Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Effective Date: September 1, 2025

The Esoteric Interfaith Fellowship, a 501(c)(3) public charity and recognized religious organization, operates under the assumed names Dallas Wedding Officiants and The Courthouse Wedding Chapel (“we,” “our,” “us”). We provide sacred rites and ceremonies, including holy matrimony, consistent with our interfaith mission and ecclesiastical law.

By accessing DallasWeddingOfficiants.com, CourthouseWeddingChapel.org, or scheduling a service, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms.

1. Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Authority

1.1 All weddings are performed under the authority of the Office of the Matrimony Magistrate, a division of the Esoteric Interfaith Fellowship.

1.2 Our officiants, judges, ministers, and vicars act solely under ecclesiastical jurisdiction—not as employees or representatives of any civil or governmental body.

1.3 Our officiants are duly authorized under Texas Family Code § 2.202 to solemnize marriages legally recognized by the State of Texas.

2. Information We Collect and How We Use It

We collect only the information necessary to perform and document your ceremony:

• Contact Information: Name, email, phone number, and mailing address
• Ceremony Details: Date, time, location, and service preferences
• Payment Information: Processed securely through Stripe (we do not store cardholder data)
• Photos & Media: With consent, photos may be used for nonprofit promotional purposes

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties.

3. Clergy–Communicant Privilege

3.1 Confidential communications with clergy are protected under Texas Rules of Evidence, Rule 505.

3.2 The communicant (client) may assert or prevent disclosure of privileged communications.

3.3 Clergy may also assert this privilege on behalf of the communicant.

4. Data Retention and Protection

• Personal records are retained for no longer than 60 days after the ceremony.
• Marriage licenses and government-issued documents are not stored.
• All financial transactions are processed through Stripe for PCI-compliant security.

5. Photos and Media Use

With client consent, we may use photos or video footage to promote our charitable and religious mission through:

• Our official websites and social media pages
• Printed or digital materials (including Google Ads or nonprofit outreach)

To opt out, a written request must be submitted prior to the ceremony date.

6. Bookings, Payments, and Cancellations

• All bookings are made via our TidyCal scheduling system.
• Payment in full is required at the time of booking and processed securely via Stripe.
• Cancellations within 72 hours of booking: Refund issued, minus processing fees.
• Cancellations after 72 hours: Non-refundable.
• Rescheduling: Permitted in advance, subject to availability.

Your booking constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

7. Public Statements and Dispute Resolution

7.1 Clients agree to address any concerns directly with us before making public statements.

7.2 Clients agree not to:

• Publish false, misleading, or defamatory statements
• Post negative reviews related to disclosed policies or package limitations
• Make public claims without first allowing us the opportunity to resolve the issue

Legal Framework:

• Texas Defamation Mitigation Act: Requires retraction requests before litigation.
• Texas Citizens Participation Act: Protects free speech, not false or injurious content.

We reserve the right to pursue appropriate remedies for defamatory or malicious conduct.

8. Legal and Religious Protections

• First Amendment, U.S. Constitution – Religious liberty and ministry protection
• Texas Family Code § 2.202 – Authority to solemnize marriages
• RLUIPA – Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
• Texas Rules of Evidence Rule 505 – Clergy–Communicant privilege
• Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act (Chapter 84) – Limits liability for nonprofit clergy and agents acting in good faith

9. Amendments

We may update this policy at any time. Continued use of our websites or services constitutes acceptance of the most current version.

Acknowledgment

By using our websites or booking a ceremony, you acknowledge that our services are religious in nature, conducted solely under ecclesiastical authority, and agree to be bound by these terms.