15 Scenic Airbnb Wedding Venues for a Reception to Remember
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If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that love can be celebrated anywhere—including some incredible Airbnb wedding venues. Imagine vows exchanged in a scenic backyard, iconic architectural home, or far-flung destination where the only guests are the officiant (and maybe a photographer and close family): Micro-weddings are having a moment, after all. Not only does having a small wedding guest list afford you more flexibility on the venue, but it also gives you more freedom to do things your way.
The best Airbnb wedding venues also help you shirk the exorbitant fees and tight timelines that typical venues involve and can be found in just about any city in the world (though they might not call themselves official venues, read more on that below). Though Airbnb has enforced a party ban since 2020, certain hosts are very accommodating and even encourage weddings and gatherings on the property, so long as you’re celebrating responsibly.
Ahead, we pulled together some of our favorite wedding-friendly spots in North America, from Chicago to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for nuptials to remember. Whether you’re planning a more traditional soiree or treating your loved ones to an upscale experience with the full nine yards—private chef catering, butler, and transit services—there are private Airbnb rentals waiting to set the scene for your special day.
Who knows, the perfect spot to make it official may be even closer than you think. Read on to learn more about 16 next-level Airbnb wedding venues you can book for your elopement, destination wedding, or backyard party.
Perks: Access to secluded cove and private beach, open-air design, sundeck
For honeymooners who don’t want to deal with jet lag after a long night of wedding festivities, head to Mexico for the ceremony and the long vacation afterwards. So long as you don’t mind sharing space ahead of your big day, 12 guests can spread themselves between the six bedrooms in this sprawling villa. You’re a quick walk from a cove and sandy shores for a toes-in-the-sand moment, though the sundeck on the property is also ideal for getting in your vitamin D. The best part? The delicious ocean breeze flowing in from the open-air living and dining areas. Few amenities can top that. From $368 per night.
Perks: 2,000-square-foot patio, chef’s kitchen, firepit
If all you need is a massive backyard and a space full of designer touches to make your day, this remote four-bedroom rental property has wedding-day potential. The curb appeal is real: Expansive windows let in plenty of natural light at golden hour for group shots, while wood paneling and midcentury furniture warm up the interiors. Get married in the backyard and retreat to the house for a cocktail hour, or make your way out to the firepit when the temperatures drop. If an outing is in order, a handful of quaint Catskills towns—Margaretville and Roxbury—are within driving distance. From $517 per night.
Perks: Great photoshoot location, original architectural details, modern appliances
This historic property is a winner for any design buff who wants to get hitched in a place of architectural significance, blessed by the hand of Frank Lloyd Wright himself. The wood paneling, low-profile furniture, and the walls of windows nod to its maker, meaning the wedding portraits taken here will be unlike any other traditional shoot. All of the appliances and utilities have been modernized for a fully functional living space, and the sunken outdoor dining space is extra romantic for a post-nuptials breakfast for the love birds. Speaking of private: There are only three bedrooms in this spot, so you might want to book out the whole place for yourselves or only invite a few family members to encroach upon your space leading up to the big day. From $412 per night.
Perks: Private hot tub, proximity to national park, firepit, outdoor kitchen
Nature enthusiasts will certainly want to say “I do” to this lodge near Glacier National Park. Just to get the juices flowing: Imagine planning a wedding party hike on the nearby trails and then ending the day in the hot tub to ward off muscle soreness before the big day. There are six bedrooms that are deceptively roomy, with enough beds to sleep more than 16 people. Vibes here lean classic ski chalet, complete with lush throw blankets, a fireplace, and a chef’s kitchen for grazing and cooking. The manicured backyard is also surrounded by trees so you can touch grass, stargaze, and plan an intimate ceremony right out on the lawn. From $703 per night.
Perks: Sauna, hiking trail access, three kitchens
Ditch the phones, plan a day full of sauna sessions and pool swims, and get ready for a wedding weekend that feels like a complete disconnect. This large Airbnb was designed by HGTV alums for an overall mountain lodge feel, with a dreamy outdoor setting overlooking the nearby peaks of Fort Mountain State Park. Three separate living rooms and three kitchens are ideal for cohabitating with your wedding guests without crowding each other out. And the quiet, private environment of your temporary lodgings sure beat trying to book a generic venue a year or so out. From $867 per night.
