Certified Wedding Professional
Code of Conduct

MARRYMARK CERTIFIED WEDDING PROFESSIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT
Version: 1.1
Effective date: 15 January 2026
Owner: MarryMark Pty Ltd (ACN 689 159 064) (“MarryMark”, “we”, “us”, “our”)

Who these Terms apply to

This Code of Conduct applies to any individual who is:

  1. applying for MarryMark Certified Wedding Professional (CWP); or

  2. holding, renewing, or using the CWP credential and post-nominals.

CWP is an individual professional credential. It is separate from MarryMark Business Accreditation (5/6/7 Star Silver/Gold). A business may be accredited, and an individual may hold CWP, but each is assessed and governed separately.

By holding or using the CWP credential, I agree to comply with this Code as a condition of remaining CWP in good standing. Complaints, investigations, sanctions, appeals, and re-verification are managed under MarryMark’s Professional Standards & Complaints Policy, and badge/post-nominal use is governed by the Badge & Claims Usage Rules.

1) Purpose of the CWP Credential

The CWP post-nominals signify that an individual working in the wedding industry has demonstrated verified professional competence, ethical conduct, and a commitment to ongoing development.

CWP holders uphold the integrity of the credential by delivering services with excellence, transparency, accountability, and respect, supported by evidence-based systems and documentation.

2) Professional Principles (Foundation)

As a CWP, I commit to the principles of:

  • Integrity (truthful, ethical, accountable conduct)
  • Objectivity (client-first judgement free from improper influence)
  • Professional Competence & Due Care (capable, current, and diligent practice)
  • Confidentiality (privacy and discretion)
  • Professional Behaviour (respectful conduct that protects trust)

3) Core Commitments (Non-Negotiables)

As a CWP, I will:

  1. Put the couple’s interests first while balancing lawful, safe, and respectful practice with venues, suppliers, and guests.
  2. Be truthful and transparent in all representations of my experience, capabilities, pricing, and outcomes.
  3. Deliver evidence-based professionalism; systems, documentation, and decision-making that are reliable under pressure.
  4. Act with integrity: no deception, coercion, manipulation, or unethical conduct.
  5. Protect trust in the industry and uphold the reputation of MarryMark and the CWP credential.

4) Professional Practice Standards

I will:

  • Operate within my competence and only accept work I can deliver professionally.
  • Maintain clear scope, inclusions/exclusions, and boundaries from the outset.
  • Use written agreements (or employer-approved documentation) appropriate to my role and local requirements.
  • Maintain professional communication standards including reasonable response times and respectful tone, especially under stress.
  • Keep accurate records of key decisions, approvals, changes, and critical event details (an audit trail where feasible).
  • Maintain professional presentation and conduct during all client and stakeholder interactions.
  • Maintain competence through continuous professional and personal development and reflective practice, improving my systems and delivery over time.
  • Comply with applicable laws, venue requirements, and regulatory obligations relevant to my role (including consumer protections, safety obligations, and permits where applicable).

5) Client Care & Experience Excellence

I will:

  • Provide a client experience grounded in clarity, calm leadership, and proactive planning.
  • Communicate expectations early to reduce stress and prevent last-minute shocks.
  • Treat all clients with dignity, empathy, and professionalism, including in emotionally charged situations.
  • Avoid promises I cannot keep, including “guarantees” outside my control.
  • Seek to resolve issues promptly and fairly, protecting the couple’s experience wherever possible.

6) Ethics, Transparency & Conflicts of Interest

I will:

  • Disclose any conflict of interest that could reasonably influence my advice or recommendations.
  • Be transparent about any referral arrangements, commissions, incentives, rebates, benefits, or preferred supplier relationships (where applicable or expected).
  • Recommend suppliers based on fit, performance, and client needs, not personal gain.
  • Never mislead clients about supplier pricing, availability, or quality.
  • Not accept or offer inducements that compromise judgement or trust.

7) Financial Integrity & Client Money Handling

I will:

  • Provide clear fee disclosures including scope, inclusions/exclusions, and additional charges.
  • Disclose any mark-ups or financial arrangements that impact client pricing or recommendations.
  • Handle deposits/retainers, change requests, cancellations and refunds fairly, consistently, and in line with written terms.
  • Never misuse or misrepresent client funds or payment processes (where applicable to my role).
  • Keep accurate financial records relevant to client decisions and approvals (where applicable).

8) Confidentiality & Privacy

I will:

  • Treat all client information, budgets, family dynamics, and event details as confidential unless I have permission to share or am required by law.
  • Use photos, testimonials, and event content only with appropriate permissions.
  • De-identify sensitive information when sharing case studies or examples for professional purposes.
  • Store client information securely and limit access to those who need it for delivery.

9) Respect, Inclusion & Professional Equality

I will:

  • Provide services free from discrimination and uphold inclusive practice across culture, faith, gender, sexuality, disability, and identity.
  • Respect cultural and religious protocols and plan with sensitivity and competence.
  • Treat accessibility needs as essential planning considerations, not afterthoughts.
  • Foster respectful environments for all guests, suppliers, and venues.

