My fiancé and I canceled our wedding due to an increasing amount of issues with friends and families not being able to attend (both of our families are from out-of-state). Some issues were foreseen and we were willing to accept, some issues were new and unexpected. We notified the venue (Edgewater in Seattle) 6 months in advance and in addition to keeping our deposit, they require we pay an additional $4,000 for liquidated damages. They wouldn't let me attempt to resell the date and transfer the contract and they refused to refund the additional $4000 payment if they are able to resell the date themselves (I knew that one was a stretch, but worth a shot). In the end the blame lies with me for assuming this part of the contract would never apply because we would never cancel our wedding, but it is still incredibly disappointing that we have to pay so much even though the date will most likely be resold. In addition to giving everyone the advice that when signing contracts or thinking of canceling, make sure you pay close attention to the dates, I would like to know if anyone has had a similar experience.