Guide to Planning an Airbnb Elopement
For couples planning an intimate elopement, with just a few loved ones, an Airbnb can be the perfect alternative to a wedding venue! You get a private place to tie the knot, somewhere to celebrate with your loved ones, and a home base to come back to if you go on adventures nearby. This guide to planning an Airbnb elopement will tell you how to find the perfect one for your day, and some tips for planning your elopement!
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING AN AIRBNB FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT
Browsing through Airbnbs, you’ll find plenty of great options – but it’s important that you choose one that will actually work for your unique elopement day! Here are some things to think about before you book.
LOCATION
You’ll want to decide where you’re looking for Airbnbs – because of course, there are options all over the world! Deciding on a general area or location for your elopement will help you narrow things down. Do you want to be near a certain park or area? Do you have some adventures in mind for your elopement or your honeymoon?
Location is also a factor in what kind of scenery you want to be around – if you’re having your ceremony at the Airbnb, you want to make sure it has a view!
ELOPEMENT DATES
To book an Airbnb, you’ll of course need to select which dates you want it for. So before you search, think about when you want to tie the knot – if you have specific dates in mind already, this can narrow down your options as you eliminate places that are already booked. If you’re flexible on dates, you can find the perfect Airbnb first, then decide when to get married!
If you’re planning an Airbnb elopement, I definitely recommend giving yourself a minimum of five days there – arrive on day one, prepare for the elopement on day two, tie the knot on day three, and then have a day to relax and celebrate before leaving on day five. But, even more time is great if you want to explore the area nearby, and it gives you time to relax and enjoy!
GUEST COUNT
It’s also important to know how many guests you’re planning to have at your elopement, and how many of them you’re planning to have stay in the Airbnb with you! This will affect the size of the Airbnb you’re looking for.
Think about furry guests as well – if you want to include your dog in your elopement day, you’ll need to look for dog friendly rentals!
How to Find an Airbnb for Your Elopement
Once you’re ready to start searching for the perfect Airbnb to host your elopement, here’s how you can find the right one!
AIRBNB FILTERS
When you search on Airbnb.com, there are a lot of filters, and using these helps narrow down your options. Some important ones are of course location and date, as well as the number of bedrooms, pet friendliness, and whether you’re looking for a private home (as opposed to a guest house or apartment). Most couples will probably want a house, so that you have an elopement location that’s private, and not on property shared by any other residence!
There are also lots of other options to filter for what you want, and you can use these to find amenities that are a must for you, like hot tubs or air conditioning! There are also fun filters for the kind of Airbnb you’re looking for, including cabins, treehouses, domes, tiny homes, and more.
ARE ELOPEMENTS ALLOWED AT THE AIRBNB?
One really important thing when you’re planning an Airbnb elopement is to ensure that you’ll be allowed to tie the knot there. There’s no filter for events on Airbnb’s website, but you can also use VRBO to search and filter for properties where events are – and often, you can find a place you like on Airbnb, then find the same one listed on VRBO.
It’s also really important to message hosts before you book an Airbnb for your elopement! The last thing you want is to be hit with a big fine afterwards, so it’s better to be honest and upfront about your plans. Before booking, message the host to let them know that you’re planning an elopement – letting them know that it’s a small ceremony and assuring them that you’ll keep it clean and aren’t planning on throwing a huge party, and many hosts will be happy to accommodate that.
NOISE ORDINANCES
Some areas have stricter rules about noise, so this may be something to consider before booking an Airbnb. If you’ve found one that you like, look up noise ordinances in the area, or ask the host! Make sure that what you have planned won’t violate any regulations, and check if there’s a specified time of night that noise has to stop.
Tips for an Airbnb Elopement
Here are some tips for planning your airbnb elopement, to ensure a good experience!
THINK ABOUT PARKING
When you look for the perfect Airbnb, don’t forget to check out the parking situation. If you have people arriving in multiple cars, make sure that there will be enough parking for everyone! You can always message hosts to make sure before booking, and this helps avoid any mishaps on the day you arrive.
PERSONALIZE YOUR AIRBNB ELOPEMENT
Of course, when you’re renting someone’s home, you can’t make any major changes – but you can decorate and personalize the place! Especially when it comes to the ceremony, if you’re having it outdoors, you can rent arbors and arches, as well as chairs. Your florist can help you decorate, and renting decor and adding personal touches can really make the day special.
LOOK FOR A GOOD GETTING READY SPACE
Where you’ll have your ceremony and reception in the Airbnb is definitely important, but it’s also important that you have a place to get ready! There are a few things that make a “good” getting ready space – a big one is lighting, so look for properties that have windows and lots of natural light. The other is a clean, clutter free spot, so ideally you’d have a clean place near a window where you can get ready for the day!
HIRE A CATERER OR PRIVATE CHEF
While booking an Airbnb likely means you’ll have a kitchen, I recommend having the food brought to you on your elopement day. A caterer, or a private chef who will come cook for you, is a great way to have a special meal to celebrate, and it’s also nice to not have to do dishes on your wedding day!
BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR AIRBNB ELOPEMENT
As an elopement photographer, a big part of my job is helping couples find the perfect location to tie the knot, and this includes recommendations for your Airbnb elopement! I’ll find out what you’re looking for and what your dream day would be like, and take those ideas and turn them into your ideal Airbnb elopement day.
If you’re ready to plan your Airbnb elopement, contact me!
