Mar Hall ripped off our wedding

That must be so stressful for you , it’s a lot of money to lose. Maybe try threatening them with legal action, how did you pay the money ? Have you checked social media to see if anyone else is in the same position ? Hope you get your money back x

Without seeing your contract and if there is a force majeure or covid clause I cannot say for sure but it would appear the contract is legally frustrated, meaning that the contract should be set aside where an unforeseen event either renders contractual obligations impossible, or radically changes the party's principal purpose for entering into the contract. It is a sticky one as if they are offering an alternative date they are seen to be trying to fulfil the obligation, however, you do not have to accept this. As long as your date was during the prescribed lockdown where weddings were not permitted then you have basis for a claim, if guidance was weddings could go ahead but with restrictions then you unfortunately don't have a basis for claim as it is you who decided to not proceed and broke the contract. I would suggest emailing them to advise that in line with CMA guidelines you request a full refund and give then 14 days to respond as Alternative dispute Resolution, include the date to respond by. advise that if they do not respond you will submit a letter of claim sent in accordance with the Practice Direction Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (the ‘Practice Direction’), which if no response will result in a County Court claim and a CCJ issuance against their company. Hopefully the threat will be enough to get them moving but if not post a reply back here mentioning me and I can help you to structure the letter to send.