Are non-refundable deposits always non-refundable

A question about : Are non-refundable deposits always non-refundable

I have recently (6 days ago) placed a large apparently non-refundable deposit down on a wedding venue (2016 wedding). Unfortunately within 2 days of doing so our personal circumstances changed completely out of the blue meaning that this venue would no longer be appropriate. Is there any legislation or means by which the deposit can be refunded? I have read about a 14 day cancellation rule for services ordered via telephone. Does this or any other legislation help me in any way shape or form?

Best answers:

• They need to mitigate the loss, they can hold the deposit until the re book the venue if they do so. There is plenty time so they should re book it if it's a popular venue. They can hold on to expenses used to re book if any or the difference in price by what you were to pay and what they get if they have to take less.
  Only problem is getting them to understand about them needing to mitigate their loss as some believe it is just free money. Later on down the line ask some one to enquire about the dates to find out if it's been booked again or not, if it is send a letter demanding your money back or send a LBA, a court will make them explain all the financial details on the new booking and make them pay you back.
  Basically they are not entitled to be paid twice.
• And they are also not allowed to deliberately sell it cheap just to get the date sold again ... they need to make reasonable efforts to mitigate your loss too.