With the popularity of elopements on the rise and couples looking for more unique experiences for their wedding and elopement guests, Airbnb elopements are growing more and more popular each year.  Because most Airbnb’s don’t consider themselves “venues” when planning an Airbnb elopement or intimate wedding there is a bit more to think about when planning than you might have at a more traditional venue. 

Don’t fret though! Because these types of wedding days are on the rise, I was able to comprise a full guide on how to plan an Airbnb elopement and everything you need to know before you get too far into it.  In this guide we will go over everything you need to know to plan your own Airbnb elopement.

What to know about Airbnb Elopements

FULL DISCLOSURE, as of 2020 Airbnb no longer allows guests to host events.  This means, you need to abide by the rules of the house when planning your Airbnb elopement.  Now, this does not mean you can’t plan your dream elopement day at said Airbnb.  It just means you will need to make sure you’re following every rule that the Airbnb provides on their listing so you know you won’t be kicked out or break your contract with your host.

Rules to Look for

When looking for potential venues to host your intimate gathering there are going to be a couple of things you want to look for on the listing and pay attention to so that you can plan out your day without a hitch.  When looking at Airbnb’s in the area you’re hoping to elope, scroll down to the bottom of the listing and check out the “Things to Know” section.  In this section you will be able to find more in depth rules as to what is allowed at that Airbnb.  Every location is different and so are their rules, so when looking through this section check for the following:

Event Rules

Yes, even though Airbnb does say that events are not allowed, there are still some listings that do allow intimate gatherings like elopements.  Be sure to pay attention to check in the “Things to Know” section to see if the location does allow events.  If they do, this typically means that you are allowed to have more than the guest number listed on the Airbnb during daytime hours.

Quiet Hours

What time things need to calm and quiet to respect the neighbors of the home.  Quiet hours vary from Airbnb to Airbnb often depending on how close the nearest neighbor is to the location.  The larger the land the Airbnb is on the later the quiet hours typically are, if there are any at all. 

Guest Count

The guest count listed is how many people can sleep at the Airbnb.  When looking at the guest count you will want to make sure to also read the fine print.  Some Airbnb’s charge an additional fee for every guest past a certain number.  For example, the fee on the listing may say, $480 per night for 16 guests, but when you read the fine print, the listing may state that there is an additional fee for every guest after guest number 12.  Please note that many Airbnb’s count every person on the property in the guest count, so on a wedding this might include vendors as well.  Be sure to be transparent with your host when describing exactly how many people will be on the property to make sure the number is okay.  

General Rules that are Not Typically Listed

In general, you will want to check with any host to make sure you can have a photographer on the premises as well as any other vendor.  If you plan to have any free standing decorations dropped off or set up you will need to get your host’s approval. Last but not least in general you can count on not being able to hang any sort of decorations on the walls or from the trees of your Airbnb.  

When to book a VRBO

If you do plan to have a larger, more elaborate elopement, something leaning more towards an intimate wedding with the majority of your event happening at the house, you might want to opt for a VRBO.  There are still a LOT of VRBO’s that allow events, and you can use an events filter when looking at listings AND you can up the guest count upwards of 75 people for larger wedding events.

Planning Your Airbnb Elopement

Who do You Want to be There?

Determining your guest size is one of the hardest parts of your wedding day.  Talk it over with your partner and think about your non-negotiables, who do you absolutely HAVE to have at your wedding day.  After you create your list of non-negotiables, tally up the total and start searching up Airbnb’s that are in the location you hope to host your elopement.  Speaking of locations…

Think Where to Host Your Airbnb Elopement

Think about what kind of experience you want to have for your wedding day and how much you want you and your family to travel for your location.  Are you into hiking and want to spend your days outdoors?  Do you want to roam around a cute quaint town with all the people you love celebrating your wedding day?  Are you looking for a space with a pool or lakefront to keep you and your loved ones entertained?  There is something for everyone!  Choose your ideal location, apply your filters and begin planning your Airbnb elopement experience.

Consider Season and Weather

When you decide on a location for your elopement, check out the typical weather for the time of year you hope to have your elopement. Plan and pack accordingly for the weather typical for your location at the time of year you plan to have the elopement. As the day approaches make sure to monitor the weather for any last-minute changes before you head to your Airbnb.

Planning your Experience

What do you want to do with your guests?  What is nearby?  What’s within walking distance?  Are you hoping to be able to swim?  Have bonfires?  Hike from the property?  These are just a few of the experiences you can have when celebrating your elopement at an Airbnb or VRBO. Think about the people you’re inviting and what you want to do on your day and find a location that can provide the experience you’re hoping for.

Epic Airbnb’s to Host Your Elopement Throughout the US

Private Peninsula Cabin in Townsend WI

This beautiful Airbnb in Townsend Wisconsin can host up to 16 guests on it’s property.  Overlooking the water sits a large gazebo a private beach and a private pier sitting on the water.

Home with Mountain Views in Scottsdale AZ

This beautiful home in Scottsdale Arizona is the perfect escape for you to tie the knot surrounded by your 14 closest friends and family.  With a backyard pool, and Camel Back Mountain within a few minutes from the home, you will be able to plan the perfect intimate ceremony with a small dinner in paradise.

Joshua Tree

This beautiful home with a private pool in Joshua Tree is the perfect home for you and your closest family and friends.  Plan a low key evening of food and fun with your favorite people while soaking up the sun during the day for your long elopement weekend.  

Vineyard Estate in Upstate NY

There is SO much to love on this estate located in upstate New York on a VINEYARD.  Not only does this location have a pool, but it is also located on it’s own private drive.  The remote and intimate location is perfect for your intimate wedding day.

Fulton Market Penthouse in Chicago IL

Located right in the heart of Fulton Market this beautiful Penthouse that was featured in Architectural Digest is the perfect location to escape to the city with your 14 closest friends for your elopement. Take your group out to the lakefront for a sunset ceremony and then head back to the penthouse for an intimate dinner.

And there are SO many more beautiful locations on Airbnb and VRBO that will be perfect for hosting your event.  Sit down with your lover and talk through the experience you hope to have with your family and friends.  From there make a list of the number of guests you hope to have at your elopement and start dreaming up your day! For more tips on planning your elopement day head over to my blog page here.