Precious Pics Pro ← ABOUT
WEDDING WIKI
CATEGORY: PLANNING
READ TIME: 21 MIN UPDATED: FEB 2026 5,150+ WORDS

Wedding Insurance: What It Covers, What It Costs, and Why You Probably Need It

WEDDING INSURANCE PROTECTS YOUR BUDGET FROM CANCELLATIONS, LIABILITY CLAIMS, AND VENDOR ISSUES. LEARN WHAT IT COVERS, COSTS, EXCLUSIONS, AND WHEN TO BUY.

Quick Answer: Wedding insurance is usually a small line item ($150–$600 for most weddings) that can save you thousands if something goes sideways—illness, extreme weather, vendor no-shows, venue damage, or postponements. Most couples need liability coverage at a minimum (often required by venues), and many should strongly consider cancellation/postponement coverage if you’re putting down big nonrefundable deposits. Buy it early—ideally right after you’ve signed your venue contract and started paying vendors.

Wedding insurance isn’t the “fun” part of planning. Nobody pins it on Pinterest. And yet, after photographing and filming weddings for 15+ years across the DC metro area (and plenty of East Coast travel), we can tell you this: the couples who sleep best are the ones who plan for the boring stuff.

Here’s the thing about weddings: you’re stacking a lot of money, people, emotions, and logistics into one day. One sick parent, one freak storm, one vendor accident, one venue rule you didn’t notice, and suddenly you’re staring at a five-figure problem. We’ve seen couples lose deposits. We’ve seen venues require $1–$2 million in liability with your venue listed as “additional insured.” We’ve seen a guest trip and threaten a claim. We’ve seen a caterer’s employee get injured loading in. None of that is rare.

This article breaks down wedding insurance in plain English—what it covers, what it costs, what it usually doesn’t cover, when to buy, and how claims actually work. We’ll also compare top providers and give you real scenarios so you can decide: do I need wedding insurance or not?

(We’re opinionated on this one: most couples do.)


The two big buckets: liability coverage vs wedding cancellation insurance

Most wedding insurance falls into two categories:

  1. Liability insurance (protects you if someone gets hurt or property gets damaged)
  2. Cancellation/postponement insurance (protects your money if the wedding can’t happen as planned)

They solve different problems. And a lot of couples accidentally buy the wrong one—or assume their venue’s insurance covers them (spoiler: it usually doesn’t).

Liability insurance: the “someone got hurt” policy

Liability coverage typically includes:

  • Bodily injury: a guest slips, falls, and needs medical care
  • Property damage: you (or a vendor/guest) damages the venue
  • Legal defense costs: if a claim turns into lawyers (fun!)

Typical venue requirements we see in the DC area:

  • $1,000,000 per occurrence general liability (common)
  • $2,000,000 aggregate (also common)
  • Venue listed as Additional Insured
  • Sometimes host liquor liability if alcohol is served

Liability coverage is often affordable—think $100–$250 for a one-day event, depending on guest count, alcohol, and limits.

Wedding cancellation insurance: the “we can’t do the wedding” policy

Cancellation/postponement coverage (often called wedding cancellation insurance) can reimburse certain expenses if you have to cancel or reschedule for a covered reason.

It typically relates to:

  • Major illness/injury
  • Severe weather making the venue unusable or travel impossible
  • Venue closure/bankruptcy
  • Military deployment (sometimes, depending on the policy)
  • Vendor no-show (sometimes—read the fine print)

Cancellation coverage costs more than liability because the potential payout is much higher—often thousands or tens of thousands.

Hot take: If you’re spending real money (and you are), cancellation insurance is less “extra” than a photo booth or a late-night snack. Those are cute. This protects your entire budget.


Types of wedding insurance (and what each one actually does)

“Wedding insurance” is a broad label. In practice, you’ll see a few common policy types and add-ons.

1) Special event liability insurance

This is the most common “venue-required” policy.

Usually covers:

  • General liability (injuries/property damage)
  • Medical payments (small immediate medical expenses)
  • Defense costs

Common add-ons:

  • Host liquor liability (if you’re serving alcohol)
  • Higher coverage limits ($2M+)

What it does not cover:

  • Cancellation
  • Your wedding attire, rings, gifts (unless you buy separate coverage)
  • Vendor mistakes (that’s their insurance problem—ideally)

2) Wedding cancellation/postponement insurance

This covers certain nonrefundable expenses if you must cancel or postpone due to a covered reason.

