Insurance Guidance for Farm & Agricultural Hosts (Farms, Ranches, Vineyards, Orchards, Barns, Rural Properties)

Why Insurance Matters
Farms and ranches have always been gathering places—community events, weddings in the orchard, harvest festivals. Opening your land for as a Venue for events is a natural extension of what you already do.

Most farm and agricultural properties carry farm or business liability insurance, which covers your operations and visitors. But not all policies automatically extend to special events like weddings, corporate retreats, or community celebrations. We strongly encourage you to check in with your agent/broker to ensure your policy supports your new venture! If needed, a simple "event" rider is typically easy to add to your existing policy.

What to Ask Your Insurance Provider

• Does my farm liability policy cover special events hosted on the property?
• Are there guest-count limits or exclusions (like alcohol service, live music, or equipment rental)?
• If I host weddings or large gatherings in my barn or fields, do I need an event endorsement?
• Can guests purchase one-day event insurance to protect themselves and the farm?

Why You’re Already in a Good Position
As a farmer or landowner, you:

• Already run your property as a business with liability coverage. If needed, adding an event endorsement or rider is usually a simple step with your provider.
• Likely welcome visitors (farm tours, U-pick, overnight lodging stays, CSA pickups)—so extending to events is a natural next step.
• Have space available for hosting all sized events.
• Have unique indoor/outdoor spaces (barns, pastures, orchards) that make you especially attractive as a venue.
• Have interesting options on your property for events and celebrations!
• For farms that already host overnight stays (farm stays, vineyard cottages), adding event coverage is often a straightforward extension.

Additional Event Day Insurance
You can require your Guests to purchase event day insurance. This additional coverage is designed for one-time events (like weddings, birthday parties, or reunions). It’s simple, affordable, and completely separate from your homeowner’s policy. Examples of Event Day Insurance include:
1: https://www.markel.com/m/event/geico
2: https://www.theeventhelper.com
3: https://www.proper.insure
4: https://www.theeventhelper.com

Bottom Line
With a conversation or two with your insurance provider—and the option to require guests to bring their own one-day policy—you can transform your land into a sustainable, income-producing venue while keeping your family and business protected.