Mark Anderson photography - anyone used them?

No its not the norm but then every photographer does it differently, just make sure you do your research and try to see lots of photos from full weddings.

It's usual practice to take a deposit to book the day, 10% for example then the balance a month before, but every photographer works differently. I like to offer a bit of flexibility as couples have a lot of things to juggle at this time. As long as I'm not chasing money on the day!

We had to pay a booking fee which was roughly 1/3 of the total (although it was a fixed booking fee so for more expensive packages it would work out as a smaller percentage).

The balance is due 4 weeks before our wedding date.

I think this is quite normal, but everything upfront 4 months before the wedding seems quite early.

We had to pay a 50% deposit and the rest is due 4 weeks before the final date...i'd be a little alarmed at 4 months before the date i think