When it comes to picking your wedding venue, there are so many different options out there, but what if you want something that is a bit different and even maybe more low-key? Well, that is where an Airbnb wedding comes into play.
As a wedding and elopement photographer myself, I have been to my fair share of weddings over the years, but Airbnb weddings are definitely some of the most unique and are starting to become a bit more popular.
So, let’s dive into a few of my top tips for how to actually plan an Airbnb to make sure that it is not only the wedding of your dreams but also an enjoyable overall experience at the property!
Tips for Planning an Airbnb Wedding
Pick a rental that already matches the vibe or aesthetic you are going for
First and foremost, you want to pick a property that already matches the vibe and aesthetic that you are aiming for with your wedding. And let me tell you, with the number of Airbnb or other rental properties out there, I promise you, you will be able to find one.
What this does, is it cuts down on the need for you to decorate the whole property or feel like you have to change a bunch of things for it to actually match the vision that you have in your mind.
Plus, with some Airbnbs, there may be certain restrictions on decorating or moving what is currently on the property. So, if you are already starting out with a vibe that matches the rest of your wedding, you already have a step up.
Make it clear to the property owner what you are planning
This is not, I repeat NOT, something to try and hide or do without express permission from the host of the Airbnb. This is not only because this is someone else’s property, and it is important to respect that, but also because there may be local restrictions that prevent events like this from happening on the property.
So, in your initial booking, be sure to mention what you are planning on doing. Giving any extra information you can, like how many guests there will be, who will actually be staying at the property, and when the event is actually going to be, is a great start.
It is important that you are open and honest with this information upfront in the booking process and you keep them updated with any changes that may come up throughout the planning process.
After all, the last thing you want is to be kicked out of the rental mid-wedding or end up with a large fee or fine after your wedding for an unapproved party.
Think about if you want to stay there as well or just have it as a ceremony and reception location
Now, there are actually a few ways you can approach your Airbnb wedding. One is to actually use it as a normal Airbnb. This means you are going to be staying on the property and having your wedding there.
For some people, and for more intimate events, this may be a perfectly okay option. There may be enough space for everyone to stay and not be on top of each other or encroach on the actual wedding space.
Alternatively, you can view it almost more as a traditional wedding venue. In this case, you and anyone else coming to your wedding can actually stay at different hotels, rentals, or your own home and just go to Airbnb for the wedding itself.
If you do stay in the Airbnb leading up to the wedding, it may be a bit busy as things are actually getting set up for the wedding itself.
The great thing, though, is that whether you stay there or not, you have built-in getting-ready suites right there that you can use on the morning of your wedding!
Decide if anyone else is going to stay at the same property
You not only want to think about whether you are going to stay at the property but also whether anyone else is going to be staying there. You may have enough space where you and your wedding parties (if you have them) or just a few close friends can actually stay together.
If you are having an elopement, you may be able to fit everyone in the same house, make it like a giant sleepover, and enjoy the entire weekend together.
Aim to decorate minimally
If you followed tip number one, this one should be pretty easy to do. When it comes to decorating, the fewer things you have to bring and set up yourself, the better. There are a few reasons why this is true.
First, Airbnbs are not traditional venues so there are already going to be things like furniture scattered throughout the house. Unlike a regular venue where there may be more open spaces for you to put things, bringing a ton of decorations can just make the space feel cluttered and smaller.
Second, you also have to remember that you have to set everything up and take it down. So, if you are bringing in a ton of decorations or tables or anything else, you have to plan on doing the setup and break down yourself.
You also want to be careful not to cause any damage to the properties. Other venues may allow you to do things like pin things up on the wall, but Airbnbs probably won’t.
At the end of the day, the more minimal you can go, the better. This way, you have less on your plate, and you can let the space speak for itself!
Do research or inquire about any noise ordinances in the area
This one is super important if you are planning on having your reception at the Airbnb as well. After all, you are going to want to celebrate and have a good time with whoever is coming to your wedding.
However, some neighborhoods and areas may have noise ordinances or restrictions during certain times of the night or even certain days of the week. This is something that your Airbnb host should know so you can reach out to them if you are not familiar with the area or if you just want to double-check.
It is also important to just be respectful of the neighbors around the property. This not only includes making sure you are not breaking any noise ordinances but also things like not parking in front of their homes without permission or leaving trash around the area.
Plan for any additional equipment you need to bring
Finally, make sure you are planning for any additional equipment you will need to bring. Now, when I say that, it sounds super fancy, but this could also be something as simple as a speaker that you can use to play music.
You want to keep in mind throughout the entire planning process that while this may be the perfect spot for your wedding, the property itself is not set up for weddings specifically.
Even small things like keeping food warm are things you need to account for. You will be able to cook or leave things in the kitchen, but maybe you need to find warming dishes or platters to use for any food that you are going to be having throughout the night.
Some of the smaller logistics can be easy to look over, but it’s important that you take a step back and think about each part of the day and what you may need throughout it so that you don’t get to the day of your wedding and find out you have nothing to use to play music or keep your food warm!
Final Thoughts on Getting Married in an Airbnb
An Airbnb wedding can be really special and unique for you and your partner. Hopefully, these tips will help you as you start to plan so you can have the wedding that you have always dreamed of without all the stress.
And you can’t forget about a photographer. After all, you are going to want to remember this day forever. If you are still looking for the perfect photographer for your big day I’d love to chat! You can click here to learn more about my wedding and elopement photography services, or you can head over here to get in touch with me directly!
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