Airbnb Wedding Venues in Colorado

Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado are changing the way couples think about their wedding day. Instead of an indoor ballroom with a catering minimum and six-hour time limit, you can choose a private mountain property where you show up on Thursday, stay through Monday, and get married somewhere that actually feels like you.

That is exactly what Laura and Tod did. They flew in from Texas, gathered their closest family and friends, and spent a long weekend at the Luna Dome, a stunning luxury dome property near Idaho Springs. Their wedding felt less like a formal event and more like a meaningful few days shared with the people they love most. Their wedding day included a first look at Juniper Pass, portraits at Echo Lake, a ceremony on the dome’s deck, catered dinner, first dance, and golden hour photos in the property’s grassy meadow as the sun dropped behind the mountains.

If you’ve ever thought about trading a traditional venue for an inviting location and multi-day gathering, this post is for you. In this post, I’ll share Laura and Tod’s full wedding day, talk about what makes Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado such a great option, and share some of my favorite properties around the state.

A Real Wedding Day at an Airbnb Wedding Venue in Colorado
About Airbnb Wedding Venues
Why Couples Choose an Airbnb Wedding Venue
How to Choose Your Airbnb Wedding Venue
How to Book Your Airbnb Wedding Venue
Some of the Best Airbnb Wedding Venues in Colorado

How Laura + Tod Used an Airbnb Wedding Venue in Colorado to Create Their Perfect Day

Planning Their Day

Laura and Tod contacted me about four months before their wedding after receiving a word of mouth referral from another lovely couple I had the privilege of photographing. Honestly, there’s no better way to connect with new couples! When they contacted me, they had already booked their venue, the Luna Dome, a stunning luxury Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado just outside of Idaho Springs, and they had a pretty clear vision of what they wanted their day to feel like. Rather than a big production, they wanted their closest people around them, beautiful mountain views, good music, great food, and time that actually felt relaxed and intentional.

Since they drove in from Texas with their beloved chocolate lab Brick, and many of their guests were flying in from out of town, having a property where everyone could gather and spread out over several days was a big draw. Some of their guests stayed at the Luna Dome with them, while others set up at the Idaho Springs RV Park nearby or stayed at the Black Hawk Casinos just down the road. I’ll share more on the Luna Dome in the venue listing below, but it really was the perfect home base for a wedding weekend like theirs.

With their venue already set in the Idaho Springs area, we focused our location search on finding the right spots nearby for their first look and portraits. They had Echo Lake in mind, and I suggested we also add Juniper Pass, which is just about five minutes away. Pairing those two spots together made for a natural flow to the day, and the two locations complement each other beautifully.

Their Airbnb Wedding Venue: The Luna Dome

The Luna Dome is one of the most unique properties I have had the pleasure of photographing at. Sitting at 8,700 feet elevation just outside of Idaho Springs, this Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado is only a 45 minute drive from Denver, which makes it accessible for guests flying in from out of town. The property is a massive 4,500 square foot luxury dome set on 5 acres, with 270 degree panoramic views of the mountains and valleys below. The house sleeps up to 16 guests and can host events of up to 50 guests, which made it a perfect fit for Laura and Tod’s group of about 30.

A few things that make this property really special are the wraparound deck, the cedarwood sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge. The 30 foot ceilings and nighttime stargazing add a further “wow factor” to this unique property. 

You can read more about the Luna Dome and what makes it such a great Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado in my venue list below.

Their Wedding Day

The Wedding Morning + Getting Ready

Laura and Tod drove in from Texas the Tuesday before their wedding, giving themselves plenty of time to settle in, explore the area, and acclimate to the altitude before their wedding day. If you’re traveling to Colorado from a lower elevation, it’s easy to be caught off guard by the altitude, which can leave you fatigued and headachy at first. I always recommend arriving early and letting your body adjust if possible. Laura and Tod did exactly that, and by the time their wedding day arrived, they were relaxed, feeling great, and completely in their element.

