Discover our comprehensive guide on Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia, along with a selection of our top recommendations for your elopement!
When you envision an adventure elopement or micro wedding in Virginia, it’s likely that images of picturesque landscapes and breathtaking vistas come to mind (and you’re absolutely right!). But have you taken a moment to explore your venue options? Opting for an Airbnb or VRBO property can provide the perfect blend of coziness and convenience for your intimate wedding.
Airbnbs and VRBOs offer a multitude of benefits for your small wedding. If the idea of an intimate mountain wedding appeals to you, but you’re unsure where to start, this guide brings together some of the finest Airbnb wedding venues in Virginia. Let’s get started together on your wedding planning journey!
Curious about whether you can host just the reception at the Airbnb following your marriage ceremony? Can you exchange vows and celebrate your special day there? We’re here to assist you with answering these questions and more, to help you navigate the details of holding your wedding ceremony at an Airbnb or using it as your celebration space.
Free Download: Elopement Budget Spreadsheet
Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia | Rachel & Logan’s Epic Elopement
Before we dive deep into all the nitty-gritty details of finding the ideal Airbnb wedding venue, we’d like to share a real elopement with you for inspiration. Get a sneak peek of what your day might look like!
Getting ready at the Airbnb wedding venue
For R+L’s wedding day, they had a unique vision in mind. They wanted to find a gorgeous home where they could spend the entire wedding day with their families. Plus, they wanted to be close to hikes for mountain views for epic photos! So, we embarked on an extensive search to locate the ideal home that catered to their specific needs.
As everyone has different requirements, it’s essential to seek out an Airbnb wedding venue with the guidance of an expert!
We looked across our network of great hosts and landed on this fantastic home near Luray, Virginia. From there we crafted the perfect event for them!
R+L chose not to have a first look, which meant we needed a property that could provide ample space for getting ready and keeping everyone separate. This home had multiple floors, allowing the guys and girls to have their own space during the initial part of the day. Plus, there was plenty to keep them all occupied (like space for games!). We also made sure there was enough room for the hair and makeup team to set up and take of everyone!
Ceremony with a view
Just in case of bad weather, we had the Airbnb as a backup venue (since it had such a great view and large backyard with plenty of space). But on this day everything came together just fine! After getting ready we had a short drive into the National Park for a ceremony at one of our favorite spots for a large group.
More mountain views together!
Even though their ceremony spot had awesome views, there were plenty of great photo spots nearby. So, we went on a little adventure while everyone was back at the Airbnb, getting things ready for the reception and the arrival of the catering company!
Intimate reception with family and friends
Returning to the Airbnb just in time for lunch, everyone gathered around for R+L to have a bubble entrance during cocktail hour! They wanted a little bit of tradition with first dances and toasts too. A local catering company brought in tables and chairs and excellent food too … then everyone gathered for a delicious meal together! In our view, we always recommend that couples opt for a private chef or have catering brought to their cabin instead of going out to a restaurant. It creates a more intimate and enjoyable experience for everyone to be together!
Sunset hike to epic views
We all took a break in the day from an early morning and then regrouped at a trailhead in the park to hike up to another mountain top. What a gorgeous time with the leaves changing and being able to take in all the golden sun at sunset!
Day 2: Waterfall adventure!
When you’re traveling to a destination for an elopement, there is so much more to see that can be done on one day. That’s why we love multi-day elopements! We met up again the next morning to hike to a secluded waterfall. This is a wonderful gem that we loved to share with them, because it gets far less visitors than in order areas of the park.
Experience the Adventure | Watch their Highlights Video!
Want to see how this two day experience unfolded from start to finish? Check out their Highlights Video!
Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia | What You Should Know
Airbnbs and VRBOs offer an excellent match for elopements and “micro weddings,” typically involving fewer than thirty guests. Many couples choose micro weddings over traditional ones because of their affordability and intimate appeal. While large, conventional weddings suit some, others yearn for a wedding day free from the pressures of a grand event.
When you contemplate an Airbnb or VRBO wedding venue for your Virginia wedding day, these homes can give you the sensation of discovering your very own private vacation getaway. Just envision the carefree feeling of spending a few days together, whether it’s just the two of you or with your close-knit family and friends nearby, cherishing every moment in the days leading up to and following your wedding day.
