Venue will only allow Cash Bar

No cash bar under any circumstance. I would find a new venue. Or, if they keep track of the drinks, you pay the tab at the end of the night.

Is there any option to do a consumption bar?

Any way you could do cash bar but leave a chunk of money at the bar so your guests don't pay?

Cue the "find a new venue" responses.

If you love the venue and you're already in contract, than I would say just foot the bill at the end of the night for everyone and it basically becomes an open bar based on consumption.

A consumption bar wasn't brought up, but I will definitely ask about it!

So weird. Sounds like you haven't signed a contract with them. That's good news! You did right in consulting this forum. Move on. #SayIDontToCashBars.

It's not a perfect venue. Find another.

I would ask about a bar by consumption or change your venue.

did they give a specific reason? It seems really odd they wouldn't allow it.

Consumption bar should work.

This doesn't make any sense - why wouldn't a venue want the revenue from a bar? If they are stocking a bar for a cash bar, why wouldn't they do a consumption bar? You cannot have a cash bar.

ETA: This may be locking the barn after the cow is out, but why would you sign a contract with a venue that only has a cash bar?

Consumption bar should be the way to go. Do not under any circumstances make your guests pay for part of your wedding.

I would pick up the tab. Maybe make a signature drink or two? That may keep some people from just ordering anything.

A venue that only allows cash bars is no where near a perfect venue.

However YOU can pay for the bar ahead of time and then it shouldn't be an issue.

This is the UO but I think as long as you provide some type of alcohol (in this case the kegs) you're fine. If you choose, you could do consumption for cocktail hour. I think if it's a venue you love, go for it. People can find other ways to have fun without getting sloshed. If they can't then it's their loss. I have been to many a wedding that only served beer and still had a good time. It's completely doable.

Is there any way to leave a deposit and your card and cover the bar at the end of the night?

We have not signed a contract with the venue, we were fully ready to but once we found out about the cash bar we told them FH and I would need to talk about this issue first and get back with them.

Then I decided to consult the wonderful world of wedding wire forums on the opinions of a cash bar. I'm awaiting a call back from the venue to discuss a consumption bar, if that isn't an option, we will look elsewhere.

I think you were probably confused. I'm sure the venue meant that liquor and wine would be paid by consumption and couldn't be paid in advance like the beer. Call them and verify.

Also, UO - stick with the venue. See if you can add wine too. If people don't want beer or wine, they can pay for their drinks.

If you can find a way to pay consumption at the end of the night, great! If you can't, then I don't see the big deal. You are still offering beer. I've been to so many weddings with cash bars and the only issue I've had with them is not knowing in advance. If I had been informed ahead of time, I wouldn't care. Again, you are offering them free beer. It counts. I know my opinion is unpopular.

I'm sure they allow for a consumption bar. One of the venues I toured only allowed a consumption bar, they didn't have open bar prices or packages. I would call them and ask.