Basic Terms of working with me
Whilst we go through this more specifically when we do your Celebrant Services Contract this page gives a bit of an overview of how everything works.
Celebrant Terms & Conditions
These are the nitty-gritty bits that keep everything fair, professional, and clear. By booking me (Kate Ryan-Taylor, trading as Ready Set Love), you’re agreeing to these terms. They protect us both and make sure your big day runs smoothly.
Bookings & Deposits
- A non-refundable booking fee (deposit) secures your date. Until that’s received, your date isn’t locked in.
- The deposit is not transferable to another date unless agreed in writing.
- Your booking confirms that you’ve read, understood, and accepted these terms.
Payments
- Final balance is due no later than the date specified in your invoice / contract (usually well before your ceremony).
- If payment is not received on time, I may not be able to perform your ceremony (and nobody wants that stress on the day!).
- If payment is received late but before the ceremony time (with enough travel/setup allowance), I will proceed at my discretion as a courtesy.
- For further details, including debt collection, please see the Payment Terms & Conditions.
Financial Difficulties
- If you are experiencing financial difficulties, I invite you to reach out and discuss this with me before it becomes an issue.
- Together, we can set up an alternative payment arrangement to remove the stress and keep the agreement clear between us.
- Please note: any such agreement (including any changes or modifications) must be completed in writing and signed by both of us before it is considered in effect.
- Please also refer to the Payment Terms & Conditions for further information.
Cancellations & Changes
- Cancellations must be made in writing.
- Deposits are strictly non-refundable.
- If you cancel within 6 weeks of your ceremony date, the full fee is payable (since I’ve held that date for you and turned away other bookings).
- If you need to reschedule, I’ll do my best to accommodate, subject to availability.
Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
- Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with me no later than one month before your ceremony date.
- Your NOIM is valid for 18 months from the date of signing.
- It is your responsibility to ensure all documents and identification required by law are correct, current, and provided on time.
- If the NOIM or required documentation is incomplete, incorrect, or missing, the marriage cannot legally proceed — and fees remain payable.
- I will guide you through the process and double-check requirements, but the responsibility to provide the documents rests with you.
Migration Services & Legal Advice
- I am not able to provide migration services or other legal advice.
- If you require migration assistance, this must be arranged through a registered migration agent.
- I am happy to provide a letter confirming your intention to marry and your booking with me, which may support your application — but that is the extent of the assistance I can provide in this area.
Translation Services
- If English is not your first language and you require a translator, we’ll discuss this as part of the process.
- If you don’t already have someone suitable, I can recommend ways to find a professional translator.
- The organisation and costs of a translator are the couple’s responsibility.
- As your celebrant, I must ensure that you both fully understand and consent to every part of the marriage process.
- I have the right to not proceed with the ceremony if I cannot be satisfied that consent and understanding are genuine and clear.
Travel & Extras
- Travel costs may apply depending on the location of your ceremony. This will be quoted upfront.
- Optional extras (like rehearsals, live-streaming, personalised resources, or vendor connections) can be added to your booking and quoted separately.
Personalisation & Information
- I need your cooperation to personalise your ceremony — this means sharing details, stories, and information about your relationship.
- Quite bluntly: if you don’t give me anything to work with, I can’t embed you into your ceremony as much as I’d love to.
- The more you share — what you love, what drives you crazy, how you feel about each other — the better I can make suggestions and craft a ceremony that fits you perfectly.
- If you’re loud, fun, and want to put on a show — we’ll lean into that. If you’re quiet and prefer something intimate and heartfelt, we’ll create a more introverted vibe.
- The goal is always to reflect you as a couple, not a cookie-cutter script.
Photos, Video & Social Media
- Celebrants thrive on word of mouth and “social proof” — it’s how future couples get to see what the vibe is all about.
- As part of my services, you agree by default that I may use a small selection of photos (and occasionally video snippets) from your day for promotional purposes, unless you specifically choose to opt out in writing.
- I’ll always be respectful in my choices — think joyful, celebratory moments, not awkward cake-face shots.
- I may ask for the names and details of your other vendors (photographers, stylists, florists, etc.) so I can “tag” and credit them appropriately — because sharing the love and acknowledging the team that made the magic happen is super important.
- If you’d prefer your day not to be featured online at all, that’s absolutely fine too — just let me know, and we will modify this part of the agreement we sign.
MC Services
- In addition to celebrant services, I can also be your Emcee (MC) for your reception.
- This may include introducing speeches, running a few games, or keeping the vibe flowing.
- I can also provide some “guest minding” before and after your ceremony — making sure guests are comfortable, entertained, and where they need to be.
- These services are optional and will need to be discussed, agreed upon, and quoted separately.
Props & Hire Items
- Any props or keepsakes that I create specifically for you (e.g. a handfasting cord) will incur a materials cost — this covers both the out-of-pocket costs (ribbons, trinkets, scrolls, etc.) and my time making them.
- Hire items are quoted on a case-by-case basis and costs will vary depending on the risk and insurance requirements.
- Low-risk items are often simply loaned for free to couples who have engaged me as their celebrant.
- Other hire items may be charged depending on whether I am present (for example, during MC duties) or if the items are left unattended.
- Any damage to hire items will result in replacement costs being charged to the couple.
- The couple is responsible for pick up and drop off of hire items to/from Kendenup, WA within the agreed timeframe.
- Additional hire days or travel costs may be charged if items are returned late or if travel is required.
Wedding Favours
- Wedding favours (such as honey jars or chocolate blocks) are provided through our other business, The Gourmet Bee.
- These items are completely separate from any celebrancy or MC services and will be covered by their own contract and invoice.
- Invoices for wedding favours will be issued under The Gourmet Bee, which is a fully registered food business and adheres to all food safety requirements.
- The Gourmet Bee is operated under the family partnership of KM & SF Ryan-Taylor, ABN 68 601 080 443.
Liability
- I accept no responsibility for issues outside my control (e.g. weather, traffic, supplier failures, mobile network dropouts during livestreaming, acts of nature, pandemics, or Uncle Barry’s karaoke skills).
- I will take all reasonable steps to deliver your ceremony as planned, but cannot be held liable for circumstances beyond my control.
Worst Case Scenario
- In the rare event of an emergency (such as illness or accident) that prevents me from performing your ceremony, I will do everything in my power to arrange another authorised celebrant to step in.
- Please note: this may not always be possible, particularly in regional areas where celebrants are few and far between or already fully booked.
- If a replacement celebrant cannot be secured, I will provide a “non-legal version” of your ceremony for a family member or friend to perform on the day, so the celebration can still go ahead.
- In that case, I will complete the legal marriage paperwork with you as soon as possible afterwards to ensure your marriage is properly registered.
Professional Standards & Conduct
- I will perform your ceremony with professionalism, inclusivity, and heart.
- I adhere to the Code of Conduct for Marriage Celebrants, as published on the Attorney-General’s Department website.
- I reserve the right to refuse to officiate if guests or parties are aggressive, abusive, or intoxicated — safety comes first.
- I also reserve the right to stop or delay a ceremony if legal requirements are not met or conditions are unsafe.
Changes to These Terms
- I may update these terms from time to time to keep everything current. Any updated version will apply to future bookings, and you’ll be sent a copy if you’re a current client.