Often covers:

  • Lost deposits
  • Extra costs to rebook (within limits)
  • Some “additional expenses” like reprinting invites (again—limits matter)

But most policies have:

  • Waiting periods
  • Exclusions (more on that below)
  • Documentation requirements (you’ll need proof)

3) Wedding property coverage (less common, sometimes bundled)

This may cover:

  • Attire (dress/suit)
  • Rings
  • Gifts
  • Decor (owned items, not rentals)
  • Sometimes photography/video materials (but not “your disappointment”)

This is often capped at a few thousand dollars and may have deductibles.

4) Vendor failure / non-appearance coverage (varies a lot)

Some cancellation policies include vendor failure (like a caterer doesn’t show), but many do not—or they only cover it if the vendor goes bankrupt, not if they “just mess up.”

In real life, vendor failure is messy:

  • They might partially perform
  • They might blame weather
  • They might offer a partial refund
  • You might be stuck negotiating

So if vendor failure coverage matters to you, you need to read the policy wording carefully (and keep your vendor contracts tight—see Wedding Photography Contract for how we think about coverage, performance, and contingencies).

5) Liquor liability (host liquor vs “cash bar” confusion)

  • Host liquor liability usually applies when you’re providing alcohol (open bar, hosted beer/wine, etc.)
  • Some venues or insurers treat a “cash bar” differently, but many still want liquor liability because alcohol is being served at your event.

If alcohol is present, assume someone will ask for liquor liability. Because they will.

6) Weather insurance (rare, niche, expensive)

True “weather insurance” that pays out if it rains is typically niche and pricey. Most couples don’t need this.

What you do need is:

  • A solid rain plan (see Backup Planning Guide)
  • A cancellation policy that covers certain extreme weather scenarios (not “light rain,” but “venue is inaccessible,” “state of emergency,” etc.)

Do I need wedding insurance? A quick decision framework we actually use with couples

Here’s the simplest way we can answer do I need wedding insurance without hand-waving.

Step 1: Is your venue requiring liability coverage?

If yes, you need it. End of discussion.

And even if they don’t require it? If you’re having more than 30 guests, serving alcohol, or using a venue with expensive property… you probably still want it.

Step 2: How much money is “at risk” in nonrefundable deposits?

Add up:

  • Venue deposit + payments made
  • Catering deposits
  • Planner deposit
  • Photo/video retainer
  • Band/DJ retainer
  • Rentals
  • Florals

If that number is more than $7,500, cancellation coverage starts making a lot of sense.

If it’s more than $15,000, we’d call it borderline irresponsible not to at least price it out (unless you truly can afford to eat that loss without stress).

Step 3: How “fragile” is your wedding plan?

Fragile plans include:

  • Destination weddings with flights/hotels
  • Outdoor-only weddings without a real rain plan
  • Peak hurricane season locations (late summer coastal)
  • Winter mountain weddings (snow closures are real)
  • Tight timelines (one-day venue access, limited vendor load-in)
  • Any wedding where a key person’s health is uncertain (we say that gently—but it’s reality)

Step 4: Are you relying on one or two critical vendors?

For example:

  • A single caterer without a backup team
  • A band traveling from out of state
  • A venue that’s also providing food/bar/staffing (one vendor failure affects everything)

Insurance doesn’t fix the day, but it can fix the financial fallout.

Pro Tip: Before you buy cancellation coverage, open your spreadsheet and calculate your “walk-away loss” (money you’ll lose if you cancel tomorrow). That number tells you how much coverage you actually need. If you don’t have a budget spreadsheet yet, start with Wedding Budget Guide 2026.

Average wedding insurance cost by coverage level (real numbers)

Couples ask us about wedding insurance cost all the time. Here are realistic ranges we see in the wild, especially for DC/MD/VA couples (but they’re similar across many metro areas).

Liability-only policies (most common)

Typical ranges:

  • $75–$200: $1M liability, small-to-mid guest count, no special add-ons
  • $150–$350: $1M–$2M liability + host liquor liability
  • $250–$500: higher limits, higher-risk venue requirements, more attendees (150–250+), alcohol, additional insured wording, etc.

