Skip to content

Free template

Event Contract template

An event contract sets out the services an event planner, venue, or vendor will provide for an event, the price and payment schedule, and what happens if plans change or the event is cancelled.

Replace everything in [BRACKETS], export to PDF, then send it for signature.

1. Parties

This Event Services Contract (the "Contract") is made on [DATE] between [PROVIDER NAME], located at [PROVIDER ADDRESS] (the "Provider"), and [CLIENT NAME], located at [CLIENT ADDRESS] (the "Client").

2. Event Details

Event: [EVENT NAME / TYPE] Date: [EVENT DATE] Time: [START TIME] to [END TIME] Venue: [VENUE NAME AND ADDRESS] Estimated number of guests: [NUMBER]

3. Services

The Provider will provide the following services (the "Services"): [DESCRIBE SERVICES, e.g. event planning and coordination, vendor management, setup and teardown, day-of coordination, equipment rental]. Any services not listed are excluded unless added by written change order.

4. Fees and Payment

The total fee for the Services is [TOTAL AMOUNT AND CURRENCY]. The Client will pay a non-refundable deposit of [DEPOSIT AMOUNT] on signing to reserve the date, [INTERIM PAYMENT AND DATE], and the balance of [BALANCE] no later than [NUMBER] days before the Event. Late payments incur a fee of [LATE FEE]. Third-party vendor costs are [INCLUDED / BILLED SEPARATELY AT COST PLUS PERCENTAGE].

5. Guest Count and Changes

The Client will confirm the final guest count by [DATE]. The Client will be charged for the confirmed count or the actual number of guests, whichever is greater. Changes to the Services must be agreed in writing and may change the fee.

6. Client Responsibilities

The Client will provide timely decisions and information, obtain any approvals required from the venue if the venue is booked by the Client, and ensure that guests comply with venue rules. The Client is responsible for damage caused by the Client or its guests.

7. Cancellation and Postponement

If the Client cancels: more than [NUMBER] days before the Event, the Client forfeits the deposit; between [NUMBER] and [NUMBER] days before, [PERCENTAGE]% of the total fee is due; within [NUMBER] days, 100% of the total fee is due. The Client may postpone once to a date within [NUMBER] months, subject to availability, and payments made will be applied to the new date. If the Provider cancels for any reason other than force majeure, it will refund all payments received.

8. Force Majeure

Neither party is liable for failure to perform due to events beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, government orders, or public health emergencies. In that case the parties will work in good faith to reschedule, and if the Event cannot be rescheduled within [NUMBER] months, the Provider will refund payments less non-recoverable costs already incurred.

9. Liability and Insurance

The Provider will maintain general liability insurance of at least [AMOUNT]. Except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, the Provider's total liability under this Contract will not exceed the total fee paid. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential damages.

10. Photography and Promotion

The Provider [MAY / MAY NOT] photograph the Event setup and use the photos in its portfolio and marketing, without identifying guests by name without consent.

11. Governing Law and General Terms

This Contract is governed by the laws of [GOVERNING LAW JURISDICTION]. It is the entire agreement between the parties and may be amended only in writing signed by both parties.

12. Signatures

The Parties agree that this Agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts, and that electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten signatures. PROVIDER: [PROVIDER NAME] Signature: ____________________ Name: [SIGNATORY NAME] Date: [DATE] CLIENT: [CLIENT NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE]

When to use this template

  • When an event planner is hired for a wedding, party, or corporate event
  • When booking a venue, entertainer, or rental company
  • For conferences, product launches, and team retreats
  • When you need clear deposit and cancellation terms before committing resources

How to fill it in and get it signed

  1. Enter the provider and client details and the event date, time, venue, and guest count.
  2. List the services included and how third-party vendor costs are handled.
  3. Set the total fee, deposit, payment deadlines, and final guest-count date.
  4. Choose cancellation tiers and add the insurance amount and governing law.
  5. Upload the contract to eSignSimple and send it to your client for e-signature. Save it as a template for your next booking.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state; have a lawyer review contracts with high stakes.

Frequently asked questions

Should an event deposit be refundable?

Many event businesses use a non-refundable deposit to cover the cost of holding the date and turning away other work. Whatever you choose, state it clearly in the contract.

What is a force majeure clause in an event contract?

It excuses performance when events outside either party's control, like severe weather or government restrictions, make the event impossible, and says what happens to payments.

Who is responsible for damage at an event?

It depends on the contract. Commonly the client is responsible for damage caused by guests, while the provider is responsible for its own staff and equipment.

Can I send an event contract for e-signature?

Yes. With eSignSimple your client signs online without an account, and you get an audit trail with timestamps and IP addresses.