Perks: Large common areas, hot tub, indoor and outdoor fireplace
For getting married in the midst of nature, with just some trees as your witness, consider a treehouse-style Airbnb in the woods like this three-bedroom home that can fit 12 guests (including you) inside. Outside, there’s a raised platform that’s begging to be used to consecrate your vows, and there are plenty of spots around the property that are strategically optimized for gathering (around the indoor fireplace, perhaps, or along the modernist-meets-rustic bench seating outside). The moody interior color palette is like a big, happy sigh—couple that with the sound of a light rainfall for some wedding ASMR. From $353 per night.
Perks: Outdoor dining area, pool, game room
If you’ve been dreaming of a secluded outdoor wedding, this just might be the spot for your big day. The mountain views are unbeatable, and the outdoor courtyard with the elongated dining table is the ideal place to take it all over some catered canapés and cocktails. Plan your ceremony around the desert sunset before breaking for a night of dinner and dancing. Take note: There are additional fees if you plan to heat the pool or bring pets, so Fido might have to sit this one. From $1,618 per night.
Perks:Pool, Sonos sound system, valley views, indoor fireplace, pet-friendly
A dreamy infinity pool is the jewel of this luxe seven-bedroom villa in Joshua Tree. With views of the nearby mountains and sleek interiors that evoke a swanky gallery, the wedding photos (and the after-party) are bound to turn out beautifully. Full-length sliding doors fully encourage indoor-outdoor flow and fresh air, making it an ideal spot for a sunset wedding dinner. For the day-after activity, head to Joshua Tree National Park to stretch your legs—then soak in the posh stand-alone tub. From $1,917 per night.
Perks: Rooftop jacuzzi, spacious bedrooms, city and mountain views
Live out your fairy-tale dream wedding in this LA castle that looks like something out of a Disney movie, complete with butter yellow sofas, a glass-enclosed upper balcony fit for Sleeping Beauty, and lots of private nooks and sleep spaces. Between the sprawling living spaces and six bedrooms that accommodate up to 16 guests, it’s the perfect rental for housing close friends and family in the same magical spot where you aim to tie the knot. Views of the city below—and the Hollywood Hills—will heighten the drama for a next-level wedding. Plus there’s a special bedroom in the tower turret that the newlyweds can retreat to after the reception has died down. Note that DJs and rowdy parties are not allowed, so if you aim to celebrate with some light debauchery, you may want to book elsewhere. From $2,111 per night.
Perks: Chef’s kitchen, full-size bar, rooftop deck
What was once a factory space is now a massive loft near Chicago’s Logan Square, Wicker Park, and Bucktown neighborhoods that can easily serve as an indoor reception hall that’s all yours to commander for a wedding weekend. With sleeping space for at least 20 guests and plenty of room for long tables, the industrial-style interior is decked out with a timber-beamed ceiling and skylights that let light stream in during the day. There’s also an outdoor space (which is equipped with a grill), for when you want to take in fresh air during the post-wedding cookout brunch. From $750 per night.
Perks: Outdoor kitchen, lake access, dock, three waterview bedrooms
We hope you and your soon-to-be betrothed have your sea legs, because there’s a boathouse on a New York lakefront with both of your names on it. This three-bedroom is a haven for those who appreciate the outdoors and low-key gatherings. After getting hitched at a golden hour ceremony down on the dock, you and your guests can light up a bonfire by the water or make some celebratory toasts under the partially enclosed hut in the yard. Post-nuptials, spend a blissful weekend canoeing and kayaking on the lake or exploring the local forests on a hike. From $294 per night.
