Last updated October 4, 2026.

We want registering for a Goldenwood event to be simple and fair, and we know plans change. This policy explains how registration and payment work and what happens if you need to cancel. If an event's page states its own terms, those terms apply to that event in place of the general policy below.

How registration and payment work

Most events are paid for at registration through Stripe's secure checkout. Depending on the event, checkout may offer card payment, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna or Afterpay. Goldenwood never sees your full card number. Once your payment goes through, we email you a confirmation and receipt.

Some programs ask you to apply first. You will not be charged when you apply. If you are accepted, we will send you a link to complete payment and secure your place; if you are not, nothing is charged.

Some retreats ask for a deposit at registration, with the balance due by a date shown on the event page. For example: "A non-refundable deposit of 1/3 your total amount is required upon registration to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due by [date]."

If you need to cancel

Unless the event page says otherwise:

  • More than 14 days before the event starts: a full refund.
  • From 14 days to 7 days before the event starts: a 50% refund.
  • Less than 7 days before the event starts, or if you do not attend: no refund.

Where an event page says a deposit is non-refundable, the deposit is kept and the rest of these rules apply to anything you have paid beyond it. For events with several sessions, the start of the first session is what counts.

Transfers

If you cannot attend, you are welcome to transfer your place to someone else, or to move it to a future Goldenwood event, at no charge. Just email us with your name, the event and the name and email address of the person taking your place, or the event you would like to move to, before the event starts. If the new event costs more, we will ask for the difference; if it costs less, we will refund the difference.

If Goldenwood cancels or reschedules

If we cancel an event, you will receive a full refund, including any deposit, or a credit toward a future event if you prefer. If we reschedule an event or make a significant change to it, such as a new location, you may keep your place, move to another event, or ask for a full refund. We are not able to cover travel, lodging or other costs you have arranged yourself, so we suggest choosing flexible bookings where you can.

Klarna and Afterpay

If you paid with Klarna or Afterpay, any refund is sent back through that provider. They will adjust or cancel your remaining installments and refund what you have already paid, according to their own terms. Questions about your installment schedule are best directed to Klarna or Afterpay.

How refunds are paid

Refunds go back to the original payment method. Once we have processed a refund, it usually appears within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your bank or provider. We are not able to refund to a different card or account.

Donations

Thank you for giving to Goldenwood. Donations are generally non-refundable, but if you made a mistake, such as giving the wrong amount or giving twice, please email us as soon as you can and we will put it right. Gifts may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and we will send you a receipt for your records.

How to ask for a refund or transfer

Email info@goldenwoodnyc.org with your name, the event, and the email address you registered with, and tell us what you would like to do. We will reply within a few business days. If anything about your circumstances makes this policy hard to follow, please tell us; we will always listen.

Goldenwood Inc., 174 Nassau St. #3800, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA.