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

Ceremony fees and travel costs are reviewed annually for the twelve-month period January to December. Fees may change if external suppliers increase their charges. Any ceremony taking place after 31 December will be charged at the new rates set for the forthcoming year.

To confirm your ceremony date, a small non‑refundable booking fee is required. This fee must be paid within 10 working days of receiving payment instructions from Civil Weddings.:

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

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

Bookings less than 8 weeks before the ceremony date

Full payment is required immediately.

Bookings more than 8 weeks before the ceremony date

• • • 50% of the ceremony fee must be paid within 10 working days of receiving your Statement of Fees.
    • The balance of fees must be paid no later than 30 days before the ceremony.

If the agreed time of the ceremony is delayed by you or by invited parties, additional charges will be incurred. These are applied for every 30 minutes past the agreed start time.

If you request to move your ceremony to a new date, additional costs may apply. This may include the Public Holiday fee if the new date falls on a Bank Holiday, or any extra costs arising from changes in legal or statutory requirements affecting Civil Weddings. Any revised fees will be clearly set out in an updated Statement of Fees.

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

• • • Public Holiday Ceremonies: £75.00
    • Pre‑Ceremony Rehearsal: £50.00
    • Mileage: 45p per mile for meetings, rehearsals, and ceremonies outside Essex
    • Travel and Accommodation: Any rail fares, airfares, or accommodation costs required to attend your ceremony will be charged

Promotional discounts apply only to ceremony fees and do not include booking fees or certificate fees. These 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.

Cancellation after First Draft Review and before Final Proofread
75% of the ceremony fee will be retained. (For example, if £100.00 is paid, £25.00 will be refunded.)

Cancellation after Final Proofread and before Ceremony Day
100% of the ceremony fee will be retained.

Any additional charges incurred by Civil Weddings (such as rail fares, airfares, accommodation, or other expenses) will be deducted from any refund due. If costs exceed the refund value, the difference will be invoiced. (For example: if the refund value is £20 and additional charges total £50, then the remaining £30 difference will be invoiced.)

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. If fees remain unpaid ten working days after the due date stated in your Statement of Fees, your booking may be cancelled. In such cases, any fees paid to date (excluding the non‑refundable booking fee) will be forfeited and no refund will be issued.

If statutory or legal requirements affecting Civil Weddings change, the Statement of Fees may be updated. Any revised fees will be communicated clearly.

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.