The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married at a Rental Home in Colorado
There’s something magical about gathering your favorite people under one roof, in a beautiful mountain setting, and turning a weekend getaway into your wedding celebration. That’s the charm of getting married at a rental home in Colorado. It’s intimate. It’s personal. It’s different from the traditional venue route. But it’s also a little more complicated than just clicking “Book Now” on Airbnb or Vrbo. That’s why we’re going to walk through everything you need to know before you start dreaming about that first toast on the back deck.
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Why choose a rental home
Rental homes, whether you find them on Airbnb, Vrbo, or through a private listing, can be perfect for micro weddings and elopements. Imagine your ceremony with mountain peaks as your backdrop, dinner at a big farmhouse table, and late night chats by the fireplace. It’s like having your wedding in a home away from home.
The pros?
Privacy, flexibility, and the ability to make the whole weekend part of the celebration. You’re not just renting a venue for a few hours. You’re creating an experience.
The cons?
There are rules, limits, and sometimes more logistics than you’d expect. It’s worth knowing about those before you fall in love with a property.
Can you really get married at an Airbnb or Vrbo?
Here’s the short answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no. Airbnb’s official policy doesn’t allow large events, and technically the maximum overnight guest count is 16 people. Some properties are totally fine with a small wedding, others are strict about “no events” at all.
Vrbo can be more flexible. You’ll find properties that allow gatherings of up to 30 people, and a few that are specifically marketed as event friendly. But once you go over about 30 guests, you’re often looking at special event homes with wedding pricing and those can be just as expensive and work intensive as traditional venues.
Hosts appreciate honesty. If you’re planning to exchange vows or have a dinner with extra guests, tell them upfront. Surprising your host with a wedding is a fast way to lose your booking.
How many guests can you have?
0–16 guests: plenty of Airbnb and Vrbo options.
17–30 guests: possible, but you’ll need to search harder (usually Vrbo or specialty homes).
Over 30 guests: often requires an event-specific rental.
Also, remember that guest count doesn’t just affect sleeping space. Parking, bathrooms, and neighborhood noise rules are all tied to your numbers.
Best time of year to book
Colorado’s wedding season isn’t just summer. Winter is huge in ski towns like Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen and those dates come with high price tags.
If you’re looking to save money, check the shoulder seasons: late October, November, and May. You’ll find more availability, lower rates, and fewer tourists. Midweek weddings can also save you a lot, especially in peak areas.
One more thing: accessibility changes with the seasons. That charming cabin might be easy to reach in July but require snow tires and 4-wheel drive in January.
Location and accessibility
Maps can be deceiving. A property that looks close to a major town might actually be an hour up a winding dirt road. In the mountains, distance is measured in drive time, not miles.
That ‘middle of nowhere’ home can be amazing for privacy and budget. But it can also mean no cell service, no nearby grocery store, and a lot of work for your vendors to get there.
Transportation can be tricky. Ride share is limited in mountain towns. Party buses are rare. Most guests will need to rent a car. If you have elderly relatives or friends who hate mountain driving, factor that in.
Budgeting for a rental home wedding
A common misconception is that a wedding at an Airbnb or Vrbo is automatically cheaper than a traditional venue. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s not.
Here’s where the costs add up:
Peak season nightly rates
Catering and delivery fees in remote areas
Rentals like chairs, tables, and dinnerware
Transportation for guests and vendors
You can save money by keeping it small, booking in the off season, picking a location close to a town, and handling some things yourself. But over 30 guests, the budget starts looking a lot like a regular venue.
Food and drink options
Catering in the mountains can be expensive and limited. Some companies won’t deliver to remote properties at all. When they do, travel fees can be steep.
One smart option? Skip formal catering and order from a local restaurant. Family style takeout can be just as delicious and way easier to coordinate.
For drinks, you might be able to bring your own alcohol but check with the host and local laws. Hiring a licensed bartender is a good idea, especially if you want cocktails or if there’s any concern about liability.
Rentals and décor
Chair and table rentals are often the hidden budget buster. Delivery to a mountain property can cost more than the rentals themselves. If you can, arrange to pick up from a rental company with a truck or van.
The good news is that you don’t need a lot of décor in Colorado. The mountains do most of the work for you. A big floral arch might look nice in photos, but between cost and transport, it’s often not worth it. Focus on simple touches that make the space feel warm and personal - candles, greenery, a few well placed arrangements.
Legal and etiquette basics
Always get permission from the host for any kind of gathering. That means not just the ceremony, but also rehearsal dinners, brunches, and anything that might bring extra people to the property.
Check for noise ordinances and HOA rules. Mountain communities take quiet hours seriously.
If you’re coming from out of state, getting a marriage license in Colorado is easy. There’s no waiting period, and you can even self solemnize (no officiant needed).
Some couples also choose to get special event insurance. It’s not expensive, and it’s a safety net in case of damage or weather issues.
Finding the perfect rental home
When searching Airbnb or Vrbo, use filters to narrow down your options:
Entire place (not shared)
Enough bedrooms for your guest count
Amenities you need (kitchen size, outdoor space)
Accessibility (check if it’s 4WD in winter)
Read the listing carefully. Watch for phrases like “no events,” “maximum occupancy strictly enforced,” or “no visitors.”
Read reviews with an eye for wedding potential. If past guests mention hosting family gatherings, that’s a good sign.
Popular Colorado areas for rental home weddings include Breckenridge, Estes Park, Buena Vista, Salida, Telluride, and Durango. Each offers gorgeous scenery and its own personality.
Tips for a stress-free day
Keep it simple. You don’t need a long list of moving parts.
Build extra time into your schedule. Mountain roads and unpredictable weather can slow things down.
Have someone, a friend, family member, or coordinator, in charge of logistics. You don’t want to be the one figuring out where the extra chairs go.
If budget allows, consider hiring a day of coordinator. Even for a small wedding, it can make all the difference.
FAQs
Can you have a wedding at an Airbnb in Colorado?
Yes, if the host allows it. Airbnb’s rules limit overnight guests to 16, but some properties are fine with small gatherings. Always confirm with the host first.
How much does it cost to rent a house for a wedding in Colorado?
Small homes in off season can be under $1,000 per night. Large event homes in peak season can run $5,000+ per night.
Do you need permission from the host to host a wedding?
Yes. Always. Even if you’re under the guest limit, weddings are considered events and require approval.
What’s the guest limit for Airbnb weddings?
Overnight stays are limited to 16 guests. Daytime visitors depend on the host’s rules.
Which is better for weddings — Airbnb or Vrbo?
Vrbo tends to be more flexible for larger groups, but it depends on the property.
Are there small wedding venues in Colorado besides Airbnbs?
Yes — lodges, boutique hotels, and dedicated micro wedding venues are great alternatives.
Do you need a permit for a wedding at a private home in Colorado?
Usually not for the property itself, but check local laws for noise and parking.
How far in advance should you book?
At least 9–12 months for peak summer and ski season. Off-season dates can sometimes be booked within 6 month.
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
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—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
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