WedStay Non-Discrimination Policy

Our Commitment to Inclusion

WedStay is committed to building a diverse, inclusive marketplace where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We believe that wedding celebrations should be accessible to all couples, regardless of their background or circumstances. Discrimination has no place in our community.

1. Policy Overview

This Non-Discrimination Policy applies to all users of the WedStay platform, including Hosts who list properties, Guests who book venues, and Vendors who provide wedding services. By using WedStay, you agree to treat all members of our community with respect and without discrimination or judgment based on protected characteristics.

We prohibit discrimination based on:

  • Race, color, ethnicity, or national origin
  • Religion or religious beliefs
  • Sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Gender or gender expression
  • Marital or familial status
  • Disability or medical condition
  • Age (where protected by law)
  • Military or veteran status
  • Genetic information
  • Pregnancy or related medical conditions
  • Caste or social status
  • Any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law

2. What Discrimination Looks Like

Discrimination can take many forms. The following behaviors violate our policy and may result in account suspension or removal:

Prohibited Actions:

  • Declining or canceling a booking based on protected characteristics or the perception thereof
  • Imposing different terms, conditions, or fees based on protected characteristics
  • Using discriminatory language, slurs, or imagery in listings, communications, or reviews
  • Posting any listing that indicates a preference for or against particular groups
  • Making inquiries designed to discourage bookings from protected groups
  • Refusing reasonable accommodation requests for disabilities
  • Retaliating against anyone for reporting discrimination

3. Disability & Accessibility Requirements

For Hosts:

WedStay requires all Hosts to:

  • Never decide for guests that your venue doesn't meet their accessibility needs
  • Provide accurate information about accessibility features and limitations in your listing
  • Respond to inquiries about accessibility promptly and factually
  • Allow mobility aids including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches without restriction
  • Accept service animals without extra fees or deposits (required under federal law)
  • Consider reasonable accommodations such as:
    • Allowing early check-in for setup of accessibility equipment
    • Permitting temporary ramps or other mobility aids
    • Adjusting house rules that may impact guests with disabilities
    • Providing information in alternative formats when requested

✓ Acceptable Accessibility Disclosures:

  • "Property has three steps at main entrance with no ramp"
  • "Master bedroom and bathroom on ground floor, remaining bedrooms upstairs"
  • "Gravel driveway and garden paths - may be challenging for wheelchairs"
  • "Historic property with narrow doorways (28 inches)"

✗ Unacceptable Statements:

  • "Not suitable for disabled guests"
  • "No wheelchairs allowed"
  • "Property cannot accommodate disabilities"

For Guests:

  • Communicate your accessibility needs clearly when making inquiries
  • Review property descriptions and photos carefully
  • Ask specific questions about features important to your event
  • Provide reasonable notice for accommodation requests when possible

4. LGBTQ+ Inclusion

WedStay celebrates love in all its forms. We explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Same-sex couples, transgender individuals, and non-binary persons must be treated with the same respect and service as any other user of our platform.

Hosts and Vendors who object to providing services for LGBTQ+ weddings should not use our platform, as such discrimination violates our core values and policies.

5. Religious & Cultural Accommodations

We respect the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of our users. Hosts should:

  • Be open to various wedding traditions and ceremonies
  • Accurately disclose any venue limitations (e.g., no alcohol policies)
  • Not discriminate based on religious attire or practices
  • Consider reasonable requests for religious accommodations

6. Enforcement & Consequences

Investigation Process:

When we receive a discrimination report, we:

  1. Acknowledge receipt within 3-5 business days
  2. Gather information from all parties involved
  3. Review relevant communications and listing content
  4. Make a determination based on our policies and applicable law
  5. Take appropriate action within 7-10 business days

Potential Consequences:

Violations of this policy may result in:

  • First Offense: Warning and required policy education
  • Second Offense: Temporary account suspension (7-30 days)
  • Severe/Repeated Violations: Permanent removal from platform
  • Legal Violations: Immediate suspension and potential legal action

We may also block future attempts to create new accounts and report violations to appropriate authorities where required by law.

7. Reporting Discrimination

How to Report:

If you experience or witness discrimination on WedStay:

  1. Document the incident (save messages, screenshots, booking details)
  2. Report immediately to: info@thewedstay.com
  3. Include "Discrimination Report" in the subject line
  4. Provide:
    • Date and time of incident
    • Names/usernames of parties involved
    • Description of what occurred
    • Any supporting documentation

We take all reports seriously and will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination in good faith.

Support During Investigation:

If discrimination prevents you from completing a booking, we will work to:

  • Find alternative venues that meet your needs
  • Provide dedicated support throughout the process

8. Exceptions & Clarifications

Legitimate Business Requirements:

This policy does not prevent Hosts from:

  • Setting objective requirements (e.g., maximum guest count, quiet hours)
  • Declining bookings that violate listing rules applied equally to all
  • Requiring security deposits or event insurance uniformly
  • Enforcing local laws and permit requirements

Factual Information vs. Discrimination:

Providing factual information about property limitations is encouraged and is not discrimination. For example:

  • ✓ "Property has stairs with no elevator" (factual)
  • ✗ "Not suitable for elderly guests" (discriminatory assumption)

If you encounter accessibility issues on our platform, please contact us at info@thewedstay.com

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in law or our practices. We will notify users of material changes via email and platform notifications. Continued use of WedStay after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

Questions about this policy? Contact our Trust & Safety team:

Last updated: October 31, 2025
Version 2.0