Perks: Private pool, patio dining area, butler and bartender service
Cabo San Lucas is the place to be for those craving a destination wedding, and this five-bedroom villa ensures that you have everything you need for a day to remember, from an optional butler and concierge service to transport to and from the airport for your guests. The home itself has a beautifully manicured lawn and modern poolscape leading to a sandy beach that would make a desktop-worthy backdrop for wedding photos. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame your tropical surroundings (one side of the living area faces the sea, and the other faces a reflecting pool next to a twinkle-light-lit tree). With an outdoor dining area that’s primed for dinners, plus proximity to nearby golf courses and restaurants, your wedding day could easily turn into an extended getaway. From $7,842 per night.
Things to consider when choosing an Airbnb wedding venue
Before we jump into the best Airbnb wedding venues, let’s go over some of the basics. Unlike more traditional wedding venues, Airbnbs are not likely to have a planner fine-tuning on-site logistics or corralling reception chairs or tables. If you’re opting for an intimate wedding with a small guest list, this may not be an issue. On the other hand, those expecting a crowd for the wedding ceremony might want to call in a furniture rental company and bring their own wedding planner.
The beauty of an Airbnb wedding is that you’re not pressured to hire a specific catering company (something that some venues require when you sign an event contract). You could hire a private chef, order takeout from your favorite restaurant, host a potluck, or even take on the dinner prep yourself (or assign the task to the home chef in your wedding party).
Find the best photo locations by scouting out the Airbnb grounds in advance, taking care to pay attention to spots soaked in natural light. Better yet, ask a loved one to be in charge of creating a photo op list, complete with who should be in each shot. This will save you the stress of having to shuffle everyone around instead of enjoying your moment.
What is Airbnb’s rule on parties and weddings?
First things first: Tell your Airbnb host upfront that you’re planning to have a wedding in the space. Some Airbnb rentals are especially accommodating for celebrations with a substantial guest list, so you’ll want to seek out a listing that leans more event space than living quarters. Look for a large rental—like a barn or a city loft—if you’re heading in this direction.
In August 2020, Airbnb enacted a party ban for all listings, including a capacity limit of 16 guests for each rental (you can read more about this here). They have since codified this ban to protect the homes from damage and the surrounding neighborhood from party noise. That said, there is no specific language around weddings. It’s safe to say you should look elsewhere if you’re planning an all-out rager, but if you’re looking for a quiet wedding with a handful of guests, Airbnb has options.
