Terms and Conditions

You don’t need to remember all the details — I will guide you through everything.

A simple summary – funerals

I understand this may be a difficult and emotional time, so here is a gentle overview of how things work:

I can hold a date for a short time, but it is only confirmed once I am instructed by your funeral director or a deposit is received
I will guide you step by step and keep things as simple and calm as possible
I will provide clear deadlines to help everything come together smoothly
You will have the chance to review and approve the service before the day
Changes are always welcome where possible, although close to the service this can be limited
If plans change, fair charges may apply depending on timing

Most importantly, I am here to support you and help create a service that truly reflects your loved one.

If you are unsure about anything at all, please just ask.

A simple summary – weddings and other ceremonies

Planning a ceremony should feel exciting and supported, so here is a simple overview:

I can hold your date for a short time, but it is only confirmed once a deposit is received
Payments are usually split, with the balance due before your ceremony
I will work closely with you to create something personal and meaningful
You will have the chance to review and approve everything in advance
Clear timelines will be shared to keep everything running smoothly
If plans change, I will always do my best to help, although charges may apply depending on timing

My aim is to make the whole process feel easy, enjoyable, and truly personal to you.

If you have any questions along the way, I am always here.

Working together

When you ask me to support you with a service or ceremony, or I am booked on your behalf, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.

They are here to keep everything clear, fair, and supportive for everyone involved.

Holding a date

I am happy to provisionally hold a date for:

Memorial services for up to 7 days
Funeral services for up to 24 hours

After this time, a deposit is required to secure the booking.
If a deposit is not received, the date may be released and offered to another family.

Confirming your booking

Your booking is confirmed when either:

A 50% deposit of the agreed fee has been received, or
I have been formally instructed by a funeral director on your behalf

Once confirmed, your date is reserved exclusively for you.

Payment

The remaining balance is due one month before the service or ceremony
If the booking is made within one month, full payment is required at the time of booking
Where a funeral director is involved, they will usually manage payment on your behalf

Timescales and preparation

Each service is carefully written and prepared.

You will be given clear deadlines in your initial communication. These are important, as weekends and bank holidays are not working days for myself, funeral directors, printers, or music providers.

It is the responsibility of the client, or their representative, to provide information on time. Delays may affect what can be delivered.

Accuracy of information

All content is created using the information provided to me.

It is important that all details are correct. I cannot be responsible for inaccuracies in the information shared.

Drafts and final approval

You will be asked to review and approve the service content.

Approval is usually required within 24 hours
No changes can be made within 72 hours of the service

This allows time for preparation, printing, and delivery.

Changes to Arrangements

If anything changes, please let me know as soon as possible, ideally in writing.

I will always do my best to accommodate changes, but this cannot be guaranteed, especially close to the service date.

Cancellations

Cooling-Off Period

You have the right to cancel within 14 days of paying your deposit and receive a full refund, in line with UK consumer law.

If you ask me to begin work within this 14-day period and then cancel, a reasonable charge may be made for work already completed.

If you need to cancel

Funerals

Within 21 days of the service: 60% of the fee
Within 14 days: 80% of the fee
Within 7 days: 100% of the fee

Weddings, Naming Ceremonies and Other Services

Any non-refundable travel or accommodation costs already paid
Within 3 months: 60% of the fee
Within 2 months: 80% of the fee
Within 1 month: 100% of the fee

These charges reflect the time, care, and preparation already given.

The person making the booking remains responsible for payment, even if a third party is involved.

If I am unable to attend

In the unlikely event that I am unable to attend, I will do everything I can to arrange a trusted and suitable replacement.

If this is not possible, you will receive a full refund.

Legal Ceremonies

For ceremonies that are legally recognised in England and Wales, legal registration must be completed separately at a Register Office.

I am always happy to guide you through this if needed.

Written work and copyright

All written materials, including eulogies and service structures, are carefully created and remain my intellectual property.

They are provided for your personal use only and must not be shared, copied, reproduced, or distributed without prior permission.

All work is protected by copyright.

Respectful behaviour

I work with care, compassion, and professionalism, and I kindly ask the same in return.

Any abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behaviour may result in the service being withdrawn, with fees still payable.

Availability

My usual working hours are:
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, excluding bank holidays

I may sometimes be unavailable during these times while supporting other families, but I will always respond as soon as I can.

Insurance and professional standards

I hold:

£5 million Public Liability Insurance
£1 million Professional Indemnity Insurance

Certificates are available on request.

Complaints

I take all concerns seriously and aim to handle them fairly and respectfully.

Making a Complaint

Complaints should be made in writing or by email within 14 days of the issue.

Please include:

Your name and contact details
Details of the concern
Date, time, and location (if relevant)

Anonymous complaints cannot be accepted.

Process

Acknowledgement will be provided within 14 days
An investigation will be carried out fairly and confidentially
A full response is usually provided within 28 days, and no later than 150 days

Outcome

You will receive a written response explaining the outcome.

If a complaint is upheld, steps will be taken to resolve the matter.
If not upheld, a clear explanation will be provided.

You may seek independent advice if you remain dissatisfied.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the English courts.

A Final Note

My role is to support you, guide you, and create something meaningful and personal.

These terms are here simply to help everything run smoothly, so we can focus on what truly matters.

Website terms and conditions

Jon Matson-Higgins, Minister & Celebrant
Website: jonmatsonhiggins.co.uk

Introduction

These Website Terms and Conditions set out how you may use this website.

By accessing or using this website, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site.

These terms relate to your use of the website only.
Separate Terms and Conditions apply to services and ceremonies.

About this website

This website is owned and operated by:

Jon Matson-Higgins, Minister & Celebrant Ltd
Registered Office:
Hedgerow House
505 Broadgate
Weston Hills
Spalding
PE12 6DB

Company Registration Number: 13070533

Use of this website

You agree to use this website in a lawful and respectful way.

You must not:

Use the website for any unlawful purpose
Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the website or its systems
Introduce viruses or harmful material
Copy, reproduce, or misuse website content without permission

We may suspend or restrict access if these terms are not followed.

Content and accuracy

All content on this website is provided in good faith and is intended for general information only.

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, I cannot guarantee that all information is always up to date, complete, or free from errors.

Content may be updated or changed at any time without notice.

Intellectual property

All written content on this website, including wording, structure, and materials, belongs to Jon Matson-Higgins unless otherwise stated.

This includes:

Service descriptions
Blogs and articles
Ceremony wording examples

You may:

View and read content for personal use

You may not:

Copy, reproduce, distribute, or republish content without prior written permission

All written work is protected by copyright.

Links to other websites

This website may include links to third-party websites.

These links are provided for convenience only.

I do not have control over external websites and accept no responsibility for their content, security, or privacy practices.

You access third-party websites at your own risk.

Privacy and data protection

Your privacy is important.

A separate Privacy Policy explains how personal data is collected, used, and protected in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Please click here to view my privacy policy

By using this website, you agree to the practices outlined in that policy.

Website availability

I aim to keep the website available and running smoothly.

However, I cannot guarantee uninterrupted access and accept no liability for temporary unavailability due to maintenance, updates, or technical issues.