14 of the Best Airbnb Wedding Venues to Book for Your Big Day

If you're planning a wedding—locally or in a far-off destination—considering a rental, versus a traditional venue, is a terrific option. And while not all Airbnb rentals allow events and parties, many do—often catering to elopements, small weddings, or smaller-scale receptions. Some couples also choose to rent an Airbnb as their home base, near their chosen venue, and get ready in their beautiful rental ahead of the ceremony (a great opportunity for stunning pre-wedding photos!).

Choosing an Airbnb Wedding Venue

Opting for an Airbnb can offer so much more than just a unique venue to tie the knot. “Airbnbs feel more intimate, and there are so many unique options, making it easy to do something you haven’t seen before,” says Erika Hernandez, owner of The Greatest Adventure Weddings.

If you've decided you want to book an Airbnb as your wedding venue, it's important to plan ahead of time, treating the Airbnb as any other venue option. Before you do any booking, you must reach out to the property owner/coordinator to ensure that they allow weddings or wedding-type events. "This would be the first thing I'd recommend when people begin planning," says Hernandez. She goes on to explain that once the rental is secured with your chosen date, you can start planning with vendors and guests.

Costs for Airbnb Wedding Venues

An Airbnb offers the ability to have your ceremony venue, reception venue, and accommodations all wrapped up into one location, and according to Hernandez, they usually cost less than a traditional venue. As with any venue, though, the cost depends on the location and timing, and Airbnb venue rates can range significantly. On top of the nightly rate, be sure to factor in the cleaning and service fees and any additional event charges the host may require. According to Hernandez, she's seen guests chip in for the cost of the Airbnb if it allows for lodging, but typically, the couple will cover the cost of the venue where the wedding is taking place.

And as for deposits? Hernandez says this can all depend on the Airbnb you're booking. "Most require you to pay upfront, but some of the more expensive Airbnbs allow you to pay a deposit and then pay the rest closer to the reserved date," she says. Overall, the trick to finding something affordable for your budget is to be sure you’re communicating your plans with the Airbnb host so they can explain any additional fees regarding the booking or requirements for a special events permit.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Keep in mind that you'll want to review Airbnb's policies, especially those around community disturbances with regard to parties and events. When choosing the best property for your big day, Hernandez suggests keeping the following questions in mind:

• Does the host allow events on-site? If the listing doesn’t explicitly say, ask for permission prior to booking.
• Are there noise ordinances or specific event restrictions?
• Does the Airbnb owner allow you to have outside vendors, like caterers or florists, come to the property for your event?
• If you have guests traveling in, how far is the nearest airport? 
• How far are you from services or major cities in case you need rentals, a caterer, or other vendors?
• Are there other accommodations nearby for guests if they aren't staying with you?
  

Planning a Wedding at an Airbnb

Once you’ve chosen the perfect location, there are a few set-up considerations to remember. If your venue has a big deck or flat lawn, it may be the perfect spot for dinner, but you'll want to double-check with the host to be sure you can utilize that space. And don’t forget about the decorations as you’re planning your big day. Hernandez suggests taking inventory of what’s available in-house before you bring in any rentals, such as covering existing tables in linens. If you're using a tent or dance floor, you'll need to check with the property owner to ensure these types of rentals are allowed in their space.

You should also be sure to consider that you may not be able to hang or attach anything to walls or ceilings. Overall, ask the host your questions, but be sure to respect their role in your planning. “They aren’t a venue or your wedding planner,” says Hernandez. “Respect the host’s time when it comes to questions, and if you move anything while on-site, be sure to put it back.” 

The Best Airbnb Wedding Venues

Ready to get your venue planning started? Ahead, scroll through 14 of the best Airbnb wedding venues out there.