Elopements are special. They’re a way for you and your partner to celebrate your love without limitations. You can choose what to do, how to do it, and who enters your sacred space. One of the things I love encouraging my couples to do is to book a cute Airbnb or Vrbo to accompany their day. Whether you use the space for the actual ceremony or bits and pieces, like getting ready and relaxing, planning an Airbnb or Vrbo elopement is the perfect way to ensure an aesthetically pleasing, cozy, and comfortable spot to take your celebration to the next level. 

In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of Airbnb elopements, what they can look like, and how to choose the right place for you and your partner.

What is an Airbnb Elopement?

An Airbnb elopement is exactly how it sounds — all or parts of your elopement day will be held in this space. These elopements are typically intimate with just you and your partner or a few guests. As we talk about Airbnb elopements, keep in mind that similar rules and tips apply to other vacation rental property platforms, like Vrbo. We’ll dive into the differences between the two platforms below.

Why Elope at an Airbnb or Vrbo Property?

As a queer wedding and elopement photographer, Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation rental properties are second nature to me. There are so many benefits to integrating these spaces into your day:

1. Privacy

Whether you have your entire ceremony or sprinkles of your day at your Airbnb, you’ll get all the privacy you need to wind down, recharge, connect with your partner, and celebrate.

2. More Customizable

Unlike wedding venues that may have strict rules around the decor and types of vendors you can hire, an Airbnb elopement promises more freedom to decorate how you wish and hire the people that really get you. This is especially valuable for us as LGBTQIA+ folks who want to promote a safe space and ensure the environment is welcoming. 

Keep in mind that, like with any wedding or elopement, it’s essential to practice the principles of Leave No Trace. Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation rentals may have rules and restrictions around hosting events, so it’s important to inquire about these before booking your stay — I talk more about this in a later section!

3. Convenience

If you wish, your Airbnb can act as your one-stop shop for all aspects of your elopement. This includes everything from the rehearsal and ceremony to the after-party. It’s a hassle-free way to celebrate your love in one place. If you decide you want parts of your elopement to include an adventure or outdoor trip to a different location, you can choose an Airbnb that offers quick access to these spots for maximum convenience.

4. Can Be Cheaper

Don’t get me wrong — eloping still costs money. However, if you plan to hold your entire elopement ceremony at your Airbnb, you inevitably save money on a small wedding venue plus lodging.

5. Great for Getting Ready Photos

As a photographer, I can’t emphasize this enough: Capturing your love in your private space brings genuine, authentic, and magical results to photos. Bonus points if your Airbnb or rental property has a cute interior to begin with!

6. You Often Get More Amenities

In many cases, Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation property listings offer the whole package: full kitchens, laundry, hot tubs, yard space, barbecues — you name it! Access to all these items can make your elopement much more comfortable because you have everything you need in one place. It’s a bit like your home away from home.

7. You Have A Home Base for Breaks

Eloping is often an all-day event, and it’s a good idea to have a comfy place to relax and recharge at any time. You can use your Airbnb or Vrbo as a place for a midday nap or mental decompression session whenever you and your partner need one.

8. You Have a Backup Plan

This is perhaps the most crucial benefit of all. When it comes to eloping, especially outdoors, it’s essential to remember that things can sometimes take an unexpected turn. A beautiful Airbnb can act as your backup plan if it starts viciously storming during your hike or if the heat is too much to handle.

How to Have an Airbnb Elopement

Okay, but you might be wondering: What does eloping in an Airbnb actually look like? 

Airbnb elopements are like any other elopement — you can plan your day however the heck you want! The only thing required to call this an Airbnb or Vrbo elopement is, you guessed it, an Airbnb or Vrbo property. Here are some of the most popular versions of Airbnb elopements:

• The ceremony occurs at the Airbnb, whether inside or on the surrounding property outdoors.
• The elopement ceremony occurs off-grounds, perhaps in a national park, on the top of a mountain, or in another unique outdoor location. Then, the reception or party happens at the Airbnb.

Other aspects of your day that can involve your Airbnb include:

• Brunch
• Getting ready
• Dinner
• Post-ceremony drinks
• Cozy late-night fires

Airbnb vs. Vrbo

In my experience, both Airbnb and Vrbo have excellent options for elopements. I recommend checking out both websites to get a better idea of the stays available in your desired location. Generally speaking, Airbnb tends to have more diverse listings simply because it’s a bigger company. It includes both stand-alone vacation homes and shared spaces. Vrbo, on the other hand, typically only has private spaces listed. In the context of elopements, you probably want a personal space anyway, so this won’t affect your search too much.

While both platforms have intuitive search functions, Vrbo can filter rentals based on “events allowed,” which is extremely useful for planning your elopement!

