Wedding Locations

If you’re planning to elope or have a small wedding with your closest family and friends, vacation homes are the perfect location for an intimate celebration. Vacation rentals that allow weddings can be an affordable way to have your ceremony right on the edge of the lake, with the sound of ocean waves crashing, or in front of a stunning mountain backdrop. Plan for a personalized ceremony outside followed by an intimate dinner in a gorgeous dining room. Or say your vows in front of a beautiful fireplace and then host a fun reception al fresco under the stars. No matter your vision, there is a vacation home that fits your vibe.

While most homes are made to accommodate small weddings, don’t rule vacation homes out if you’re planning a larger affair. Large, luxury villas can host more guests and often have surrounding bungalows, adjacent properties, or nearby homes that can all be rented out for your own version of a hotel block. For an even larger reception, choose a gorgeous venue that fits your style – elegant luxury on a castle-like estate, intimate romance in a vineyard, casual whimsy in the sand, upscale modern in the city center – then use a private vacation home as a romantic honeymoon suite.

There’s no doubt the beach makes a beautiful natural setting for a wedding. Rent a home on the ocean to serve as your venue or book a larger wedding venue on the beach and then stay at a luxury home on the water with your brand-new spouse. Plan a natural, bohemian ceremony for just the two of you with your toes in the sand. Or host a classy but casual ceremony on a deck overlooking the ocean, followed by an amazing seafood boil that will leave your guests stuffed. Choose a tropical vibe with personalized cocktails or a black tie affair at sunset. With the ocean as your backdrop, you barely need decorations.

Now that you’re convinced a vacation rental is a must-have for your dream wedding, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure that the vacation home you choose allows weddings. Consider the rules and regulations, such as neighborhood quiet times. Choose a destination to fit the vibe and theme of your wedding. Use the ambiance and decor of the home to make planning and decorating simple, but be sure to add personal touches like a handmade altar or table linens and additional furniture to suit your style and your guests. And remember, even if a vacation home doesn’t match what you want in a wedding venue, it can still serve a purpose in your wedding, as a place for the bridal party to get ready, a honeymoon suite for the happy couple, or one of several residences reserved for guests to stay and keep the party going.