Colorado Airbnb Wedding
how to have a
updated for 2024
planning a colorado airbnb wedding
Getting married at an Airbnb was made popular in 2020 following Covid wedding restrictions. Airbnb weddings are amazing because they can allow you and your guests the ability to stay on site. This means so much more flexibility for your day! Airbnb weddings are often more stress-free, perfect for an easy going couple. If you are looking to have an Airbnb wedding in Colorado– I'd love to be your photographer!
UPDATE for 2024: Airbnb has unfortunately banned all events. However, VRBO is still allowing weddings and events. Some Airbnb's do have separate listings for their homes off site, so you might be able reach out directly rather than booking through Airbnb.
Once you have a date and location, it's time to secure the rest of your vendors.
secure your vendors
There are so many Airbnb's to choose from, if you book with me, I'll help you find the perfect spot!
CHOOSE An airbnb
Your photographer will be able to help you location scout and plan, so it's best to secure them early!
book photographer
Chat about your priorities with your partner– budget, how many guests, etc.
start planning
Your license must be both signed in CO within 35 days from the date of issue and must be returned for recording within 63 days.
sign & return license
the process
start the planning process
Some questions to ask yourselves:
- Do you want guests at your wedding?
- Do you want to stay on-site?
- Do you want to get ready together?
- Are you having your ceremony at the Airbnb?
- Do you want to have a reception after your ceremony?
find your photographer
When choosing your photographer, ask some of these questions:
- How long have you been photographing weddings?
- What part do you play in helping us plan and scout?
- Do you have vendor and location recommendations?
- How would you describe your photography style?
choose aN Airbnb
Here are a few factors to consider when selecting your venue:
- What is your budget?
- Do they have an event fee? (Sometimes this can be upwards of $3000! So make sure to take that into account when considering your budget)
- Do they allow off-site guests? Or is the occupancy just folks staying on-site?
- Where will your ceremony take place?
- Is there a rain plan?
- Do they allow tents?
- What are the noise ordinances?
- What are the hours of use?
- What is the parking situation like?
- Is there room for catering and other vendors?
secure your colorado vendors
Some vendors to consider for your wedding day:
- Planner
- Florist
- Officiant
- Private chef
- Hair and/or Makeup Artist
sign & return your marriage license
Here's the detailed breakdown:
- Fill out an application online here.
- Schedule an appointment online at your selected courthouse. Make sure you bring with you: A valid ID (passport, drivers license), Social Security Numbers, and $30.
- Your license is good for 35 days.
- Return in person or by mail to the county clerk who issued it within 63 days. And don't forget to make a few certified copies while there, they cost $1.25!
Colorado airbnb wedding portfolio
some of my favorite
Colorado airbnb Wedding Venues
As a Colorado wedding photographer, I've been to a lot of Colorado Airbnb weddings and venues! Colorado has a wide variety of different wedding Airbnbs, from A-frame cabins to large mountain chateaus. Whatever your vision is, Colorado will likely have an Airbnb that you'll love!
apache ranch
silverthorne
This venue is located just outside of Silverthorne, there are tons of great restaurants and breweries nearby. This venue can be booked with lodging or in off-season for ceremony only!
Wapiti
Steamboat springs
This venue is about 1.5 hours from Steamboat but is easy access to tons of open space. The property is private and filled with wildflowers and aspen trees.
mountain refuge
la plata
This Southwest Colorado Airbnb wedding venue is situated on a private pond and surrounded by evergreens. It is the perfect spot for intimate elopements or larger 50 person gatherings.
Colorado springs
This is the venue I'm getting married at! This spot has sweeping views of Pikes Peak and has plenty of space for you and 20 of your guests to stay on-site.
Summit
river ranch
silverthorne
This venue was a top contender for my wedding day because of the beautiful open space and charming river running throughout. There is room for 24 guests to stay on site.
Stagecoach
ouray
This beautiful log cabin home has room for 8 guests and allows a whopping 99 person wedding occupancy, making it the perfect spot for your larger Airbnb wedding venue!
Lake front
pagosa springs
This rustic lakefront Airbnb is situated, literally lake front. It is in a neighborhood which limits the ability for noise and later evening gatherings. But it is a beautiful home in a beautiful area!
castles ranch
aspen
This Airbnb and Lodge is incredibly unique, with some of the coolest landscapes I've ever seen. There are several different lodging options, a river and hottub.
rivercrest
south forks
This lodge style venue has tons of space and lodging for you and all your guests. There are hot tubs and a river running throughout, not to mention a gorgeous cliff face and meadow backdrop.
When is the Best Time for a colorado airbnb wedding?
Colorado temperatures vary greatly from season to season (and even day to day!!) Here are some weather related tips for your Colorado elopement.
Summer is one of my favorite times to photograph in Colorado because the weather is so predictable. Temperatures are relatively mild (especially comparing it to Texas, my home state!)
Spring can be colder than you might think! Especially if you're wanting to go into the mountains. And there might not be as many flowers and fauna since it takes longer for the winter ice to melt.
