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Thinking an Airbnb elopement might be right for you? You opted to elope because you wanted an experience that felt intimate, cozy, connected, and like YOU. You opted to elope because you agree that your elopement day should be as epic of an adventure as your life together is. Eloping is about crafting your wedding experience your way. And no venue option brings together cozy + adventure + flexibility quite like an AirBnB (or VBRO/property rentals).
If you’re anything like me, half the fun of a good adventure is finding home wherever you go – whether it be a castle in the Scottish Highlands, a villa on the Amalfi Coast, or a big log cabin or charming tree house in the Pacific Northwest. Whenever my hubby and I travel, our cozy Airbnb home away from home is the base operation of all our exciting adventures! We’ll start our day sipping coffee on the deck before embarking on the days adventure. Perhaps a mid-day break will find us napping in the hammock, or all cozied up with a book in a little nook. We might end our day stargazing from the hot tub, or drinking beer around the fire.
Whether you are opting for a ‘Just Us’ elopement experience or looking to incorporate some of your very nearest and dearest, an Airbnb elopement or property rental can be an amazing way to create your day (or several days!) your way.
Some of the reasons you might choose an Airbnb elopement
- Great home base for all the elopement festivities!
- Back-up location in bad weather. Cozy place to wait out a little rain, or pop back in to dry off, or plan B when it just won’t let up.
- Cozy or stylish aesthetic, and little need for extensive decorating.
- Central location within range of activities – perhaps hiking trails, nearby waterfall, meadow for a picnic, local brewery, heli-tour or hot air balloon, whatever you dream up!
- Option for a mini-moon/extended stay following your elopement.
- An Airbnb elopement is comfortable and cozy – have a nap mid-day, sip coffee on the deck, wind down in front of the fire or in the hot tub.
- A way to include and ensure the comfort of older and/or less mobile friends and family.
- An Airbnb elopement is super cost effective when you think about everything you’re getting – A weekend getaway, possibly a venue for ceremony and/or dinner, first look/photo locations, space to get ready, etc.
- Great option if you want to have a ‘Just Us’ adventure, but also include friends and family on your elopement day.
- Intimate & personal experience.
How do you plan to utilize your Airbnb for your elopement?
Your answer to this question will influence the kind of property you will seek out and the types of questions you will need to ask the host.
- Will you get ready on-site. And are you hoping to do a first look on-site/nearby?
- Are there special amenities that would add to the experience, like a hot tub, pool, large deck, or fire pit?
- Do you want to be within range of other specific activities?
- Do you want to have your ceremony on-site (an actual Airbnb elopement)
- Do you want to host a dinner or a gathering?
- Will friends and family be staying with you? How many?
In general, if you are planning to bring together friends and family for your Airbnb elopement, and host a ceremony and/or small reception, you will have more logistics to consider and more difficulty getting approval. But there are options out there!
Logistics to consider + Questions for the Host
1. Get Permission
Airbnb and VBRO are awesome because you are working with real people and their homes. I love staying in Airbnbs because they feel like a home away from home. It’s because they are. They are literally people’s homes and you can feel the love and care that a homeowner has put into their property. If you are approved to have an Airbnb elopement, it’s so important you respect the rules of the home, property and local community.
Send a message to the Airbnb host and ask permission. Be honest about your intentions, while keeping in mind the hosts point of view. The host is likely wary of the words wedding or party because they conjure up stereotypical visions of a DJ dance party or late night rager. So rather than say you want to host a wedding reception, explain that you are eloping in a very small ceremony nearby and just wish to invite a handful of friends and family back for dinner (of course staying honest to your intentions).
2. Parking
Depending on the number of people invited, be sure to scope out the parking situation and how many cars are permitted on the property.
3. Indoor and Outdoor Space
If people will be gathering, consider both the indoor and outdoor space. Look for locations that have large comfortable decks, or a flat grassy area. And in case of bad weather, can guests comfortably gather indoors?
4. Bathrooms Available
If people will be gathering, ensure that there are ample/working bathrooms to accommodate. A group of 15 plus a single bathroom on septic with old piping could equal a recipe for disaster.
