A family in North Carolina is facing backlash against a wedding venue for refusing to return a $18,000 nonrefundable deposit after their son and groom, Christopher Perry, died five months before his big day. The couple was set to wed at The Cotton Room, a venue in Durham, for a reception scheduled for October 11, 2025. Perry, a 33-year-old software engineer, passed away on May 12, 2025, just days before his birthday. The family informed the venue of the tragedy, but the company has upheld its policy, stating the deposit was nonrefundable due to advanced planning and operational commitments. The family, however, argues that the venue has not earned the money and is profiting from their loss, sparking public outrage and calls for compassion. Meanwhile, other vendors, including the DJ, wedding planner, and photographer, returned the deposits, adding to the family’s frustration. The situation has reignited debates over whether venues should offer refunds in such tragic circumstances, with many supporting the family’s right to seek a partial refund while others acknowledge the industry’s reliance on deposits. The venue, part of TC Hospitality Group, has emphasized that event insurance is recommended for couples planning such events, but the family remains devastated by the company’s decision.
The incident has sparked a viral conversation online, with many people expressing their support for the Perry family. On social media, hundreds of users have shared their condolences, with some calling the venue’s decision ‘atrocious’ and urging it to reconsider its stance. ‘No parent should ever have to experience the loss of a child,’ said Bill Perry, Christopher’s father, in an interview with WRAL. ‘And having situations like The Cotton Room and what they’ve done or are doing just kind of keeps the wound open.’ His wife, Sue Perry, echoed these sentiments, stating that the family could not understand how the venue could keep the money when it had yet to spend it. ‘They haven’t done anything, and they haven’t earned this money yet,’ she said.
The venue, however, defended its decision, citing industry norms and legal policies. ‘Deposits serve two important purposes: They help cover upfront costs and, equally important, they reserve a specific date exclusively for that client,’ said Michelle Aldred, executive director of TC Hospitality. ‘In this case, the date had been held and removed from availability for 11 months before the unfortunate passing. While our deposit policy is non-refundable, we deeply sympathize with the family’s loss.’ Despite the venue’s explanation, the family remains unsatisfied, as the deposit was not tied to specific services like food and drinks, which the company had waived. The family argues that the $7,500 rental deposit and the remaining 50% of the total bill should be considered as well, especially since the event was canceled. However, the venue insists that its policy remains unchanged, and the family is left to grapple with the emotional and financial strain caused by the company’s decision.
Amid the public outcry, some have defended the venue’s position, noting the challenges of last-minute bookings, especially during peak wedding season. ‘Four to five months is last minute,’ one Reddit user wrote. ‘October is prime wedding season in North Carolina. Not surprising they couldn’t fill a slot with only a few months’ notice.’ Others have acknowledged the industry’s financial pressures, with a wedding planner suggesting that many venues rely on deposits to stay afloat. ‘I see both sides,’ said Haines Jones, a Raleigh-based wedding planner. ‘At the end of the day, I do think the family at least deserved a partial refund.’
Despite the controversy, the venue has not offered any further concessions, and the family continues to seek support. Christopher Perry, remembered as a lifelong athlete and a computer science professional, was also honored with a new technology lab named in his memory at Fryeburg Academy, the Maine boarding school he attended. The tragedy has brought attention to the broader issue of how businesses handle deposits in the face of unforeseen circumstances, sparking discussions about the balance between profitability and compassion in such situations.