Wedding Venue Cancelling on us

Send her a certified letter, toting up all the other deposits you have made and will lose, and tell her you will sue.

ETA -- did she ASK? Sure she can ask. Can she force you? Likely not without consequences to her.

What does your contract say? Sorry you're having to deal with this.

It sounds like she asked if you could, didn't tell you that you had to. Just answer with a firm no we cannot, see what she says, and like Karen said be prepared to fight for what you've sank all that money into

She asked if we could change dates then when we told her no she told us we can't use that location on our date anymore.

This stinks. A reputable venue just can't decide to move another function to your date. This is awful they are doing this. What does the contract say?

My gut instinct is that they shouldn't be able to do this, but what does your contract say? If it says something about them being able to move dates of events, you may be out of luck. At this point, I'd look over the contract and then consider having a lawyer look over it as well, depending on what you find.

First things first, look for any clause in your contract detailing cancellation or change of date on their part. If there's nothing, you have leverage to sue or threaten to sue. Hopefully the contract is written with enough details about your reservation and their policies that you will have some leverage over them.

Then, contact them IN WRITING with whatever the contract details. You want a paper trail of the communications between you and the business. Then, if needed, contact a lawyer.

Last, but also very important, thing? Start contacting other venues ASAP and asking if your date is open. This is more IN CASE OF a worst case scenario but you need to know what your options are if your original venue does not comply with your contract OR if the contract is written in their favor and not yours.

Good luck, OP. Keep us updated.

I echo everyone above; look at your contract, and then reach out ON PAPER, unemotionally, factually and succinctly. It seems ridiculous that a venue could move a discretionary event to a date that needs to be specific, but weirder things have happened.

And yes, I would call around now. The good news is that you're in November, which is generally less busy than October, but you shouldn't have to jump through hoops so they can hold a party. Your wedding is, in effect, a fund raiser for them too by virtue of the fees, the hundred people who will learn about them and the GOOD word of mouth, all of which will go poof if they do this to you.

Keep us posted.

I'm so sorry this is happening! Go through your contact, get an attorney and always have written proof!

4 months ago you paid 500 to hold the date, have you missed any other deposits. Our venue we had to put money down to hold the date when we signed the contract, then 25% within 30 days and another 25% 6 months out. Is it possible you overlooked the 1st deposit. What does it say in your contract?

It is time to start a paper trail. As long you are within the parameters of the contract for your financial responsibility you have a legit complaint. If you have EAP through work you might be able to get some legal help on this and a good portion of the costs would be covered.

Do you have a written contact? Read it and see what it says about this.

Check your contract for sure. Put your foot down and tell them that it isn't acceptable.

Double check your contract and then contact an attorney

There is nothing in the contract about changing date or cancellation. Other than if we don't pay the rest due by 15 days before the date. So it's not an issue of us not paying them.

Wow. That's bullshit. I'm sorry, you really need to go back and read the fine print in your contract. That'll tell you everything.

I'm really sorry to hear of your situation. It might be of help to contact a lawyer, as pp's have said. This would enable you to really review that contract with a better eye.

This is unprofessional and sux. Definitely contact a lawyer. So sorry for this unnecessary stress.

Don't just send something in writing, but have an attorney do it for you. Trust me when I say that when you get a letter from someone with a bar number, you're more likely to be on your best behavior.

Agreeing with all PPs here. This is horrifying and completely unacceptable. I second @espadas to have an attorney send them a letter. So sorry you are going through this!