They had a slow, easy morning getting ready at the Luna Dome. The girls got ready on the main floor while the guys settled in downstairs, and one of Laura’s closest friends, who was a guest at the wedding, did her hair. Getting ready inside a spacious, cozy home surrounded by your favorite people feels so different than getting ready in a hotel room or bridal suite. You have space, the convenience of a kitchen, and comfort. Not to mention, this unique beginning sets such a warm, relaxed tone for the whole day.

First Look + Pre-Ceremony Portraits

I met Laura and Tod at 3pm at the Juniper Pass Picnic Area for their first look. Brick, their 12 year old chocolate lab, came along too, and he was just 100 varieties of precious the entire time. If you’re thinking about including your dog in your wedding day, be sure to check out my guide for doing so.

For their first look, I walked Tod out to the overlook, then went back to get Laura. The mid afternoon light can be tricky in Colorado, but we were lucky to have intermittent cloud cover that kept the light glowing and soft. Few words are needed to describe the reaction when Tod first saw Laura. Tears were shed, and you could see the joy and anticipation on both of their faces.

After their first look, we documented some family photos with their kids and a handful of couples portraits before transitioning to Echo Lake for a few more portraits and family photos. The two locations combined beautifully showcased the Colorado scenery and their love story before they even got to their ceremony.

The Micro Wedding Ceremony + Dinner

After portraits at Echo Lake, everyone made their way back to Luna Dome for the ceremony. Laura and Tod had their ceremony on the deck of the Airbnb wedding venue, and it was officiated by their daughter, which was such a meaningful touch. One thing I love about Colorado is that it is a self-solemnizing state, which means you can have anyone marry you – a friend, a family member, or no officiant at all. After their ceremony, we gathered everyone for group photos, and then Laura and Tod signed their marriage license, which they had obtained in Jefferson County. If you’re wondering how to handle the legal logistics of getting married in Colorado, check out my other blog post.

After group portraits, it was time to eat. Laura and Tod hired Encore Catering, and once the food was ready, everyone grabbed their plates and settled in to enjoy each other’s company. That was really what Laura and Tod were after…good food, good music, and real time with the people they love most. I moved around quietly capturing candid moments while they did exactly that.

The Evening + Sunset Portraits

After dinner, the evening took on a relaxed energy. Laura and Tod had a small cake cutting, and Brick, bless his heart, spent the whole time hiding under the table hoping someone would drop him a slice. Tod offered a heartwarming toast, and a few tears were shed, in line with the deep and authentic emotions of the day.

Laura and Tod shared a private first dance on the porch of Luna Dome to Love Me Too by Cody West, which happened to be the same song they said they would pick if their love story were a song. That detail gets me every time.

As the sun dipped, we walked down into the grassy area behind the Airbnb wedding venue for golden hour portraits. One thing worth knowing about shooting at elevation in the mountains is that the sun can drop behind the peaks much earlier than the official sunset time would suggest. Depending on the height of the mountains to your west, you could lose light up to an hour earlier than expected. For this location, that was exactly the case, so we planned accordingly and made the most of that beautiful window of light. 

The two shared a champagne pop, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an impressive spray. We spread out a blanket, they sipped their champagne, and they soaked in the last of the light together.

We wrapped up the evening with a few photos in the hammock chairs and a few shots under the string lights on the side deck. It was such a peaceful, happy end to a really beautiful day at one of my favorite Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado.

About Airbnb Wedding Venues in Colorado

Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado are probably my favorite settings to plan around and photograph. There is something about the private setup that lends itself to a really intentional, relaxed, and personal wedding day. That said, there are a few things worth knowing before you start scrolling through listings and falling in love with every dome, cabin, and treehouse you come across. Here is what you need to know:

Why Couples Choose an Airbnb Wedding Venue in Colorado

There are a lot of reasons couples are drawn to VRBO and Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado. Here are some of the biggest ones:

You can arrive early and settle in. Instead of showing up on your wedding day and feeling rushed, you can arrive a few days early, get acclimated to the altitude, decorate the space, and enjoy the lead up to your wedding day.

