Is Wedding Insurance Worth It? Here’s Why Couples Say ‘Yes’

You’ve spent months—maybe even years—planning your dream wedding. The venue is booked, the dress and tux are perfect, and your guest list is set. But as with any big event, even the most carefully laid plans can hit an unexpected snag. That’s where wedding insurance comes in. While often overlooked, this type of coverage can help protect the time, money, and energy you’ve invested in your big day.

What is wedding insurance?

Wedding insurance provides financial protection if something goes wrong before or during your wedding. Depending on the policy, it can cover everything from cancellations and postponements to damaged attire or lost rings. 

There are two main types of coverage:

Liability coverage

This protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged at your wedding. For example, if a guest trips on the dance floor and needs medical attention or a decorative candle causes damage to the venue, liability insurance helps cover the costs. Many venues require couples to obtain this coverage before signing a contract. Liability limits typically range from $500,000 to $5 million, helping ensure you aren’t left paying expensive medical bills or repair costs out of pocket.

Cancellation or postponement coverage

This reimburses you for nonrefundable costs if your wedding can’t move forward as planned. For example, if extreme weather makes your venue unusable, a key vendor goes out of business, or a serious illness forces you to reschedule, this coverage can help you recover what you’ve already paid. Without it, deposits and prepaid costs—which can easily total thousands of dollars—could be lost.

Additionally, you can customize your policy with optional add-ons, such as the following:

• Coverage for lost or damaged rings
• Protection for wedding attire, such as a wedding dress, tux, or suit
• Coverage for photography and video if files are lost, damaged, or never delivered
• Wedding gifts protection against theft or damage

AAA tip: Work with a trusted insurance agent at AAA to tailor your coverage to your plans, whether you’re hosting a backyard celebration or destination wedding abroad.

Why do you need wedding insurance?

Even the most organized couples can’t plan for everything. Weddings involve venues, vendors, weather, travel, and dozens (sometimes hundreds) of guests. Just one hiccup can throw things off course.

Here’s how wedding insurance may help save the day.

• Vendor cancellation
  If your photographer backs out, your caterer goes out of business, or another critical vendor cancels at the last minute, insurance can help recover deposits and replacement costs.
• Extreme weather
  A sudden snowstorm, hurricane, or heavy rain could make your venue unusable or unsafe.
• Illness or injury
  If you, your partner, or a key family member is hospitalized and you need to reschedule the wedding, postponement coverage can help ease the financial burden.
• Travel disruptions
  Destination weddings are especially vulnerable to flight cancellations or lost luggage containing essential wedding items.
• Lost or damaged property
  From wedding rings to the bridal gown, replacement costs add up quickly, but wedding insurance may help cover the expense.

How much does wedding insurance cost?

The good news is wedding insurance is generally affordable. In fact, some policies can cost less than $100, depending on the level of coverage and size of your wedding. Liability-only coverage tends to be the least expensive, while more comprehensive plans that include cancellation and property protection cost more.

With the average wedding costing around $33,000 in 2025, according to The Knot Budget Advisor, spending a few hundred dollars more to protect that investment is a small price for peace of mind. It's a good idea to purchase coverage early in the planning process, ideally before booking vendors, to make sure you're fully protected.

AAA tip: Your insurance agent at AAA can walk you through your options and provide a quote tailored to your needs.

Do wedding venues require wedding insurance?

In some cases, yes. Venues such as historic sites, resorts, and private estates often require couples to show proof of liability coverage before finalizing a contract. Sometimes, coverage is included in your agreement; in other situations, you’ll need to purchase a separate policy.

Even when not required, wedding planners and other professionals often recommend it. Having insurance in place demonstrates you’ve prepared for the unexpected and can help avoid disputes if something goes wrong.

What’s not covered by wedding insurance?

While wedding insurance covers a lot, it’s not all-inclusive. For example, most policies will not cover the following:

• Cold feet or a change of heart
• Preexisting issues such as a venue already showing signs of financial trouble prior to booking or a vendor with a history of canceling on clients
• Ordinary wear and tear on items, such as dirt on your gown or scuffed shoes
• Voluntary changes, such as if you decide to switch venues, reschedule, or replace vendors by choice

AAA tip: Always read your policy carefully so that you know exactly what’s included—and what isn’t.

Is wedding insurance really worth the investment?

A wedding is both an emotional and financial investment. While insurance can’t prevent every mishap, it can help stop a sudden problem from turning into a financial disaster. For a relatively low cost, it helps provide peace of mind and financial protection against the unexpected.

By working with an insurance agent at AAA, you can find the right policy to safeguard your special day and focus on what truly matters: celebrating your marriage.