We’ve set out our payment terms simply and fairly, so you know exactly what to expect.

We review our fees each year to keep them fair and transparent, while covering any changes in supplier costs.

Ceremony fees and travel costs are reviewed annually for the twelve months from January to December and may be subject to change if external suppliers increase their charges. Ceremony bookings taking place after 31 December will be charged at any new rates set for the forthcoming year.

To confirm your ceremony date, a small non‑refundable booking fee is required.

The following non‑refundable booking fee must be paid within 10 working days of receiving payment instructions from Civil Weddings in order to secure your booking:

• • • Prewritten Ceremonies: £50.00
    • Bespoke Ceremonies: £75.00

We keep payment timelines simple, so you know exactly what’s due and when.

• • • Must be paid in full immediately.

• • • 50% of the ceremony fee must be paid within 2 weeks from receiving your Statement of Fees.
    • The balance of the Statement of Fees must be paid no later than 30 days before the ceremony.
    • Failure to pay will result in the booking being cancelled and subject to our cancellation fees.

Some optional extras and special circumstances may incur additional costs, always agreed with you in advance.

• • • Ceremonies held on a Public Holiday incur an additional fee of £75.00.

• • • A pre‑ceremony rehearsal in your home or chosen venue incurs an additional fee of £50.00.

• • • Mileage is charged at 45p per mile for meetings or rehearsals, and for ceremonies at venues outside Essex.

• • • Any rail fares, airfares, or accommodation costs incurred to attend your ceremony will be charged.

From time to time, we offer promotional discounts to make ceremonies more accessible.

Promotional discounts are offered for a specified time on ceremony fees only. They do not apply to non‑refundable booking fees or certificate fees.

Please note: promotional discounts may cease to apply if, due to unforeseen circumstances, Civil Weddings must contract a third‑party celebrant service to cover your ceremony. In such cases, ceremony fees may increase.

We understand that plans can change, so our cancellation terms are designed to balance fairness with clarity.

• • • If you cancel after the first draft review date and before the final proofread date, 50% of the ceremony fee will be retained. For example, if £100.00 is paid – we will refund you £50.00.

• • • If you cancel after the final proofread date and before the day of your ceremony, 80% of the ceremony fee will be retained and 20% refunded. For example, if £100.00 is paid – we will refund you £20.00.

• • • Any additional charges incurred by Civil Weddings concerning cancellation fees for rail fares, airfares, accommodation costs or any other costs will be deducted from the refund values. Any costs incurred that exceed the refund value will be charged as the net difference. For example, £20 refund value less £50 additional charges – you will be invoiced for the additional £30 costs.

• • • If payment terms for the 50% Ceremony Fee or the Balance of Fees are not met, Civil Weddings reserves the right to cancel your booking. In such cases, any fees paid to date (excluding the non‑refundable deposit) will be forfeited and no refund will be issued.

We’re committed to making your ceremony joyful and stress‑free, and these terms are here to ensure everything runs smoothly and fairly for everyone involved.