If your venue is requiring a COI (Certificate of Insurance), this is usually what they mean.

Cancellation/postponement policies (often based on wedding budget)

Many cancellation policies price based on your coverage amount (which often tracks your total wedding budget). Realistic ranges:

  • $150–$350: $10,000–$20,000 cancellation coverage
  • $300–$650: $25,000–$40,000 coverage
  • $600–$1,200: $50,000–$75,000 coverage
  • $900–$1,800: $80,000–$120,000+ coverage

Higher budgets can go higher. Destination events and multi-day celebrations can also cost more.

Deductibles matter (don’t ignore this)

Many policies include deductibles (often $250–$1,000). A cheap premium with a high deductible can still be fine—but know what you’re agreeing to.

Table: Typical wedding insurance cost ranges (by policy type)

Policy TypeTypical CoverageTypical Cost RangeWho It’s Best For
Event liability$1M / $2M aggregate$75–$200Small-to-mid weddings, minimal venue requirements
Event liability + liquor$1M + host liquor$150–$350Weddings with alcohol (most weddings)
Higher-limit liability$2M–$5M$250–$500+High-end venues, 200+ guests, strict contracts
Cancellation/postponement$10k–$25k$150–$450Couples with meaningful deposits at risk
Cancellation/postponement$30k–$75k$350–$1,200Larger budgets, destination, complex logistics
Property add-on$1k–$10k+$25–$150If you’re worried about attire/rings/decor

Our honest take: For many couples, liability + cancellation comes out to $300–$900 total, and that’s a very reasonable price to protect a $30,000–$120,000 event.


What wedding insurance typically covers (and how it plays out in real life)

Coverage wording varies, but here’s what we commonly see.

Covered reasons for cancellation/postponement (examples)

Many policies cover:

  • Serious illness/injury of the couple or immediate family (often defined)
  • Extreme weather that makes the venue unsafe/unusable or prevents travel (not “it rained”)
  • Venue becomes unavailable due to fire, flood, closure, bankruptcy, etc.
  • Sudden military deployment (policy-dependent)
  • Damage to wedding attire (sometimes, under property coverage)

What you’ll need:

  • Doctor’s note / hospital records for illness
  • Weather reports, road closures, airline cancellation proof for travel issues
  • Venue closure documentation (email, letter, official notice)
  • Receipts and contracts showing deposits and payments

Liability claims: what they can look like

A liability claim might involve:

  • A guest slipping on wet stairs and needing ER care
  • A candle tipping and scorching a historic venue’s table
  • A tipsy guest bumping into a rented heater that damages a tent wall
  • A child getting hurt near a dance floor or staircase

Nobody wants to imagine this. But accidents happen fast, especially once alcohol and dress shoes show up.


What’s typically excluded (this is where people get burned)

Every policy is different, but exclusions are where expectations go to die. Read them. Seriously.

Common exclusions in wedding cancellation insurance

  1. Change of heart

“We decided not to get married” generally isn’t covered.

  1. Known circumstances / pre-existing conditions

If someone was already ill, pregnant complications were already present, or a storm was already named and headed your way before you bought coverage, you may be out of luck.

  1. Pandemics/communicable disease

Many insurers added exclusions after 2020. Some offer limited riders, many don’t. Don’t assume.

  1. Vendor disputes or dissatisfaction

If you hate your flowers or the DJ was mediocre, that’s not an insurance claim.

  1. Failure to obtain permits

If you didn’t get required permits (sparklers, street closure, tent permit), insurers won’t rescue you from your own paperwork.

  1. War, terrorism (sometimes), civil unrest

This varies by carrier and region.

  1. Weather that’s merely inconvenient

Rain is not usually a covered reason. A hurricane evacuation order might be.

Common exclusions in liability policies

  • Intentional acts
  • Certain high-risk activities (fireworks, open flame, bounce houses, etc.)
  • Professional services (your vendors’ work quality is on them)
  • Damage to property you rent or control may have sublimits or exclusions (ask!)

Hot take: A “cheap” policy that excludes half the real risks isn’t a deal. It’s just a receipt.

Pro Tip: If your wedding is outdoors, read the policy’s definition of “inclement weather.” If it doesn’t mention venue inaccessibility, government orders, or unsafe conditions, it may not help you when you actually need it.

When to purchase wedding insurance (timing really matters)

Buy it earlier than you think.

