Airbnb Intimate Wedding Guide
Airbnb weddings are the new thing to do! If you’re looking for a little bit more than traditional and that “at home” feel on your wedding day, booking an Airbnb might be the way to go. There are plenty of styles ranging from cabins, beach houses, bed and breakfast, lofts, even yurts when you plan on having 16 guests or less including all your closest family and friends.
SEE ALSO: Check out this Living Room Airbnb Wedding
Just like hosting a wedding in a venue, renting an Airbnb comes with its own set of rules. How, exactly do you plan an intimate wedding in an Airbnb? What questions do you ask? Where do you even start?
Suitable for Events
First, you’re going to want to make sure your Airbnb Wedding Venue is suitable for your wedding or elopement. Reach out to the host and send a message asking about their preferences and rules for your small wedding?
In the midst of a pandemic and everyone changing their plans to family backyards and Airbnbs, it didn’t take long for the app to remove the filter that sorts Airbnbs by whether or not they accept events.
It is perfectly okay to ask questions and trust me, you do not want to be in one of those “do now, ask for forgiveness later".”
Helpful Questions to Ask:
Can you install a tent on their property?
What is the outdoor space like? Outdoor fire pits?
Where is the perfect spot for our small wedding ceremony?
Can you move inside if the weather is bad?
What time is the city’s noise ordinance?
Are there enough restrooms for your guest count? Is it well water? (If so, flooding could be an issue. So make sure you check with the owner on what the plumbing situation is!)
What’s the kitchen situation? Can the it accommodate a catering staff? Will your caterer need a generator? Is there enough room or refrigerator space to store food?
Is there enough parking? Are there Ubers in the area and/or do you need to arrange transport?
Is the property handicap accessible?
How will trash be disposed of?
How many people can I have on my guest list?
What is the cleanup process?
Can I use my own rental company for furniture/decor/catering equipment?
Get Property Details:
Before you schedule a tour, read the listing! One of the first things you will need to know is your guest count. You will need enough rooms to be able to accommodate everyone. Cleaning fees, taxes, etc aside…
WEDDING TIP: Ask for help from friends and family to chip in towards the Airbnb. Consider it a wedding gift to have the space of your dreams! You will want big + cozy.
It’s all in the numbers:
Let’s say you’re having 15 guests, staying one week.
$750/night x 6 nights = $4,500
$4,500 / 15 Guests = $300
Take a Tour!
When considering an Airbnb for your wedding (and ahem…forever photos!) consider taking a small tour of the location before booking. Consider the lighting (plenty of natural lighting and windows boast pretty light…and you want that for photos!) Let me help you pick your absolute favorite Airbnb for an amazing wedding experience.
As a real estate photographer myself, I know all about angles and wide angle lenses. Sometimes, the photos in the Airbnb do not do it justice or worse, don’t look as good as the photos. If possible, schedule a tour.
LIGHTING TIP: Get a balcony, lots of light! If the Ceremony is indoors, have it by a focal point like a fireplace or window.
Noise, Neighborhood and Other Ordinances
To find your municipality's noise rules, look up the local ordinances, either online, at your local public library or the city or county law library (usually located near the courthouse), or by calling the office of the city attorney, mayor, or city manager.
If this doesn’t help, again feel free to reach out to the host. They should know what the city allows/doesn’t allow.
You’re going to want to be respectful to your host’s house rules and property. They are in fact, a business and they want to be able to keep renting and they have their own set of rules and regulations. Sometimes, an Airbnb is just not suitable for parties if they happen to be closer to neighbors.
Helpful Questions to Ask:
What time is quiet time?
How close are the neighbors?
Can we have music playing indoors/outdoors?
Is there a designated smoking area?
What is your party policy?
WEDDING TIP: Consider putting together some “date night” baskets for any nearby neighbors. Something along the lines of “Here, enjoy a date night on us.” While you host your wedding at an Airbnb. That way they can
Get Insured:
You’re going to want to get vacation rental insurance to cover any damages and catering insurance to cover food + alcohol-related damages. (List some companies to reach out to)
Stay a while:
I always recommend staying a few days before and then settling in a few days after the wedding. Make a vacation out of it!! This is the ONE time you will ever get married, so make the most of it!
Plus, you won’t be rushing around trying to get things done. Take some time to set everything up before the big day. More time to meet with vendors in the area or pick up decor/foods/etc.
My couple who eloped in Colorado wished they scheduled a few days after their elopement in their Airbnb to really soak it in and maybe even explore a bit.
I know personally, for myself. I want to be in the area a few days prior and it roll right into a 1-2 week honeymoon! I don’t want to hop on a plane and return to work 1-3 days after. NOPE!
Arriving Early:
Sometimes scheduling a tour is just not feasible (specially when you are Eloping in another state) so arriving early allows enough ample time to scope out the area. Figure out where you would like to have your ceremony spot if on location.
Or if your Airbnb allows you to move the furniture, you could have some time to get that done. Or maybe there are some particular items you don’t really want in your wedding photos (HELLO Dear Head on the wall!) So maybe setting up furniture in other areas of the room for getting ready makes more sense.
Imagine this
Just think what it would feel like to find a big Airbnb with an indoor and outdoor fireplace. You’re looking for that at home vibe-y feeling with your closest friends and family without the fuss of a strict timeline. How great would it be to keep a fire going and the drinks flowing, knowing that family can turn in whenever they want, retreating back to their in home rooms.
The night before, you can make it a big family event. Cook some food together and pop a bottle of wine! Respectfully turn on some tasteful music and create memories full of laughter in the kitchen. The next morning, you can all wake up together in your pajamas, cook the biggest breakfast and sip on some mimosas while you get ready for the day.
You reach out to your Airbnb host and he happens to know some local vendors in the area. Ones that can come over and help cook an A-MAZING private meal the night of your wedding. Or maybe they happen to have connections that get you out on the lake on your very own private boat! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or open up conversations!
Airbnb Decor
Try to book an Airbnb that really vibes with the theme of your intimate wedding. Keep decor in mind when choosing. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the color of the carpets or if its wood floors.
Rent Tableware, furniture, Space Heaters or Tents
If your Airbnb allows, you may want to add to the aesthetic by renting Tables, Chairs, Tents and depending on the weather, possibly some heaters as well. This would be great if your Airbnb has a deck and you want to enjoy dinner outdoors under some edison bulbs for a romantic feel.
Hire a Food Truck or Private Chef (Include some examples for MI)
Now let’s talk about food! Depending on the size of your intimate wedding, you might be able to book a food truck or two for your private event. Check with each company to see what their minimum guest count is and if they have a travel fee.
If food trucks are just not an option, or your intimate elopement has 15 guests or less you might want to consider hiring a private chef to help cook for you, your friends and closest family. Private Chefs can come in, cook and clean a 4-5 course meal based on your preferences and needs. I say do it up! It’s your day and you deserve to be a little spoiled
VENDOR TIP: Sophia Events recommends having a “strolling” apps and bar station for guests. Lots of candle for ambiance and Spotify playing in the background
Hiring a Wedding Coordinator
If your looking to add simplicity to your intimate wedding and want to come back to a styled reception space then consider hiring a wedding coordinator. Someone who can help you plan and design all your dreams that you keep in your head. They can help you make those Pinterest inspiration boards come to LIFE all while catering your chef and prepping all your decor. All that’s left to do is enjoy your wedding day.
Need Help Finding your Airbnb?
Best Airbnbs in Michigan
Best Airbnbs in Colorado
Did I miss any important details? Wish there was more of something that you would have liked me to talk more about? Let me know in the comments!
Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.
