A typical $30,000 wedding has $20,000+ of non-refundable deposits locked in by the time the invitations go out. A single vendor bankruptcy, illness, or extreme weather event can erase all of it. Wedding insurance covers cancellation, postponement, lost rings, vendor no-shows, and liability, usually for $150 to $500.
Two policies that work together
Wedding insurance comes in two forms. Cancellation and postponement protects your deposits if a covered event (illness, military deployment, vendor bankruptcy, severe weather) forces you to cancel or move the date. Special event liability covers third party injuries and property damage at the venue, which is required by almost every venue.
Liquor liability is its own thing
If you are serving alcohol and the venue does not provide it, you usually need a liquor liability endorsement. Many venues require $1M of host liquor liability before signing the contract. Add it to your event liability policy for a flat $50 to $200.
What is and is not covered
Covered: vendor no-shows, weather forcing cancellation (usually with a 72-hour rule), illness of the couple or immediate family, military deployment, lost wedding attire, damaged photos before delivery. NOT covered: change of heart, called-off engagement, dispute over services, intentional acts.
Buy early, not late
Wedding insurance must be purchased before any covered loss is foreseeable. Industry rules typically require purchase at least 14 to 30 days before the event for cancellation coverage. Day-of liability can be bought as late as the day before.
Quick comparison
| Coverage | Typical limit | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation / postponement | $7,500 to $50,000 | $150 to $400 |
| Event liability | $1,000,000 | $75 to $250 |
| Liquor liability | $1,000,000 | $50 to $200 add-on |
| Lost rings | $5,000 to $25,000 | included in many bundles |
| Photo / video | $5,000 to $25,000 | included in many bundles |
Key takeaways
- Wedding insurance comes in two forms.
- If you are serving alcohol and the venue does not provide it, you usually need a liquor liability endorsement.
- Covered: vendor no-shows, weather forcing cancellation (usually with a 72-hour rule), illness of the couple or immediate family, military deployment, lost wedding attire, damaged photos before delivery.
Final word
Insurance is at its best when you understand the product before you need it. Bookmark this guide, share it with anyone shopping for wedding insurance this year, and reach out via our contact page if you have a question we have not answered.
Related reading on InsureLab
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Will my homeowners policy cover the wedding?+
Personal liability extends to limited entertaining, but most policies cap event-related coverage and exclude liquor liability.
Is wedding insurance worth it for a small wedding?+
If your non-refundable deposits exceed $5,000, yes. The premium is small compared to the exposure.
Does wedding insurance cover a destination wedding?+
Most US-based policies cover destination weddings worldwide. Confirm the destination is not excluded (some carriers exclude high-risk countries).
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