How to Plan an AirBnB Elopement
GUIDE TO ELOPING AT AN AIRBNB IN COLORADO
Over the past 5 years, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing Colorado elopements, and I’ve noticed a growing trend towards smaller, more intimate weddings and Airbnb elopements – and I’m all for it! Many couples opt to hold a lot of their special occasions at their Airbnb, capitalizing on the stunning vacation homes nestled in our state’s breathtaking landscapes. Staying in these homes offers a uniquely personal and laid-back experience for you and your guests.
If the idea of a traditional wedding venue doesn’t resonate with you and you crave a mountainous backdrop, consider exploring Airbnb options that align with your vision. Airbnb doesn’t just offer homes; you can also rent campers, and log cabins and ski in ski out chalets!
From my perspective, capturing the getting ready process in an Airbnb is incomparable to a generic and boring hotel room. The cozy, open, homelike atmosphere puts couples at ease, resulting in more natural and authentic photos for your Airbnb elopement. You can even customize your experience by hiring a caterer or chef to prepare snacks and meals, creating your own private “room service” experience. There are a lot of good ways to elevate your Airbnb wedding experience and I’m here to guide you through everything. Let’s do this!
CAN YOU GET MARRIED AT AN AIRBNB IN COLORADO?
Certainly! Depending on the host’s setup, eloping at your Airbnb is entirely feasible! There are several approaches you can take, but the most common ones include:
- First off, you could kick off or wrap up your elopement by hosting part of your reception right there at your Airbnb. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, without even leaving the comfort of your lodging.
- Or, if you’re feeling fancy, why not go all in and have the whole elopement right there at your Airbnb? Yep, you can say “I do” in the backyard or living room of your Airbnb. Just make sure you scope out the perfect spot when you’re browsing those Airbnb listings and run it by your photographer for their expert opinion.
- And hey, if you’re more about keeping things low-key, you can always skip the big event and just snag some epic Airbnb elopement pics. Because who says you need a crowd to capture that magic moment, right?
Continue reading below for additional tips on how to elope at an Airbnb!
DO ALL AIRBNBS ALLOW EVENTS?
Personally, I still think booking an awesome Airbnb for your elopement elevates your entire experience. You don’t have to throw a big event to have beautiful and fun elopement moments at your Airbnb for it to be “worth it”. There are plenty of other activities and photo opportunities at Airbnbs that you can incorporate into your day, and I will go over more below! But before that, I would suggest scouting out really cool spots that you think would be ideal for getting ready photos, or just for having a romantic honeymoon afterward!
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR PLANNING AN AIRBNB ELOPEMENT?
PICK YOUR AIRBNB VENUE FIRST
One thing I recommend doing before booking your Airbnb is choosing your Colorado elopement location. It’s much easier to plan your Airbnb elopement around your chosen spot than vice versa because there are usually more Airbnb options available. For example, you might select an Airbnb in a very secluded area that doesn’t offer many nearby adventure spots. Therefore, I recommend reverse-engineering your planning process by starting with the location where you plan on adventuring and then selecting your Airbnb accordingly!
MAKE SURE THE AIRBNB IS ELOPEMENT AND EVENT FRIENDLY
If you are planning on having a ceremony or reception at your Airbnb, then it’s best to make sure your Airbnb will allow this. Unfortunately, Airbnb doesn’t offer a direct way to search for properties suitable for weddings, but I have a workaround for you. Try using VRBO because they have an “events allowed” filter. You can either book through them or search for the same property on Airbnb if you prefer. If you aren’t into that idea, you can utilize options within Airbnb such as the “Suitable for events” filter under “House rules” to refine your search. It’s crucial not to assume that just because you find a suitable spot for your event, you can have a wedding there (no matter how small your guest list is) as it might violate the terms of your Airbnb agreement.
The last thing you want on your wedding day is to discover that an officiant, elopement photographer, or another vendor is not allowed at the Airbnb, risking the loss of a hefty security deposit.
