The Couple’s Guide to Wedding Public Liability Insurance (Do you really need it?)

Imagine you’ve arrived at your wedding venue, unloading your car with all of your DIY table centrepieces and decorations. You gaze around the room as your ideas and imagination come to life. You hang festoon lights and decorative hoops from the barn beams and it all looks glorious.

Fast forward to your wedding breakfast and suddenly a decorative hoop you’ve hung falls and injures a guest. The venue denies negligence, as the bride and groom were responsible for dressing the venue themselves.

Situations like this are exactly why many venues now request that couples arrange their own Public Liability insurance.

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Public Liability insurance protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged at your wedding and you’re held legally responsible. It’s designed to cover claims relating to bodily injury or third-party property damage.

Why do I need Public Liability insurance for my wedding?

Many couples might need Public Liability because a venue often requires it as part of their contract. It will protect the marrying couple against unexpected accidents such as guest injuries or venue damage and ultimately provide peace of mind in case of costly claims.

What doesn’t Public Liability Insurance Cover?

Public Liability does not cover:

• Wedding cancellation or rearrangement costs,
• Supplier failures (e.g. if a supplier ceases trading),
• Deliberate or reckless actions.

Wedding suppliers (florists, caterers, photographers, bands etc.) should have their own public liability cover for their own business activities. Always check this when booking and securing deposits.

Is Public Liability already included in my venue or supplier contracts?

Public Liability insurance can sometimes be included within the venue’s hire fee; others require couples to arrange their own insurance policy (common with stately homes, barns and listed buildings). You should check your contracts carefully to confirm whether you need to buy your own policy or not.

What is a limit of indemnity?

The limit of indemnity is the maximum amount an insurer will pay out for a claim. Typical limits are:

• £1 million
• £2 million
• £5 million
• £10 million

Increasingly, venues are requesting couples to have at least £5 million of cover, with some now insisting on £10 million.

What limit of indemnity do I need for my wedding?

This totally depends on what your venue is asking of you. Some venues may only require £2 million, others will be £10 million. You will need to check your contracts and speak to the venue to find out.

Is it a legal requirement to have Public Liability for my wedding?

No. There is no legal requirement in the UK for couples to hold Public Liability insurance for their wedding.

However, some venues may refuse your booking without proof of a Public Liability Certificate, due to their own insurance requirements and terms and conditions.

How much does wedding Public Liability Insurance cost?

The cost depends on factors such as:

• Number of guests,
• Number of events (ceremony, reception, evening party).

As a guide, a £5 million limit of indemnity for around 100 guests can cost from as little as £212.80 including Insurance Premium Tax (12%) (price correct as of 19/08/25).

What’s the difference between Public Liability Insurance and Wedding Insurance?

Standalone Public Liability cover: covers third-party property damage and bodily injury only.

Wedding Insurance cover: usually covers cancellation/rearrangement, supplier failure, wedding gifts, photography and video, cars and transport – with Public Liability insurance often available as an optional add-on.

Do I need Public Liability Insurance if I’m getting married abroad?

Possibly. It depends on the venue’s requirements and local laws. If you do need Public Liability insurance, you will need to check that the policy extends overseas and specifically the country where you’re getting married.

Real-life scenarios: When Public Liability could save the day

• A child knocks over a valuable statue at the venue, leaving the couple responsible for an expensive repair bill
• Wine is spilled on an antique carpet after alcohol is taken into a restricted room, leading to a hefty specialist cleaning cost.

Where can I get Public Liability Insurance for my wedding?

There are two different ways to purchase Public Liability insurance.

1) Add-on cover when taking out wedding insurance (if offered)

2) Standalone policy from a specialist broker, such as Wedding Insurance Group – where higher indemnity limits (e.g. £10 million) are available. Get a quote

Public liability isn’t just red tape; it’s reassurance that your day is protected.

If your venue requires you to purchase cover, or you’d simply like peace of mind, our team at Wedding Insurance Group can help. Call us on 0121 550 2380 or email info@weddinginsurancegroup.co.uk for Public Liability options tailored to your wedding. Get a public liability quote today