How to Plan an Airbnb Elopement in 2024

Are you dying to host your elopement in an Airbnb with mountain or ocean views instead of a stuffy venue? Are you looking for an intimate space to host your family that will have the ceremony and reception all in one space? Or Maybe an Airbnb as your elopement venue just feels more like the two of you. Whatever your reason is, having an Airbnb wedding or elopement is so flexible + crafting the day you wanted becomes much easier!

The best thing about having an Airbnb wedding is you can have the exact day you want! Airbnb weddings and elopements are becoming more trendy as time goes on. ( I think it’s really that people are just realizing how easy and affordable it is to host your elopement there!) There are tons of airbnbs and VRBO’s popping up daily that are willing to host your elopement. You just need to find them!

Tips for choosing the right Airbnb  or VRBO for your elopement!

Tips for choosing the right Airbnb for your elopement!

• Choose an Airbnb within an hour of your ceremony location (if it’s not at your Airbnb already!) Also, if guests are traveling from out of town, you’ll want to make sure your Airbnb is easily accessible from the nearest airport!
• Book your Airbnb for atleast 2 nights
• Check to see if there are nearby lodging for your guests! Whether that means more airbnbs, hotels, motels, campgrounds, etc. Make sure you’ve covered your bases so you’re not leaving your extra guests stranded for accommodation!

What to look for in your elopement Airbnb itself:

• Big windows
• Natural lighting to get ready in! No one wants to be getting ready in the dark for their elopement. Make sure the space has mirrors for you to get ready in + the space is aesthetically pleasing for any photos you’ll take while getting ready there
• Separate rooms for the two of you to get ready in so you are able to stay separated (if wanted)
• Hot tub for after your big day makes for great pictures
• Aesthetically pleasing elements- whether that’s décor that fits your style, a woodsy cabin look that reminds you of where you are or a completely minimalistic look that you love! Try to picture yourself getting ready in this space for your elopement photos!
• Parking- how many cars are you going to need to park there? Make sure to include your vendors + family in this count as well as your own cars! If there isn’t parking on site, is there nearby public parking that your family could park at and carpool? Consider asking your Airbnb host about this! I highly suggest not parking near neighbors as this will often break the airbnb’s policy on disturbing the neighbors!
• Look for a flat space in the yard if you’d like to have an outdoor dining or even ceremony option! Ask yourself if there is enough room to place the ceremony chairs (if any) and
• Is the fridge big enough for the food storage you need? Is there any room to bring in additional catering options?
• Depending on the scale of your elopement, are you able to bring in any outside vendors like a bar cart or food truck?

Extra points if the airbnb has:

• A hottub!
• Allows pets
• Multiple rooms
• A firepit!
• Trails off the property
• Bikes for Airbnb renters to use!
• Any suggestions for things to do in the town!
• Multiple bathrooms- this seems silly but when youre getting ready and multiple people are in the house, you’ll thank me!

Things to ask your host about hosting your airbnb wedding ahead of time:

• How many chairs are at the dining table?
• How many guests are able to be accommodated in the Airbnb? Am I able to have more for the day?
• Are there noise ordinances in the neighborhood?
• Am I able to install flowers on the property if they’re removed by the time I’m out?
• Are you able to move the dining table outside if necessary?
• Do they have any serving utensils or will you need to bring them?
• Are there enough place settings for your guests?
• Would they mind if additional rentals were brought in?
• Are we able to tack anything into the walls? (chances are the answer will be no, so be prepared for this + plan accordingly!)
• Are pets allowed at the Airbnb? Usually this will be included on their air
• Are we able to put a tent up for guests on the property?
• How would you like us to dispose of trash? (This shows your host you’re willing to be caring about their space and you will be responsible while in the space!)
• Do you know any local vendors that may be able to help? (If this is a super aesthetically pleasing Airbnb, chances are you’re not the first two people to ask to have their elopement there. Check to see if they’ve had experience with any vendors they’ve loved. If not your photographer or planner can likely help you with this!) – AKA ME.
• Lastly, I encourage you to read over this Airbnb policy for events before moving forward! This may answer some questions up front!

FAQ’s about having an Airbnb Elopement

• Is it against airbnb’s rules to host a wedding at an Airbnb?
• Do I have to tell my host I’m hosting a wedding or elopement there if I already booked?
• Should I tell my host i’m hosting my wedding there?
• How to ask my Airbnb host If I can host my wedding there

CONS about having an Airbnb Elopement

Okay I want to be upfront about hosting your elopement at an Airbnb and don’t want to paint an unrealistic picture. Communication upfront + finding your perfect Airbnb may be the hardest part about securing an Airbnb as your venue. Though, there may still be some roadbumps you’ll have to encounter.

• Event restrictions- not all airbnbs allow additional guests or events to be held at their Airbnb. If this is the case, you’ll likely have to just pick another Airbnb. I do not recommend hosting an event regardless of the airbnb’s policies! Make sure you’re following the hosts rules about their property!
• Additional guest costs- some airbnbs may permit you to have additional guests at their property for the day but may require you pay a fee for this. Make sure you check thoroughly in the fine print if they require this.

If possible, visit your Airbnb before your big day so you can get a lay of the land + so you’re able to visualize all your décor (if any) and see what’s needed to jazz up your space! Visiting and scouting your Airbnb location prior to your elopement can also help you visualize where you’ll take pictures. If you’re able to visit the space ahead of time, don’t forget to take pictures of the space! Then you can send these pictures to your photographer, stylist + planner! This will help them plan as best as they can!

It’s best to be in communication with your host about your plans, so that they are aware + can support your elopement. You definitely don’t want any unneeded anxiety about your elopement with your Airbnb host.

Tips on finding the best Airbnb for your elopement

• I love searching for Unique stays in the airbnb filters!
• Google search online for best airbnb stays in your state! You’d be surprised on what comes up. Also you may be able to do a quick google search on say “NH airbnb elopement” and see what the airbnb looks like in the pictures and try to replicate it in your search!
• Search by the map function and just keep moving your map around! I find this to be faster and easier to use than typing in individual towns or cities!

Do you still need a photographer for your airbnb elopement?

For couples that choose me as their photographer, I provide free location scouting + my private researched Airbnb list for your specific elopement location! I love being able to help my clients find the perfect space that they’ll fall in love with for their elopement. It can be tough finding a space that checks all your boxes, but don’t worry! I am here for you in the planning process each step of the way!

For additional planning resources I think you’ll like, check out these links!

Planning a destination wedding on a budget

How to pack for your adventure Elopement

Questions to ask your wedding or Elopement Photographer before booking