If you find a Airbnb in Colorad that you believe would work well for you but isn’t listed as event-friendly, reach out to the owner directly within Airbnb. Sometimes, they haven’t considered making the space available for events, and if you explain your plans, they might agree to let you use the space for an intimate event. Ensure that permission is clearly outlined in your contract!
MAP OUT PHOTO SPOTS AROUND YOUR AIRBNB
This may seem backward, but I recommend choosing an Airbnb based on its photo opportunities before booking, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Navigating mountain roads can take longer than expected if you’re just relying on a map and mileage. You don’t want to choose a place that requires a long drive from your wedding location, as you don’t want to spend your special day stuck in a car! Focusing on venues with beautiful photo backdrops nearby ensures you can enjoy more of your celebration time while capturing stunning memories.
KNOW THE LOCAL AIRBNB RULES AND JURISDICTIONS
Before finalizing your booking, make sure to carefully review the rules of your Airbnb! Certain Airbnbs in Colorado might enforce strict noise policies and offer limited parking spaces for guests and vendors. Discovering restrictions like being unable to be outdoors after a specific hour can be disappointing, especially if you had plans for a lively campfire gathering with drinks. Some Airbnb’s in Colorado, like the ones in Breckenridge, also are under strict rules from local counties, which limit the number of days hosts can rent out their Airbnb’s and the number of events they can have.
In case of limited parking, consider reaching out to the owner to inquire about nearby parking options or the possibility of arranging a valet service for your guests.
CONSIDER RENTING
In general, most Airbnbs come equipped with basic tableware and cookware. However, if you’re aiming for a more sophisticated aesthetic, you have the option to rent items to elevate the ambiance. This is one of the advantages of Airbnb elopements; you can allocate your budget towards enhancing the details since you’re not catering to a large guest list!
Consider renting special chairs for the dinner table, tents, outdoor furniture, and heaters, among other possibilities. Personalizing the day in these ways adds a touch of fun for both you and your guests, and it also enhances the visual appeal of your photos.
STAY IN AND HIRE OUT
This idea is definitely one of my favorites because there’s nothing quite like being served fantastic food while enjoying laughter and conversation with friends, all without having to venture out to a restaurant. Hiring a private chef or caterer takes away all the worries, and they even handle the cleanup. After all, who wants to be doing dishes on their wedding day? Just ensure that whoever you hire brings along their own cookware since most Airbnbs in Colorado only provide the basics.
For a more casual or late-night affair, consider bringing in a food truck! Street tacos or pizza can add a fun and tasty touch that your guests will absolutely adore.
THINK OF AIRBNB’S AS YOUR OWN PRIVATE HOTEL
Choosing a luxurious AirBnB allows you to keep everyone in close proximity, providing an ideal setting for your intimate wedding celebration. While it may involve a slightly higher cost, it serves as a gracious gesture to express gratitude to your guests for making the journey to your wedding. Having everyone on-site fosters a wonderful atmosphere, facilitating shared moments and cherished time with family. Some Airbnb’s might even offer packages for your Airbnb elopement!
COME EARLY AND ENJOY THE LOCAL SCENERY
After securing the perfect Airbnb in Colorado, it’s advisable not to arrive on the same day as your wedding. It’s much more relaxed if you can arrive a few days early to unwind, familiarize yourself with the property, and decide on the locations for your events throughout the day.
This early arrival also provides an excellent opportunity to assess the property with an eye towards your photos. Keep in mind that some of these homes are vacation properties for their owners, so they may feature themed artwork that doesn’t quite match your vibe. If permissible, you can temporarily remove decor items that don’t align with your vision and store them away. Just remember to return them before your departure (taking a photo of their original location can be helpful).
LOOK FOR COOL AIRBNB FEATURES
AirBnB’s are going to give you more unique and fun features than those boring hotels. Some of these features will go a long way in elevating your AirBnB elopement experience, especially if you’re ready to kick back or host a party.
Some of my favorite Colorado AirBnB elopement features to look for:
- Hot Tubs: The majority of AirBnB’s in Colorado won’t have pools but they’ll have the next best thing: hot tubs! Which are extra awesome for winter elopements!
