Can I ask my photographer to change up our contract?

I don't think it would hurt to ask.

Just prepare for her to say no.

@Sarah, I thought of that too, but we're open to changing to a weekday. We haven't booked any other vendors yet, besides our venue, but we can get our deposit back. We want to have something really small, and our current venue wouldn't work.

If you are switching to a weekday she may just do it! That would mean it's a night she may not be able to work otherwise, and like you said she may be hoping to make it up to you somehow

Personally I wouldn't be ok with that, as it would mean lots of lost revenue and I possibly wouldn't have committed myself to the day for an intimate celebration.

I would bring it up with your photographer. Just have a conversation with her like "we're thinking about down-sizing our wedding and were wondering if you'd be able to work with us now that our plans are changing". Like PP said, be prepared for no because you have signed a contract, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I'm totally prepared to pay the other half and I have no problem with that! I'll just be bummed that there won't be much for her to take pictures of for 8 hours. She does boudoir photos too, I was kind of thinking of asking to trade a boudoir session for a few hours of the day maybe?

I would not do it.

I would honestly just ask and see what she says. I can't imagine she would be horribly offended by you just asking; she may just tell you unfortunately she cannot do that and see if you're still interested in having her. Or she may just say that's perfectly fine. You can't read her mind so I think by nicely asking (maybe a phone call so she can pick up on tone better?) and see where it goes from there.

You ABSOLUTELY should ask. Generally, most people are reasonable and accommodating. She will not be insulted or offended. It is a very reasonable and pragmatic question. Plus you're far enough out that it really shouldn't be that big of an issue. Besides, she has to know that your wedding plans have changed. You can't just let her show up on the day of your wedding expecting a full day's shoot and then only stop at 3-4 hours. Definitely make a phone call. I modified our reception venue timeframe after we signed the contract. It wasn't a big deal.

ETA: I also wouldn't necessarily bring up the engagement shoot fumble. I would just leave that part out of it. She knows she messed that up, so you don't really have to bring it to her attention. That'd probably make the conversation more hostile than necessary.

Yes ask. Contracts should protect both parties and she reneged on the engagement photos.