10) Safety, Risk & Duty of Care

I will:

  • Prioritise safety in planning and on-the-day execution (guest welfare, hazards, compliance, emergency response).
  • Plan for reasonable risks (weather, vendor issues, timeline disruption, transport delays, medical incidents).
  • Escalate issues appropriately when safety, legal compliance, or welfare is at risk.
  • Act calmly and decisively in emergencies and follow venue requirements and relevant authority directions.

11) Fitness to Practise & Continuity of Service

I will:

  • Maintain fitness to perform my professional duties and not provide services while impaired in a way that risks outcomes or safety.
  • Maintain a practical continuity plan for unexpected absence (illness/emergency), including handover readiness and a backup option where feasible.
  • Inform clients promptly if my capacity to deliver is materially affected and take reasonable steps to protect the couple’s experience.

12) Supplier & Venue Conduct

I will:

  • Treat venues and suppliers as professional partners, communicating clearly and respectfully.
  • Provide accurate briefings, timelines, and decision updates to reduce friction and errors.
  • Handle disputes professionally, promptly, and fairly, seeking resolution before blame.
  • Not publicly disparage suppliers or venues unfairly or without a factual basis.

13) Records, Data Security & Retention

I will:

  • Maintain secure storage of client data, documents, and communications and limit access appropriately.
  • Notify MarryMark of a serious confidentiality/data breach where it may impact credential integrity (where lawful and appropriate).
  • Provide relevant records upon request for audit/verification/complaints, subject to confidentiality and lawful requirements.
  • Not accept gifts, hospitality, or benefits that could reasonably be perceived to compromise objectivity; disclose any material benefits connected to client decisions.

14) Professional Development & Standards Maintenance

I will:

  • Complete MarryMark’s minimum education requirements each credential year (as set by MarryMark).
  • Remain current in planning best practice, risk management, and client experience standards.
  • Reflect on lessons learned and demonstrate continuous improvement in systems and delivery.

15) Public Conduct, Marketing & Social Media

I will:

  • Market my services truthfully and not misrepresent outcomes, endorsements, or verification status.
  • Not imply endorsement beyond what MarryMark has granted (e.g., “guaranteed outcomes”).
  • Not publish private disputes or shame clients, guests, suppliers, or venues in a manner inconsistent with professionalism or confidentiality.
  • Use testimonials, images, and event content only with appropriate permissions.

16) Use of the CWP Credential & Brand

I will:

  • Use the CWP post-nominals only while my certification is current and in good standing.
  • Not allow others to use my credential, badge, or certification materials.
  • Not misrepresent MarryMark standards, assessment processes, or verification.
  • Comply with MarryMark brand and badge usage rules as issued from time to time.
  • If suspended or revoked, I will immediately cease using CWP post-nominals and remove badges/claims from marketing within a specified timeframe, as directed by MarryMark.

17) Complaints, Cooperation & Audit

I agree to:

  • Respond professionally to any complaint raised under MarryMark’s process that may impact the credibility or integrity of the MarryMark accreditation or CWP credential.
  • Cooperate with reasonable requests for information, evidence, or clarification.
  • Participate in audits, spot checks, or re-verification as required for credential integrity.
  • Not retaliate against, intimidate, or obstruct any person who raises a concern in good faith.
  • I acknowledge MarryMark’s Professional Standards and Complaints Policy governs complaint handling, investigations, outcomes, and appeal rights.

18) Duty to Protect Standards & Report Serious Breaches

I will:

  • Report serious ethical or safety concerns that may materially harm clients or undermine the credential.
  • Cooperate with investigations and professional standards reviews.
  • Maintain a posture of accountability that protects client welfare and public trust.

19) Breach & Sanctions (Credential Integrity)

I understand that MarryMark may impose actions including:

  • Corrective actions / development requirements
  • Formal warning
  • Suspension of CWP status
  • Revocation of CWP credential and post-nominals
  • Status update (where policy requires and is lawful)

Serious breaches include (not limited to): dishonesty, fabricated evidence, undisclosed conflicts, discrimination, confidentiality breaches, unsafe practice, misuse of client funds (where applicable), repeated misconduct, or refusal to cooperate with audits/investigations.

20) Definitions (for clarity)

  • Conflict of interest: Any situation where personal, financial, or relational factors could reasonably influence professional judgement or recommendations.
  • Client data: Any identifying or sensitive information about a client or event, including budgets, addresses, family dynamics, communications, imagery, and vendor selections.
  • Improper influence: Gifts, incentives, commissions, pressure, or arrangements that could compromise objectivity or client-first advice.
  • Impairment: Any condition (including intoxication, severe fatigue, or other impairment) that reduces capacity to perform duties safely and competently.
  • Serious breach: Conduct that materially harms clients, risks safety, undermines trust, involves dishonesty, or brings the credential into disrepute.
  • Audit trail: A reliable record of key decisions, approvals, scope changes, and critical event documentation sufficient to demonstrate professional practice.

21) Declaration

By signing, I affirm that I have read and understood this Code of Conduct and agree to comply with it as a condition of holding the CWP credential.

I acknowledge the CWP credential is a living standard and I commit to ongoing professional and personal development as a condition of holding the credential.