Wedding insurance is a short-term insurance product designed to protect the money you've put into your wedding — and to protect you from being held personally responsible if something goes wrong at the event itself. Most couples don't think about insurance when they start planning, but the average U.S. wedding now involves tens of thousands of dollars in non-refundable deposits, dozens of vendors, and an event held at a venue that is somebody else's property. Wedding insurance exists because all of those things create financial exposure.
The two main coverages
A wedding policy is really two coverages bundled together. You can usually buy them separately or as a package.
1. Wedding cancellation (or postponement)
Cancellation coverage reimburses your non-refundable deposits and other costs if a covered reason forces you to cancel or postpone the wedding. Covered reasons commonly include: severe weather that makes travel to the venue impossible, the sudden illness or injury of the couple or a member of the immediate family, a vendor going out of business without notice, a key military deployment, or damage to the venue. The policy doesn't cover a change of heart — if the couple simply decides not to get married, that is not insurable.
2. Wedding liability
Liability coverage protects you financially if someone is injured at your wedding or your event causes damage to the venue. Most modern venues — hotels, country clubs, banquet halls, historic estates, vineyards — require the couple to provide a certificate of insurance naming the venue as additional insured before they will hand over the keys to the property. A wedding liability policy satisfies that contract requirement, typically for a flat fee.
Optional add-ons
- Host liquor liability — if alcohol is served (but not sold) at the reception, this covers you if an intoxicated guest causes damage or injury. Many venues require this when you bring in your own bar service.
- Special attire — additional limits for the gown, tuxedo, and accessories.
- Wedding gifts — coverage for gifts lost, stolen, or damaged around the time of the event.
- Photographs and video — costs to redo formal portraits if the photographer's equipment fails or the images are lost.
- Rings — coverage for the wedding bands and engagement ring while in your possession.
What wedding insurance does NOT cover
- A change of heart by the couple or either family
- Events that were known to be likely at the time the policy was bought (for example, a hurricane that was already named and headed toward your venue)
- Routine vendor disputes or disagreements over service quality
- The cost of professional cleaning or normal wear and tear at the venue
- Honeymoon trip cancellation — that's covered by travel insurance, not wedding insurance
When should I buy a policy?
The best time to buy wedding insurance is as soon as you start writing checks for deposits. Cancellation coverage only protects deposits you make after the policy is in force, so an earlier policy protects more of your investment. Liability coverage can typically be bought as late as a few days before the event, but earlier is always better — most venues will ask for the certificate of insurance well in advance.