Last updated: May 29, 2025
At Cherokee Creek Farm, we understand that circumstances can change, and we strive to be fair and transparent about our refund policies. Please read this policy carefully before booking our services. Please also look through our Event Insurance page for information on getting insured for venue rental mishaps and/or cancellations.
1. Overview
This Refunds Policy applies to all services provided by Cherokee Creek Farm, including:
- Event venue rentals
- Wedding ceremonies and receptions
- Corporate retreats and meetings
- Birthday parties and celebrations
- Memorial and remembrance services
- Event planning and coordination services
2. Deposit Policy
2.1 Non-Refundable Deposits
- All booking deposits are non-refundable
- Deposits secure your event date and cover administrative costs
- Typical deposit amount: [PERCENTAGE]% of total event cost
- Deposits may be transferred to a new date subject to availability and transfer fees
2.2 Deposit Transfer Options
If you need to change your event date:
- Transfer Fee: $[AMOUNT] administrative fee applies
- Availability: New date must be available and within [TIME PERIOD] of original date
- Price Difference: Any price increase for new date must be paid
- Timeline: Transfer requests must be made at least [NUMBER] days in advance
3. Event Cancellation Refunds
3.1 Client-Initiated Cancellations
More than 12 months before event:
- Deposit: Non-refundable
- Additional payments: 90% refund
6-12 months before event:
- Deposit: Non-refundable
- Additional payments: 75% refund
3-6 months before event:
- Deposit: Non-refundable
- Additional payments: 50% refund
1-3 months before event:
- Deposit: Non-refundable
- Additional payments: 25% refund
Less than 30 days before event:
- Deposit: Non-refundable
- Additional payments: No refund
Less than 7 days before event:
- No refunds on any payments
3.2 Refund Processing
- Refunds are processed within 14 business days of approved cancellation
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method
- Processing fees may be deducted from refund amount
- All refund requests must be submitted in writing
4. Weather-Related Cancellations
4.1 Severe Weather Events
For outdoor events cancelled due to severe weather:
- 24+ hours notice: Full refund or free rescheduling
- Less than 24 hours: 50% refund or free rescheduling
- Day of event: No refund, but free rescheduling within 12 months
4.2 Weather Policy Details
- Severe weather includes: thunderstorms with lightning, tornadoes, ice storms, snow exceeding 3 inches
- Light rain or overcast conditions do not qualify for weather cancellations
- Indoor backup options may be available for additional fee
- Weather decisions are made by Cherokee Creek Farm management for safety reasons
5. Force Majeure and Emergency Situations
5.1 Circumstances Beyond Our Control
Full refunds are provided when events cannot proceed due to:
- Natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, severe storms)
- Government mandates or health emergencies
- Utility failures affecting venue operations
- Acts of terrorism or civil unrest
- Venue damage making facility unusable
5.2 COVID-19 and Health Emergencies
- Government-mandated closures: Full refund or free rescheduling
- Guest count restrictions: Partial refund based on reduced capacity
- Client health concerns: Standard cancellation policy applies
- Vendor unavailability due to health issues: Full refund of affected services
6. Vendor and Third-Party Service Refunds
6.1 Our Responsibility
- Cherokee Creek Farm refunds only apply to our direct services
- We are not responsible for third-party vendor refunds
- Clients must contact vendors directly for their refund policies
- We will provide documentation to support vendor refund requests when possible
6.2 Coordination Services
For event planning services:
- Planning fees are refundable according to our standard cancellation schedule
- Vendor deposits arranged through us are subject to individual vendor policies
- Administrative fees for vendor coordination are non-refundable after work begins
7. Partial Event Changes
7.1 Guest Count Reductions
- Reductions of 10% or less: No refund, no penalty
- Reductions of 11-25%: Partial refund of variable costs (catering, rentals)
- Reductions of 26-50%: Partial refund minus 20% administrative fee
- Reductions over 50%: Treated as event downsizing, subject to new contract
7.2 Service Modifications
- Removing services 30+ days before event: 75% refund of removed items
- Removing services 7-30 days before event: 50% refund of removed items
- Removing services less than 7 days: No refund
8. No-Show Policy
8.1 Event No-Shows
If you fail to appear for your scheduled event without prior notice:
- No refunds on any payments made
- Facility rental fees are forfeited
- Additional charges may apply for unused vendor services
8.2 Consultation No-Shows
- Initial consultation no-shows: No penalty
- Subsequent missed appointments: $50 fee for future appointments
- Planning session no-shows: Rescheduling fee applies
9. Special Circumstances
9.1 Medical Emergencies
In case of serious illness or medical emergency affecting the primary event host:
- Medical documentation required
- Case-by-case review for refund consideration
- Transfer to new date preferred when possible
- Compassionate consideration for family emergencies
9.2 Military Deployment
Active military personnel receiving deployment orders:
- Full documentation required
- Full refund or free transfer to new date
- Spouse may continue with event planning if desired
- Special consideration for overseas assignments
10. Dispute Resolution
10.1 Refund Disputes
If you disagree with a refund decision:
- Submit written appeal within 30 days
- Include supporting documentation
- We will review and respond within 14 business days
- Final decisions may be appealed through mediation
10.2 Processing Disputes
- Payment processing disputes should be directed to your credit card company
- We will provide necessary documentation for dispute resolution
- Chargebacks may result in additional fees
11. Refund Exceptions
11.1 Non-Refundable Items
The following are never refundable regardless of circumstances:
- Custom decorations or personalized items
- Non-returnable rental items
- Vendor deposits paid on your behalf (subject to vendor policies)
- Administrative and processing fees
- Services already rendered
11.2 Damage Deposits
- Security deposits are refundable if no damage occurs
- Damage assessment completed within 7 days of event
- Photo documentation provided for any damage claims
- Refund processed within 14 days of damage assessment
12. Payment Method Considerations
12.1 Credit Card Refunds
- Refunded to original card used for payment
- May take 5-10 business days to appear on statement
- Processing fees may be deducted from refund
12.2 Cash/Check Payments
- Refunds issued by business check
- Mailed to address on file within 14 business days
- Certified mail available upon request
13. International and Destination Events
For clients traveling from out of state or internationally:
- Standard refund policy applies
- Travel insurance strongly recommended
- Consider travel-related cancellation factors
- Earlier notification appreciated for international events
14. Contact Information for Refund Requests
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to:
Cherokee Creek Farm
- Address: 359 Taylor Bridge Rd. Jonesborough, TN 37659
- Phone: 423-225-2655
- Email: info@cherokeecreekfarm.com
- Subject Line: “Refund Request – [Your Event Date]”
Required Information:
- Event date and type
- Reason for cancellation/refund request
- Supporting documentation (if applicable)
- Preferred refund method
15. Policy Updates
This Refunds Policy may be updated periodically. Changes will be posted on our website and communicated to clients with upcoming events. The policy in effect at the time of booking governs your event.
This Refunds Policy works in conjunction with our Terms and Conditions. In case of conflicts, the most restrictive terms apply. We recommend reading both documents carefully before booking.
Questions? Contact us at 423-225-2655 or info@cherokeecreekfarm.com

