Image by From Moonlight. See more of this real Airbnb wedding here

Whether you’re searching for something unique for your micro wedding or you just want an unexpected location, Airbnbs make a great venue option. Rental properties offer so many benefits that most traditional wedding venues simply can’t, including a cozy atmosphere, flexibility when it comes to your wedding vendors, and a place to sleep when the party is over. An Airbnb wedding is a great option for couples who want an at-home feel without having to host their wedding in their own home.

Here are our top tips to help make your Airbnb wedding unforgettable:

• Find an Airbnb that allows weddings
• Expand your search to include nearby properties
• Embrace the aesthetic of the home for the overall design
• Make it your own with a captivating installation
• Use the entire property for the ceremony and reception

Read on for more important information about these tips and five more tips!

Image by Avonné Photography. See more of this wedding inspiration here.

1. Find an Airbnb that allows weddings

Before getting your heart set on a location, you need to find rental properties that explicitly state they are available for weddings. Unfortunately, not all properties are. Even if you’re having a micro wedding with just a handful of people, you must ensure that the owner is okay with an event being hosted in their home. If there’s nothing in the description that says weddings or events are allowed, check the house rules of the property. If it’s still unclear, contact the host directly to ask if a wedding is allowed.

Recommended Reading: The Best Airbnb Wedding Venues in Every State

2. Expand your search to include nearby properties

One of the best things about using a rental property for your wedding is that you have the opportunity to rent the house, and the surrounding area as well. Many Airbnb listings that are approved for events have properties that either share outdoor spaces or are close enough so your family and/or wedding party can stay nearby. If you’re planning an elopement–for example–you could find a property with two houses that share a courtyard and rent both–one for you and one for the vendors you might need on hand. If you’re planning a larger wedding, you could find a villa with surrounding bungalows or small homes and rent them all, like a hotel block.

Image by Map + Compass photography

3. Embrace the vibe of the home for your overall design

When you’re searching for an Airbnb to host your wedding, don’t forget to take into account the décor and the vibe of the home to make sure it matches your style–or the style you want to create. Then lean in and fully embrace it for your big day. You’ll save so much time and money by using what’s already there. If you love the idea of a formal dinner party, try to find a home with a grand dining room to which you can add an elegant tablescape design. If you’re more of an outdoorsy couple, take the party outside and use the natural landscape as your backdrop.

4. Make it your own with a captivating installation

Even if you decide to use the existing decor in the house, we highly recommend that you add your personal flair with an eye-catching installation. Some examples are a beautiful ceremony arch, a floral installation, or even a light installation over the reception tables. It doesn’t need to be extravagant. You just want to add something memorable to reflect your personal style and to make the space feel more like “you.”

Image by Sadi Brooke

5. Use the entire property for the ceremony and reception

One way to make the most of your Airbnb is to use all the indoor and outdoor space you can. For example, you could set up the ceremony in the backyard and have the reception in the dining room. Or, you could reverse it and set up the ceremony in a cozy living area and party alfresco style. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use as much space as possible so guests feel like they have room to move. And don’t forget to make sure there are plenty of pretty backgrounds for your couple portraits–indoor or outdoor.

6. Ask if the host has a list of recommended vendors

Some rental properties, especially large ones that host a lot of events, have a list of vendors they’ve worked with in the past. It’s a great idea to ask the host if they have vendors they trust who specialize in rental property weddings.

Image by Aimlee Photography. See more of this real elopement here.

7. Hire a mobile bar

One trend we’re totally in love with–and is ideal for home weddings–is a mobile bar. It’s compact, convenient, and cute, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. A mobile bar takes up very little space and allows you to hire everything you need for the bar all with one company.

8. For larger weddings, consider extra facilities to keep everyone comfortable

When researching properties, one very important thing that most people forget is the facilities. Are there enough restrooms to accommodate your guest list? If not, you should consider supplementing with rentals. There are so many options for upscale portable toilet trailers that provide a comfortable experience, including lighting, mirrors, sinks, and—most importantly—more space than traditional port-o-potties.

You can even add a personal, homey touch by adding a small amenities kit to each bathroom with breath fresheners, Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, cotton balls, and safety pins. Trust us, this will save a lot of headaches on the day of–and some potential fees after checkout!

Image by  Tayler Ashley Photography

9. Ask friends and family to stay with you

If you’re having an intimate wedding, one way to make it feel extra special–and take advantage of the unique rental property venue–is to ask your closest friends and family to stay with you the night before the wedding. This would be a great opportunity for one last girls’ or guys’ night, or to spend some quality time with a group of family you might not get to see all the time.

10. Don’t be afraid to go big or small

When people think of Airbnb weddings, they usually think of intimate celebrations. However, there are so many large properties for rent these days. So, whether you want an elopement-style wedding day with just you and your witnesses or you want a huge affair with all your family and friends, you can certainly find a rental property to accommodate your vision.

Ready to book your Airbnb wedding? Check out the best Airbnb wedding venues in every state!

Image by Tida Svy Photography