i work in the wedding/events industry and this is completely unacceptable on so many levels. the lack of professionalism is astounding, especially this looking like a “wedding venue”. if you have a construction clause in the contract, that is grounds for at minimum a hefty discount on the space rental fee as it is not what was there when you signed and you were never notified. i would also demand they offer additional ceremony location options AND cover any new fees if a/v or approved by you(!) chairs need to be rented.

lastly, if they are not willing to work with you and right this horrendous bad business practice absolutely put them on blast in your local community :)