"There are three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love."
-- I Corinthians 13:13
Sample Wedding Contract
The Contract
When I agree to be a couple's minister, and they agree to pay my fees, we sign a formal contract. This protects both parties should something unforseen arise. Below is the basic format of contract that I use, which is personalized to suit the couple and venue. The top part includes information about the Bride and Groom, and is designed to allow me to learn a bit about the couple in order to provide a superior wedding ceremony. The bottom part is the legal contract, binding us as Minister and Clients.
For ceremonies other than Weddings, a similar contract will be drawn up, providing the proper information as required by the minister in order to perform her duties.
Wedding Contract Information
Contract
Fee agreed on: $350.00 (plus applicable expenses as described in the contract). A deposit of $50.00 is due when this agreement is signed, and the balance of $300.00 is to be paid in two installments of $50.00 at the second meeting and $250.00 on or before the date of the ceremony.
Additional Expenses: the couple is responsible for all out-of-state travel, accommodation, meal and transport costs for REV. ALLYSON SZABO.
WEDDING SERVICES INCLUDED FOR THE FEE STATED ABOVE:
1. RESERVATION: Upon your signature, REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO will reserve the time and date agreed upon, and will not make other reservations for that time and date. For this reason, the Reservation Deposit of $50.00 is non-refundable, even if the date is changed or the wedding cancelled for any reason; including acts of God, fire, strike and/or extreme weather. The Reservation Deposit is to be paid at time of signing the contract. The Reservation Deposit is applied toward the contracted wedding service package. THE COUPLE understands and agrees that the entire amount owed for the wedding service package described in the contract is due on the date of the wedding.
2. PRINTED CEREMONY: After the wedding, REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO will provide THE COUPLE with a printed copy of the text of the wedding ceremony.
3. CANCELLATION: In the event that THE COUPLE cancels the contracted services for the wedding ceremony outlined in this contract before the wedding ceremony takes place, the deposit will be forfeit. REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO agrees to refund all additional paid money to THE COUPLE.
4. PRE-CEREMONY CONSULTATION: The parties agree to two consultations before the wedding date in order to finalize the text and music for the ceremony. These may be in person or via telephone or Zoom/Google Meet.
5. EVENT GUIDE: THE COUPLE will be responsible for the people involved intimately in the wedding ceremony. REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO accepts no liability if a person or persons involved do not show up or are otherwise unprepared for their part in the ceremony.
6. 30 MINUTE WINDOW: THE COUPLE agree to set aside at least 15 minutes before the commencement of the wedding ceremony and a 15 minute time frame afterward for the delivery of and filling out of necessary paperwork. If either the bride’s or groom’s late arrival (or any other reason outside of the minister’s control) prevents this 30 minute window from occurring, REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO shall not be held liable for failure to complete paperwork or ceremony in a timely fashion.
7. METHOD OF REMUNERATION: Payment may be made in cash, or by check or money order addressed to "Troglodite Services"* PROOF OF PAYMENT TO BE PROVIDED ON REQUEST.
8. LIMIT OF LIABILITY: In the unlikely event of severe medical, natural, or other emergencies, it may be necessary to retain an alternative minister. REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO will make every effort to secure a replacement minister able and/or willing to perform the wedding services as chosen in this contract at the same/similar charges. If such a situation should occur and a suitable replacement is not found, responsibility and liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the wedding service package.
I have read and understood the terms above. I hereby agree to the terms of this agreement.
Signed ______________________ (CLIENT RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT)
Signed ______________________ (REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO)
Date ________________
* Troglodite Services is the name that must be on the check or money order.
When I agree to be a couple's minister, and they agree to pay my fees, we sign a formal contract. This protects both parties should something unforseen arise. Below is the basic format of contract that I use, which is personalized to suit the couple and venue. The top part includes information about the Bride and Groom, and is designed to allow me to learn a bit about the couple in order to provide a superior wedding ceremony. The bottom part is the legal contract, binding us as Minister and Clients.
For ceremonies other than Weddings, a similar contract will be drawn up, providing the proper information as required by the minister in order to perform her duties.
