If you’re looking for something a little more non-traditional, renting a private home might be the perfect fit. Choosing to have an Airbnb wedding is a great way to have an affordable wedding venue, enjoy more flexibility with the amount of time you have the space, and you can find them no matter what wedding destination you choose. My husband and I opted for a VRBO and it was amazing!
Having your micro wedding at an Airbnb wedding venue in California is such a great option because you can rent them for multiple days and have a place for all your guests to gather in days before and after the wedding, which is perfect for a wedding weekend or a destination wedding.
In this guide I’ll cover some of the most common questions I hear when it comes to using an Airbnb as a wedding venue in California along with some of our top picks throughout the state.
Renting an Airbnb Wedding Venue in California
Can I Use an Airbnb for My Wedding Venue?
So the answer is, “it depends”. Some years ago, Airbnb cracked down on parties at properties rented through their platform which now makes it a little more challenging to find homes that will allow weddings. Still, no matter where I search, I’m almost always able to find at least a few that allow them.
Additionally, if you’re having a more intimate celebration, or eloping, you have a better chance at finding an Airbnb in California that allows weddings. And don’t be discouraged if you don’t find one, there are some great alternatives to Airbnb, like VRBO.
It’s worth noting that I use the term “Airbnb wedding” throughout the website because it’s just how people refer to private home rentals these days, but really the venue can come through any private home rental site.
Alternatives to Airbnb Wedding Venues in California
As a former “Airbnb” wedding venue bride, I can confidently say that VRBO offers a great alternative to Airbnb for wedding venues! Not only do they allow weddings, but their search filters make it super easy to find a property that allows events.
Now that you know a little bit about using an Airbnb for your wedding venue, let’s dig into a few I recently came across that could be a good fit. Each property in this list indicated that events are allowed at time of publish. I've included a brief summary of each one, but I definitely recommend visiting each one through the provided link to learn more about the amenities and party policies.
Airbnb & VRBO Wedding Venues — Southern California
Unsurprisingly, California is home to some pretty incredible VRBO & Airbnb wedding venues. I’ll start by highlighting some of the best I found in Southern California and then we’ll cover Northern California.
Whether it’s desert vibes you’re after in Joshua Tree National Park or the luxury mansions with ocean views for days, you’ll find a few great options on this list.
This California Airbnb wedding venue is a top pick due to its near perfect set up for a dreamy wedding. Host your ceremony and reception on the gorgeous lawn featuring a palm tree lined pool and mountain views.
Holly Hill Chalet is perfect for couples seeking mountain and ocean views. With breathtaking 100-mile views, an expansive patio, and a park-like setting, it offers a scenic and peaceful location for your intimate wedding. This property is on the smaller side so would probably be more suitable for elopements and tiny micro weddings.
For the music lovers! This mid-century A-frame was a former Jazz music venue just minutes off the Sunset Strip. You'll be surrounded by luxurious finishes and views of the city lights and Hollywood Hills. The large deck is perfect for your small wedding ceremony, and the whole house was optimized to amplify sound, so If you're planning to dance the night away, this home is perfect! The home only sleeps 6, but is available to rent for up to 50 of your closest friends and family for your event.
Some Airbnb wedding venues are exactly that, a blend of private home rental perks coupled with the amenities of a wedding venue making it super ideal.
This VRBO caters to weddings, offering three different themes for your wedding and providing concierge services to ensure you have everything you need. This 20,000-square-foot property has plenty of room for you and your guests. Make a long weekend of it and plan activities at the surrounding theme parks, or stick around the property and enjoy the pool.
I can’t stop swooning over the perfect VRBO wedding venue in Indio, California. This modern villa comfortably sleeps up to 28 people and allows events on a case by case basis so be sure to be in touch with the property owner before you get too excited! Between the incredible views and the fully equipped barn, the Zenda Estate makes a pretty incredible wedding venue option.
Airbnb & VRBO Wedding Venues — Northern California
Moving on to review a few gems from the northern part of the state. VRBO & Airbnb wedding venues in Northern California offer a little something different from lodges nestled in the Redwoods to oceanfront homes set along the rocky cliffs of Big Sur and beyond.
Not only is this VRBO wedding venue gorgeous, with uninterrupted views of the ocean, but it is also entirely off-grid, built by a well-known sustainable architect. A stone terrace overlooking the water provides a perfect spot to say your "I dos" and plenty of indoor (including a fully stocked library!) and outdoor space for you and your guests. Paths to the cliffside provide access to staircases to private, undeveloped beaches and rocky coves.
This wine country Airbnb wedding venue sits on 55 acres and features a lawn area perfect for ceremonies and receptions and an active vineyard. Additionally, an event barn is in the works and will be available to host weddings in 2025.
Reminiscent of an old Bavarian hunting lodge, this luxury cabin overlooks the beautiful blue waters of Lake Shasta. This VRBO sleeps up to 28 guests and features a peaceful setting and plenty of indoor and outdoor space for your guests to enjoy. Plan a winter wedding and enjoy the amazing skiing at nearby Mt Shasta!
Are you looking for a wine country Airbnb wedding venue? Situated 5 minutes from the historic Sonoma Plaza and set amongst some of the world's most well-known wineries, this would be perfect for an elopement or wedding with 12 or fewer guests.
The Vineyard House is a VRBO wedding venue located in Northern California, with a main house that can accommodate up to 18 guests. The property is perfect for intimate celebrations, with spectacular views that provide an ideal backdrop for your event.
The Driftwood Lodge is located on a 30-acre private estate. This spacious lodge offers 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, accommodating up to 12 guests comfortably. The combination of ocean and forest views creates a scenic environment for the ceremony. Couples can enjoy exclusive access to the property, ensuring privacy for their special day.
The Malibu Cloud House is an idyllic Airbnb venue for weddings, offering a private and luxurious retreat in the stunning Santa Monica Mountains. With panoramic views of Catalina Island, Los Angeles, and the Pacific Ocean, the property provides a breathtaking backdrop for intimate celebrations. This expansive 2.5-acre estate includes multiple outdoor spaces, including five balconies, patios, and a shaded pergola with an 8-person hot tub. Its proximity to iconic Malibu landmarks and the convenience of guest amenities, such as a separate guest house and Tesla charging station, make it both accessible and exclusive.
Andreas Oasis is an extraordinary venue for micro weddings and elopements, blending luxury, privacy, and stunning mountain views. The property accommodates up to 18 guests and offers a seamless indoor-outdoor experience with spacious living areas, a gourmet kitchen, and multiple suites featuring ensuite baths. Its proximity to the Coachella Valley adds accessibility, while its secluded location ensures privacy for creating unforgettable memories.
That wraps up our list of top picks for VRBO & Airbnb wedding venues in California. Be sure to check out those other resources I listed at the top of the blog if you’re looking for more venue options!
Jennie Swenson is a former micro wedding bride, and she now supports countless couples in planning their own intimate celebrations through her blog, featuring real micro wedding stories and a curated vendor directory. Her practical advice and firsthand experience make her a go-to resource for those seeking to create memorable and meaningful micro weddings.
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