Cancellation & Refund Policy.

This is the single policy that governs cancellations and refunds across Lighthearted Kitchen. It is referenced by our Terms, shown at checkout, and incorporated into every booking agreement.

Private chef bookings

If the host cancels: 100% refund of amounts paid if cancelled 30 or more days before the event; 50% refund if cancelled 7–30 days before; no refund within 7 days of the event. Where the balance has not yet been auto-charged, it will not be charged once you cancel. Cancellation and refund calculations use the amounts recorded on the booking, payment, or ticket purchase.

If the chef cancels: the host receives a full refund of everything collected (deposit and any balance), every time. The chef must provide an explanation, which is shared with the host. Chef cancellations after acceptance may be reviewed by Lighthearted Kitchen and may affect account standing, visibility, or future booking eligibility. No automatic percentage penalty is charged. Lighthearted Kitchen may seek recovery of actual documented overpayments or losses where legally supported and manually reviewed.

How and when refunds are issued

Refunds are returned to the original payment method through Stripe. Deposits are charged at booking confirmation; the remaining balance is auto-charged 24 hours before the event unless the booking has been cancelled before the applicable deadline above.

Recurring engagements

For ongoing recurring engagements, the tiers above apply on a per-session basis using each session's date. Notice given to end a recurring engagement follows the sunset terms described in your booking agreement.

Public event tickets

Public ticketed events are date-specific. Their refund, transfer, and cancellation/postponement rules are set out in the Public Event Ticket Policy.

Force majeure

If an event cannot proceed because of circumstances beyond either party's reasonable control, Lighthearted Kitchen will work with both sides on a rebooking or an equitable refund.

Last updated: 2026-06-08