At The Legal Paige, we deeply appreciate and respect our military service members. Their sacrifices are never lost on us. But we also understand that the uncertainty of military life can make planning a wedding or an event incredibly difficult. One of our TLP insiders recently faced this very challenge as a photographer:

This situation isn’t rare. And it’s exactly why service providers—especially those in the wedding and event space—need something many have never considered: an Active Military Disclosure Clause.

What Is an Active Military Disclosure Clause?

An Active Military Disclosure Clause should be placed in your contract for when one or more of your clients are active military members. This clause helps service providers outline what happens if activation or deployment orders impact their ability to be at the event or wedding. 

The clause typically covers:-+

• What happens if orders are issued (reschedule, or cancellation of the agreement)
  

• Proof of Activation Orders

• Which payments are refundable or transferable
  
  
  

But What About the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?

We’ve noticed some questions floating around about whether the SCRA applies to service contracts in general and whether clients can invoke the laws from this act, so let’s clear things up and talk through what it actually covers.

The SCRA is a federal law that gives certain protections to active-duty military members. “It covers issues such as rental agreements, security deposits, prepaid rent, eviction, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosure, civil judicial proceedings, automobile leases, life insurance, health insurance and income tax payments."¹

But here’s the key point: The SCRA does not usually apply to service contracts for events like photography, floral design, or planning. It doesn’t cancel out your contract terms.

So while a client might assume they can simply walk away due to their military status, the SCRA likely doesn’t cover that kind of agreement. That’s where having an active military disclosure clause comes in. It fills the legal and practical gap with clear, client-facing terms that respect the reality of military life.

TLP Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be based near a military base to serve military clients. You may already be working with service members without even knowing it. And when Activation orders come down, they come quickly, and change everything.

The Active Military Disclosure Clause doesn’t just protect your business. It protects your working relationship, your client’s expectations, and your ability to navigate sensitive circumstances with professionalism and care.

If your contract doesn’t already include it, consider this your sign to purchase TLP’s Active Military Disclosure Clause! 

 ¹https://www.justice.gov/crt/servicemembers-civil-relief-act-summary

THIS BLOG POST IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE. EVERY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT & IS FACT-SPECIFIC. A proper legal analysis is necessary based on your location and contract. Consult an attorney in your home state for advice regarding your contract or specific legal situation.
See our full disclaimer here.