How to Choose an Airbnb for Your Elopement (Things to Consider)

The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing an Airbnb for your elopement is to plan in advance and take your time. The best locations will book quickly, so it’s ideal to begin your search months ahead. This gives you and your partner enough time to consider your options and make a decision that makes you both happy! Here are some things to think about while making this decision:

Narrow Down Your Location

First things first — by the time you get to this point in your elopement planning process, you’ll ideally have a location chosen. If you don’t yet have a location finalized, as your photographer, I can help you narrow down these specifics and help you scope out the ideal spots. Consider your ceremony location (if it’s different from where you plan to stay), and book a place that’s easy to access from there so you can spend less time in the car and more time soaking in the special moments of your day.

Save Your Options

If you see something you like, save it! Once you have a solid list of choices, you and your partner can spend time narrowing it down based on availability, aesthetics, and overall compatibility with your vibes.

Inquire About Event Policies

Before you completely fall in love with a property, it’s essential to contact the host and ask about their event policies — not all Airbnb or Vrbo properties are event-friendly. Here’s a quick template you can use for your inquiries:

Hi [host name]!

I was excited when I came across your property and am looking to book from dates [xxx to xxx]. However, I’m searching for a space to host my elopement, so I wanted to check with you first about any restrictions or limitations you might have around hosting events before I actually book. I intend to have [xx] guests celebrate with us and plan to use the space for [the ceremony, reception, etc.]. I want to ensure we respect your beautiful property and follow all necessary guidelines.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Even if a listing states that it is event-friendly, reaching out and being honest about your intentions with the space is always a good idea. This builds better trust with the host and covers you from all angles. The last thing you want is to be kicked out of your Airbnb for not following the rules!

If this step stumps you a little bit, I’m here as an extra layer of support. I’ve done a handful of Airbnb and Vrbo elopements as a photographer and have an exclusively curated list of wedding and elopement-friendly spaces. Reach out to me, and I’ll be happy to share these!

Always Check Reviews

Reviews are one of the best ways to understand what you’ll be walking into for your elopement. Choose Airbnbs or Vrbos with good testimonials — this will only elevate your experience.

Think About the Indoor Lighting

No matter which part of your elopement you intend to have indoors, it’s important to consider the lighting for the best photos. Look for Airbnbs or Vrbos with big windows that let in lots of natural light during the day. Ample overhead lighting or lamps are also crucial for when the sun goes down. 

Check Pet-Friendliness

This only applies if you intend to have your furry friends tag along for your memorable day. Many Airbnb and Vrbo listings will explicitly state their stance on pets, but if you aren’t 100% sure, don’t be afraid to reach out to the host!

Consider the Design

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. You want the vibes of your Airbnb or Vrbo to appeal to you as a couple. Choose one that matches your vibe, whether it has a rustic cottage essence or a sleek modern interior. It’s also worth thinking about the exterior of the place. For example, what’s the view like? How big is the property? Is there a fireplace outside and room for you to do activities outdoors?

At the end of the day, what matters is that you feel happy and comfortable in the space — and decor plays a huge role in this!

Look for Cool Features

If unique amenities are your style, there are many options out there that offer more than just a place to sleep. Many have hot tubs, outdoor features, fireplaces, and other items that can enhance your overall experience.

Check Availability

Some Airbnbs or Vrbos have maximum or minimum stays. The good thing about planning an elopement is that you can extend the celebration for as long as you’d like. You can get married and then take a few days after to unwind and connect with your partner — just as long as the property has the dates available!

Finding LGBTQIA+-Friendly Airbnbs and Vrbos

Who you are and who you love shouldn’t limit you in finding your dream Airbnb or Vrbo. However, it’s not news to anyone here that some hosts may have negative biases. Since you’ll be reaching out with your intentions to host your marriage ceremony on the property, this may bring up instances where you talk about your identity. 

To be clear, you’re not obligated to disclose your identity to hosts. However, you may decide to do so to ensure that the space you’re renting is genuinely LGBTQIA+-friendly. While finding these spaces should be easy, challenges may arise, just like finding queer-friendly vendors and wedding venues. 

If challenges arise, it’s important to take your time, take a breath, and remind yourself that there are welcoming folks out there who will be more than happy to host your celebration. If you have any problematic encounters, take the time to practice some self-care in the process.

Planning Your Next Steps for Your Airbnb Elopement

The Airbnb or Vrbo property is just one aspect of your celebration of love. When it comes to planning the rest of your elopement, check out my ultimate guide with a comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything sorted, from the guest list and logistics to the itinerary and packing list.

Find the Best Airbnb Elopement Spots

As I mentioned earlier, as someone who has worked in the elopement space for a while, I have a list of some of the best event-friendly Airbnbs and Vrbos for your big day. If you also need some help when it comes to planning and executing logistics, I’m here as your resource when you book your elopement package with me. Ready to get started? Contact me today — I can’t wait to hear your story!