Effective from: 1st February 2026
1. Definitions
1. “Client”: Refers to the person(s) booking the Celebrant’s services, whether for a wedding ceremony, funeral/celebration of life, baby naming ceremony, or any other event.
2. “Celebrant”: Refers to the individual (e.g., Ria) committed to providing officiating and/or ceremonial services as set forth in this Agreement.
3. “Contract” or “Agreement”: The legally binding agreement between the Client and the Celebrant, including all terms stipulated herein.
4. “Services”: Planning, creation, and delivery of ceremonies, including but not limited to weddings, funerals/celebrations of life, and baby naming ceremonies.
5. “Non-Refundable Booking Fee” or “Holding Fee”: The initial fee paid by the Client to secure the Celebrant’s availability for a specified date.
2. Scope of Services
2.1 General
• The Celebrant agrees to provide officiating services for the specific ceremony type(s) chosen by the Client: Wedding Ceremonies, Funeral/Celebration of Life Services, or Baby Naming Ceremonies.
• The Celebrant’s responsibilities typically include an initial consultation, drafting and finalising a ceremony script, offering guidance on structure and content, and delivering the ceremony on the agreed date and location.
• Additional services, such as travel, rituals, vow-writing assistance, or script revisions, may be included as specified or agreed upon in writing.
2.2 Weddings
1. Ceremony Creation & Delivery:
• The Celebrant will write and deliver a personalised wedding ceremony on the agreed date (“Wedding Day”).
• Up to five (5) script reviews are included, as reasonably required by the Client.
• A wedding blessing certificate (if applicable) is presented upon completion of the ceremony.
2. Complimentary Services:
• Ritual exploration and ideas.
• Assistance with writing wedding vows.
• Regular email and phone contact leading up to the Wedding Day.
3. Timelines:
• First Draft: Within six (6) weeks after receiving the completed questionnaire and deposit.
• Second Draft: Within two (2) weeks of receiving Client’s amendments.
• Final Script: Printed and finalised at least one (1) month prior to the Wedding Day.
2.3 Funerals / Celebrations of Life
1. Ceremony Creation & Delivery:
• The Celebrant will work closely with the Client (and/or funeral director) to create and deliver a respectful funeral or celebration of life ceremony, reflecting the unique personality and values of the deceased.
• Due to the time-sensitive nature of funerals, the Celebrant will prioritise drafting and finalising the script within an expedited timeline, as agreed with the Client.
2. Complimentary Services:
• Consultation on readings, tributes, and rituals to honour the deceased.
• Guidance on eulogies or commemorative items.
• Regular email and phone contact in the days/weeks leading up to the service.
3. Timelines:
• Expedited Drafts: Timelines will be mutually agreed upon based on the funeral or memorial date.
• Script Reviews: Up to five (5) revisions, or as otherwise agreed, to accommodate the Client’s wishes in a short timeframe.
2.4 Baby Naming Ceremonies
1. Ceremony Creation & Delivery:
• The Celebrant will create and deliver a personalised baby naming ceremony on the agreed date.
• This may include introducing guideparents/godparents, special readings, or symbolic rituals.
2. Complimentary Services:
• Assistance with selecting poems, readings, or music.
• Suggestions for family involvement and symbolic gestures (e.g., lighting candles, planting trees).
• Regular email and phone contact leading up to the ceremony.
3. Timelines:
• First Draft: Within six (6) weeks after receiving any required questionnaire or background info, plus deposit.
• Script Reviews: Up to five (5) reviews or as otherwise agreed.
• Final Script: Presented on or before the ceremony date.
3. Fees and Payment
3.1 Booking Fee and Balances
1. Non-Refundable Booking Fee
• The Client agrees to pay a non-refundable booking fee (“Holding Fee”) of £150, which secures the Celebrant’s availability on the specific date.
• Payment of this booking fee indicates acceptance of these Terms of Service.
2. Remaining Balance
• The remaining balance, inclusive of any agreed travel expenses, is due no later than thirty (30) days before the event date (for weddings and baby namings).
• For funerals, which are often scheduled on shorter notice, the payment schedule will be agreed upon between the Celebrant and Client, but typically the balance is due prior to or on the day of the service.
3. Payment Methods
• Accepted methods (e.g., bank transfer, PayPal) will be agreed upon between the Client and the Celebrant.
