15 North American Airbnb Ideas for the Ultimate Small Wedding
These neighboring urban, outdoor, and suburban venues will be the perfect locations for future ceremonies.
Choosing a home rental over a hotel is for the jet-setter who's not afraid to travel the long way, exploring a destination from a locals' point of view. As such, hosting your wedding at an Airbnb can showcase your sense of adventure. We will travel again, but you don't have to leave the country to find your next otherworldly experience—and do so safely, with COVID-19 precautions in mind even once travel becomes more feasible.
Choosing one of these rentals for your big day will prove that wanderlust isn't always so far-flung, and weddings are no less special with a small guest list. Here, we've gathered 15 Airbnbs that are perfect for your destination wedding, stateside and nearby. From a penthouse in Chicago to an ocean-front retreat in the Caribbean, small weddings at these homes promise to be intimate, cost-effective, and safe for celebrating your nuptials once your nearest and dearest have isolated, been tested, and are ready to celebrate alongside you.
A few tips for throwing your wedding at a rental property:
- Ensure the state you are planning on visiting has been green-lit for travel by the CDC. Understand the state's paperwork, testing, and policies before you schedule any event, site-visit, or book any travel.
- Don't forget to ask questions—your host (as well as your planner and designer) will likely have excellent recommendations for local caterers, floral designers, musicians, and more.
- Consult a seasoned wedding planner. A home rental comes with protocol, policies, and rules that need to be followed—and you'll want an advocate in the planning process.
- Before booking, let your host know you're planning a wedding. They'll likely be extra accommodating when it comes to production on-the-ground and share extra intel you'll need to know pre-booking to avoid added costs.
Malibu, California
Sleeps: 10
Bedrooms: 5
Why We Love It: The location alone is a winner–who wouldn't want to enjoy cocktails as the sun sets here? This rental comes with four bedrooms and a guest house, making it ideal for an intimate wedding. While it may seem remote, Malibu Pier and Westlake Village are just minutes away from a plethora of outdoor activities. We suggest you hike, lounge by the pool, and enjoy intimate dinners with your closest family and friends before exchanging vows with the stunning landscape as your backdrop.
Glenbrook, Nevada
Sleeps: 16
Bedrooms: 6
Why We Love It: Sometimes a great view is all you need. Shy of South Lake Tahoe, this fantastic home combines the best of two seasons: beachfront in the summer, and nearby ski access in the winter. Have your guests cozy up to the fireplace while taking in the fantastic views in the evening and at breakfast, then spend the day on the shore or the slopes, depending on the time of year you choose.
St. John, Virgin Islands
Sleeps: 14
Bedrooms: 7
Why We Love It: You won't even need your passport to take a quick flight, and enjoy perpetual summer in paradise. Considered the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is located east of St. Thomas and is known for having some of the bluest waters on Earth. Nestled over Denis Bay and the Sir Francis Drake Passage, this overlook retreat is perfect for sun chasers, and for those looking to host an epic (yet intimate) destination affair.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Sleeps: 10
Bedrooms: 6
Why We Love It: This Nantucket rental is designed by architect Lyman S. Perry and summons classic New England vibes in each of its rooms. Lounge in the main house, or stay in one of the cottages; spend your time by the infinity pool and enjoy alfresco dining before the big day. Then, set up your ceremony and reception on the grounds.
Jan Thiel, Curaçao
Sleeps: 9
Bedrooms: 5
Why We Love It: From Jan Thiel Beach (where a row of beach clubs and trendy boutiques fill the streets) to The Aloe Vera Plantation, this island is full of activities for you and your guests to enjoy. Planning an intimate wedding at villa Bista riba Laman is a great way to enjoy upscale leisure with an island twist—it's the ideal hideaway for you and your loved ones to escape and celebrate.
Southampton, New York
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Why We Love It: It's not hard to see why someone would want to skip the city and head out East—especially if you're planning a wedding here. Each space in this 0.4-acre property carries a Hampton sophistication that keeps New Yorkers flocking in the summer. Pro tip: rent this property in warmer months only so you can enjoy its chic pools, preferably with a fancy little cocktail, in the days before your ceremony (and at brunch the morning after).
Chicago, Illinois
Sleeps: 16
Bedrooms: 5
Why We Love It: Built-in 1897, this urban palace is equipped to handle a small group with its five bedrooms, two kitchens, two living rooms, and laundry rooms. If you're looking for a home-away-from-home feel, this property gives you all the perks of the city, with staycation vibes.
Teton Village, Wyoming
Sleeps: 10
Bedrooms: 3
Why We Love It: Calling all ski lovers—this snowy chalet is close to Jackson Hole, which makes for a fun day trip with your wedding guests. Fish Creek Lodge 8 was designed using rustic and traditional decor elements in a modern way. If you and your loved ones enjoy the snowy outdoors, and you're hoping to wed with snowcaps as your backdrop, this rental is for you.
Topanga, California
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Why We Love It: If you enjoy the mixture of incredible scenery with an urban backdrop and super modern design, this rental is your ideal wedding venue. Made for smaller groups, what this venue lacks in size, it makes up for in superior taste.
Pāhoa, Hawaii
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
Why We Love It: This tiny house rental isn't for every type of bride, and that's okay. It's made for the rugged adventure seeker, and the couple looking to elope for a celebration of just two. This home offers impressive views and an almost Mars-like backdrop—it is, after all, located near an active volcano.
Palm Springs, California
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Why We Love It: Arthur Elrod was known as the 'design king of the desert.' This home, located not too far from Elrod House, looks exactly like it did in the '60s. This is for the couple looking for an authentic midcentury modern escape—with the best mountain views to boot.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Sleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 3
Why We Love It: We may need to wait a bit before heading to Canada, but when the borders open up—this is where you should consider wedding. Totem Chalet sits on Blueberry Hill adjacent to Whistler Village and is all about the sublime scenery. Case in point: Every floor of this property has views of the Blackcomb mountains, so you'll have ample options when deciding where to stay, where to exchange your vows, and where to host a dinner party for the ages.
Napa, California
Sleeps: 16
Bedrooms: 17
Why We Love It: Arranging a small event still requires a planner, but it's far more simple when you have full-time staff, a private chef, and a housekeeping team at your disposal. Equipped with 17 bedrooms, this Napa Valley estate is perfect for a slightly larger group after the finest food and wine.
Key Largo, Florida
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 3
Why We Love It: Trust us: there is nothing more relaxing than shoreline living. Located in the Florida Keys, one of the great things about this rental is that you can use the nearby Playa Largo Resort & Spa amenities. Just minutes away, you can dine at Sol by the Sea for some of the freshest seafood around. If your wedding party is feeling adventurous, check out quirky Rain Barrel Village for some local art, or opt for a habitat tour of Key Largo with Playa Largo's environmentalist.
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