Venue Contract / covid Fears

Not sure if this helps but we made amendments and added clauses before signing any of our contracts. I found most of our venues agreed to the terms we added as we were being fair for both parties given the circumstances. I noticed a lot of vendors did not have updated covid-contracts either. When I spoke to most vendors they vocally agreed to our terms and then I would make noted adjustments to the contracts and give it back to them to update for us to sign. It is definitely work but I haven't had any issues with any of my requested terms from our chosen vendors.

I'm not a lawyer and I don't know the exact details of your contract. But have you already paid the full amount on your contract? I would certainly hope that your venue has stopped the payment schedule with all this uncertainty going on.

The venue contract does seem trickery in the way of wording of Covid and minimum guest count. No count above 25 to 50 is allowed depending on the province/territory at this time. The venue can't enforce for such a large number if it was in the clear. It would be wise to know if other venues are offering the same refun cancellation policy. The contract doesn't state the Covid refund policy, then I would consider other venues. I too would be concerned to lose the deposit if you were to cancel on your end. The money should be refunded if they cancel on you which should be stated. Negotiate if you need to for getting a better understanding of their terms.

Is there a force majeure clause in there that details what happens if a cancellation needs to happen as a result of something outside of your and your venue's control? Usually it will say that any cancellation due to circumstances outside of either party's control will null the obligations of both parties, and therefore no service will need to be performed and all monies paid will be refunded. Pandemics and other government orders fall under such clauses.

No one can enforce terms of a contract that are contradictory to the law. If the Quebec government only allows for 50 people to gather and eat, your venue can't force you to bring 225 people as it would be against the law nor can they make you pay for an additional 175 people without giving something back in return.

But let's say the government allows 225 to gather with certain restrictions: you have to wear masks while not eating and you're not allowed to dance. If you choose to cancel because you absolutely want dancing and have no masks at your wedding, you'd be on the hook since there's nothing that prevents the venue from fulfilling their terms.

You should re-read the contract to make sure you fully understand it and if not, ask the venue for clarification.