The Ultimate Guide on How to Get Married at an Airbnb

Airbnb wedding venue in Northern Minnesota

So you’re interested in getting married at an airbnb but not sure how to? Here is your ultimate guide on how to get married at an airbnb! With the rise of destination elopements and intimate weddings, more and more couples are looking for unique places to tie the knot. And what could be more unique than getting hitched at a private property in a stunning or fun area? The best part about getting married at an airbnb is that the sky’s the limit. You can truly dream up the perfect day and location and likely there’s an airbnb that will fit what you’re looking for!

Before getting into the thick of it, why should you trust us? We’re a husband and wife photography and videography duo specializing in weddings and elopements. Over the years we have captured multiple elopements and intimate weddings hosted at airbnb properties. We absolutely love how special and unique each and every one of those experiences have been! Because we have captured so many weddings take place at airbnb rentals, we figured it was time to share our knowledge with couples who are planning their airbnb wedding or elopement!

What we will cover

In this blog post, we will be going over some common questions about airbnb elopements and intimate weddings. We will also share some insight we’ve learned based on our experiences photographing weddings at airbnb properties over the years! Here’s a quick overview of what we will cover:

  • Can I get married or elope at an airbnb?
  • How much does it cost to get married at an airbnb?
  • How do I find an airbnb to get married at?
  • What do I need to know before booking an airbnb to have a wedding at?
  • The pros and cons of getting married or eloping at an airbnb
  • Other tips for getting married at an airbnb

Can I get married or elope at an airbnb?

Yes, you can get married at an airbnb! You just need to check with the property owner beforehand to see if they allow weddings or elopements on their property. Some airbnb hosts may have special requirements or restrictions in place for weddings, so it’s always best to ask ahead of time. If your host doesn’t allow getting married on the premises, consider looking at hosting the ceremony at a local venue, park, or some place off the property. 

Make sure you follow the guidelines for using the property and have a clear understanding of what the rules and expectations are. Remember, you are a guest using someone’s personal property. Respect their guidelines and property, treat it like you would your own home. As you plan, be sure to do your research and communicate with your host to ensure everything goes smoothly! 

How much does it cost to get married at an airbnb?

airbnb wedding venue

Airbnb offers a unique and cost-effective way to get married. However, there are some costs associated with getting married at an airbnb that you should be aware of. Below we will outline some of the costs to keep in mind when planning an airbnb elopement or wedding.

Airbnb rental fees

The first cost to consider is the rental fee for the airbnb itself. Depending on the location, amenities, and length of stay, airbnb rental fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Airbnb cleaning fees

Most airbnbs charge a cleaning fee, which is generally around $50-$100. This fee is typically charged per stay, so if you are planning a longer stay, be sure to factor in the cleaning fee.

Airbnb security deposit

In addition to the rental and cleaning fees, you may also be required to pay a security deposit when you book an airbnb. The security deposit is typically equal to one night’s stay and is refundable if there is no damage to the property.

Airbnb cancellation policy

Plans can change and so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the airbnb cancellation policy before you book. While some airbnbs offer flexible cancellation policies, others require that you cancel at least 60 days in advance in order to receive a refund.

Wedding costs

In addition to the costs associated with renting an airbnb, there are also costs associated with getting married. These costs can include the cost of a photographer, videographer, marriage license, officiant fees, florals, wedding attire, and more.

Total costs

When you factor in all of the costs associated with getting married at an airbnb, the total cost can range from $2000 to $15,000 or more. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of a traditional wedding can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Therefore, getting married at an airbnb can be a more cost-effective option. It all really depends on what you are wanting to incorporate into your day.

How to find a wedding venue on airBnb

AirBnb has become a popular option for couples looking for unique wedding venues. There are some great benefits to using airBnb for your wedding venue, including the ability to find places that are more intimate and personal, as well as being often more affordable than traditional venues. Here are some tips on how to find the perfect airBnb wedding venue for your special day:

Decide on the type of venue you want for your airbnb wedding or elopement

Do you want a rustic farmhouse? A chic loft in the city? A beachfront villa? Knowing what type of setting you want will help you narrow down your search. Also knowing how many people will be staying there is important to know before going too far into the search process. Are you eloping? Will you be having an intimate wedding with a few family members or friends? Determine this ahead of time so you can narrow down your search.

Start searching for your airbnb wedding venue early

While 12 months out may seem way too early, it’s not. With so many weddings being postponed in the past couple years, venues have been booked well in advance. Due to 2020 and venue restrictions, many people postponed their weddings. It is predicted that there are going to be venue shortages as a result. So, do not wait to start searching for the perfect Airbnb. The best airBnb wedding venues tend to book up fast, so it’s important to start your search as early as possible.

Use the “wishlist” feature on airbnb

AirBnb has a great feature that allows you to save your favorite listings for later. This is a great way to keep track of potential options. You can share this easily with your partner and each create your own lists and refer back to them later as you narrow down where you want to elope or host an intimate wedding.

Read the reviews from past airbnb guests

Once you’ve found a few potential venues, be sure to read the reviews from other couples who have stayed there. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and an idea of if the host is great to work with, the cleanliness, and overall experience that guests have had. Look at photos that guests have posted as well, this will help you envision your day there.

Ask questions

 Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hosts with any questions you may have. They should be able to provide you with all the information you need to make a decision.

Things to look for in an airbnb wedding venue

destination elopement photo of a bride and groom on their wedding day

Size and capacity

 First, you’ll want to make sure that the property can accommodate your guests. Is the space large enough? Will everyone be able to mix and mingle comfortably in the space? Consider what you want your intimate wedding to look like and look for a venue that’s the right size and capacity for you.