Fall has the most gorgeous colors, but it comes and goes quickly! Fall is my favorite season in Colorado. The orange and yellow leaves are absolutely magical. But Fall can come and go quickly. Sometimes those gorgeous leaves only last a week. But if you plan it right (and with a little luck) your wedding would be stunning.
Winter can be freezing or mild. Winter in Colorado is always a toss up. It can be frigid or mild. Always plan for it being cold. (Layers, proper transportation, etc.)
my take...
When would I plan a Colorado Airbnb wedding? Go with Summer or Fall! If you're wanting those gorgeous fall colors, aim for late September. Luckily though, Colorado is beautiful all year round– you really can't go wrong!
who to invite to your Colorado airbnb wedding
Choosing who to invite to their wedding is probably the biggest stressors for couples eloping or having an intimate wedding. But at the end of the day, you are choosing to have a non-traditional, unique and authentic experience with just you and your partner– so you should do whatever feels best to you.
Some things to consider if you choose to invite friends and family:
1. Is everyone on your list fully onboard with your decision to marry your partner? Are they fully onboard with your vision to have a small wedding and the way you see your day?
2. Would it be impactful to you to have some of your guests hear your vows? Or is that something you want to be private and intimate?
3. Is there anyone on your guest list who you're concerned will hijack your day? Make it about them? Provide any unnecessary stress and anxiety for you?
4. Does your Airbnb location have a capacity limit? Will you be able to have the day you've envisioned with X number of people or will you need to adjust your vision to invite more people?
5. How will travel and lodging work? Will you need additional resources to include more people?
Remember, this day is about you and your partner. There is no right or wrong answer! I want you to have the best day ever that fully is the day you've envisioned. You've likely chosen to have an Airbnb wedding because you want to break free of the stress and norms of a big wedding. So stick with your guns and choose the day that is right for you!
COLORADO airbnb wedding vendors
With a smaller wedding, your vendor list will likely be smaller than those planning a traditional wedding, but you're still going to want the dream team of wedding vendors! Here are some of my favorite hair and makeup artists, videographers, officiants and florists.
The proof is in the pudding!
112 five star reviews and counting!
"Leah was simply AMAZING! From the engagement shoot to the bridal portraits and the wedding she went out of her way to make everything perfect! Her kind heart and outstanding professionalism made working with her so easy. Leah isn’t there to just capture pictures, she is there to capture moments and emotions that will last a lifetime. If you are looking for a photographer, your search is over. Don’t pass this girl up!"
- Katie G.
let's work together!
Contact Us!
I'm so excited to hear more about your vision! Send me a message and I'll get back to you within 24-48 hours!
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Pricing Guide
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Are airbnb weddings allowed?
Weddings are no longer allowed when booked directly through Airbnb. I recommend reaching out to the venue owner directly or going through VRBO. All of the venues I recommend have been researched recently and do allow events ranging in size.
frequently asked questions
+ Reach out to the owner directly on your booking site of choice.
+ Inform them you're interested in booking them for a wedding.
+ Expect to pay an event fee anywhere from $500-$3000.
+ Get everything in writing!
How do i get married at an airbnb?
I provide a guide with all my favorite Airbnb, VRBO and lodge style venues, but all communication, booking, etc. is done by you. My guide does have capacity, location, rules/regulations and the event fees to save you time in your search! And let's be honest, the searching is usually the hardest part!
Will you help with booking?
Some venues do allow pets, but this is something you should definitely clear with the owners beforehand and expect to pay some sort of pet fee.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Again, check with the owners! But most venues that allow events will also allow for rentals and the like to be brought in.
CAN I HAVE AN ARCH OR BRING IN ADDITIONAL SEATING?
Colorado is beautiful all year round and it totally depends on the vibe you're going for! Check out the above info on my suggested times.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A COLORADO AIRBNB WEDDING?
The choice to have a non-traditional wedding venue does come with risks inclement weather. But Colorado weather passes quite quickly, there have been times when I’ve had a wedding with torrential rain and hail and in 30 minutes it has completely cleared and been sunny and beautiful. To reduce the risk of afternoon showers (which are incredibly prevalent in Colorado) have a morning ceremony! In the event of rain I have 15+ clear umbrellas for you and your guests. But remember, rain or shine, you’re getting married!!
WHAT IF IT RAINS ON OUR WEDDING DAY?
I am located in Denver, Colorado. But I will travel wherever! Lodging fees do apply if your location is more than 2 hours away. I offer discounted rates for certain "bucket list" wedding locations.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? DO YOU TRAVEL?
My style is a mix of photojournalistic and traditional. I love capturing candid moments, the authentic smiles, the natural tears, the goofy glances— all the things that make your wedding authentically you. But I also want to make sure that you get the shots you've been waiting for. I want you to have the classic images of you and your partner seeing each other for the first time, or your first dance, or just a big family photo that your mom will display in her home.
WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
Yaaaaas!! I’m so excited for you! For next steps, send me a message! I’ll help you every step along the way, from sending you potential Airbnb venues to finding the perfect photo locations. I am your photographer and your guide!
I’M SOLD! I WANT AN AIRBNB WEDDING! WHAT NEXT?
