WeddingWire Terms of Service

Item: WeddingWire
Rating: 35
Author: Terms.Law Editorial Team

Last updated: October 2024 | Reviewed: February 2026

Vendor marketplace owned by The Knot Worldwide with terms that heavily favor the platform at the expense of both couples and vendors.

Grade D

Bottom Line: WeddingWire (owned by the same company as The Knot) has particularly concerning terms for vendors, including extended payment holds and strong platform control. For couples, the platform disclaims virtually all responsibility for vendor quality or performance. Combined with aggressive arbitration requirements, these terms create significant risks for all users.

Category Scores

Vendor Payout Terms 22/100

Consumer Protection 35/100

Dispute Resolution 28/100

Platform Liability 32/100

Vendor Review System 55/100

Key Findings

⚠ Extended Vendor Payment Holds

For vendors using WeddingWire's payment processing, funds can be held for extended periods - sometimes until after the wedding date. This can create serious cash flow problems for small wedding businesses.

"Payment releases may be delayed until event completion or verification. We reserve the right to hold funds for up to 90 days following the scheduled event date."

⚠ Strong Arbitration Requirements

The arbitration clause is particularly aggressive, covering nearly all possible disputes and requiring arbitration in a specific jurisdiction that may be inconvenient for users.

"You agree that any dispute will be finally resolved by binding arbitration... arbitration shall take place in [jurisdiction]. You waive any right to a jury trial."

⚠ No Vendor Verification

WeddingWire doesn't verify vendor licenses, insurance, or qualifications. A vendor listing doesn't indicate any form of vetting or endorsement by the platform.

"We do not verify, endorse, or guarantee any vendor's qualifications, licensing, insurance, or quality of services."

⚠ Review Manipulation Concerns

The terms allow WeddingWire significant discretion in managing reviews, including removal of reviews that vendors dispute. This can make review scores unreliable indicators of actual vendor quality.

Comparison: Vendor Marketplace Terms

Feature	WeddingWire	The Knot	Thumbtack
Vendor Verification	None	None	Basic
Payment Hold Period	Up to 90 days	Varies	Standard
Dispute Assistance	None	None	Limited
Arbitration Required	Yes	Yes	Yes
Review Management	Vendor Disputes	Vendor Disputes	Verified

Recommendation

For Couples: WeddingWire can be useful for discovering vendors, but don't rely on platform listings or reviews as verification. Conduct your own research, check state licensing where applicable, verify insurance, and read contracts carefully.

For Vendors: Be cautious about relying on WeddingWire's payment processing due to the extended hold periods. Consider directing clients to pay you directly whenever possible. Understand that the platform has significant control over your listings and reviews.