As a marriage celebrant, one of the questions I get asked often is if couples can get married in an Airbnb.
Well, the answer is a resounding “yes!”. In fact, I’ve already helped dozens of happy couples get hitched in various Airbnb venues, from luxury beach houses that offer an extravagant setting, to quaint cottages that create an intimate atmosphere with family and friends.
If you’re looking for a unique wedding venue to make your big day that much more special, an Airbnb property can offer a more personal experience than a commercial venue.
Reasons To Get Married In an Airbnb
If you’re still on the fence, here are some reasons as to why more couples are choosing to tie the knot at an Airbnb property instead of a regular wedding venue.
Author: Meggan Brummer
If we haven’t met before - I am an award-winning Marriage Celebrant in Sydney, Australia.
I’ve married hundreds of couples over the last 13 years and have over 23 years experience as a professional writer.
Great variety of venues
Securing a wedding venue in your preferred location that’s also available on your preferred dates can be challenging! Given the limited number of wedding venues and hotels in popular wedding areas, you might find yourself either compromising on location or on the venue itself, settling on one you don’t necessarily love.
Including Airbnb properties in your wedding venue search can provide significantly more variety in terms of options, so that you don’t have to settle for less on your special day.
Accommodation arrangements
If you’re having a destination wedding, chances are you’ll have to make separate bookings for the wedding venue and guest accommodation. Booking an Airbnb property for the wedding simplifies this by being both a venue for the ceremony and accommodation afterwards, reducing the need to book multiple locations (and saving you some money too!). Obviously, this is easier for smaller, more intimate weddings – bigger wedding parties may require multiple Airbnb bookings!
Beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations
The best thing about getting married at an Airbnb property is the access to stunning locations for a truly magical ceremony — imagine walking down the aisle in a beautiful backyard garden of a cosy cottage, or enjoying a private moment with your loved ones on a private beachside coastal property. There are tonnes of amazing properties across NSW and Australia on Airbnb that offer the perfect setting for a ceremony!
What to Expect When Using an Airbnb as a Wedding Venue
That being said, there’s a whole host of other considerations for having your wedding at an Airbnb — unlike typical venues that are purpose-built for wedding ceremonies, using an Airbnb venue will require some extra attention and planning to ensure everything goes smoothly.
- Communicate with Hosts
Remember that with an Airbnb booking, you’re dealing with a host, who’s often the owner of the property. Always communicate clearly with the Airbnb host to ensure they are on the same page as you — some may not be open to hosting wedding ceremonies, while others may charge a separate fee to host your wedding on the property. As a general rule, if you’re unsure about whether something is allowed at the Airbnb (such as decorative arrangements), it’s better to clarify with the host.
- Additional Planning
Booking an Airbnb settles the venue for the wedding, but you’ll still need to plan and arrange everything else that would normally be covered by a traditional venue, such as catering, equipment rental, and cleanup.
If it’s a unique and personalised wedding ceremony you’re after, using an Airbnb venue is a great idea — just make sure you’ve got the time and support to plan it out. As a Sydney marriage celebrant who specialises in storytelling, I can create a bespoke marriage ceremony that highlights your love story and adds to this magical moment in your life and make a video recording of your wedding ceremony. I’ve hosted ceremonies at private properties in the Blue Mountains, the South Coast, Central Coast, Sydney CBD, Northern Beaches and Palm Beach, and more!
Book a call with me today to find out how I can marry you at your ideal Airbnb property!
