Just In Case

Here's a handy tip I found if you ever volunteer, or are volunteered, to shoot gratis at a friends wedding.

A letter, like the one below, is something to consider even though you are not charging for your services. When you have a written wedding agreement it will cover you (usually) in the event that something goes wrong. Such as, you drop your camera in the punch bowl, you get deathly ill before the wedding, or some other unexpected event.

Professional photographers always (or should) use a legal agreement to protect their interests, but this may not be appropriate for a friend; therefore, something like this may be suitable:
"[date]
Dear [ names ]
Wedding date [ insert date ]
I am looking forward to taking photos of your wedding day, it's going to be a great day! I confirm that the wedding takes place on [ insert ] at [ insert ] and I will be at the [brides] house at [ ] to take pictures prior to the wedding. I’ll also take pictures at [ insert other details ]As you know I am taking these photos at no cost and as a personal favor to you. We have discussed how you want your photos to look like and while I will take all care and responsibility in providing these photos to you in accordance with both of your expectations, I accept no liability that may prevent the supply of these photos to you or the outcome of the images in accordance with your expectations.
As is standard practice with all photographers, all rights and copyright to the images taken will remain with me (for example I might use a fantastic shot for advertising, marketing or display purposes). However, you have an unlimited non-commercial license for the use, reproduction and distribution of the images (in other words you can really do anything you want to with your photos).
While hoping to avoid any unnecessary legality it is really important to me that you understand the limit of my liability and other terms contained in this letter. Therefore, could you please confirm your acceptance of the terms of this letter by acknowledging the duplicate copy and returning back to me?
See you on the [insert].
Yours sincerely etc."
It is important at least to give them something that provides you with a restriction on your liability, particularly if you accept any payment for the task.