The best time to buy liability insurance

For liability-only coverage:

  • Buy it once your venue contract is signed and the date is locked.
  • Many venues want the COI 30–60 days before the wedding.
  • Some want it at contract signing. (Yes, really.)

The best time to buy cancellation/postponement coverage

For cancellation coverage:

  • Buy it as soon as you start putting down deposits, ideally within 14–30 days of your first major payment (venue is usually the big one).

Why so early?

  • Many policies won’t cover events that were “reasonably foreseeable” before you purchased.
  • Some policies have waiting periods.
  • If a hurricane is already forming, or a family medical issue is already diagnosed, you can’t buy insurance after the fact and expect coverage.

Timing for destination weddings and multi-day events

If you’re doing welcome party + wedding + brunch:

  • Make sure the policy covers all event dates.
  • Make sure your coverage amount reflects all deposits across the weekend.

And if travel is a big part of your plan, consider separate travel insurance too. Wedding insurance and travel insurance aren’t the same thing.


Vendor insurance requirements (and why you should care even if your venue doesn’t)

Venues often require you (the couple) to carry liability insurance. But vendors have insurance requirements too—and you should ask about them.

Vendors who should absolutely carry their own insurance

In our experience, these vendors should have their own liability coverage:

  • Caterers (especially if they’re cooking on-site)
  • Bartenders / bar service
  • Rental companies (delivery/setup crews)
  • Venues (obviously)
  • Planners/coordinators (they’re managing logistics and sometimes staffing)
  • Photographers/videographers (we carry it—gear and liability)
  • Bands/DJs (they bring equipment, cables, power needs)
  • Floral teams (ladders, installations, candle work)

If a vendor is uninsured and causes damage, the venue may come after you. Or you’ll spend months in a mess of blame.

The COI (Certificate of Insurance) basics

A COI usually lists:

  • Policy number
  • Coverage limits
  • Effective dates
  • Named insured (you or vendor)
  • Additional insured (your venue, sometimes your planner)

Venues may require very specific wording. Don’t wait until the last week.

Pro Tip: Ask your venue for their COI requirements in writing and forward that exact email to your insurer. One wrong address or missing “Additional Insured” wording can get your COI rejected—and we’ve seen couples scrambling 48 hours before the wedding.

How this ties into your vendor contracts

Good vendor contracts spell out:

  • What happens if they can’t perform
  • Refund/reschedule terms
  • Force majeure language
  • Liability limits (sometimes)
  • Replacement/backup plans

If you want a sense of what “tight” contracts look like, skim our Wedding Photography Contract guide. Photography/video is a great example because it’s both high-investment and high-expectation—and the contract is where reality lives.


Filing a claim: what it’s really like (and how to make it less painful)

Nobody wants to file a claim. But if you need to, here’s how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Step-by-step: how to file a wedding insurance claim

  1. Notify the insurer immediately

Many policies require “prompt notice,” often within 24–72 hours of the incident or the decision to cancel.

  1. Gather documentation

You’ll need:

- Contracts

- Receipts and proof of payment

- Vendor invoices showing nonrefundable portions

- Written cancellation/postponement notices

- Proof of the covered reason (doctor note, closure notice, etc.)

  1. Mitigate the loss

Insurers expect you to try to reduce the cost:

- Reschedule instead of cancel (if possible)

- Accept partial refunds

- Use credits

- Work with vendors to move dates

If you do nothing and just walk away, you may get denied.

  1. Submit the claim packet

Most insurers have online portals now. Some still use email + forms.

  1. Follow up (politely, but persistently)

Claims can take 2–8 weeks, sometimes longer.

What slows claims down

  • Missing receipts (keep a folder—digital is fine)
  • Unclear cancellation reason
  • Vendor contracts that don’t show what’s nonrefundable
  • Waiting too long to notify the insurer
  • Trying to claim things that are excluded (wastes time)

What helps your claim go faster

  • A single spreadsheet showing all vendor payments and what was lost
  • PDFs of all contracts
  • A clear written timeline of what happened and when
  • Photos if property damage occurred

Real-world note: If the claim involves liability (injury/property damage), do not admit fault casually in texts or emails. Be kind, be human, but let the insurer handle liability determination.


Is wedding insurance worth it? Real scenarios we’ve actually seen (or close cousins)

This is the section couples care about most: “Okay, but will I really use it?”

