Cancelling a officiant

I had to cancel my contract with my photographer. I didn't cancel until I had another lined up. I said:

I want to thank you for your work for our engagement shoot back in February. It is with much thought and consideration that we have made the decision we are going in another direction for our photographs for our wedding date of 01/07/17. We are thus canceling our contract. I have read our contract and completely understand the deposit is nonrefundable and are not seeking a refund. Please send written confirmation of this cancellation.

Thank you so much,

The sooner you cancel the better your chance of getting any refund. If your deposit was a non-refundable retainer, you'll lose at least that.

Just be polite. A couple asked me for a quote which I gave them. They got back to me saying his uncle would be officiating. I gave them my best wishes. Within a month, they contacted me again. It was not working out with the uncle and they hoped I was still available for their date. I was and they booked me!

I had to cancel our old venue. I had put a deposit of $1,000 down, but did not sign a contract (still don't understand why they didn't have me sign one...must be fate) but when I called I told them that we had a change of heart (our food was terrible, and I let them know in a nice way.) After explaining myself I nonchalantly said, "Oh, and since we never got to signing the contract, how can I expect to get my $1,000 deposit back?" She seemed taken aback by it, but it worked and I had a check in hand 2 weeks later. If you have not signed a contract go this route. If you have, accept your losses and politely tell them you have decided to go in a different direction.

If you signed a contract and paid a deposit you are free to walk away from the contracted services but don't expect your deposit back. Also, never give any sort of deposit without a contract, never! I have re-worded my contracts to say "retainer" which is nonrefundable by definition.

Please understand that when I sign a contract with couples I then turn away other ceremonies for that same date. Deposits and retainers serve to protect both parties in a contractual agreement.