Renting Airbnbs For Weddings: A Creative Celebration Solution?

Renting an Airbnb for a wedding is a great option for couples looking for a unique, intimate, and cost-effective venue. While not all Airbnbs allow events on their property, many do, and they can provide the perfect backdrop for elopements, micro-weddings, or small-scale receptions.

Compared to traditional wedding venues, Airbnbs offer more privacy, flexibility, and innovative ambiances at relatively affordable prices. They are located worldwide, allowing couples to find a spot in virtually any destination of their choosing.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when planning an Airbnb wedding. Couples should confirm with the host beforehand, be mindful of noise ordinances and parking situations, and coordinate additional rentals, decorations, and vendors if needed.

Overall, an Airbnb wedding can be a wonderful choice for couples seeking a non-traditional and personalised celebration.

Advantages of renting an Airbnb for a wedding

Renting an Airbnb for a wedding can be a great option for couples who want an intimate setting for their big day. Here are some advantages of choosing an Airbnb over a traditional wedding venue:

Cost Savings

Airbnbs are generally more affordable than traditional wedding venues, with couples spending on average $2,000 to $10,000 on Airbnb rentals compared to the $10,000 to $15,000 range for standard venues. This is especially true if you're planning a destination wedding, as Airbnbs are located worldwide and can be booked directly, cutting out the need for a local wedding planner.

Intimate and Unique Settings

Airbnbs offer private access to unique properties, from castles to villas to cabins, that can provide a more intimate setting for your wedding. With so many options available, you can easily find a spot that fits your vision and creates a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Flexibility

Airbnbs often provide more flexibility than traditional venues when it comes to booking dates and bringing in outside vendors such as caterers and florists. This allows you to personalize your wedding and create a celebration that truly reflects your style.

Accommodations and Convenience

Many Airbnbs have multiple bedrooms, providing accommodations for you and your guests, so you can have your ceremony, reception, and accommodations all in one place. This can be especially convenient if you're planning a destination wedding or want a hassle-free option for getting ready and taking pre-wedding portraits.

Reviews and Ratings

With Airbnb, you can read reviews from previous renters to get a sense of what to expect and whether the residence will suit your needs. This can help reduce uncertainty and ensure you're making the right choice for your special day.

While there are some considerations and potential challenges to renting an Airbnb for a wedding, as outlined in some of the user experiences, the advantages outlined above make it a viable and attractive option for couples looking for a unique and intimate setting for their big day.

Disadvantages of renting an Airbnb for a wedding

Renting an Airbnb for a wedding is becoming an increasingly popular option for couples. However, there are some disadvantages to this non-traditional route that should be considered. Here are some of the potential drawbacks of renting an Airbnb for a wedding:

Cancellation and Reliability Issues

Airbnb hosts can cancel bookings with little to no notice, which could leave couples without a venue close to their wedding date. This is a significant risk, as finding an alternative venue at short notice can be extremely challenging and stressful.

Limited Availability and Restrictions

Not all Airbnbs allow events and parties on their properties due to liability issues and insurance restrictions. Even if an Airbnb listing permits events, there may be strict noise restrictions and limitations on the number of guests allowed. It is important to carefully review the house rules and communicate openly with the host to ensure the property is suitable for a wedding.

Additional Costs and Logistics

Renting an Airbnb for a wedding often requires additional costs for event fees, separate contracts, and liability insurance. Couples also need to consider the cost and logistics of renting tables, chairs, linens, silverware, and other necessary items for the wedding. These extra expenses can quickly add up, potentially making the overall cost comparable to that of a traditional venue.

Clean-up and Set-up Responsibilities

When renting an Airbnb for a wedding, couples are typically responsible for clean-up before and after the event. This includes returning the property to its original state, which can be a significant task, especially if there are strict check-out requirements. Additionally, there may be restrictions on decorations, with some hosts prohibiting anything from being hung on walls or ceilings.

Neighbour Considerations

When renting an Airbnb for a wedding, it is important to be considerate of the neighbours. Some Airbnb properties may have rude or uncooperative neighbours who could interrupt the wedding or complain about noise levels. This can put a damper on the festivities and create additional stress for the couple.

Lack of Traditional Venue Support

Traditional wedding venues often provide tables, chairs, catering services, and other amenities. When renting an Airbnb, couples are responsible for sourcing and coordinating all these elements themselves. This can be a time-consuming and challenging task, especially for larger weddings.

In conclusion, while renting an Airbnb for a wedding can offer unique and intimate settings, it also comes with several disadvantages. Couples considering this option should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision to ensure their special day goes as smoothly as possible.

How to find an Airbnb that allows weddings

While Airbnb doesn't have a specific filter for properties that allow weddings, there are still ways to find a venue for your big day.

Firstly, you can use other platforms that offer the same service, such as Vrbo, which has an "events allowed" filter. Many properties are listed on both websites, so you can always find what you're looking for on Vrbo and then search for it on Airbnb.