We can’t promise you’ll ever file a claim. Most couples won’t. That’s kind of the point.

But we can tell you the scenarios that show up again and again.

Scenario 1: Parent hospitalized the week of the wedding (postponement)

A couple last spring had a parent admitted unexpectedly three days before the wedding. Emotionally, it was a no-brainer: they postponed.

Financially, it was brutal:

  • Venue date change fees
  • Catering minimum changes
  • Reprinting stationery
  • Vendor availability issues that required replacements at higher rates

With cancellation/postponement coverage, many of those extra costs can be reimbursed (depending on policy wording and documentation). Without it, you’re negotiating everything in a panic.

Scenario 2: Major storm makes venue inaccessible

We’ve had weddings where:

  • Roads closed due to flooding
  • Power outages at the venue
  • Local government issued travel advisories

A drizzle isn’t a claim. A genuine “you can’t safely hold the event” situation sometimes is.

This is where a good rain plan also matters. Insurance pays money; it doesn’t magically produce an indoor ceremony space.

(That’s why we push couples to build a real Plan B. Start with Backup Planning Guide.)

Scenario 3: Guest injury and a venue that wants to be paid yesterday

One guest falls, the venue files an incident report, and suddenly you’re getting calls.

Even if you did nothing wrong, liability insurance can cover:

  • Medical payments
  • Legal defense
  • Settlement (if it gets there)

Without it, you’re personally exposed. And no, your homeowner’s insurance won’t necessarily treat this kindly.

Scenario 4: Vendor goes out of business

This one’s more common than people think—especially with smaller boutique vendors.

If your caterer or venue suddenly closes, cancellation insurance may cover lost deposits and rebooking costs (policy-dependent). If your policy excludes vendor bankruptcy, you’re just… stuck.

Scenario 5: The “everything is fine” scenario

Most weddings go off without an insurance-worthy incident. Great. You “lost” $300–$800 on premiums.

But compare that to your wedding budget. In our experience, insurance is often under 1% of total spend. If you’re tracking your numbers, see Wedding Budget Guide 2026.

Hot take: Couples will spend $1,200 on custom neon signs and then hesitate on $400 of insurance. We love a neon sign, but priorities matter.


What NOT to do (Red Flags we see that lead to denied claims or venue drama)

We’re going to be blunt because this stuff bites couples hard.

Red flag #1: Waiting until the last minute to buy insurance

If you buy cancellation coverage after a problem is brewing (storm forming, illness diagnosed, venue issues rumored), it may be excluded as foreseeable.

And venues can reject your COI if it’s wrong—right before the wedding.

Red flag #2: Assuming your venue’s policy covers you

Venue insurance protects the venue. It’s not there to protect your wedding budget or your personal liability.

Red flag #3: Not matching the coverage amount to your actual deposits

We see couples buy $10,000 cancellation coverage because it’s cheaper… while they’ve already paid $28,000 in nonrefundable deposits.

That’s not “some coverage.” That’s false comfort.

Red flag #4: Ignoring exclusions around communicable disease and weather

If you’re planning a winter wedding in the Northeast, read the weather language. If you’re worried about illness outbreaks, read communicable disease exclusions.

Red flag #5: Vendors without insurance (or weirdly defensive about it)

A professional vendor won’t act offended when you ask for a COI. If they do, that’s information.

Red flag #6: No backup plan, just “hope”

Insurance pays money after the fact. Your guests still need a plan if it rains, the shuttle fails, or the timeline slips.

That’s why we recommend building redundancy early (again: Backup Planning Guide).


Top wedding insurance providers compared (what we see couples actually use)

Availability and pricing vary by state, and providers change offerings over time. But these are common names couples run into.

We’re not paid by any insurer. We’re just telling you what we see.

The usual suspects

  • WedSafe (often through Markel)
  • Wedsure
  • EventHelper
  • Travelers (sometimes via event policies or partners)
  • Progressive (often via event insurance partners/marketplace)
  • GEICO (usually via partners, not directly)
  • Local insurance brokers who can issue special event policies (sometimes best for complex requirements)

Some providers focus more on liability-only. Some do both liability and cancellation.