Wedding Contract Information
- Bride’s Name:
- Bride's Phone:
- Bride's Faith/Religious Path:
- Bride's Address:
- Bride's Email:
- Groom’s Name:
- Groom's Phone:
- Groom's Faith/Religious Path:
- Groom's Address:
- Groom's Email:
- Couple's Address After Marriage:
- Referred by:
- Wedding Date:
- Time Wedding Service Starts: ________ Ends: _________
- Location of Wedding:
- Number of Guests (approximate):
- Wedding Reception Location:
- Wedding theme (please specify color scheme / traditional / formal / informal / casual etc.):
- Wedding Attire (describe bride, groom and wedding party attire):
- Remainder of Wedding Party (roles played, attire, age of children involved, etc.):
- Co-Officiant:
- Are there any issues the Minister should be aware of?
Contract
Fee agreed on: $350.00 (plus applicable expenses as described in the contract). A deposit of $50.00 is due when this agreement is signed, and the balance of $300.00 is to be paid in two installments of $50.00 at the second meeting and $250.00 on or before the date of the ceremony.
Additional Expenses: the couple is responsible for all out-of-state travel, accommodation, meal and transport costs for REV. ALLYSON SZABO.
WEDDING SERVICES INCLUDED FOR THE FEE STATED ABOVE:
- Initial meeting (complimentary)
- Two further meetings for planning purposes, or one meeting and a rehearsal dinner
- A 20 to 30 minute wedding ceremony performed by Rev. Allyson
- Unlimited email communication
- Reasonable telephone communication (between 9am and 7pm each day)
- Reasonable Skype/Google Hangout communication
- All paperwork required by the State and county
- A decorative (non-legal) marriage certificate and a printed copy of your personalized ceremony
1. RESERVATION: Upon your signature, REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO will reserve the time and date agreed upon, and will not make other reservations for that time and date. For this reason, the Reservation Deposit of $50.00 is non-refundable, even if the date is changed or the wedding cancelled for any reason; including acts of God, fire, strike and/or extreme weather. The Reservation Deposit is to be paid at time of signing the contract. The Reservation Deposit is applied toward the contracted wedding service package. THE COUPLE understands and agrees that the entire amount owed for the wedding service package described in the contract is due on the date of the wedding.
2. PRINTED CEREMONY: After the wedding, REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO will provide THE COUPLE with a printed copy of the text of the wedding ceremony.
3. CANCELLATION: In the event that THE COUPLE cancels the contracted services for the wedding ceremony outlined in this contract before the wedding ceremony takes place, the deposit will be forfeit. REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO agrees to refund all additional paid money to THE COUPLE.
4. PRE-CEREMONY CONSULTATION: The parties agree to two consultations before the wedding date in order to finalize the text and music for the ceremony. These may be in person or via telephone or Zoom/Google Meet.
5. EVENT GUIDE: THE COUPLE will be responsible for the people involved intimately in the wedding ceremony. REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO accepts no liability if a person or persons involved do not show up or are otherwise unprepared for their part in the ceremony.
6. 30 MINUTE WINDOW: THE COUPLE agree to set aside at least 15 minutes before the commencement of the wedding ceremony and a 15 minute time frame afterward for the delivery of and filling out of necessary paperwork. If either the bride’s or groom’s late arrival (or any other reason outside of the minister’s control) prevents this 30 minute window from occurring, REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO shall not be held liable for failure to complete paperwork or ceremony in a timely fashion.
7. METHOD OF REMUNERATION: Payment may be made in cash, or by check or money order addressed to "Troglodite Services"* PROOF OF PAYMENT TO BE PROVIDED ON REQUEST.
8. LIMIT OF LIABILITY: In the unlikely event of severe medical, natural, or other emergencies, it may be necessary to retain an alternative minister. REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO will make every effort to secure a replacement minister able and/or willing to perform the wedding services as chosen in this contract at the same/similar charges. If such a situation should occur and a suitable replacement is not found, responsibility and liability is limited to the return of all payments received for the wedding service package.
I have read and understood the terms above. I hereby agree to the terms of this agreement.
Signed ______________________ (CLIENT RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT)
Signed ______________________ (REV. M. ALLYSON SZABO)
Date ________________
* Troglodite Services is the name that must be on the check or money order.