If you have your heart set on a property that doesn't explicitly allow events, it's worth reaching out to the host to explain your plans. Be aware that they may charge an additional fee or say no, but some hosts may be willing to make an exception.

When searching, you can also try to find properties that have been used as wedding venues in the past by Googling search terms like:

• Site:airbnb.com married [city name]
• Site:airbnb.com wedding [city name]
• Site:airbnb.com reception [city name]

You can also search for past brides' wish lists by Googling:

• Site:airbnb.com wishlists wedding venue [city/state]
• Site:airbnb.com wishlist wedding [city/state]

However, be cautious when using wish lists, as they are created by users and may include properties that do not actually allow weddings.

When choosing a property, there are several important questions to ask:

• Is the property accessible for all your guests?
• Does it have good lighting, especially if you plan to take photos inside?
• Does it have a suitable outdoor space?
• Are there other amenities you want, such as a hot tub, deck, or large kitchen?
• Is there enough parking for everyone?
• Are there any noise restrictions?
• Are there enough bathrooms?

Finally, keep in mind that most things are not provided, so you will need to bring or rent everything yourself, including tableware and furniture. You will also need to purchase insurance for the event.

The cost of renting an Airbnb for a wedding

Renting an Airbnb for a wedding can be a great option for couples looking for a unique, intimate, and relatively affordable venue. While the cost of renting an Airbnb for a wedding can vary depending on various factors, it is generally more affordable than traditional wedding venues. On average, couples spend about $2,000 to $10,000 on Airbnb rentals, compared to the $10,000 to $15,000 range of a standard wedding venue. Here is a breakdown of the costs and some important considerations when renting an Airbnb for a wedding:

Factors Affecting the Cost of Renting an Airbnb for a Wedding:

• Property: The cost of renting an Airbnb for a wedding will depend on the specific property chosen. Factors such as location, size, amenities, and popularity can influence the price.
• Location: The location of the Airbnb will impact the cost. Rentals in popular wedding destinations or sought-after areas may be more expensive.
• Time of Year: The time of year can also affect pricing. Peak season or high-demand periods, such as summer or local festivals, may result in higher rates.
• Duration: The length of the rental will impact the cost. Most Airbnb wedding rentals require a minimum stay, typically ranging from a few days to a week.
• Event Fee: In addition to the standard rental fee, some hosts may charge an extra event fee for hosting a wedding or special event. This fee can vary depending on the host and the specific property.
• Guest Count: The number of guests attending the wedding will influence the cost. Larger weddings may require a bigger space, resulting in higher rental fees.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Cleaning and Service Fees: Cleaning and service fees are often added to the total cost of the rental. These fees can vary depending on the host and the size of the property.
• Deposits: For more expensive rentals, hosts may require a deposit to secure the booking, with the remaining amount due closer to the wedding date.
• Rentals and Decorations: When renting an Airbnb for a wedding, couples will need to bring in additional rentals such as tables, chairs, linens, and decorations. These costs can add up, especially for larger weddings.
• Catering and Alcohol: Catering and alcohol are usually not included in the Airbnb rental fee. Couples will need to factor in the cost of food and beverages for their guests, which can vary depending on the chosen caterer and the type of food and drinks served.
• Insurance: While most Airbnb hosts have insurance, it is recommended that couples take out their own wedding or special event insurance to cover any potential liabilities. This additional insurance can add to the overall cost.
• Vendor Restrictions: Some Airbnb hosts may have restrictions on outside vendors, such as caterers or florists. It is important to clarify these restrictions beforehand to avoid any unexpected costs or complications.

Renting an Airbnb for a wedding can be a cost-effective option, especially for smaller, intimate weddings. However, it is essential to carefully consider all the associated costs and potential hidden expenses to ensure a successful and stress-free celebration.

Planning the wedding

Firstly, it's important to note that not all Airbnbs allow events, so be sure to check the host's policies before you book. If they do allow events, you may need to pay an additional fee and sign a separate contract. It's also a good idea to get the host's permission in writing outside of Airbnb, outlining all the details and stating that they cannot cancel your event within a certain timeframe.

When choosing your Airbnb, consider the location and the number of guests you wish to invite. Make sure there is enough space for everyone to move around and hang out, both indoors and outdoors, in case of bad weather. If you're planning on having a large wedding, you may need to rent extra facilities such as portable restrooms.

Consider the amenities and facilities that the Airbnb provides. Is there a equipped kitchen for catering, or will food be brought in? Are there enough tables, chairs, tableware, and linens, or will these need to be rented?

If you're planning on having music and dancing, check with the host about any noise ordinances or restrictions. Be mindful of neighbours and keep the noise down after a certain hour.

Finally, don't forget to ask the host about parking. Is there enough on-site parking for all your guests, and where should any overflow parking be held?

Frequently asked questions