Are deposits legally refundable?

In the UK, there is no law that says a deposit must be refunded if you change your mind. A deposit is usually seen as part payment for a service, and the seller can keep it if you cancel without a valid reason, as long as the contract says so.

However, if the photographer cancels, or if the service is not provided as agreed, you may have a right to a refund. Consumer protection law can also apply if you booked online or over the phone, but wedding services often have their own rules.

If you feel a deposit was taken unfairly, you can try to resolve it directly with the photographer first. If that fails, you could consider a formal complaint or legal advice, but that can be stressful and costly.

The best protection is prevention. Read the contract before you pay, ask for written confirmation of the refund policy, and keep all emails and messages. If a deposit seems unusually high or the terms seem one-sided, question it before you commit.