Backyard weddings are having a moment. Mountain views from a yard in Boulder, a tent on the lawn in Avalon, a ranch just outside Santa Fe. It’s personal, it saves on a venue, and it raises a very fair question. Does the homeowners policy you already have cover it?
Partly. Here’s how it usually shakes out.
Guest injuries are the good news. Your homeowners policy includes personal liability and medical payments coverage, which generally respond if a guest misses a step on the patio or takes a tumble on the dance floor. You’re not starting from zero.
Your limit is the real question. Plenty of homes carry $100,000 or $300,000 in liability. That’s fine for a Tuesday. For 150 guests and an open bar on the lawn, it can feel thin, and a claim on your own policy can follow you at renewal too. Some families add an extra layer for the extra depth, which keeps working long after the last dance.
Alcohol is where it gets murky. Most homeowners policies give you some protection as a social host, but the details vary a lot, and some carriers limit alcohol-related claims. If you’re pouring for a crowd, that’s the first thing to check. Hiring a licensed bartender who carries their own liquor coverage helps a lot.
What your policy probably won’t touch.
- Your deposits if the wedding gets canceled or postponed
- Damage to the rented tent, tables, or dance floor (read the contract, and see our tips on renting the tables and tent)
- Injuries to a vendor’s own crew, which the vendor’s coverage should handle
- Hosting someone else’s wedding for money, which turns your home into a business for the day
The simple fix. A single-day policy covers liability for the event itself, can include liquor liability, and keeps claims off your homeowners record. Rental companies often ask for a certificate anyway, so it tends to pay for itself in convenience. You’ll find more on one-day event coverage here.
Want someone to read through your coverage before the save-the-dates go out? Our team is always glad to take a peek.