- Spacious Decks: Look for properties with expansive decks that can accommodate your friends and family, making hosting gatherings and celebrations more convenient and enjoyable.
- Accessibility: Look for AirBnB’s that are easily accessible and don’t require any special clearance for vehicles. This is especially important for Airbnb’s in Colorado to ensure a hassle-free arrival and departure process for you and your guests.
- Well-Equipped Kitchens: While larger Airbnbs may offer impressive kitchens, don’t overlook the convenience of an outdoor BBQ, especially during the warmer summer months. Cooking and dining alfresco can add a delightful touch to your Airbnb elopement festivities if you aren’t hiring out.
- Sky Lights: These are super rad in Airbnb’s in Colorado because we generally have less light pollution in the mountains so you can see the stars from inside. Also you can get a lot of cool lighting for your photos inside the Airbnb!
- Wild Life: Some Airbnbs are in areas that are known for wildlife, like the ones near Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes, which have around 3,000 elk in the area!
- Private Bodies of Water: If you can find a property that has its own water source, then you have hit the jackpot! These places are gold because you can set up a canoe or paddle boards, and they make a great ceremony spot too! Check out Alta Lakes near Telluride!
AIRBNB ELOPEMENT PHOTO IDEAS
Airbnbs offer countless opportunities for beautiful and unique photos, and I’ve put together a list of my favorites from over the years. You can still add other things, but I found these to be the most memorable and fun to capture, making Airbnb elopements more in tune with the house features and backdrops. Let’s dive in!
USE YOUR AIRBNB FOR GETTING READY PHOTOS
You might as well take advantage of the spot you’re dropping money on, right? I love going early and capturing couples get ready for their big day, especially since this is such a fun elopement activity to include in each day. A lot of these moments leading up to your wedding ceremony can be just as memorable as the ceremony itself and make for a great starter in your album upon delivery day. Integrating the Airbnb’s surroundings into your pre-wedding photos infuses your wedding album with a personalized charm, elevating the memories to a more intimate and meaningful level.
WRITE VOWS AT YOUR AIRBNB
A lot of couples will write their vows in private, but having them documented with photos at your Airbnb is always a cool way to tell your story in your album. Many Airbnbs will have beautiful settings where you can cozy up and create an intimate atmosphere to write your vows. Also, depending on the location of the Airbnb elopement, you may find yourself surrounded by beautiful scenery or unique surroundings that can inspire heartfelt and meaningful vows. Many Airbnbs in Colorado can certainly spark some inspiration!
HAVE A FIRST LOOK AT YOUR AIRBNB
First looks are always so fun, and Airbnbs elopements give you a different and unique perspective from other backdrops. Each Airbnb is set in a different backdrop, with different features and lighting, so it’s a good opportunity to take advantage of these things and have your first look at your Airbnb. I always suggest looking for the coolest and most unique opportunities that make your photos pop!
FAMILY PHOTOS AT THE AIRBNB
I think this is such an underrated photo opportunity because family photos seem to be the last thing on people’s minds by the end of the day, but shooting them in a beautiful backdrop at an Airbnb can really get people excited! Family photos really pop a lot more when they’re in a beautiful backdrop, and Airbnbs in Colorado give you all the vibes for this!
SIGN YOUR PAPERWORK AT YOUR AIRBNB
You can self-solemnize your marriage in Colorado but you still need to sign some papers. Airbnb’s are great places to take care of the legal side of things, especially if you want to include others or your pets. You can set up and take photos with some of the Airbnb’s features prominent while you sign, or you can do it in the backyard with the mountains in the backdrop. Either way, doing the legal things at your Airbnb gives you a golden opportunity for some beautiful photo ops.
HAVE RECEPTION PHOTOS AT YOUR AIRBNB
Airbnb elopements offer wonderful venues for hosting affordable and beautiful receptions. Thee spaces provide stunning backdrops, with their open yet private settings creating an intimate atmosphere for your celebration. To make the most of your reception photos at an Airbnb elopement, be sure to explore the outdoor settings showcased in the listing photos before booking. Utilizing these epic backdrops can add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding album, ensuring your special day is captured in all its natural beauty.
