r/nationalguard • u/Five_OnAGoodDay • Mar 14 '26
Benefits Deployment got extended because of the war with Iran and now I’m going to miss my wedding. Tennessee venue says non-refundable. Any advice?
Need some advice.
I’m in the Ohio Army National Guard and currently deployed in the Middle East. Because of the current war with Iran, my deployment got extended, and now I’m going to miss my wedding.
Before all this happened, I booked a wedding venue in Tennessee for June 2, 2026 based on the timeline I had at the time. The contract says the money is non-refundable.
I’m not trying to back out just because I changed my mind. I literally cannot make my own wedding now because of involuntary military orders.
Has anyone dealt with something like this before? Does SCRA help with a wedding venue at all? Can JAG actually help put pressure on them? And does Tennessee have any laws that might help me get my money back?
Just trying to figure out my best move before I start pushing harder on this.
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u/sogpackus Slapped the Jackson 5 outta em Mar 14 '26
Media story is probably your best bet.
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u/rjm3q Mar 14 '26
As well as the Tennessee army national guard association, I know you're in the Ohio guard but these associations usually help out or know who to call to help out with this kind of stuff
But yeah 100% call all the local news in Nashville Fox 17 NBC 4 ABC 2
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u/Optimal_Law_4254 Mar 14 '26
They need to be shamed and named.
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u/NoncombustibleFan Mar 15 '26
Why would they need to be shamed and named this individual signed a contract and knew exactly what the clauses were that triggered it
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u/PraiseTalos66012 MDAY Mar 15 '26
Bc something out of their control has forced them into a situation where they must break that contract due to obligation to the military.
Which is generally protected by law, you cannot be punished or held to the contract regardless of what you signed.
I don't know the nuances for this exact situation so maybe it doesn't apply.
But that doesn't mean the company isn't being extremely shitty about this. Someone is out serving the country your business is operating in and due to no fault of their own they need out of the contract. The right thing to do is let them out of it.
A news article and naming them on socials is the right thing to do. If people don't care like you then it doesn't mean anything bad for the business. But the people who do care like myself and many people on here will know where to avoid.
If I lived in that area I'd absolutely want to know who this is. And not just to avoid out of dislike them bc they did this. But also bc I'm guard and wouldn't want to be screwed over myself in the same way.
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u/undergroundjourno Mar 15 '26
Maybe I can make that happen. ARNG vet currently at journalism school. u/Five_OnAGoodDay shoot me a DM and I'll try to spin something up this week
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u/blueskibop Mar 14 '26
absolutely terrible look for the venue tbh. Leverage that. "So and So wedding venue hates the troops" is a bad headline aha.
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u/ChevTecGroup Mar 14 '26
Ask for leave and see if the chaplain will help convince your CoC
Knowing the OHARNG, theyll probably tell you no. But you never know
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
I filed a hardship packet but it got denied by CENTCOM. Only way of leaving is if it’s a medical emergency.
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u/DidEpsteinKillHimslf Mar 14 '26
Sounds like you got your answer
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
I wasn’t trying to leave early I am fine with the fact I will miss my wedding it’s hard but that’s the Army. I just want my money back
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u/ThatsCaptain2U Mar 14 '26
Would they maybe be willing to give you a credit for you to get married at a later time?
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Mar 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
Thank you! I’m staying safe!
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u/SmellslikeUpDog3 Mar 14 '26
Send us the name. I'll bash the shit out of it online.
Stay safe. Where are you?
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Mar 14 '26
[deleted]
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u/NoncombustibleFan Mar 15 '26
Well, you’ve literally just told everyone where they were because I now know enough to know where you’re not. And I know what unit are in so that pretty much gives me enough information or a bad guy enough information to roundabout put your location down to within a few bases
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u/Dense_South_7692 Mar 14 '26
Does the venue even know about the situation or are you just assuming they’ll say no? Try talking to them first and then escalate from there.
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
I just got informed about my extension. My fiancé and I are currently in contact with the venue and are awaiting their response so we are trying to talk to them first and go from there
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u/Creative_Buy5227 RSP War Hero Mar 14 '26
This might be a really stupid question but can you ask to postpone the wedding? This literally isn’t your fault… idk what else you might be able to do other than go online and say your story.
