How does wedding insurance work in the UK?

Short answer

Wedding insurance protects your money if you must cancel or postpone your wedding due to an unexpected event. You buy a policy before the wedding, and if a covered problem happens, you claim back your lost deposits and costs.

Wedding insurance works like other insurance. You buy a policy before your wedding day, and it covers you against specific, unexpected problems that could cost you money. Common covered events include illness, injury, or death of the couple or close family, damage to your venue, or your supplier going out of business. It can also cover lost or damaged items like rings, outfits, or gifts.

You take out the policy when you start paying deposits, and you claim if a covered event forces you to cancel, postpone, or cut short your wedding. The insurer pays out up to the limit you chose, minus any excess. You must read the policy carefully to see what is and is not covered. For example, changing your mind or bad weather is usually not covered unless it makes the venue unusable.

In the UK, policies are available from many insurers, but the rules and cover levels vary. Always check the policy wording. If you are unsure whether a specific situation is covered, ask the insurer before you buy. Legal details can change, so check the policy documents and, if needed, the Financial Conduct Authority's guidance.