Wedding Photography Copyright: Suppliers! Respect Your Photographer or Risk Losing More Than Just Images

Let’s get straight to the point: wedding photography copyright isn’t just a nicety – it’s the law. And yet, some wedding suppliers still treat photographers’ work like free stock photos. Spoiler: it’s not.

Here’s what happened to me recently. A supplier took my images, used them in their marketing without asking, and when in a private message I politely requested credit, they replied publicly:

“I’m sorry but I don’t work for you? How often do you tag me? I pay someone to do my social media, so not aware.”

Now, let’s pause here for a second, because the irony is rich. Whenever I create an Instagram reel or post about a wedding, I always credit and tag the suppliers involved. If they did the flowers, the cake, the styling, the dress, suit, hair & makeup and more – they get their mention, every single time.

So to have someone claim “how often do you tag me?” while their own feed is flooded with my uncredited images? That’s not just wrong, it’s disrespectful. And it’s not only my work – almost every photographer whose images they use gets the same treatment: no tags, no credit, no acknowledgement at all.

This isn’t a one-off mistake. It’s a habit. And it’s the kind of behaviour that undermines the collaborative spirit of the entire wedding industry.

And when I explained that if they don’t want to give credit, they can’t use my images, their final message was short and sweet:

“OMG, you’re pathetic!!!!”

That’s when I knew we needed to talk. Because this isn’t just about me – it’s about respect across the wedding industry. If you’re a florist, venue, cake maker, or stylist reading this, here’s your reminder: photographers’ images are protected by copyright law, and using them without permission can cost you more than just a few Instagram likes.

Wedding Photography Copyright 101 (a crash course for suppliers)

Here’s the deal: the second a photographer presses the shutter, they own the copyright. No paperwork, no registry, no debate. It’s automatic under UK law.

What does that mean for you, dear suppliers?

• Couples get a licence for personal use only (print, albums, sharing with family and friends).
• You, as a business, are using those same images for commercial purposes (marketing your brand, filling your Insta feed, sprucing up your website).

That’s a completely different ball game. And unless the photographer has given you explicit permission (and usually a condition to credit), you are infringing copyright.

And let me be very clear: “I pay someone to do my social media” is not a legal defence. Neither is “I didn’t know.”

Think of it like borrowing a wedding cake for your own branding shoot – without asking the baker. Ridiculous, right? Same principle.

What Respect Looks Like (and What It Doesn’t)

Here’s the good news: the VAST majority of wedding suppliers is absolutely brilliant. When I deliver a gallery, florists, stylists, venues, makeup artists – they’ll reach out, ask if they can share, and always tag me. That’s literally all I ask for: a credit. A simple “Photo by Marta May Photography” with a tag or link.

That tiny action makes the world of difference. It gives me visibility, helps couples find me, and shows that we’re all in this together. It’s professional, it’s respectful, and it’s honestly just good manners.

But then… there’s the rare exception. The one who:
– Takes the photos without asking.
– Refuses to credit the photographer.
– Doubles down with rudeness when politely reminded of the rules.

That’s why this post exists. Not because the majority of you need a lecture (you don’t – you’re fab), but because one supplier thought calling me “pathetic” was an appropriate response to a copyright request.

So let’s set the record straight – for the benefit of every supplier, every couple, and the whole wedding community.

Why Credit Matters (It’s Not About Ego)

Let’s clear something up: asking for credit is not about photographers stroking their egos. It’s about respect, professionalism, and (yes) the law.

Here’s why credit matters:

Fairness – A florist wouldn’t want me to post their bouquet and say “look at these amazing flowers I grew in my back garden.” Same with photographers. Credit is simply acknowledging who did the work.

Visibility – Credit helps couples find the right photographer for them, just like it helps couples find you when I tag your flowers, cake, or dress in my posts.

Trust – Couples notice how suppliers treat each other. A supplier who shares images respectfully comes across as collaborative and professional. A supplier who refuses? It screams “I don’t play well with others.”

Law – Remember: wedding photographer copyright isn’t optional. It’s written into UK law. Ignoring it puts you on the wrong side of copyright infringement. And yes, that can mean legal letters, takedowns, and invoices.

So no, it’s not about ego. It’s about giving credit where credit is due. And really – is that so hard?

The Golden Rules for Wedding Suppliers

Want to stay on the right side of the law and keep your photographer friends happy? Here are the simple rules:

Do:

• Ask first. A quick message: “Hey, love these shots, can I share them with credit?” → Easy win.
• Credit properly. Tag the photographer on socials, link to their site on your blog. Always.
• Play fair. If you love getting tagged in my posts (and I always do), return the favour.
• Build relationships. Sharing respectfully makes couples see us as a dream team. Everyone wins.

Don’t:

• Use photos without permission. (It’s not free stock photography, it’s copyrighted work.)
• Refuse to credit. (You wouldn’t like it if someone did that to your flowers, cake, or venue, would you?)
• Blame your social media manager. (Ignorance isn’t a defence – if it’s your account, it’s your responsibility.)
• Be rude when asked. (Calling a fellow supplier “pathetic” is not a good look. For anyone.)

Follow these golden rules and you’ll never run into problems. Break them… and you risk takedowns, invoices, and yes, even legal letters.

When It Goes Too Far

To be crystal clear, this isn’t about one sneaky Instagram post slipping through the cracks. This was an entire feed flooded with my work – image after image, across both Instagram and Facebook, all being used to promote a business that had never asked for permission, never credited me, and then refused when I asked politely.

Here’s a selection from the gallery of images they used all over their social media without permission (all created by us, Marta May Photography THE MAYS):

Now imagine spending weeks shooting and editing, delivering a gallery to your couple, and then seeing your work everywhere… with your name erased. That’s not collaboration. That’s exploitation.

And if you think photographers won’t enforce their rights? Think again.

Final Thoughts: Respect Is Non-Negotiable

At the end of the day, wedding photography copyright isn’t complicated. Photographers own the images. Couples can enjoy them personally. Suppliers can use them too – but only if they ask first and give credit. That’s it.

99% of you already do this beautifully. You ask permission, you tag, you link, and we build each other up. That’s why this industry works: we all shine brighter together.

But for the rare few who think it’s okay to ignore copyright, strip credit, or even insult the photographer who created the work you’re benefiting from… know this: it won’t be ignored. Legal takedowns, invoices, and yes, even letters are all very real options.

This isn’t about pettiness. It’s about professionalism. It’s about respecting each other’s craft. And it’s about showing couples that the suppliers they trust with their wedding day are capable of working together with integrity.

So suppliers, here’s my call to you:
– Respect your photographer.
– Credit their work.
– Play fair.

Because when we support each other, couples notice. And when we don’t… well, you risk losing more than just a few Instagram likes.