It can save you a lot of money. When you think about it, booking an Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado means you’re getting your ceremony space, reception space, and accommodations all at one price. In 2025, couples reported spending an average of $12,900 on their wedding venue alone, according to The Knot. A private vacation rental will rarely cost you that, and the money you save can go toward the things that actually matter most to you and your partner. If you want help figuring out how to set and stick to your elopement budget, I have a guide dedicated to walking you through that process.

Built in accommodations for you and your people. If the property has enough space and the rules allow, your closest family and friends can stay onsite with you, allowing for a full-weekend celebration. Just keep in mind that depending on your guest count, some people may still need to find nearby accommodations, like Laura and Tod’s guests who stayed at the nearby Idaho Springs RV Park and the Black Hawk Casinos.

You can do everything in one spot. If you don’t want to change locations on your wedding day, you don’t have to. Your ceremony, dinner, dancing, and portraits can all happen at the property if space allows.

Or, choose a location close to your dream photo spots. If you do want to get out and explore, consider an Airbnb that is close to any photo locations you have in mind. Laura and Tod’s Luna Dome was just a short drive from both Juniper Pass and Echo Lake, which made the whole day flow naturally.

Total privacy. There are no strangers wandering through, no other events happening on the property, and nobody rushing you through your Airbnb wedding in Colorado.

No required vendors. Unlike many traditional venues, most VRBO and Airbnb properties don’t have a list of required vendors you must use. You get to customize your day by hiring whoever you want.

A more relaxed wedding day timeline. When you’re not working around a venue’s strict schedule or being rushed out for the next event, your wedding day has room to breathe. You can have a slow morning getting ready, linger over dinner, do golden hour portraits without watching the clock, and end the night however feels right.

So many options across the state. There are literally thousands of Airbnb properties in Colorado, and a good number of them allow intimate weddings and events. Mountain cabins, treehouses, luxury ski town homes, yurts, domes, condos in Denver. Whatever your vibe is, there is probably a property out there that is a perfect fit.

How to Choose Your Airbnb Wedding Venue in Colorado

With so many properties available on VRBO and Airbnb, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Here are some considerations to keep in mind as you’re searching:

• Does the listing allow events? This is the first thing you want to check, and it’s important enough that I’ll talk about it multiple times in this blog. Ensure that the property can host your event before booking anything. If you’re unsure, share your plans with the property host to inquire further.
• How many people can it hold? Consider the property’s sleeping capacity and event capacity. These two numbers are not always the same, so make sure the property can comfortably accommodate your guest count for your wedding ceremony.
• Is there space for a ceremony and dinner? Does the property have an outdoor deck, an open living area, or a yard where you can host your ceremony and reception? Think through the logistics of how your day would flow at that specific property.
• Is there a rain plan option? Colorado seasons and weather can be unpredictable, and when you’re planning months or even a year out, you can’t guarantee sunshine. Think about whether the property has enough indoor space to move the ceremony or dinner inside if needed, or whether there is room to set up a tent as a backup plan. Having a solid plan B makes a big difference on your wedding day.
• What is the parking situation? If your guests will be driving to your ceremony, ensure there’s enough parking on the property or nearby. Consider carpooling or group transportation if parking is limited. 
• Is it accessible? If any of your guests have mobility needs, make sure the property accounts for them. Some mountain properties have steep driveways or uneven terrain that can be difficult to navigate. Also consider whether the road to the property is accessible for the cars that will be driving there.
• Is it close to anything you care about? Whether you want a specific photo location, a nearby town with restaurants, or an airport for traveling guests, think about what matters most to you and filter your search accordingly.
• Does it match your vibe? Do you want something rustic and cozy, sleek and modern, or totally unique like a dome or treehouse? The great thing about Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado is that there is genuinely something for every style.
• Does it allow decorations? Some properties have restrictions on what you can bring in or set up, so it is worth asking upfront if you have specific decor plans.
• Are there amenities that would make your day feel extra special? Do you want a hot tub, a wraparound deck, panoramic mountain views, or a sauna? Consider what would make the property feel like more than just a backdrop and actually add to your experience as a whole.

How to Book Your Airbnb Wedding Venue in Colorado

Before you hit the reserve button, there are a few important steps to follow when booking your Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado.

Step one is to find your property and pay close attention to whether it allows events. 