From initial planning to the finer intricacies, we’re here to assist you in crafting your dream Airbnb wedding amidst a backdrop of stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views. The tips we’re about to share are just the beginning of your journey to uncovering the perfect Airbnb location and all the special touches that will render your day truly unique.
Free Download: Elopement Budget Spreadsheet
Storybright: Your Go-To Team for Planning an Airbnb Wedding
While we’re known for our expertise in planning and photographing adventure elopements, we also LOVE helping couples put together intimate celebrations at Airbnb properties. Here’s how we assist you in planning and coordinating your perfect day.
- Getting married in the Virginia Mountains is an idea that has taken off in popularity, so it’s essential to plan well ahead for your wedding day. Just as traditional wedding venues book up over a year in advance, we highly recommend looking for your Airbnb wedding venue about 12 months ahead of time. We’ll connect you with the perfect property & host to meet your needs as we carefully consider every aspect of your big day. From our first chat with you through every moment of your wedding day, you’ll benefit from the depth of our experience. Check out what other couples have to say about their special day with us!
- We’ll share lots of ideas for your Airbnb wedding, drawing from our experience in helping many couples plan their outdoor weddings, and as Airbnb hosts ourselves. We’ll help you imagine all the incredible experiences you want to include in your day too! Having organized adventure elopements all across Virginia, we know the coolest spots and hidden gems!
- As we help you create your wedding day vision, we’ll be at your side for all the little decisions too. Whether it’s giving you location suggestions, helping you find vendors like hairstylists or makeup artists, or providing ongoing guidance during the planning process, we’ll ensure your day goes off without a hitch. You’ll love working with our network of vendors!
- We’ll also help you get the most bang for your buck by guiding you on choosing the best time of year for an Airbnb wedding. For example, you might be initially drawn to a fall wedding for those stunning colors, but going for a less busy season can save you significantly on rental rates and avoid the tourist crowds.
- If your plans involve a ceremony on public lands, we’ll make sure you’re covered on the wedding permit front too, so you won’t have to worry about it.
- Since outdoor weddings must take into account weather, we always have a backup plan ready in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Picking the right Airbnb property is a crucial part of this backup plan, and we’ve got plenty of tips to share with you!
Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia | What to keep in mind
As you mull over the style and logistics of your dream wedding day, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. At Storybright, we specialize in assisting you with these details and addressing all the decisions that come with planning your big day. Our aim is to make sure your day unfolds with minimal stress!
- Some Airbnbs are open to hosting weddings, while others may have explicit policies against them. In cases where the booking information doesn’t clarify this, we can provide guidance on how to reach out to the property owner to inquire about hosting your event.
- Determining the number of guests you plan to invite is crucial. Having a clear guest count is essential when selecting a rental property of the appropriate size. You wouldn’t want to book a venue that can’t accommodate all your guests, potentially violating rental property rules. Sometimes, hosts may allow more guests than the accommodation can sleep, but it’s important to obtain permission first – we can help you navigate this!
- Make sure there is enough space for all your guests. While some Airbnbs can comfortably house your family members together, others may not. In such cases, we might recommend booking multiple nearby Airbnbs.
- If you’re thinking about catering a post-wedding dinner, it’s important to confirm that the Airbnb’s kitchen can handle catering needs, including food preparation and reheating. Drawing from our experience with caterers at rental properties, we can offer valuable insights on this!
- Choosing a larger Airbnb property gives you the flexibility to use various spaces within the residence for different parts of your wedding day. For example, you can opt for a first look and pre-wedding drinks on the lawn, hold the ceremony on the deck to make the most of the scenic views, and host a dinner reception in the spacious great room. Not all Airbnb listings include a floorplan but this is an important detail to look at in order to make sure the spaces will work for you!
- Renting tables, dinnerware, and other personalized items is often part of the wedding plan, especially if you’re having an outdoor dinner. Planning for the rental and delivery of these essential elements, as well as coordinating with a private chef or catering service, is a crucial aspect of your wedding preparations. We can help you walk through these details!