Table: Provider comparison (high-level)

ProviderLiability CoverageCancellation/PostponementNotable StrengthWatch For
WedSafe (Markel)YesYesWidely used, venue-friendly COIsRead cancellation exclusions carefully
WedsureYesYesStraightforward purchase flowCoverage varies by state/underwriter
EventHelperYesSometimes (varies)Often competitive for liability-onlyCancellation options may be limited
Travelers (varies)YesSometimesStrong carrier reputationUsually accessed via broker/partner
Broker-issued event policyYesSometimesBest for unusual venue requirementsTakes longer; paperwork-heavy

How to choose a provider (a practical method)

Instead of obsessing over brand names, do this:

  1. Get your venue’s insurance requirements in writing.
  2. Decide if you want liability only or liability + cancellation.
  3. Set your cancellation coverage amount based on your “at risk” deposits.
  4. Compare three quotes.
  5. Read exclusions for:

- Weather definitions

- Communicable disease

- Vendor failure/bankruptcy

- Alcohol/liquor liability

- Deductibles and documentation requirements

Our team’s bias: If your venue is strict, pick the insurer that’s easiest to issue correct COIs fast. We’ve watched couples lose hours to COI back-and-forth. Not worth it.

Pro Tip: If your venue wants “Additional Insured” plus “Primary and Non-Contributory” wording and “Waiver of Subrogation,” don’t panic—but do confirm your insurer can add those endorsements. Some cheap policies can’t.

Liability vs cancellation coverage: which one should you buy (and in what amounts)?

Let’s make this concrete.

If you’re doing a typical 100–175 guest wedding in DC/MD/VA

We’d commonly recommend:

  • $1,000,000 liability (minimum)
  • Host liquor liability if alcohol is served (usually yes)
  • Cancellation coverage equal to your nonrefundable deposits + payments (often $20,000–$60,000 depending on budget)

If your venue requires $2M or more

Do what the venue requires. Fighting it rarely works.

And if you’re at a museum, historic property, waterfront venue, or luxury hotel, $2M isn’t unusual.

If your wedding is small (under 40 guests)

If you’re doing a restaurant buyout:

  • The restaurant may cover a lot internally, but don’t assume.
  • You might still need liability or a special event rider.

Cancellation coverage may still be smart if you’ve paid big minimums.

If your wedding is outdoors-heavy

Prioritize:

  • A real rain plan (not “we’ll figure it out”)
  • Cancellation coverage that addresses severe weather and venue inaccessibility
  • Clear contracts with tent/rental vendors (tent cancellation rules can be brutal)

What to ask your venue and vendors (copy/paste checklist)

Here are questions we’d ask—because we’ve watched couples get blindsided.

Ask your venue

  • Do you require event liability insurance? If yes, what limits?
  • Do you require host liquor liability?
  • Do you need to be listed as Additional Insured?
  • Do you require specific endorsements (primary/non-contributory, waiver of subrogation)?
  • When is the COI due? (30 days? 14 days? at signing?)
  • Are there restrictions on candles, sparklers, heaters, tents, or dance floors that affect insurance?

Ask your key vendors

  • Do you carry general liability insurance? Can you send a COI?
  • If you can’t perform, what’s your backup plan?
  • What’s nonrefundable vs transferable if we postpone?
  • Do you have force majeure terms?
  • How do date changes work?

Your contracts matter here. A lot. If you want to see how we structure it on the creative side, check Wedding Photography Contract.


A realistic example: building wedding insurance into your budget

Let’s say your wedding budget is $55,000 (very normal for DC metro).

Nonrefundable deposits paid by 6 months out might look like:

  • Venue: $8,000
  • Catering: $6,000
  • Photo/video: $3,000
  • Planner: $2,500
  • Band/DJ: $1,500
  • Rentals: $1,000

Total at risk: $22,000

A reasonable approach:

  • Liability ($1M + liquor): $175–$300
  • Cancellation coverage: $25,000: $250–$550

Total insurance: $425–$850

That’s roughly 0.8%–1.5% of the total budget.

Want help building a realistic wedding budget with line items that don’t surprise you later? Start with Wedding Budget Guide 2026.

Pro Tip: Put “insurance” in your budget from day one. If you wait until the end, it feels like an annoying add-on. If it’s baked in early, it’s just another grown-up planning decision (like permits, gratuities, and rentals).