TAKE DETAIL SHOTS AROUND THE AIRBNB
Usually Airbnbs have really cool ornaments around the house to tie into the surrounding area and these are cool features to use for detail shots. Details are always an important part of every album and sometimes they can be bland if you don’t have much to work with, but luckely Airbnb’s generally have lots of cool trinkets and other items to use your imagination with!
WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN COSTS OF AN AIRBNB ELOPEMENT?
Planning an Airbnb elopement can often be cheaper than a venue and that of a traditional wedding, but you definitely still have to be aware of some additional hidden costs that are sure to pop up immediately after booking your Airbnb in Colorado and down the road. Some Airbnbs in Colorado charge to hold events, so you might incur additional fees for even having your elopement there. Additionally, I always find this to be the most annoying part about Airbnb, but the first cost you see is not the total cost, as you have to go through to the final booking page to see the final price. Here are some potential expenses you might encounter:
- Prime Location Up charge: If you are looking to have your Airbnb elopement in a popular part of Colorado, then expect to pay a surcharge for your spot because of its prime location. This is unfortunately the way business works in the mountains. You can look in smaller mountain towns if you are okay with driving a little more on your big day!
- Cleaning Fees: Cleaning fees are just part of the booking process for Airbnbs, but you can probably expect a bigger bill if you are using the space for an event. PRO TIP: You can message the owner and negotiate down the cleaning fee.
- Catering, Food, and Beverage: Looking to get a food truck, catering, or keep it simple with a BBQ? All the food and beverages will definitely add up, especially if you have a large group.
- Photography and Videography: Unless you find an all-inclusive elopement package in Colorado, you are likely going to have to pay for your photographer and videographer still. These might be your biggest hidden costs for your Airbnb elopement.
- Decorations: Even for a small elopement, you might want to decorate the space with chairs, tables, pictures, fairy lights. These costs can add up, especially if you’re going for a specific aesthetic like a boho look or forest look.
- Unexpected Costs: Finally, when has anything ever gone one hundred percent according to plan? Always keep in mind that things pop up, and you need to be prepared to pay out of pocket for unexpected costs.
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLORADO AIRBNB FOR MY ELOPEMENT?
Every duo I’ve had the pleasure of working with who’s gone the Airbnb elopement route has been over the moon about it. There’s just this vibe, you know? A laid-back, easy-breezy feel when you’ve got a whole property to call your own and can even come back to every year!
Colorado’s got no shortage of jaw-dropping spots for Airbnb elopements. Seriously, the options are endless! If you’re eyeing up a bunch of Airbnb listings in Colorado for your big day and feeling a bit overwhelmed, shoot me a message. I’ve got the scoop on the best places to elope in Colorado, and chances are I’ve snapped some stunning shots at an Airbnb there before.
I’m all about helping you find that perfect Airbnb. Take a peek at my all-inclusive Colorado elopement packages – they’re packed with goodies, including tips on the best times to tie the knot, pricing deets, and I will help you put everything together before helping you pick out your Airbnb. Call me biased, but I’ve got a hunch you’re gonna fall head over heels for the idea of having your Airbnb elopement right here in Colorado!
READY TO ELOPE AT AN AIRBNB?
My name is Sean, and I can’t wait to help create your Colorado AirBnB elopement! I’m a Colorado-based free spirit who has dedicated my life to exploring this wild world and connecting to the people in it.
I know firsthand what an important and personal decision this is—my wife and I eloped to Northern Ireland. You’re trusting me to capture this amazing day, and I make it my responsibility to make sure you have an incredible experience from start to finish.
My passion has led me here, where I can follow my heart and share my love for the outdoors with others on their wedding day. It’s truly an awesome experience, and I’m stoked every time I get to document your day.
When I’m not photographing couples, I love to go exploring in my van with my corgi Deebo.
Sound like the perfect match? Reach out so we can get started on your epic elopement!
