Accessibility Policy & Guidelines

Our Accessibility Mission

WedStay believes that every couple deserves to celebrate their wedding in a beautiful venue, regardless of ability. We are committed to fostering an accessible marketplace where hosts provide accurate information and guests can make informed decisions about venue suitability for their needs.

1. Platform Accessibility

WedStay is committed to improving the accessibility of our digital platform for all users. While we continue to work toward meeting accessibility standards, we welcome feedback on how we can better serve users with disabilities.

To report accessibility issues or request assistance, contact: info@thewedstay.com

2. Legal Compliance Disclaimer

Important Legal Notice

This policy does not constitute legal advice. Various federal, state, and local laws may apply to your property and services, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing Act, and state civil rights laws such as California's Unruh Act.

The applicability of these laws depends on many factors specific to your property, business structure, and use.Hosts are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws in their jurisdiction.

We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney to understand your specific legal obligations. WedStay's policies are separate from and in addition to any legal requirements.

3. Host Accessibility Requirements

Mandatory Disclosures

All hosts must provide information about the following accessibility features in their listings:

Entry & Parking

  • ☐ Step-free entry available
  • ☐ Number of steps at entrances
  • ☐ Width of doorways (inches)
  • ☐ Accessible parking spaces
  • ☐ Drop-off area availability
  • ☐ Surface type (paved/gravel/grass)

Interior Access

  • ☐ Elevator availability
  • ☐ Accessible bedroom/bathroom location
  • ☐ Hallway and doorway widths
  • ☐ Flooring types and transitions
  • ☐ Grab bars in bathrooms
  • ☐ Roll-in shower availability

Event Spaces

  • ☐ Ceremony area accessibility
  • ☐ Reception area accessibility
  • ☐ Accessible restroom locations
  • ☐ Stage/dance floor access
  • ☐ Outdoor terrain description
  • ☐ Lighting adequacy

Additional Features

  • ☐ Pool/hot tub accessibility
  • ☐ Emergency evacuation procedures
  • ☐ Visual/auditory alerts
  • ☐ Service animal relief areas
  • ☐ Quiet spaces availability
  • ☐ Accessible furniture options

⚠️ Important:

If you're unsure about an accessibility feature, mark it as "Unknown" rather than guessing. Guests can then contact you for clarification. Providing inaccurate accessibility information may result in cancellations, refunds, and policy violations.

4. Service & Support Animals

WedStay Policy on Service Animals

WedStay requires all hosts to accept legitimate service animals without additional fees or deposits. Federal and state laws provide various protections for service animals and, in some jurisdictions, emotional support animals.

Hosts must familiarize themselves with applicable laws and should not:

  • Charge extra fees specifically for service animals
  • Refuse bookings solely because of service animals
  • Impose breed or size restrictions on service animals

Emotional Support Animals

Laws regarding emotional support animals vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some states provide broader protections than others. Hosts should research their local requirements and clearly communicate their pet policies while ensuring compliance with applicable laws.

This is WedStay policy only and does not constitute legal guidance about your obligations under federal, state, or local law.

5. Reasonable Accommodations

Hosts must consider and respond to reasonable accommodation requests. Examples include:

Generally Reasonable:

  • Early check-in for equipment setup
  • Allowing temporary ramps
  • Furniture rearrangement for wheelchair access
  • Providing written instructions in large print
  • Allowing support persons to assist
  • Flexible house rules for disability needs
  • Designated parking for accessible vehicles

May Be Unreasonable:

  • Major structural modifications
  • Installing permanent equipment
  • Requests that violate safety codes
  • Accommodations creating undue financial burden
  • Changes fundamentally altering the venue
  • Requests violating other laws
  • Last-minute major changes

Note: Document all accommodation discussions. If denying a request, explain why and offer alternatives when possible.

6. Best Practices for Inclusive Hosting

Photography & Descriptions

  • Include photos showing entrances, pathways, and potential barriers
  • Photograph bathrooms, including door widths and facilities
  • Show parking areas and routes to event spaces
  • Provide detailed written descriptions supplementing photos
  • Use clear, objective language about limitations

Communication

  • Respond promptly to accessibility inquiries
  • Be honest about what you can and cannot accommodate
  • Offer video tours when requested
  • Provide contact information for follow-up questions
  • Never make assumptions about what guests can or cannot do

Preparation

  • Create an accessibility guide for your property
  • Identify local resources (equipment rental, accessible transportation)
  • Train any staff on disability etiquette and assistance
  • Maintain clear pathways and good lighting
  • Have emergency evacuation plans for guests with disabilities

7. Guest Guidelines

For Guests with Accessibility Needs:

WedStay facilitates communication with property hosts. Submit accessibility inquiries through the property listing page or contact WedStay at info@thewedstay.com, and our team will coordinate with hosts on your behalf.

Before Booking:

  • Review all accessibility information provided in listings
  • Submit questions through the property inquiry form or contact WedStay directly
  • Request additional photos or information through WedStay representatives
  • Discuss accommodation requests with our team before booking
  • Confirm critical features via email for documentation

When Making Inquiries:

  • Be specific about your accessibility requirements
  • Explain how many guests will need accommodations
  • Mention any equipment you'll be bringing
  • Ask about nearby medical facilities if relevant
  • Discuss backup plans for weather-dependent access
  • Request all confirmations in writing via email

After Booking:

  • Contact WedStay to reconfirm accessibility arrangements
  • Share accessibility info with your wedding guests
  • Coordinate vendor accessibility needs through WedStay support
  • Plan for adequate time for setup and navigation
  • Provide feedback about accessibility after your event

Note: WedStay representatives will facilitate all communications with hosts and provide email documentation of accessibility arrangements for your records.

8. Vendor Accessibility Expectations

WedStay encourages wedding vendors on our platform to consider accessibility in their services. We recommend vendors:

  • Be transparent about their capabilities and any limitations regarding accessibility
  • Respond professionally to accessibility-related inquiries
  • Work with couples to find reasonable solutions when possible
  • Communicate openly about what accommodations they can provide

While we encourage inclusive practices, vendors should be honest about their current capabilities rather than overcommitting to services they cannot adequately provide.

9. Reporting & Resolution

Reporting Accessibility Issues:

Report issues to:

Our Response:

  1. Acknowledge report within 3-5 business days
  2. Investigate with all parties
  3. Determine if policy violation occurred
  4. Take appropriate action (warnings, suspension, removal)
  5. Facilitate resolution where possible
  6. Provide alternative venue assistance if needed

10. Resources & Support

External Resources:

11. Continuous Improvement

WedStay is committed to continuously improving accessibility across our platform and community. We:

  • Regularly audit our platform for digital accessibility
  • Provide ongoing education for hosts and vendors
  • Partner with disability advocacy organizations
  • Update our policies based on user feedback and legal changes
  • Celebrate hosts who excel at inclusive hospitality

Feedback & Suggestions

We welcome feedback on how to improve accessibility across WedStay. Contact us at: info@thewedstay.com

Your input helps us build a more inclusive marketplace for all couples and their guests.

Last updated: October 31, 2025
Version 2.0