Perks: Ski-in/ski-out, beach access, hot tub, record player, firepit
Those who are married to the mountain lifestyle may as well immerse themselves in it for a wedding to remember. This five-bedroom, ski-in ski-out home near the Madawaska Nordic Ski and Recreation Trails will speak to anyone who has dreamed of having a snowy wintertime wedding. With an indoor wood-burning stove and a jacuzzi, you can rest assured that things will feel extra cozy for you and your nearest and dearest. Sure, it may feel a bit unconventional, but just think of the convenience—ski to a nearby peak for your wedding ceremony and retreat back home for celebratory aprés-ski cocktails and dinner cooked up by a private chef. From $294 per night.
Perks: Commercial kitchen, wedding equipment available, dining space for 100+
No need to trim your guest list for your nuptials just because your venue is a little off the beaten path. The Cabin Creek Lodge is what cabin wedding dreams are made of, with room to sleep over 40 guests on the premises. This DIY space—meaning there are no required vendors so you can really make it your own—offers up to 10,000 square feet to do as you please: Set up a dance floor with a DJ, bring in a food truck or two, and get the party started. The commercial kitchen here has plenty of room to support a full catering service and the chairs, tables, tablecloths, glassware, and dinnerware on hand even allow you to forgo the party rental company. From $6,500 per night.
Perks: Chef’s kitchen, additional apartment, screened sleeping porch, pool, beach access
For a ritzy Southern wedding to remember, you’re going to need the right location. Thankfully, this massive beach house (with room for around 16 guests) has the right idea with a main home and an apartment for you to throw your own Gatsby-like affair. The vibe is polished Southern elegance, complete with plenty of stripes and florals, a coastal color palette, and sweeping balustrades in the entryway that would make a classy backdrop for family snapshots. There’s also plenty to keep your guests occupied before and after the ceremony between the oceanfront pool and spa, an outdoor kitchen, and tons of sun-drenched spaces for lounging. From $1,958 per night.
Perks: Private pool, patio dining area, butler and bartender service
Cabo San Lucas is the place to be for those craving a destination wedding, and this five-bedroom villa ensures that you have everything you need for a day to remember, from an optional butler and concierge service to transport to and from the airport for your guests. The home itself has a beautifully manicured lawn and modern poolscape leading to a sandy beach that would make a desktop-worthy backdrop for wedding photos. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame your tropical surroundings (one side of the living area faces the sea, and the other faces a reflecting pool next to a twinkle-light-lit tree). With an outdoor dining area that’s primed for dinners, plus proximity to nearby golf courses and restaurants, your wedding day could easily turn into an extended getaway. From $6,493 per night.
Things to consider when choosing an Airbnb wedding venue
Before we jump into the best Airbnb wedding venues, let’s go over some of the basics. Unlike more traditional wedding venues, Airbnbs are not likely to have a planner fine-tuning on-site logistics or corralling reception chairs or tables. If you’re opting for an intimate wedding with a small guest list, this may not be an issue. On the other hand, those expecting a crowd for the wedding ceremony might want to call in a furniture rental company and bring their own wedding planner.
The beauty of an Airbnb wedding is that you’re not pressured to hire a specific catering company (something that some venues require when you sign an event contract). You could hire a private chef, order takeout from your favorite restaurant, host a potluck, or even take on the dinner prep yourself (or assign the task to the home chef in your wedding party).
Find the best photo locations by scouting out the Airbnb grounds in advance, taking care to pay attention to spots soaked in natural light. Better yet, ask a loved one to be in charge of creating a photo op list, complete with who should be in each shot. This will save you the stress of having to shuffle everyone around instead of enjoying your moment.
What is Airbnb’s rule on parties and weddings?
First things first: Tell your Airbnb host upfront that you’re planning to have a wedding in the space. Some Airbnb rentals are especially accommodating for celebrations with a substantial guest list, so you’ll want to seek out a listing that leans more event space than living quarters. Look for a large rental—like a barn or a city loft—if you’re heading in this direction.
In August 2020, Airbnb enacted a party ban for all listings, including a capacity limit of 16 guests for each rental (you can read more about this here). They have since codified this ban to protect the homes from damage and the surrounding neighborhood from party noise. That said, there is no specific language around weddings. It’s safe to say you should look elsewhere if you’re planning an all-out rager, but if you’re looking for a quiet wedding with a handful of guests, Airbnb has options.
