Who Should Hire Event Security? Why It’s the Couple’s Responsibility, Not the Venue’s

1. Clearer Liability Boundaries

When the venue hires security, you’re responsible for their actions. If a situation arises, whether it’s a guest altercation or property damage, the venue could be held accountable for how security responds.

When the couple hires security, the responsibility for that vendor’s actions rests with them. This keeps your venue’s liability lower and your role clearly defined.

2. Contracts Stay Clean

Whose name is on the security company’s contract matters. If it’s yours, you’re on the hook for payment, performance, and any disputes. If it’s the couple’s, those obligations belong to them.

By requiring couples to contract directly, you avoid becoming the middleman and keep your agreements focused on what you do best — providing the venue.

3. Insurance Works Better This Way

Many insurance carriers actually expect security to be contracted by the couple, not the venue. Why? Because it establishes clear responsibility.

The best practice is to require that any security company provides a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming your venue as an additional insured. That way, if something happens, your venue has an extra layer of protection without carrying the full burden.

4. Keeps Your Role Focused

Your venue’s role is to provide a beautiful, safe setting — not to manage guest behavior directly. By shifting responsibility to the couple, you ensure that your team can focus on hospitality and logistics, while trained professionals handle safety.

How to Put This Into Practice

  • Update your contracts: Make it clear that security, when required, is the couple’s responsibility.

  • Provide vendor requirements: Outline what’s acceptable (licensed, insured, bonded, etc.) so couples know what to look for.

  • Request proof of coverage: Always require a COI naming your venue as additional insured.

Final Takeaway

Security is important, but it shouldn’t be your responsibility as a venue owner. When couples hire and manage security directly, it sets clearer expectations, reduces your liability, and ensures safety is handled by the right professionals.

That way, you can stay focused on what you do best — helping couples celebrate in a safe, memorable, and stress-free environment.