How to Plan an AirBnB Wedding in 2025
Woodland Park, Colorado VRBO Elopement | Katrina S. Joseph Photography
Why Have an AirBnB or VRBO Elopement?
Whether you’re planning on inviting close friends and family to your elopement or keeping it to just the two of you, having an AirBnB as your “home base” for getting ready, dinner, and even your ceremony can be a great idea! Here are some of the best reasons to consider booking an AirBnB or VRBO for your elopement whether you’re local to the area or not:
- Booking a cute AirBnB can really elevate your getting ready photos – A regular hotel room can often times be a little cramped, and they usually don’t have the best lighting for photos. Getting an AirBnB is a great way to make sure you’ll have great natural lighting for photos, and you can pick one that suits the vibe you’re going for (woodsy cabin, unique tiny home, light and bright cottage, etc.)
- You want to celebrate with family and friends, but don’t want to book a traditional venue OR You want to turn your elopement into a weekend celebration and have your close family and friends stay & adventure with you for a few days
- You’d like to have an intimate dinner reception for a small group of people – Plenty of eloping couples choose to hire a private chef for their reception, and having dinner at a cozy AirBnB after getting married feels a lot more special than reserving a table at a crowded restaurant!
- You want to have an outdoor wedding with arches, string lights, florals, chairs, and other cute decor – Plenty of national parks, state parks, and other outdoor locations have restrictions on the type of decor they allow you to bring. (Some don’t allow any decorations at all.) If you already have a Pinterest board full of decor ideas for your ceremony and reception, an AirBnB or VRBO might be the perfect place to bring that vision to life!
- You’re eloping during a season or at a location where the weather can be hard to predict – Having an AirBnB with stunning views as your backup location can be a lifesaver if there’s a snowstorm, you’d just rather not be outside while it’s raining, or anything else happens that might cause a change in plans. Chances are you’re probably already planning to spend parts of your day at the AirBnB (getting ready, reception, etc.), so choosing one with gorgeous views for a ceremony gives you a solid backup plan just in case.
Can You Elope at an AirBnB or VRBO?
Yes! On AirBnB, you can check the listing description or contact the host to see if they allow events. On VRBO, you can filter search results by whether they allow events or not. If you fall completely in love with a listing but aren’t sure if they allow weddings, message the host and tell them what you have planned – they might be willing to accommodate!
What Kind of AirBnB or VRBO is Best For an Elopement?
There really are SO many options to choose from, so I recommend starting by figuring out 1) How many people you’d like to invite and 2) What kind of vibe are you going for? Are you thinking more of an intimate cabin feel, a large historic mansion, lakeside cottage, a unique tiny home, or something entirely different? Do you want a hot tub or pool, mountain views, or a location that’s secluded and not surrounded by other properties?
Also, consider listings that would be great for photos. Think: lots of natural light and decor that isn’t too overwhelming. Try to envision where you and your partner will be getting ready, having your reception, and other parts of your day – does the listing fit your vision and have everything you need/want?
Things to Consider When Choosing an AirBnB for Your Elopement
- Does the decor and scenery fit my vibe?
- Is it located near my ceremony site?
- Are there vendors in the area (florals, private chef, hair and makeup, officiant, etc.)?
- Is it close to all the activities I want to do? (Hiking, hot springs, brewery, etc.)
- Is there enough parking and/or rooms for my guests?
- Are pets allowed?
Also: Be sure to closely read the description for any rules that may affect your plans & read the reviews!
Need Help Planning Your AirBnB Elopement?
That’s what I’m here for! I’ll help with location scouting, reminding you when to start booking lodging, travel, and other vendors, and all the other details along the way.
Hi! I’m Katrina,
Your elopement guide
I want to provide you with the absolute best elopement experience. If you value photography, authenticity, genuine emotions, and meaningful experiences – we’ll be a great fit 🙂
Fill out my contact form & let’s chat about your dream day!