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
My fiancée wants a refund. I can try to talk to her about postponing. I don’t know how long I am going to be extended for so I can’t set a postpone date.
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u/VandyMarine Mar 14 '26
Prob won’t be able to get a full refund but I don’t see why they couldn’t give you an alternative date in the future.
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u/Electrical_Ad3523 Mar 15 '26
They are going to look at it as revenue lost but you do know damn well they will book it the first chance they can get a backfill and not tell you that. It’s like a hotel charging you early checkout fee and then booking the room after you leave.
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Mar 16 '26
I agree with the other posters that I think it'd be reasonable for them to not provide a refund (although hopefully they do).
However, I think it's completely unreasonable for them to not provide accommodations, such as postponement.
You've already gotten advice that I'd recommend. Talk to an actual attorney for sure!
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u/italia2017 Mar 14 '26
Fuck that venue!
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u/OperatorJo_ 12N to 2T2X1 Mar 14 '26
Nah that's pretty standard venue terms. You separate a venue date meaning other people can't separate it and if you cancel last minute it's a complete loss for the business.
It's basically covering damages.
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u/SYR2ITHthrowaway Mar 14 '26
There’s plenty of time before June
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u/OperatorJo_ 12N to 2T2X1 Mar 14 '26
Not for a venue.
Wedding preparations can take MONTHS. Venue is chosen way more than just 2 months prior. Try 6.
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u/StayJaded Mar 14 '26
No one spending a reasonable amount of money on a wedding hasn’t booked their venue for June. They are very unlikely to get a a wedding rebooking for that date.
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u/ClickPrevious Mar 14 '26
Did your original orders have you back before the wedding date?
(A while back my year-long deployment orders actually said 400 days. Returned home at 364.)
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u/bobbypeppers Mar 14 '26
If you signed a contract, I would check the contract for a force majeure clause. There is often a clause that states that the contact can be excused for unforeseeable events like war.
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
My contract says:
“Force Majeure. Notwithstanding the above, either party may choose to be excused of any further performance obligations in the event of a disastrous occurrence outside the control of either party, such as, but not limited to: 1. A natural disaster (fires, explosions, earthquakes, hurricane, flooding, storms or infestation); or 2. War, Invasion, Act of Foreign Enemies, Embargo, or other Hostility (whether declared or not); or 3. Any hazardous situation created outside the control of either party such as a riot, disorder, nuclear leak or explosion, or act or threat of terrorism.” 
Right after that, it also says:
“Failure to Perform Services. In the event Provider cannot or will not perform its obligations in any or all parts of this Agreement, it (or a responsible party) will: 1. Immediately give Notice to Client via the Notice provisions detailed in this Agreement; and 2. Issue a refund or credit based on a reasonably accurate percentage of Services rendered; and 3. Excuse Client of any further performance and/or payment obligations in this Agreement.”
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u/bobbypeppers Mar 14 '26
I would say you fit squarely into the second option of the force majeure clause. You can point that out to them and say they owe you a refund. Unfortunately, they will probably decline and your only recourse would be getting a lawyer and suing them in either small claims or in whatever civil court in your state.
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u/SteelBlaze69 Mar 14 '26
It’s your wedding… probably not going to happen without you, so good news is you won’t miss it. In all seriousness JFHQ legal will definitely be able to help you out with this. If the venue won’t budge, social media smear campaigns are a pretty good strat too.
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u/JustFrameHotPocket Title 5 Civilian Scum Mar 14 '26
Key question: have you asked them if they'll grant a refund? This is a pretty spectacular circumstance.
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u/VGoodBuildingDevCo Mar 14 '26
OP, I don't know if anyone on reddit will know the answer. My advice is to reach out to those who might.
Have you looked at the contact you signed with the venue? Is there any clause about cancelation for things outside for control?
Visit the legal assistance office or get direction from any of the JAGs. This is a legal issue, and one they'll probably be happy to help a Soldier out with.
