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How to Plan an Airbnb or VRBO Wedding in Virginia
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Why an Airbnb or VRBO Might be the Perfect Wedding Venue
Airbnb and VRBO rentals can be an amazing way to host an intimate Virginia wedding or elopement reception. From cozy mountain cabins in Shenandoah to elegant country estates near Charlottesville, these homes offer private spaces for dinner parties, dancing, and celebrating with your closest friends and family.
Finding the perfect property takes a little research, though. Most platforms have guidelines around gatherings. Airbnb, for example, restricts parties to 16 people or fewer, and they take these rules seriously to prevent disruptions to neighbors. VRBO also has policies in place, so it’s important to review each listing carefully before booking.
The good news? Most intimate weddings and elopement receptions—focused on a dinner, cake, and celebration—fall well within these rules. The bad news? Larger groups may require extra planning or communication with the host to ensure your celebration is allowed.
If you have your heart set on a particular property for a group larger than 16, reach out to the host directly. Many larger homes in Virginia are cross-listed on multiple platforms, and some may offer flexibility for small, private events. With a little planning, your Airbnb or VRBO wedding can be the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day.
Why work with me?
I’ve photographed countless Virginia elopements and Airbnb weddings, from Shenandoah mountaintops to riverside cabins. I know the best homes, the hidden photo spots, and how to plan a day that flows naturally while capturing authentic, breathtaking images. I guide couples through every detail so you can focus on each other and your experience, not the logistics.
If you’re planning a Virginia Airbnb or VRBO wedding, I can help you find the perfect property, craft a stress-free timeline, and make sure your day is unforgettable. Let’s plan your intimate Virginia wedding together!
Want to see what your airbnb wedding might look like? Check out this intimate celebration at an Airbnb outside of Shenandoah National Park
Airbnb vs. VRBO: Which Is Better for Your Virginia Wedding?
When planning an Airbnb or VRBO wedding in Virginia, it’s important to understand the differences between the two platforms—especially when it comes to hosting events.
Airbnb Restrictions
Airbnb has strict rules limiting gatherings to 16 people or fewer and bans all “disruptive parties or events.” These policies are enforced to protect neighborhoods and prevent issues with noise or safety. While most intimate elopements fall well within these limits, larger weddings or receptions may require extra communication with the host—or may not be allowed at all.
Why VRBO Can Be Easier for Weddings
VRBO is generally more flexible when it comes to hosting events. Many VRBO hosts openly allow small weddings, elopements, and private receptions, which can make planning a Virginia Airbnb or VRBO wedding much simpler.
Direct Booking Can Unlock Bigger Options
Some properties listed on Airbnb or VRBO may also offer direct booking options for events. For example, “Spotswood Lodge” appears on Airbnb, but if you visit their official website, they offer wedding and elopement packages for up to 75 guests. Booking directly with a host like this can give you access to larger homes, private amenities, and more flexibility than booking through Airbnb or VRBO alone. Additionally, booking directly with the host often eliminates platform service fees and can result in a slightly better nightly rate.
Key Takeaway:
For couples planning a Virginia elopement or small wedding, VRBO or direct booking is often the easier route. You’ll have fewer restrictions, more control over your space, and a smoother experience overall—perfect for creating a private, unforgettable celebration.
How to Search VRBO for Wedding-Friendly Rentals
To search VRBO for an event-friendly place simply input your location and dates (or leave this part blank if your date is flexible) and then click on filters. Scroll down until you see “house rules” and click the box labeled “events allowed.” This will automatically filter out all the properties that don’t allow events.
However, typically this will reduce your search volume by about two-thirds so if you don’t find anything you like, unclick the button and start reaching out to other hosts. Some have hard-and-fast rules – absolutely no events. But some are open to intimate weddings, though they don’t advertise this. In either case, there is nothing lost, and maybe something gained, by asking.
For example this property does not come up under events allowed, but I shot a family-only intimate wedding there in 2021 with the owner’s knowledge and permission.
Okay, moving on.
There are three things I look for when perusing vacation rental homes for my clients.
- Aesthetics
- Rain plan
- Outdoor space
Finding a Home with the Right Aesthetic
When planning a Virginia Airbnb wedding or intimate elopement, the look of your rental matters—for both comfort and photography. Many mountain homes have a “cabin” vibe with exposed beams and wood walls. While cozy and beautiful in person, these warm tones can make photos look orange or dark without extensive lighting setups.
