Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 01/11/2026.

Booking & payment

A date is only secured once a booking fee of £50.00 has been received. That acts as your deposit, with the remaining balance (£545.00) to be paid 7 days before the ceremony date.

Cancellations & rescheduling

If you cancel

  • More than 90 days before the ceremony: your deposit is retained and nothing further is due.
  • Between 90 and 28 days before: your deposit is retained, plus 50% of the ceremony fee.
  • Fewer than 28 days before: the full ceremony fee is due.

Work already done (consultation and script drafting) is covered by the deposit and fees above.

If you need to reschedule

  • One change of date is free if you give at least 60 days' notice and I'm available on the new date. Your deposit transfers across.
  • If I'm not available on the new date, you can choose another date or cancel under the terms above.
  • Further changes, or changes with less notice, may carry an admin fee of £50.
  • If the ceremony has to be postponed for reasons outside your control (serious illness, bereavement, venue closure), I'll move your booking to the next date I'm free at no extra charge.

If I need to cancel or reschedule

In the unlikely event that I can't attend (illness or emergency), I'll tell you as soon as possible and do my best to find a suitable replacement celebrant, with your approval. If I can't, or you'd rather not use a replacement, you'll receive a full refund of everything you've paid. My liability is limited to that refund, and I can't be responsible for other wedding costs.

Changes to the ceremony script

Edits to your ceremony are included up to the final run-through. Major rewrites after that point, or after the final script has been approved, may be charged at an hourly rate agreed with you in advance.

Venue, weather and timings

Bad weather, venue changes or late timings are not cancellations. I'll work with whatever plan you have. If a change of date or venue means extra travel costs, we'll agree these in writing before the booking is confirmed (see Travel & accommodation).

Travel & accommodation

For ceremonies outside of Essex, reasonable travel and accommodation costs may apply and will be agreed with you in writing before booking is confirmed.

The ceremony itself

Ceremonies led by Alison Byam Ceremonies are not legally binding. Couples are responsible for completing any separate legal requirements for marriage or civil partnership in their jurisdiction.

Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Contact

Questions about these terms can be sent to alisonbyamceremonies@gmail.com.