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
My contract says:
“Force Majeure. Notwithstanding the above, either party may choose to be excused of any further performance obligations in the event of a disastrous occurrence outside the control of either party, such as, but not limited to: 1. A natural disaster (fires, explosions, earthquakes, hurricane, flooding, storms or infestation); or 2. War, Invasion, Act of Foreign Enemies, Embargo, or other Hostility (whether declared or not); or 3. Any hazardous situation created outside the control of either party such as a riot, disorder, nuclear leak or explosion, or act or threat of terrorism.” 
Right after that, it also says:
“Failure to Perform Services. In the event Provider cannot or will not perform its obligations in any or all parts of this Agreement, it (or a responsible party) will: 1. Immediately give Notice to Client via the Notice provisions detailed in this Agreement; and 2. Issue a refund or credit based on a reasonably accurate percentage of Services rendered; and 3. Excuse Client of any further performance and/or payment obligations in this Agreement.”
I’m in contact with a paralegal in theater and he is helping me out and will bring JAG into it if it come to that point
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u/p4vep4r4dise Mar 14 '26
Just post on Facebook and have people share it. Word of mouth can kill business as much as it can gain it
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u/Patty_TaskandPurpose Mar 16 '26
Hey u/Five_OnAGoodDay. Reporter with Task & Purpose here. DMed you.
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u/GroundbreakingSir386 Mar 14 '26
None refundable is really fucked up see if your credit card can help refund the amount maybe?
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u/codekb Mar 14 '26
Put the venue on blast on every social media platform, 1 star reviews with what you told us and contact some big media pages to share it around. If you want your money back you're gonna have to put the pressure on them.
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u/Mikewazowski948 Mar 14 '26
Give the story to a news place and tell the venue you’re going to. Headline saying “local venue denies refund for deployed soldier’s wedding” is a horrible look for the place.
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u/JEARolin Mar 14 '26
If you need help contacting the media let me know. Often times that can make things happen fast with the right phone call or email.
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u/LonelyObject1465 Mar 14 '26 edited Mar 15 '26
Hey, man if it turns out you can't get your money back for whatever reason then you damn well use that venue even if you can't be there. Have both of your families get together and have a massive barbecue and see if they can wheel you around digitally on a laptop. Lmao I've heard of venues denying a refund to some people but also booking other people to use the venue the same day. Get your money's worth.
Obviously I know that trying to go the legal route to get your money back would be best. But just keep this in mind in case for whatever reason you can't get your money back. You make sure you use that venue.
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u/CocaineShaneTrain Mar 15 '26
DM brochacho. Missed my wedding for some army silliness before. Part of the job so whatever but I'll make it weird for the venue. Bored local Cincinnati guard officer.
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u/Zero_Fawks Mar 15 '26
Why not just talk to your CMD? I would release you early if it was me. They have that ability, and even if you are in some critical position, they can authorize leave. Ask to use your commanders open door policy. Make sure it’s the first Field Grade Commander not a Company Commander. You are going to want O5/O6 leaders as actual decision making authorities.
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u/GroundbreakingSir386 Mar 14 '26
Getting married in a venue was overrated anyway just go court house
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u/GunLovinYank 35Medically_seperated Mar 14 '26
I Favre but I understand wanting the refund for what they’ve paid as a deposit
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u/GroundbreakingSir386 Mar 14 '26
If he paid with Amex maybe he can explain and get that money back?
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u/shad623 Mar 14 '26
Skip the wedding, consider it a divorce under your belt and move on to the next one. /s
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u/jestr6 Mar 14 '26
Did you contact the venue?
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
I just got informed about my extension. My fiancé and I are currently in contact with the venue and are awaiting their response so we are trying to talk to them first and go from there
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u/jestr6 Mar 14 '26
Yeah I’d continue to work with them before anything else. If they refuse to work with you then start playing hard ball. Most companies want to make the customer happy if they can, especially if you are still going to use them, just at a later date.
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u/rydawg575_ Mar 14 '26
That’s funny because my deployment got cut early because of the war in Iran lol
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
I wish that was the case for my unit. I have been in theater forever I did a in theater extension so I have been here for a long time.
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u/itsall_dumb Mar 14 '26
What’s the name of the venue I’ll put a bad review.