• Fees are quoted in GBP (£) unless otherwise specified.
4. Cancellation Policy
4.1 Cancellation by the Client
1. Non-Refundable Booking Fee:
• The booking fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
2. Wedding Ceremony & Baby Naming Cancellations
• Up to 3 Months Before the Event: The Client is not required to pay any remaining balance.
• Up to 2 Months Before the Event: 50% of the full remaining balance is due as a cancellation charge.
• Up to 1 Month Before the Event: The full remaining balance is due as a cancellation charge.
3. Funeral/ Celebration of Life Cancellations
• Given the short-notice nature of funerals, cancellations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The non-refundable deposit will not be returned, and any additional cancellation fees may be agreed upon between Client and Celebrant, reflecting the time/effort already expended.
4. Effect of Cancellation
• Upon cancellation, the Celebrant may accept other bookings for the same date and time.
4.2 Cancellation by the Celebrant
1. Extenuating Circumstances
• If the Celebrant is unable to attend due to illness, emergency, or other unforeseen events beyond the Celebrant’s control, every effort will be made to find a suitably qualified replacement.
• The Celebrant will transfer all relevant documents, drafts, and details to the replacement to ensure minimal disruption.
2. Refund
• If no replacement can be found for the booked date, the Celebrant will refund all payments received (including deposit) within a reasonable time.
5. Script Ownership and Copyright
1. Ownership
• The ceremony script remains copyrighted to the Celebrant until the day of the ceremony. Upon completion of the ceremony, ownership is transferred to the Client, meaning the Client may keep, share, or preserve the script as they wish.
2. Celebrant’s Use of Material
• The Celebrant reserves the right to retain portions of the script for reference or inspiration in future ceremonies but will not duplicate entire personal scripts without the Client’s consent.
• Personal details unique to the Client (e.g., names, stories) will not be reused or shared publicly without permission.
6. Use of Images
1. Client and Guest Photographs
• The Client and guests may take photographs or videos during the ceremony, provided it does not interfere with the service.
2. Celebrant’s Use of Images
• With the Client’s prior written or verbal consent, the Celebrant may request to use ceremony photos or short video clips for promotional materials, social media, or portfolio purposes.
• If the Client prefers not to share certain images or recordings, the Celebrant will respect that decision.
3. Withdrawal of Consent
• If the Client initially grants permission but later wishes to withdraw consent for any reason, they must notify the Celebrant in writing. The Celebrant will make reasonable efforts to remove or discontinue use of the relevant images or videos.
7. Liability and Disclaimer
1. Limitation of Liability
• The Celebrant’s total liability for any claims arising out of this Agreement is limited to the amount the Client paid for the Services.
• The Celebrant is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including but not limited to emotional distress, lost profits, or travel interruptions.
2. Force Majeure
• The Celebrant shall not be considered in breach of this Agreement for any failure or delay in performance caused by Acts of God, war, government action, natural disasters, or other events beyond the Celebrant’s reasonable control.
8. Confidentiality and Privacy
1. Client Information
• All personal information collected from the Client—such as contact details, questionnaires, and personal stories—is used solely for providing the Services.
2. Privacy Policy
• Please refer to the Website’s Privacy Policy for details on data handling, retention, and protection.
9. General Provisions
1. Entire Agreement
• This Agreement, including any additional written and signed or acknowledged provisions, constitutes the entire understanding between the Celebrant and the Client. It supersedes any prior verbal or written agreements.
2. Amendments
• Any changes or amendments to these Terms of Service must be agreed in writing by both parties (email acceptance is sufficient).
3. Severability
• If any part of this Agreement is held unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
4. Governing Law
• This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of that region’s courts.
10. Legal Status of Wedding Ceremony
• The ceremony conducted by Celebrate with Ria is a non-statutory celebratory ceremony and is not legally binding.
• The Couple understands and accepts that this ceremony does not create a legal marriage or civil partnership under the laws of England and Wales.
• The Couple is responsible for making separate arrangements for any legally recognised marriage or civil partnership registration if required.
10. Acceptance of Terms
By paying the booking fee, signing the contract (physically or digitally), or otherwise indicating acceptance, the Client confirms they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service for wedding ceremonies, funeral/celebrations of life, and/or baby naming ceremonies, as applicable.
Last Updated: 1st February 2026