5. Location (proximity to activities, airport, or other accommodations)
You may have found your dream, bucket-list listing, but before you book, make sure you consider the ease and accessibility of location. Are you within an hour of your planned activities and the ceremony location? Are there other possible/available accommodations nearby for friends and family? Located nearby an airport if you or other are flying in? Can vendors reach the location?
6. Vendors
What will be needed to bring your dream elopement to life? A private chef? A food truck? Décor installation or table set-up? What will those vendors need access to – a kitchen, electrical, parking area, etc. You will need to ensure the host is onboard and the property can accommodate the additional needs.
7. Aesthetic/Decor
Consider the aesthetic of the rental. Does it fit the vibe you are looking for? One great thing about a home rental is that they are often beautifully designed and have a feel that is true to the location. Use the existing aesthetic and work from there. A simple tablescape and some florals might be all you need to bring your vision to life. Whatever you do, respect the home. Use coasters, cover tables, do not hang items or make any permanent changes (no matter how small). Return everything to its original place.
8. Photography Ready/Permitted
Are lovely there views on the property or nearby? Does the home let in ample window light? Does the host allow photography and if so, are there additional fees? All questions you’ll want to consider.
Planning a 'Just Us' Airbnb Elopement Experience
Then the opportunities are endless! You can pretty much go anywhere you want to go and choose the bucket list Airbnb of your dreams. And I mean that! Wanna stay in a castle, a hobbit hole, an arctic igloo under the stars, a treehouse, a cabin in the woods, a seaside cottage? You get the idea, truly endless.
Best Washington/PNW listings by location
I’ve put together a handy resource with some of the best options that Airbnb has to offer throughout Washington (and beyond).. There’s something for everyone here – whether you’re dreaming of a treehouse for two deep in the woods for a very personal Airbnb elopement, or a luxurious castle whose halls and sweeping grounds can host a few handfuls of your nearest and dearest, or a lodge that could host a micro-wedding of 30.
BE SURE TO CONTACT THE AIRBNB HOST AND VERIFY ALL RULES TO MAKE SURE A PROPERTY IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT BEFORE BOOKING.
San Juan Islands
The Cascades
Mt. Rainier National Park
Cozy River Cabin at Mt. Rainier
Packwood, WA
Sleeps 6 – Classic A-Frame in the Woods + Riverfront
Riverfront Cabin Near Rainier
Ashford, WA
Sleeps 6 – Beautiful grounds + deck over a creek
Olympic National Park
Elwha River House near Olympic National Park
Port Angeles, WA
Sleeps 7 – Huge Riverfront Property
Thompson Point Retreat
Port Angeles, WA
Sleeps 10 – Lakefront + Large Deck + Dock on Lake Cresent
Bluff Haven
Port Angeles, WA
Sleeps 10 – Beachfront + Fire Pit + Stunning Outdoor Space
I wrote a comprehensive guide to eloping in the the Olympic National Park. Everything you need to know – the best locations, when to elope, accommodations, vendors, venues, permits, all of your questions answered! Check it out HERE
Columbia River Gorge
Underground Hygge Earth House
Orondo, WA
Sleeps 2 – Perfect for a ‘Just Us’ Elopement Experience
Skamania Getaway at Beacon Rock
Skamania, WA
Sleeps 4 – Stunning property that can accommodate ceremony + small reception
The Griffin House on the Columbia River Gorge
Hood River, OR
Sleeps 8 – Sweeping Gorge views + Romantic Aesthetic + Weddings and Elopements allowed for added fee
Off the Grid and 40′ Up (Tree House/Lookout)
Tiller, OR
Sleeps 4 – Epic Views + Hot Hub + Unique Experience
Some other worth a look!
Luxurious Arlington Castle
Arlington, WA
Sleeps 16 – Ornate Castle + Sweeping Grounds + Stone Patio
Emerald Forest Treehouse
Redmond, WA
Sleeps 4 – 100″ Projector + Hot Tub + Onsite Zipline
Treehouse Point
Fall City, WA
Fairytale Grounds and a treehouse retreat that can lodge up to 20
Hopefully you found this article helpful and you are ready to dig in and start planning your own Airbnb elopement experience!
Looking for some more guidance to plan your dream elopement experience.
I also wrote a Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Eloping in Washington! Check it out HERE