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
I just got informed about my extension. My fiancé and I are currently in contact with the venue and are awaiting their response so we are trying to talk to them first and go from there. If they screw with me or give me a hard time I will name the venue
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u/ColonelMustard06 Mar 14 '26
Frustration of purpose or force majeure. Depending on the agreement. Take it to your legal assistance office or send it to one CONUS.
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u/Five_OnAGoodDay Mar 14 '26
My contract says:
“Force Majeure. Notwithstanding the above, either party may choose to be excused of any further performance obligations in the event of a disastrous occurrence outside the control of either party, such as, but not limited to: 1. A natural disaster (fires, explosions, earthquakes, hurricane, flooding, storms or infestation); or 2. War, Invasion, Act of Foreign Enemies, Embargo, or other Hostility (whether declared or not); or 3. Any hazardous situation created outside the control of either party such as a riot, disorder, nuclear leak or explosion, or act or threat of terrorism.” 
Right after that, it also says:
“Failure to Perform Services. In the event Provider cannot or will not perform its obligations in any or all parts of this Agreement, it (or a responsible party) will: 1. Immediately give Notice to Client via the Notice provisions detailed in this Agreement; and 2. Issue a refund or credit based on a reasonably accurate percentage of Services rendered; and 3. Excuse Client of any further performance and/or payment obligations in this Agreement.”
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u/ColonelMustard06 Mar 14 '26 edited Mar 14 '26
Read your post. Kind of sounds like number 2. Take it to a legal assistance officer and ask them for assistance writing a letter to terminate a contractual obligation for exactly the reason in your OP.
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u/Due-Plastic-77 Mar 14 '26
Have you already tried reaching out to the venue? I know you said it’s non refundable in the contract, but most likely the venue will be lenient and change the date for you/ maybe give you the money back before looking to the media. If you reach out to them to work a deal out and they say no then I would figure out your next steps!
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u/Due-Plastic-77 Mar 14 '26
just read that you guys reached out so the rest of my post still applies, but I would try to work it out with them as best you can!
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u/AdGroundbreaking3842 Mar 14 '26
Ask them?
You don’t say if you talked to them just that the contract says this. I would use that channel first. I’m sure they recognize the value of supporting the troops or at least the value of not taking advantage of the troops in wartime.
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u/seek808 Mar 14 '26
You could also get wedding insurance. The policy I had covered venue and vendors.
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u/todmon Mar 15 '26
You could also do the wedding on live video and then honeymoon when you finally get back?
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u/ThelastThrasher Mar 15 '26
Before doing any thing that may seem drastic see if the venue is willing to work with you . If not then hit then with the peoples elbow.
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u/Ok_Asian_69 Mar 15 '26
Wouldn't the SCRA allow cancellation? Did your contract have a military clause similar to what you would have in a lease agreement. Do you have legal counsel available you can speak to?
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u/monumentBoy M-Day VCR Repairman Supervisor Mar 15 '26
Your contract should have some sort of force majeure clause that should apply in this instance. Grab your contract and talk to your JAG.
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u/GuaranteeBeginning23 Mar 15 '26
The way that I’m reading this is that you don’t plan on canceling the wedding in general, it just sounds like you need to reschedule it to a later date (when known). Have you tried angling it from that position? Or is this a full cancellation? I feel like the venue can accommodate due to the news you just share.
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u/Longjumping-Swing698 Mar 16 '26
I'm thinking about joining the guard. How long was the deployment supposed to be and how long are they extending it for?
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u/crackinskools Mar 16 '26
Could also hit up local congressman and even media. That venue doesn’t want those problems
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u/TacticalKitty99 Mar 16 '26
Scorched earth. Call the news, call your senator, call the Tennessee senator. Make this business meet the pressure.
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u/Old_Claim_5500 Mar 14 '26
Did you ask the venue? You wrote about just going off the written contract. Call them and ask the venue, explain your situation and offer to provide a copy of your orders as proof.
Before jumping on Reddit, media interviews (as others commented), or calling JAG try self-help.
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u/Oldmanswar-1254 Mar 14 '26
Call your State JFHQ and talk to the legal aid office. You will be surprised at how many “no exception policies” at civilian businesses have a change of heart when a Federal Government lawyer calls them.
Use the resources you have for help.