up connecting with me on Facebook or Instagram. I’m not just “the photographer” — I become part of your wedding team. When you know your photographer personally, you’re more likely to trust me, to enjoy the process, and to walk away happy.

And if something unexpected ever happened where a couple had to cancel, I’d feel awful keeping a huge non-refundable deposit. I’d rather keep things fair and transparent than ever risk someone feeling taken advantage of.

Why This Fits My Brand

At the end of the day, my philosophy is simple: wedding photography should be the easiest part of your wedding planning. From the first phone call to the last photo delivered, my goal is to reduce stress, not add to it.

That’s why I keep my retainer low, why I don’t demand final payment until you’re ready, and why I build real friendships with my couples. Because when you look back on your wedding photos, the last thing you should remember is the stress of paying for them. You should remember the laughter, the joy, and the story we captured together.

So yes — my $100 retainer is different. And that’s the point.