How to plan an intimate Airbnb wedding

May 6, 2022

Not sure how to plan for your intimate, micro wedding and the traditional venues are just not cutting it? Maybe you are on a tighter budget and would prefer a DIY wedding. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of having a backyard wedding, but don’t know anyone that can host on their property. Airbnb and rental properties are a great and totally doable option for exactly that reason. But there are some important things you should know when planning and hosting your wedding at an Airbnb rental property.

In this post I will be going over what I believe to be the most important things to check off your list when planning an Airbnb wedding:

Location scouting & accommodations for guests
What you should confirm with the Airbnb host
What to organize for Airbnb wedding: decor, vendors & rentals
Some other important things to consider
& more about Mallory & Bens micro Airbnb wedding

Let’s Jump right in!

Location scouting:

When looking for an Airbnb to host your wedding there are some important things to consider when choosing location.

Is the Airbnb in a location that is special to you and your partner?
This is most important, in my opinion. Your wedding is one of the most memorable days of your lives and is a day you will want to relive forever, so choosing the location should feel personal to you. Maybe its in the same town that you got engaged or where you shared your first kiss. Or maybe its just an area that you explore frequently together. Whatever the case, make sure your Airbnb location is significant to you and your partner.
Is the location of the Airbnb in a central location for your guests to find a hotel or rental accommodations?
If you have a guest list, you want to make sure your Airbnb wedding venue is nearby a town that has hotels or rentals that can accommodate them. Your wedding day is about you, but making sure your loved ones can make it to your wedding is important.
If documenting your day is top on your list of importance, make sure your Airbnb is in an area that allows you to step away for bridal photos.
Most photographers, including myself will probably suggest doing your first look or bridal photos off site at surrounding locations. Since most of the day will be documented at your Airbnb venue, having other options will bring more to your photos and allow you and your partner some intimate time just the two of you.
Is the location of the Airbnb in a reasonable proximity for your vendors to travel to?
Something to consider when renting an Airbnb for your big day is how close the Airbnb is to your vendors. Make sure your vendors are willing to travel and that they know exactly how long it will take them to get there. Following an itinerary will make the day go by smoothly, so nothing is worse than your hired food truck getting lost or your florist arriving late on your wedding day. Another thing to note is your vendors might require a travel fee if your venue is far enough.

Important things to confirm with your Airbnb host:

Before booking an Airbnb to host your wedding, you will need to check these things off your list.

Does the Airbnb allow events or weddings?
A lot of Airbnb rentals do not allow “parties”, so confirming with your Airbnb host that they will allow events is imperative. Make sure to confirm with the host how many guests you are expecting, being transparent is always the best policy when it comes to planning. As a precautionary measure, It might be a good idea to draft up a separate contract for the Airbnb to sign stating that they cannot cancel your event within a certain time frame. Seeking the legal advice from someone might be in your best interest to assist in writing up a contract. Either way, make sure to get everything in writing.
Does the Airbnb have the space for a ceremony & reception?
It might be a good idea to visit the Airbnb prior to booking. You want to make sure the Airbnb rental has the space to hold a ceremony AND a reception.
Are there noise ordinances in the area of your Airbnb?
Confirm with your Airbnb host on when quiet times are in that area. It would also be a good idea to ask about surrounding neighbors and give them a heads up before the day of your wedding.
Is there ample parking for the number of guests expected?
Something to consider if your guests are driving is the parking situation. If you are sold on an Airbnb that does not have parking available for the number of guests, it might be a good idea to rent a couple vans/drivers to bring guests to the Airbnb or make sure the location of the Airbnb has Uber/ taxis available.
Is photography allowed?
Some Airbnb rentals do not allow commercial photo or video shoots on their property, so confirm with the host that there will not be any issues with images or videos being shared online. It might be in your best interest to get this in writing and check to see if you will need a permit for your photographer.
Does your Airbnb allow fur babies?
My dog is the most important thing in my life and I would absolutely want her at my wedding. If you want your pups to be a part of your big day, double check with your Airbnb host that they allow pets. Most Airbnb rentals add a pet fee, so consider that when budgeting.
Does your Airbnb require additional vacation rental insurance?
Airbnb usually has its own insurance for the hosts (home owner), but guests are most likely not covered. For an event that holds so much importance, I would suggest getting additional vacation rental insurance to cover any damages.