Event restrictions at airbnbs

Make sure you check with the host first to ensure they are comfortable and okay with you hosting an event. Many airbnb hosts have a limit to how many people can be hosted.

Location for your airbnb

Choose a convenient location for your guests. Consider proximity to public transportation, parking, and other amenities. If you’re choosing an airbnb someplace that is more remote, consider creating a cute map with detailed instructions for your guests and include that in your invite. 

Is there enough parking for your guests?

Does the airbnb you are considering have ample parking for you and your guests? While this may seem like a minor detail, it’s so important to plan ahead and make sure that there is ample parking for all your guests. If not, you may need to arrange a shuttle service to help them arrive at the site.

Additional amenities

Ensure that the venue has everything you need for your wedding, including a kitchen, bathrooms, and adequate lighting. Wifi and cell service is also good to be aware of. When looking at the venue itself, large windows, a view of the mountains, nearby hiking trails, access to a bonfire pit, canoes, or paddle boards are all fun things to look for. Know what is included before booking your airbnb to get married at.

Airbnb Decor and style

There are so many types of airbnb properties. Modern, rustic, cabins, mansions, tiny homes, cottages, you name it! When choosing an airbnb to get married at, ensure that the venue is decorated in a way that suits your taste and style. Have a vision for what you will want to bring along and how you will want to make it your own. Does the airbnb have large tables to host an intimate dinner with your guests? Are there any types of decorations that you’d want to bring to help make it better? Consider the style and vibe you are going for. For convenience, try and choose an airbnb to get married at that will require less decor for you to haul.

Airbnb wedding reception table

Outdoor space at your airbnb

 If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, make sure the venue has a nice lawn or garden area for your ceremony and reception. Look at the photos online and get an idea of what the space will look like

Other restrictions

Make sure you are aware of any other restrictions that the property owner may have. Do you want to bring your dogs along? Are you able to have a bonfire? Are there any noise ordinances for the area or “curfew”. While that may seem odd, these are all things you will want to be aware of ahead of time. There are some residential areas with restrictions that prohibit late night gatherings and so not knowing that ahead of time could really put a damper on your event.

Pros and cons of getting married at an airbnb

Airbnb wedding venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you’re planning on hosting an intimate wedding or eloping soon, you may be considering renting out an Airbnb as your venue. There are a few things to consider before making your decision, though.

Pros of getting married or eloping at an airbnb

– You can usually find an Airbnb that’s within your budget.

– Airbnbs are typically more unique than traditional wedding venues, so you can really make your wedding stand out.

– There’s a lot less stress and logistics.You usually don’t have to worry about things like catering or decorations, since most Airbnbs come with those amenities included.

– Less restrictions on vendors. A lot of venues have a list of vendors you have to go with meaning you have less options to choose from. You have the freedom to research and choose vendors that you want to work with. 

– You can often get the entire place to yourself for the weekend, so you can really enjoy your time with your spouse and guests.

Cons of getting married or eloping at an airbnb

– There is usually a smaller limit to how many people can join you for your big day. If you plan on having more than 10 or 20 guests, it can be more difficult or more expensive to find a place to accommodate.

– There may be some restrictions on what you can do at the Airbnb, so it’s important to read the listing carefully before booking.

– You’ll likely have to clean up after yourself, which can be a pain if you’re not hiring a coordinator to help out.

– There’s always the potential for things to go wrong, like the AC breaking or the internet going out. If someone damages something, you may be responsible or fined.

– If you want to have a really big wedding, an Airbnb probably isn’t going to be able to accommodate all of your guests.

Overall, there are both pros and cons to getting married at an Airbnb. It’s important to weigh all of your options and decide what is best for you.

Other tips for getting married at an Airbnb

  1. Book your airbnb for at least two nights. This gives you ample time to set up and clean up after yourselves. There may be charges for not leaving on time and so to avoid that, plan accordingly.
  2. Keep it simple. By choosing a venue that you love and is already styled in a way that you enjoy, you can cut back on the costs of decorations for your wedding. 
  3. Hire someone to help. If you’re planning on hosting an intimate wedding with some guests, consider hiring a coordinator to take care of the details so your friends and family can enjoy the day with you instead of feeling like they are responsible for all the details. 
  4. Coordinate with your photographer and videographer. Many photographers and videographers want to help you with your timeline and logistics. This is especially important for items like golden hour photos and first look. As a photo and video team, We love working with our couples and helping write the timeline. We also do location scouting and help make sure that everything is good to go ahead of time. This helps our couples to enjoy their day with less stress.

About Us

We’re Luke and Halle (also known as Lulle). We started Lulle Photo back in 2016 and our passion for capturing weddings and elopements only continues to grow. As a husband and wife team, we know and understand the stresses of wedding planning. We are here to help guide our couples through the process of planning their wedding, writing a timeline, and capturing the best day of their lives. We offer photography and videography packages which tend to book 8 or more months in advance. If you’re interested in having us adventure with you on your wedding day, let’s connect!

It's about helping you remember not only what it looked like, but also what it felt like through authentic and candid memories documented.

We value relationship with you above all else. We won't just show up as those people with the cameras "stalking you" all day.

Let us take you on a double date, support you throughout the planning season, and help you intentionally craft a day that doesn't just feel like one long photoshoot.

Our job as your wedding photographer and videographer is so much more than creating beautiful photos and films. 

Luke + Halle = Lulle

A husband and wife wedding photography & videography team

Luke + Halle = Lulle