Is it illegal to not refund a deposit?

Keeping a deposit is legal when the contract clearly states it is non-refundable, and you signed or accepted those terms. Deposits are often used to secure a date and cover the supplier's costs, so they are not automatically refundable. The law only steps in when a supplier acts unfairly, for example by taking a deposit and then not delivering the service, or by hiding a non-refundable policy in the small print. If you were not told the deposit was non-refundable at the time of payment, you may have a stronger case. Consumer protection rules require terms to be clear and fair. If a term is hidden or surprising, it may be unenforceable. But for most wedding suppliers, a signed contract with a non-refundable deposit clause is perfectly legal. If you think the supplier has behaved unlawfully, you can contact your local trading standards or seek legal advice. For legal ceremonies, the rules about fees and cancellations can vary, so check with the register office or your place of worship. Always keep receipts, emails and the signed contract. If you are unsure about a specific situation, the best step is to ask a legal professional or check GOV.UK for consumer advice.