10 Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Airbnb Wedding *

photo by Tida Svy Photography

If you’re searching for totally unique and unexpected wedding venues, it’s time to put an Airbnb wedding on your list! Rental properties offer so many benefits that most traditional wedding venues simply can’t, including a cozy atmosphere, total flexibility when it comes to vendors, and a place to sleep when the party is over. An Airbnb wedding is a great option for couples who want an at-home feel without having to host their wedding at their own home.

Here are our top 5 tips to help make your Airbnb wedding unforgettable:

Find an Airbnb that allows weddings
Expand your search to include nearby properties
Embrace the vibe of the home for the overall design
Make it your own with a captivating installation
Use the entire property for the ceremony and reception

Read on for even more tips and a little info about why they’re all so important! Then, shop our favorite backyard wedding dresses and jumpsuits to make your wedding day look location-fitting!

photo by Maggie Grace Photography, Summer Leigha Photo; see more of this real elopement here!

1. Find an Airbnb that allows weddings.

Before getting your heart set on a location, you need to find rental properties that explicitly state they are available for weddings. Not all properties are! Even if you’re having an elopement-style wedding with just a handful of people, you must ensure that the owner is okay with an event being hosted in their home. If there’s nothing in the description that says weddings or events are allowed, check the house Policies page. If it’s still unclear, contact the host directly to ask if a wedding is allowed.

2. Expand your search to include nearby properties.

One of the best things about using a rental property for your wedding is that you have the opportunity to rent not just a house, but a little community. Lots of Airbnb listings that are approved for events have properties that either share outdoor spaces or are close enough so your family and/or wedding party can stay nearby. If you’re planning an elopement, for example, you could find a property with two houses that share a courtyard and rent both: one for you and one for your photographer/planner/any other vendor you might need on-hand. If you’re planning a larger wedding, you could find a villa with surrounding bungalows or small homes and rent them all, like a hotel block.

photo by Peyton Rainey Photography; see more of this real wedding here!

3. Embrace the vibe of the home for your overall design.

When you’re searching for an Airbnb to host your wedding, don’t forget to take into account the décor and the vibe of the home to make sure it matches your style — or the style you want to create. Then lean in and fully embrace it for your big day! You’ll save so much time and money by using what’s already there. If you love the idea of a formal dinner party, try to find a home with a grand dining room to which you can add an elegant tablescape design. If you’re more of an outdoorsy couple, take the party outside and use the natural landscape as your backdrop.

4. Make it your own with a captivating installation.

Even if you decide to use the existing decor in the house, we highly recommend that you add your personal flair with an eye-catching installation. Some examples are a beautiful ceremony arch, a floral installation. or even a light installation over the reception table(s). It doesn’t need to be extravagant; you just want to add something memorable to reflect your personal style and to make the space feel more like “you”.

photo by Avonné Photography; see more of this wedding inspiration photoshoot here!

5. Use the entire property for the ceremony and reception.

One way to make the most of your Airbnb rental is to use all the indoor and outdoor space you can. For example, you could set up the ceremony in the backyard and have the reception in the dining room. Or, you could reverse it and set up the ceremony in a cozy living area and party al fresco style. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use as much space as possible so guests feel like they have room to move. And don’t forget to make sure there are plenty of pretty backgrounds for your couple portraits — indoor or outdoor.

6. Ask if the host has a list of recommended vendors.

Some rentals properties, especially large ones that host a lot of events, have a list of vendors they’ve worked with in the past. It’s a great idea to ask the host if they have vendors they trust and who specialize in rental property weddings.

photo by Victoria Carlson Photography; see more of this real wedding here!

7. Hire a mobile bar.

One trend we’re totally in love with and is ideal for home weddings is a mobile bar. It’s compact, convenient, and cute, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! A mobile bar takes up very little space and allows you to hire everything you need for the bar all with one company.

8. For larger weddings, consider extra facilities to keep everyone comfortable.

When researching properties, one very important thing to consider that most people forget is the facilities. Are there enough restrooms to accommodate your guest list? If not, you should consider supplementing with rentals. There are so many options for upscale portable toilet trailers that provide a comfortable experience, including lighting, mirrors, sinks, and — most importantly — a more space than traditional port-o-potties! You can even add a personal, homey touch by adding a small amenities kit to each bathroom with breath fresheners, Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, cotton balls, and safety pins. Trust us, this will save a lot of headaches on the day-of (and some potential fees after checkout)!

photos by Blake Nelson Photography; see more of this wedding and other COVID-19 celebrations here!

9. Ask friends and family to stay with you.

Especially if you’re having an intimate wedding, one way to make it feel extra special — and take advantage of the unique rental property venue — is to ask your closest friends and family to stay with you the night before the wedding. This would be a great opportunity for one last girls or guys night, or to spend some quality time with a group of family you might not get to see all the time.

10. Don’t be afraid to go big or to keep it small.

When people think of Airbnb weddings, they usually think of intimate celebrations. However, there are so many large properties for rent these days! So, whether you want an elopement-style wedding day with just you and your witnesses or you want a huge affair with all your family and friends, you can certainly find a rental property to accommodate your vision.

Ready to start finding your perfect wedding looks? Shop the best Etsy bohemian wedding dresses and these unique groom style ideas for well-dressed guys now!