Contract Terms
This agreement made on the day our services are retained, between the client, and New York City Marriage Officiants, for officiating the wedding of the Bride and Groom on their wedding day with officiant arriving at the time designated by the couple.
Retainer – An initial retainer of half down of total cost and a signed contract must be secured prior to any services being performed by the Wedding Officiant.
Contracted package – Includes all services described in selected package details reviewed and distributed to clients. Any additional services/products requested by the client incurred by checking with the Wedding Officiant will be billed directly to client at cost. All services contracted cannot be deducted, but additional services can be added.
Final Payment – Final payments should be made directly to the contracted Wedding Officiant. In order to expedite processes on the day of the ceremony, it is expected that final payment (as well as marriage license if applicable) should be furnished to the Wedding Officiant prior to the start of the ceremony.
Marriage License – Client understands that it is the client's responsibility to acquire a valid marriage license in the state where the wedding ceremony will take place and the marriage license must be on the premises when the ceremony is performed. Client understands that failure to have these legal documents means that the Wedding Officiant cannot legally perform the ceremony and is under no obligation to do so. The officiant may at his/her discretion perform a symbolic ceremony, which will have no legal merit, and perform another ceremony in private for the couple once the legal documents are presented, for an additional fee to be negotiated with the Wedding Officiant. Client will consult with the local court or official to find the exact requirements for the client's area.
Liability – It is understood that the Wedding Officiant is only liable for services completed and provided by the Wedding Officiant and cannot be held liable for the services of other contracted vendors. It is understood that in no event shall the Wedding Officiant be liable for consequential damages of any kind. Client agrees that in all circumstances, the Wedding Officiant ’s liability shall be exclusively limited to an amount equal to the performance fee and that neither The Officiants, LLC nor the individual contracted with New York City Marriage Officiants shall be liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from any breach of contract.
Cancellation Policy – If event is cancelled or the Wedding Officiant's services are no longer required, no portion of the fees paid to the Wedding Officiant will be returned. If notice of cancellation is given less than 6 months before event date, final payment will be required to compensate for hours of service already rendered and loss of event date. If the event is postponed, services contracted can be applied to a new date if available (refer to Postponement Policy).
Postponement Policy – If event is postponed, all services will cease at time of notification of postponement if no determined new date is provided. Payment schedule will be determined and readjusted post new event date notification. If client requires services to resume, post new event date being established, second payment will be required at time of service re-start.
Responsibility – The Wedding Officiant is not responsible for Acts Of God, Natural Disasters, an Act Of Government such as A Declaration of National or Local Emergency, or Other Incidents Not within the control, i.e. accident, death in the family, illness, pregnancy, or sudden tragic circumstance. In such a situation, the Wedding Officiant will obtain, upon approval of the client, a qualified professional replacement to fulfill the Wedding Officiant’s obligations under the contract, at no additional charge to the client.
Overtime – Additional unplanned and/or un-contracted services (such as, but not limited to, full redo of design, day of wedding extension of time, services outside of scope of agreement, management of non wedding day activities, etc) are considered overtime and will be billed with prior notification and consent at the rate of $150 per hour or part thereof. The Wedding Officiant agrees to arrive at the wedding location listed on the contract at the agreed time, barring unforeseen legitimate issues beyond their control. Client understands that they must adhere to the agreed-upon ceremony start time. The Wedding Officiant does understand that wedding days do not always go as planned and will accommodate for weddings that start later than scheduled, as time permits. The Wedding Officiant will allow for a 1.5 hour block of time per wedding to give plenty of time for unexpected delays. This block of time begins at the officiant’s scheduled arrival time. If extended time is needed beyond the aforementioned block AND the contracted officiant is available and agrees to stay, client agrees to pay Consultant compensation of $150 per additional hour or part thereof.
Rehearsals – If the client wishes to have the Wedding Officiant attend a wedding rehearsal, it needs to be explicitly added to the package, and an additional fee of $250 will apply.
Payment Schedule and Method – For your convenience, payments can be made online via Zelkw using a valid credit card. Otherwise, payment is to be made by cash or check. Note: In the event that a check is returned (insufficient funds, stopped payment, etc.), NewYork City Marriage Officiants will pursue compensation to the maximum extent allowable by law.
= areas covered (up to 100 miles)