- Additionally, think about the possibility of renting the Airbnb for an extended stay or weekdays to secure better rates. Weekdays generally mean lower rental costs, and booking a stay of three nights or more might make you eligible for discounts. Be sure to allocate a budget for the rental property within your overall wedding expenses!
Key Considerations when shopping Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia
As you think about your vision for your wedding day and the kind of atmosphere you want to create, think about these important questions to help you decide the best approach for planning your Airbnb wedding.
How many guests are you inviting? If your guest list goes beyond about 20-30 people, a traditional wedding venue might be a more suitable choice. While some tourist destinations offer quite large vacation rentals, most Airbnb properties are perfect for hosting immediate family and a small circle of close friends.
Are you ready to be your own wedding coordinator? Unless you hire a local wedding coordinator at your chosen Airbnb location, you’ll be the go-to person for handling inquiries and coordinating with your guests on the wedding day. However, if you team up with us, we’ll manage this aspect for you, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your special day!
What’s Your Budget? Once you have a clear grasp of your wedding budget, you can make informed decisions about the size of the Airbnb property that aligns with your wedding day plans. When considering the vacation rental’s size, think about the overall property dimensions and how each space will be used. Don’t forget the essentials: ensure there’s ample parking and restroom facilities to keep your guests comfortable throughout the event.
DIY or Professional Help? Approach DIY wedding planning with caution. Traditional weddings require the expertise of professional planners and coordinators. If you’re opting for a smaller wedding to reduce stress, trying to handle all planning and coordination tasks on your own might inadvertently introduce more stress. It’s wise to have the right experts by your side to ensure that all the details are flawlessly managed. If you’re considering a DIY approach, Top 10 Elopement Planning Mistakes might come in handy!
Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way, ensuring no detail is overlooked. We absolutely LOVE helping couples with their planning needs, creating the perfect experience at a beautiful Airbnb for your celebration. We’ll even scout out the best photography spots nearby to give you even more options for photos, so you can fully embrace the beauty of getting married in the great outdoors!
How Much to Budget for Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia?
Free Download: Elopement Budget Spreadsheet
Does shopping for Airbnb wedding venues sound like an option for you? If so, discover our featured locations below!
Explore These Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia
The availability of Airbnb properties can vary over time, and ownership changes are common. With a multitude of options and unique preferences for each couple, we strongly recommend leaning on the expertise of an elopement photographer who has experience planning Airbnb weddings. We can assist you in your search and finding the perfect location!
That being said, here are a few amazing spots that give you an idea for what’s available for Airbnb wedding venues in Virginia!
Mountain-view haven | Harvest Moon Lodge and Retreat (Central Virginia Mountains)
This amazing property with mountain views and an ideal ceremony spot on a huge lawn is absolutely gorgeous! It is convenient to the Blue Ridge Parkway for adding some adventure to your day as well.
The Manor House at Roslyn Farm (Charlottesville, Virginia)
This beautiful, expansive farm stay has lots of outdoor and indoor space for a small wedding! It is a stunning 1938 stone farm house situated on a beautiful estate and working farm.
Carter Lane: 11 Bed Beautiful Waterfront Retreat (Lake Anna) | Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia
This massive 6000+ sq ft waterfront home is perfect for everyone to stay and to host a small wedding too! It has has a HUGE dock for swimming, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. Also a giant yard for games and activities, a fire pit for s’mores and stories and a hot tub to wind down after a long lake day.
The Maury River Treehouse
This beautiful treehouse is located west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the rural hills north of Lexington, Virginia. It’s a luxury timber frame cottage sitting on the banks of the Maury River with a stone fireplace and gourmet kitchen that will take your breath away.
Page Valley Lodge (Luray, Virginia)
This authentic log home with a mountain view is very convenient to Shenandoah National Park!
Ready to plan your wedding at one of the many Airbnb Wedding Venues in Virginia?
If you’ve been checking out Airbnb wedding venue options and find yourself thinking about the various details to handle – and realize you could use some assistance in bringing it all together – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We’re here to lend a helping hand. Reach out today, and we’d be delighted to have a chat with you about the details of hosting your wedding at a beautiful Airbnb or VRBO spot.