For the best photos, I recommend choosing rentals with neutral interior colors. Homes painted in soft whites, creams, or muted tones allow natural light to shine and make portraits look fresh, bright, and timeless. This ensures your images capture the beauty of your day without artificial lighting distractions.
Make Sure the Rental Can Work as a “Rainy Day” Plan
Even in Virginia’s most beautiful locations, weather is unpredictable. Whether you’re planning an elopement or a small Airbnb wedding, it’s important to have a rainy day plan. Some guests—grandparents, kids, or anyone who doesn’t love being soaked—may need indoor space for comfort.
When evaluating a property, ask yourself: Is there enough indoor space for a ceremony or reception if the weather turns? Rentals with flexible indoor areas ensure your day can continue seamlessly, rain or shine, while keeping everyone comfortable.
Look for Rentals with Ample Outdoor Space
Outdoor space is a top priority for couples planning an intimate Virginia wedding. Many couples like to do a private sunrise first-look at Shenandoah National Park or another scenic spot, then return to their rental for the ceremony and reception.
Here’s why:
- A private first-look gives you time alone as a couple and creates stunning mountaintop portraits.
- Hosting the ceremony at your rental avoids the logistical challenges of large groups at parks, including permits for 15+ guests, limited cell coverage, and potential rain complications.
Most couples doing both the ceremony and reception at a rental prefer all-outdoor celebrations. For that reason, pick a property with ample flat space around the home. Avoid homes on steep or tiny lots, like many at Charlottesville-area ski resorts (Massanutten, Wintergreen), which often only have room for the house and parking. Large decks can work, but ideally, you’ll want spacious lawns or patios that can accommodate a ceremony, seating, and an outdoor reception.
Choosing the right Virginia Airbnb or VRBO with both aesthetic appeal and functional indoor/outdoor space ensures your wedding day flows smoothly, looks incredible, and can adapt to any weather.
A Few Final Tips
Remember the home-base house you choose as the backdrop of your wedding ceremony and reception does not have to be the house every single one of your guests stays in.
Some properties have multiple houses on site, which can be perfect if you have one house filled with younger folk and one with parents who may want to go to bed a little earlier.
Some properties will allow you to have visitors come on site for the ceremony and dinner (although some definitely do not allow this, so make sure you check before booking).
And some houses actually are big enough for everyone to hang out together.
If you are having trouble finding a place, consider being more flexible with your dates. You’ll have a lot more options on weekdays than you will on weekends – especially during “high traffic” times of the year like the leaf-changing season.
Step by Step Guide for Searching for Your Rental
Step 1. Go to a platform like airbnb.com or vrbo.com and input the number of guests you want to stay with you and the general location. The more people you add, the fewer options you will have. So if you are having no luck, consider booking two houses that are close together.
Step 2. If you have flexible dates, leave the dates blank when searching. That will allow you to see everything that is available for your party size.
Step 3. Look carefully through all of the pictures. What are the aesthetics of the home? Is it wood or painted? Is there enough room somewhere for you to hold everything inside or in a sheltered spot (i.e., a pavilion) in the event of bad weather? Is there enough space outdoors for a ceremony?
Step 4. Make a list of the places you like and type out a general inquiry. Inquire after every single property you are interested in – even if they don’t explicitly allow events. The worst they can say is no. See if there is a direct website for the listing somewhere. That will allow you to bypass Airbnb fees and may give you more flexibility with having an “event” on site.
Step 5. Make sure your photographer is available on the dates you chose and then go ahead! Book your beautiful vacation rental and photographer. There, done, boom.
A Few Additional Vacation Rental Platforms
VRBO and Airbnb definitely have a corner on the vacation rental market, it’s also worth checking out this site, which has a few additional properties in the Charlottesville area:
https://www.staycharlottesville.com/
Also booking.com has some vacation rentals – simply filter by property type > vacation homes to see those.
Planning an Airbnb or VRBO wedding in Virginia can feel overwhelming, but with the right property and a little guidance, it can also be one of the most memorable, stress-free days of your life. From finding the perfect home to capturing every authentic, intimate moment, I’m here to help you every step of the way. If you’re ready to start planning your Virginia elopement or small wedding, check out my elopement pricing page and book me today—let’s make your dream day a reality!
