What If the Weather Cancels My Wedding? | A St. Louis Wedding Venue’s Backup Plan
If you’re a bride planning a wedding in Missouri, you’ve probably had this thought (maybe more than once):
“What if the weather cancels my wedding?”
You’re picturing outdoor vows, dreamy photos, guests arriving dressed up and excited… and then suddenly the forecast shows storms, ice, snow, extreme heat, or dangerous winds.
Let’s be honest — weather is one of the most stressful “what ifs” in wedding planning.
Missouri weather can be unpredictable, and while we can’t control the forecast, couples can control how prepared they are. That’s one reason more couples are choosing venues that offer weekend wedding options — having built-in flexibility and backup days can take the pressure off when weather throws a curveball. If you want to explore how a multi-day celebration can make your entire weekend smoother and more memorable, check out our guide to planning a multi-day wedding weekend in the St. Louis countryside for tips and ideas.
At Berkshire Ridge, we believe couples deserve more than a beautiful place to get married.
They deserve peace of mind, too.
That’s why we’re sharing something every bride needs to know before booking:
A venue’s weather policy can matter just as much as its photo gallery.
Why This Matters So Much When Booking a St. Louis Wedding Venue
When couples tour venues, they usually ask things like:
What’s included?
Do you have a bridal suite?
Can we bring our own vendors?
Do you have indoor + outdoor options?
What time does the night end?
All great questions.
But here’s the BIG one that brides often don’t think to ask until it’s too late:
“What happens if severe weather makes my wedding unsafe or impossible?”
Because here’s the truth:
Two venues can look similar online — but the way they handle unexpected situations is what truly sets them apart.
Missouri Weather Is Beautiful… and Unpredictable
In Missouri, we can have:
sunshine in the morning
thunderstorms in the afternoon
and freezing rain by night
Brides don’t want to plan their whole wedding around fear.
But you do want a venue that has your back.
Berkshire Ridge’s Weather Backup Plan: We Work With You
If weather creates unsafe conditions or makes it impossible to host your wedding as planned, Berkshire Ridge allows couples to reschedule to another available date that works with both of our schedules.
That flexibility is incredibly important — because weddings aren’t small events.
They are:
major financial investments
months (or years) of planning
once-in-a-lifetime memories
emotional moments for families
Weather shouldn’t take that away.
A True Story: Berkshire Ridge Was Once the Backup Plan That Saved a Wedding
We understand how stressful wedding-weather decisions can be — because we’ve lived it alongside our couples.
In fact, our first wedding ever at Berkshire Ridge happened this exact way.
It was Saturday, October 28, 2023, and Missouri weather was turning into cold freezing rain. A bride had planned to hold her ceremony on her grandparents’ property and held out as long as she could — but the conditions became unsafe and the plans had to change quickly.
That morning, we received a call around 8AM… and by 4PM, a full wedding was happening at Berkshire Ridge — beautifully set up, warm, and cozy (yes, even with cowhide rugs down the aisle).
The bride later told us through tears that night:
“You saved my wedding day.”
That experience is a big part of why we believe weather policies are not a “small detail.” They are one of the most important things to understand when booking any wedding venue — especially in Missouri.
Victory and her bridesmaids the day Berkshire Ridge became a hero!
What Weather Situations Could Lead to Rescheduling?
Every wedding is different, but examples include:
✅ Severe storms / tornado threats
✅ Snow or icy roads making travel unsafe
✅ Power outages
✅ Extreme weather warnings
✅ Emergency-level weather conditions
We don’t believe in leaving our couples stressed out and scrambling. We communicate clearly and work together calmly.
Wedding Day Cancellation Insurance: A Smart Bride Tip
One more piece of advice we share with our couples:
Consider wedding day cancellation insurance.
Even with a venue weather plan in place, insurance can be a huge relief because it may help protect your financial investment if the unexpected happens — such as:
severe weather events
sudden illness or injury
travel disruptions
vendor issues
certain emergencies outside of your control
Weddings are too important (and too expensive) to leave unprotected. Insurance is one more layer of peace of mind, especially for couples planning far in advance.
(Pro tip: look into wedding cancellation insurance early—policies and coverage can vary.)
Questions Every Bride Should Ask Before Booking Any Wedding Venue
If you are currently venue shopping, here are the exact questions we recommend asking any venue — especially a St. Louis wedding venue where weather can change quickly:
If severe weather happens, can we reschedule?
Is rescheduling included or is there an additional fee?
How do you define unsafe weather conditions?
What if guests can’t travel safely?
What if vendors can’t make it?
What indoor options do we have?
How do you communicate with couples the week of the wedding?
Do you recommend wedding day cancellation insurance?
A venue should be able to answer these with confidence and clarity.
Peace of Mind Might Be the Best Wedding “Upgrade”
Brides spend money on all kinds of upgrades:
florals
signage
décor
late-night snacks
rentals
photo booths
special exits
But the best upgrade is something you can’t always see in a photo:
Peace of mind.
When you book a venue that cares about your experience, you feel it — especially when the unexpected happens.
At Berkshire Ridge, we’re not just providing a space. We’re helping protect the day you’ve dreamed of.
Planning Your Wedding Near St. Louis?
If you’re searching for a St. Louis wedding venue that feels romantic, peaceful, welcoming, and supportive — we’d love to show you around Berkshire Ridge.
✨ Schedule a tour, see our space and explore pricing on our website.
We can’t wait to meet you.
From our Venue to Your Love Story - Kim
Berkshire Ridge is a locally owned and operated business just south of St. Louis, Missouri. We sincerely hope to encourage our couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it is time to book your wedding venue and vendors. Locally owned venues will offer a high level of hospitality, attentive communication and a desire to ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners and vendors from around the country with a shout out in our blog!
Wedding Venue Owners-Didi