How does wedding cancellation insurance work?

If you face an unexpected wedding cancellation, you can still have peace of mind by purchasing a wedding cancellation policy and having it in place. This type of insurance reimburses you for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or postpone your wedding due to events beyond your control.

3 minute to read

Explore Progressive's editorial standards for Answers articles to find out why you can trust the insurance information you find here.

Under what circumstances can you use a wedding cancellation policy?

It usually only applies in certain circumstances, including:

  • Illness or injury of the couple, bridal party, and certain family members of the bride or groom
  • Unexpected military service obligation/deployment
  • Extreme weather, such as a hurricane, tornado, or major snowstorm, which prevents the event from taking place or key individuals getting to the wedding
  • The vendor goes out of business
  • The venue cancels or is unexpectedly unusable

Policies don't typically reimburse you if you change your mind about getting married or experience financial difficulties. Many policies, including Event Helper's, also exclude coverage for viral outbreaks and pandemics.

What does wedding cancellation insurance typically cover?

Wedding cancellation insurance reimburses you for non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or postpone your wedding due to events beyond your control. You need to purchase wedding cancellation prior to postponing/cancelling the event and have it in place before filing a claim.

This plan may cover the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, the reception, cake, flowers, rental cars, and more. You may also be able to add on coverage for presents, photos, your wedding dress, tuxedos, and other items. However, if you need coverage for your honeymoon, you may want to consider travel insurance.

How do you buy a wedding cancellation policy?

When you purchase Progressive® Wedding and Event Insurance by The Event Helper, Inc., you can add cancellation insurance to your wedding liability policy. Plans from The Event Helper must be purchased at least a week before your wedding date. Some insurers also offer wedding cancellation insurance as a standalone policy.

How much does wedding cancellation insurance cost?

Wedding cancellation insurance through Event Helper starts at around $279, depending on the budget of your wedding.* Your budget is a key cost factor, in addition to the number of people who will be attending and what coverage you buy.

Is it really worth purchasing?

Most likely, your wedding is a large investment in money, time, and emotion. If a major storm limits travel or something unforeseen closes the venue before your wedding date, the loss could be severe. With cancellation insurance, you're covered for losses and additional expenses incurred due to last-minute issues beyond your control that force you to cancel or postpone your wedding. Having a policy can help you keep your peace of mind during this important time in your life.

How to get wedding insurance

Online

Get a wedding insurance quote from Progressive® Wedding and Event Insurance by The Event Helper, Inc.

Call a rep

Call 1-855-877-8885 and chat with a representative from Progressive® Wedding and Event Insurance by The Event Helper, Inc.

Quote event insurance for your special occasion

Learn more about wedding and event insurance policies.

Have more questions? Browse articles by insurance type

See all articles by product

Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. This information is not an insurance policy, does not refer to any specific insurance policy, and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions expressly stated in any insurance policy. Descriptions of all coverages and other features are necessarily brief; in order to fully understand the coverages and other features of a specific insurance policy, we encourage you to read the applicable policy and/or speak to an insurance representative. Coverages and other features vary between insurers, vary by state, and are not available in all states. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites linked from this page.

THE #1 INSURANCE WEBSITE

Copyright 1995 - 2025. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. All Rights Reserved.

We offer insurance by phone, online and through independent agents. Prices vary based on how you buy.

ΔDiscount varies and is not available in all states or situations.

Insurance carrier website ranking by Keynova Group – Q4 2024 Online Insurance Scorecard.

Progressive Advantage Agency, Inc. refers consumers seeking event insurance to The Event Helper, Inc. for placement with insurers offering that coverage. Event Helper and the insurers are not affiliated with Progressive.

PAA and Progressive are not responsible for insurer or coverage selections, policies issued, claims, the content or operation of others' websites, or how others handle or use your information. Information you provide to others is subject to their privacy policies and website terms of use, and may be shared with us.

PAA receives compensation from Event Helper that may vary based on the policy you buy. Contact us for more details.

Price, coverage, and coverage terms and conditions may vary between insurers. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states and situations.

*Cancellation coverage is not available in some cases in CA and NY. Examples include certain moratoriums, etc.