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Planning a wedding that feels personal, flexible, and unforgettable? More couples than ever are turning to Airbnb wedding venues (and similar vacation rental options like VRBO wedding venues and private estates) as unique alternatives to traditional venues. These spaces offer privacy, flexibility, and often a stunning setting—without the restrictions you’ll find at many event venues.
Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard celebration, a mountaintop retreat, or a beachfront estate, vacation rental wedding venues open the door to endless possibilities.
At their core, Airbnb wedding venues are vacation rental homes—booked through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO—that double as both lodging and a celebration space. Unlike a hotel ballroom or banquet hall, they offer couples the ability to host their wedding in a more intimate, customizable setting.
Similar options include:
These spaces can range from cozy cabins perfect for a micro wedding to sprawling ranches or beachfront villas that can host both your wedding party and your closest guests.
Choosing to rent a private home for your wedding can be a great fit for many reasons!
One of the biggest draws of an Airbnb wedding venue is the privacy it offers. Unlike traditional venues or hotels, you won’t have to worry about competing events, other wedding parties, or strangers wandering around during your big day. A private estate wedding venue or vacation rental wedding venue gives you the space entirely to yourself—so the only people present are your closest family, friends, and vendors.
Traditional venues often come with strict rules about décor, catering, and even your timeline. With an Airbnb or VRBO wedding venue, you get far more flexibility. You can choose your own vendors, bring in unique décor that matches your style, and design a wedding schedule that feels authentic to you—whether that’s a sunrise ceremony, late-night dancing under the stars, or a weekend-long celebration.
For many couples, affordability is a deciding factor. Booking an Airbnb wedding venue means you’re combining lodging and event space into one, which often saves thousands compared to renting a separate venue plus hotel blocks. While some properties charge an additional event fee, the overall cost is still often lower than a traditional venue rental.
See my full Airbnb micro wedding budget breakdown.
Generally speaking, hosting an Airbnb micro wedding is a popular choice for couples who seek a more intimate setting. So many traditional wedding venues are built for average size weddings which often leaves micro wedding couples with amenities, space, and costs they don’t need.
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Not all rentals are created equal. Here are the most common types of Airbnb and VRBO wedding venues couples book:
Perfect for small, relaxed weddings. Many feature outdoor patios, gardens, or decks that transform into romantic reception spaces.
Ideal for couples who love the outdoors. These venues often provide breathtaking scenery and plenty of room for adventure.
Popular for destination weddings, these rentals allow you to host a ceremony with the water as your backdrop.
High-end properties with expansive grounds, pools, or vineyards. Great for couples seeking exclusivity and a “wow” factor.
Rustic yet elevated—these properties combine wide-open space with authentic character.
Cute little cabins make amazing venues especially if you're choosing a tiny guest list or eloping!
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Costs vary widely depending on location, size, and amenities. On average, here’s what to expect for vacation rental wedding venues:
Budget tip: Even with fees, many couples find vacation rental wedding venues more affordable than traditional venues, especially when you combine lodging + event space in one. I definitely found this to be the case but be sure to consider all costs before committing!
Here is what I spent to rent a VRBO for my wedding in Southwestern Colorado in August of 2023.
Finding and securing the right property takes a bit more effort —but it’s worth it. Here’s how to do it:
Get the full guide: How to Find an Airbnb Wedding Venue
Not every vacation rental will work for hosting a wedding. The best Airbnb wedding venues (and VRBO/private estate venues) share a few key features that make planning smoother and the experience more enjoyable for everyone:
Look for large indoor common areas and expansive outdoor spaces. You’ll want room for the ceremony, reception setup, and casual hangouts throughout the weekend. This was my favorite thing about renting a VRBO for my wedding. We rented the space for the entire week and hosted everyone every night giving us tons of time to celebrate with everyone (and the entire week was still less expensive than renting a traditional wedding venue).
Decks, patios, firepits, gardens, and covered spaces make it easier to host events outside and provide backup options if weather changes.
Check the max occupancy for both overnight stays and events. Some rentals list “sleeps 12” but will allow 20 total guests onsite for gatherings.
A truly perfect venue comes with a host who is upfront and supportive of weddings. Clear communication about guest limits, vendor access, and event fees is a must. My host was so accommodating, even offering to run and get amenities we may need for the day of. Having a host that is excited to loan their property for your special day is really helpful.
Ensure there’s parking for guests, vendors, and shuttles—or nearby options. For rural venues, good access roads are crucial.
Scenic views, unique architecture, or stylish interiors make your photos incredible without much extra décor.
Look for properties that are tucked away from neighbors. This gives you more freedom for music, late-night celebrations, and overall comfort.
Some traditional venues require in-house catering. Vacation rental wedding venues are perfect when hosts allow you to bring in your own caterers, bartenders, and rentals.
Pro Tip: When touring online listings, think through logistics: Where will the ceremony be? Where do guests park? How will vendors load in? If you can answer those questions with confidence, you’ve likely found a winner.
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Yes, you can get married at an Airbnb wedding venue — but only if the host allows events. Not all vacation rentals permit weddings, so always check the listing or contact the host directly before booking. If you’re open to other options, VRBO wedding venues and private estate wedding venues can offer similar flexibility.
Yes, many couples use an Airbnb wedding venue for both their ceremony and reception. This is one of the biggest advantages of choosing a vacation rental wedding venue—you can keep everything in one location. Outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, or decks are ideal for ceremonies, while large indoor or outdoor common areas can be set up for your reception. Always confirm with the host that events are allowed and ask about any restrictions on music, catering, or guest capacity.
Many Airbnb wedding venues and VRBO rentals charge an additional event fee on top of the nightly rate. This often covers extra cleaning, utilities, and the wear-and-tear of hosting more guests than usual. Expect anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the size of your wedding and the property.
Guest counts vary widely across vacation rental wedding venues. Some smaller homes only allow 10–15 people onsite, while larger private estate wedding venues or ranch-style rentals may host 50–100 guests. Always confirm the maximum occupancy for both overnight stays and day-of events before booking.
In most cases, yes. Many Airbnb wedding venues require couples to purchase a special event insurance policy for liability coverage. These policies are usually affordable ($100–$300) and protect both you and the property owner. The same applies to VRBO wedding venues and private estates.
An Airbnb wedding venue is booked directly through Airbnb’s platform, while a private estate wedding venue is often managed independently or through a specialty rental company. Both offer similar benefits—privacy, flexibility, and a one-of-a-kind setting for your wedding day.
For many couples, yes. Traditional venues can cost $10,000+ just for the space, while Airbnb wedding venues and vacation rental wedding venues often combine lodging and event space into one. This makes them a more affordable option, especially for micro weddings and destination celebrations.
The thing to keep in mind is that you may need to rent or buy things that a traditional venue would include. For example, tables, chairs, a tent, dinnerware, or a sound system. You'll want to take all of this into consideration as you're looking at the costs.
Looking for more details? Dive into these helpful guides:
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