Deposit Requirement:
The Couple agrees to pay a deposit in the amount of 50% of total cost upon signing this agreement. This deposit will be put toward the total owed and places a ‘hold’ on the Officiant’s services on the wedding date given herein. This deposit is non-refundable, with a few exceptions (see Cancellation policies for more information).

Remaining Balance:
The Couple agrees to pay the remaining 50% balance for all services at least 7 business days before ceremony date.

Payments must be made via cash or using a credit or debit card with Square or cashapp. The link will be set up and provided by Rev. Justin L. Gates.

IMPORTANT: Unless told otherwise, and properly checked on contract, the Couple is responsible for providing any special materials they wish to use in the marriage ceremony, such as unity candles, unity sand, handfasting cords, wedding rings, etc. 

CANCELLATION & CHANGE POLICY

IF THE COUPLE CANCELS OR REQUESTS A DATE/TIME/LOCATION CHANGE: 
A Couple is not required to pay the remaining balance on services if they cancel at least 1 week before the scheduled ceremony. If the balance has already been paid, it will be returned if the cancellation occurs at least 1 week before the scheduled ceremony. Changes to a Couple’s wedding date, ceremony start time, or location will only be accommodated as the Officiant’s availability allows. If the ceremony cannot be satisfactorily rescheduled, cancellation guidelines will apply. Deposits are non-refundable except in extreme circumstances, such as severe weather (see below) or when either party to the marriage must be hospitalized for severe illness/injury before the ceremony can occur. 

IF THE OFFICIANT CANCELS: 
If the Officiant is unable to perform a Couple’s ceremony due to illness, family emergency, or other unforeseen circumstance, an authorized Backup Officiant will be provided in their place. The Backup Officiant will be given full access to all ceremony planning materials, custom ceremony script (if applicable), etc., and will perform the Officiant’s duties as defined above in full. If the Couple chooses to hire an alternate replacement officiant on their own, the Couple will be given full access to any custom ceremony materials to use. If the Officiant delays the start of the wedding (due to late arrival, etc.) the Couple will be refunded 25% of the total ceremony cost. 

BAD WEATHER CANCELLATION: 
Ceremonies that must be canceled due to extreme weather or unsafe conditions affecting the venue and surrounding areas, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, fire, or severe heat/cold, are fully refundable (including half of the deposit) and can be rescheduled with the Officiant based on availability.