How wedding insurance interacts with backup planning (money vs logistics)

We see couples treat insurance like a substitute for backup plans. It’s not.

Insurance helps you financially after something happens. Backup planning helps your wedding still feel like a wedding even if something happens.

A few examples:

  • Rain plan: tent, indoor option, ceremony flip timing
  • Vendor no-show: planner’s emergency contact list and replacements
  • Timeline slip: buffer time so portraits don’t get sacrificed
  • Power issues: venue generator plan, DJ power requirements
  • Heat/cold: heaters, fans, hydration stations, shade

If you want a practical framework, we laid it out in Backup Planning Guide.


Comparison table: liability-only vs liability + cancellation (what most couples choose)

FeatureLiability OnlyLiability + Cancellation/Postponement
Typical total cost$75–$350$300–$1,200+
Venue requirementOften requiredRarely required (but smart)
Protects against guest injury/property damageYesYes (if liability included)
Protects deposits if you cancel/postponeNoYes (covered reasons only)
Best forLow-budget, low-deposit weddings; courthouse + receptionMost full-service weddings with meaningful deposits
Biggest “gotcha”Thinking it covers cancellationExclusions + documentation requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

People also ask: How much does wedding insurance cost?

Most couples pay $150–$350 for liability coverage and $250–$900 for cancellation/postponement coverage, depending on guest count, alcohol, and the coverage amount you choose. If your wedding budget is $30,000–$80,000, a common total range is $300–$1,000 for both. Higher-end weddings often pay more simply because more money is at risk.

People also ask: Do I need wedding insurance if my venue has insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Your venue’s insurance is designed to protect the venue, not reimburse your deposits if you cancel and not necessarily cover your personal liability. Venues also commonly require you to carry your own event liability policy and list them as Additional Insured.

People also ask: What does wedding cancellation insurance actually cover?

It can cover nonrefundable deposits and certain extra costs if you must cancel or postpone for a covered reason—like serious illness, severe weather that makes the venue unusable, or venue closure. Coverage depends heavily on the policy’s definitions and exclusions. You’ll also need documentation (receipts, contracts, proof of the event’s disruption).

People also ask: Does wedding insurance cover vendor no-shows?

Sometimes, but not always. Some policies include coverage if a vendor goes bankrupt or fails to appear due to specific reasons; others exclude vendor performance issues entirely. If this is a major concern, read the vendor failure section of the policy and keep strong vendor contracts (see Wedding Photography Contract for contract language concepts).

People also ask: Does wedding insurance cover weather?

It depends on the policy and the severity. Light rain usually isn’t covered, but extreme weather that prevents travel, causes a government shutdown, or makes the venue unusable may be covered. If your wedding is outdoors, pair insurance with a real Plan B (start with Backup Planning Guide).

People also ask: When should I buy wedding insurance?

Buy cancellation/postponement coverage as soon as you start paying significant nonrefundable deposits—ideally within 14–30 days of the first major payment. Liability insurance can be purchased later, but many venues require the COI 30–60 days before the wedding (sometimes earlier). Earlier is safer, especially for cancellation coverage.

People also ask: Can I get wedding insurance after something happens?

Usually not in a helpful way. Most policies exclude known or foreseeable events that existed before you purchased coverage (like a named storm approaching or a diagnosed illness). If you’re already worried about a specific issue, that’s a sign you should’ve purchased earlier—and a sign to focus on backup planning too.


Final Thoughts: boring planning, better sleep

Wedding insurance isn’t romantic. But you know what’s even less romantic? Losing $20,000 in deposits because of a medical emergency, a venue closure, or a weather disaster—and then trying to untangle contracts while you’re stressed and sad.

If you’re debating it, here’s our bottom line after hundreds and hundreds of weddings: get liability insurance at a minimum, and strongly consider wedding cancellation insurance if you’d feel sick writing a check to replace your deposits tomorrow.

Build it into your budget early (use Wedding Budget Guide 2026), keep your vendor contracts tight (see Wedding Photography Contract), and make a real backup plan that protects the guest experience (start with Backup Planning Guide).

And if you want a photo/video team that plans like pros—not just artists showing up with cameras—Precious Pics Pro would love to help. We’ll work with your planner, your venue, and your timeline so your day runs smoothly and your memories are covered the right way. Learn more at preciouspicspro.com.

RELATED ARTICLES

Continue Reading