What to organize for your Airbnb wedding:

Here are some important suggestions when organizing your wedding.

Does your Airbnb aesthetic match your wedding vision?
For example, if you are having a desert wedding with warm, muted colors, you might want to choose an Airbnb that is styled in a similar way. Especially if you plan on getting ready inside the rental. If you chose an Airbnb that already has decor that aligns with your vision then that cuts down on rental decor.
Do you have a wedding planner that has experience with Airbnb weddings?
Having a wedding planner that has experience is huge! They will help you organize everything from rentals to vendors and everything in-between. They will also insure that your day goes smoothly, so the stress of an itinerary doesn’t fall on you.
Will you be having the ceremony/ reception indoors or outdoors?
I would consider holding your ceremony outdoors, especially if you plan on using the living space to get ready. The natural light of an outdoor wedding is unmatched in my opinion, just make sure you do your research on the normal weather patterns for your wedding date and location.
Choosing food & drink vendors:
A traveling food cart is always a great option if you want something more low key, just confirm that there is space for them to set up. Another option is a catering company which will insure that things are a little more planned and timely. For drinks some great options are, hiring a bar cart/bartender or having your own DIY bar cart that allows your guests to make their own drinks. I would suggest having someone over see this to prevent over consumption.
*Your Airbnb host might have recommendations for food and drink vendors in the area, especially if they have hosted for a wedding before.

Other important things to consider:

These are some other things you should consider when planning your Airbnb wedding.

Consider where you plan on getting ready
Make sure there is a place for both you and your partner to get ready. I suggest those places be separate, especially if you want to do a first look. Consider renting another airbnb or hotel for your partner and their friends to get ready in. This second location could be where your wedding party or some of your family could stay the night of the wedding. I would suggest that it be in close proximity to the location of the wedding to make it easier to travel between locations.
Consider renting decor or DIy/ Thrifting
Renting makes things so much easier! Renting tableware and chairs will not only elevate the feel of your wedding, but it will also help with cutting costs. I suggest moving away from using single use items, renting plates, cups and cutlery will help reduce waste. You could even get the cups made with your wedding details on it as gifts to your guests.
If you want more of a DIY feel, thrifting center pieces is such a cute option! It will make your wedding feel more unique and special.
What Facilities does your Airbnb have?
Are there enough bathrooms to accommodate your guest count? It might be a good idea to consider renting a portable restroom for larger guest lists. Confirm with your Airbnb host that you are allowed to have a portable restroom on their property.
Make sure the kitchen area can accommodate a catering staff if you plan on having one.
Other things to ask your Airbnb host:
-Can you install a tent on the property?
-Can you move inside if the weather gets bad?
-Is the property accessible to people with disabilities?
-How will the trash be disposed of?
-Is there enough refrigerator space to store food?
-Are there outlets accessible for outdoor lighting and music?

Mallory & Bens wedding story:

Stevenson, Washington

September 17, 2020

Originally Mallory & Ben planned on something a little different for their wedding day. Due to covid-19 restrictions, they had to change their plans several times, but in the end, their special day turned out as if it was planned this way all along.

The day started with Mallory and her bridesmaids getting ready at the Airbnb wedding location in Stevenson, Washington. They exchanged heart felt words and bridesmaids gifts while sipping on mimosas. Before her mom helped Mallory into her dress for a dress reveal, she took a moment alone for herself to read some sweet words written to her by husband-to-be, Ben.

While the ladies took some time to finish up final touches and relax before the ceremony started, I drove over to where the guys were getting ready. They were located at another airbnb location just down the road where they shared a celebratory beer before heading to the ceremony.

We made the decision to have their first look at the Airbnb overlooking the Columbia river gorge. The look on Bens face when he saw his bride-to-be was the absolute cutest thing I’ve ever seen. They wanted to recite their vows to each other privately instead of in front of their guests, which was so special. And obviously their sweet rescue pup, Liv was there dressed up in her cute flower collar.

After their first look, we celebrated a bit with their bridal party before the ceremony.

The ceremony over looked the Columbia River Gorge and was so intimate and sweet. Only surrounded by their closest loved ones, Mallory and Ben celebrated their love & danced the night away. It was truly a day to remember.