If you’re searching on VRBO, you can filter your search results to properties that allow events, which makes the process easier. On Airbnb, there is no such filter, so you will need to read through each listing carefully. If you find a property you love that says no events or no parties, do not completely write it off just yet, especially if you’re planning a very small, intimate elopement with just the two of you. Save it and keep it in mind as you move on to step two.

Step two is to reach out to the host directly before you book anything. 

Even if a listing allows events, message the host before booking. Tell the host exactly what you’re planning, how many people will be attending, what vendors you’re bringing in, and any other relevant details. And if you found a property you love that doesn’t specifically mention events, this is the time to ask. A simple, minimal ceremony with little to no decor and just a couple of people is sometimes something hosts are open to, but you have to be completely transparent about your plans. Hosts may also require a deposit in addition to your reservation cost in order to hold your event onsite.

Step three is to book your dream property once the host has approved of your plans. 

Once the host has approved your plans, complete your booking through the app’s platform. Keep all of your communication with the host on the app so that everything you discussed is documented, avoiding any potential surprises down the road. From there, the fun begins, and you can start thinking about how you want your day to flow, how you want to set up the space, and all the details that will make it feel like yours.

Bonus tip:

Hiring a local photographer and/or planner can make a big difference when it comes to choosing the right property. As both a photographer and planner, helping couples find the right Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado is one of my favorite parts of the process. I can give you an honest take on locations, seasons, and logistics, which can be especially helpful if you’re planning from out of state without being able to visit first.

For a comprehensive breakdown of how to plan your Airbnb wedding from start to finish, be sure to check out my full guide. 

Some of the Best Airbnb Wedding Venues in Colorado

Colorado is full of incredible private properties that are perfect for your micro wedding or elopement, and this list is really just scratching the surface. From mountain domes to luxury lodges to private ranches sitting on dozens of acres, there is something out there for every couple and every vision. Whether you’re just starting your search or you already have a general idea of what you’re looking for, here are a few of my personal favorites to get you inspired:

Luna Dome

If you’ve been reading along, you already know a little bit about Luna Dome from Laura and Tod’s story. However, here are some details to paint the full picture.

Managed by Grand Hospitality Group, the Luna Dome lies at 8,700 ft elevation just outside of Idaho Springs, about 45 minutes from Denver. The property sits on 5 acres and offers 270-degree panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forested mountain landscape. With 5 bedrooms, 8 beds, and 5 bathrooms, it sleeps up to 16 guests comfortably and can host events of up to 50 people, making it a great fit for micro weddings and intimate gatherings. The 30 ft ceilings and four stories create a grand but cozy space.

Outside, the wraparound deck is truly something special. There is a cedarwood sauna, a hot tub, and a cold plunge, all with mountain views. And at night, the stargazing is unforgettable.

All wheel drive or four wheel drive is recommended year round and four wheel drive is a must in winter. The dirt driveway is steep and rugged, so low clearance vehicles are not advised. Arriving before dark is also a good idea so you can navigate safely and take in the scenic approach to the property. With easy access to both I-70 and I-25, you’re well connected to the mountains and the city, which is a big plus for guests traveling from all directions.

Idaho Springs restaurants and hot springs are about 10 minutes away, and you have easy access to Loveland Ski Resort, Winter Park, zip lining, rafting, St. Mary’s Glacier, Georgetown Lake, and Black Hawk Casinos all within a short drive.

Sky High Lodge

The name really does say it all. Perched on a mountain top among 35 private acres in Glenwood Springs, Sky High Lodge is one of those Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado that is impressive on so many levels. The three story windows and high vaulted ceilings frame 180 degree panoramic views of the Roaring Fork Valley, the Elk Mountain Range, and Mt. Sopris. Additionally, the complete seclusion gives the property an elegant, tucked away and ‘top of the world’ feel that is hard to beat. The lodge sleeps up to 8 guests across 3 bedrooms, 6 beds, and 3 bathrooms, making it a great fit if you want a few loved ones to stay onsite as well.

The lodge is pet friendly, so you can include your four legged bestie in all of your festivities. It also has two fully equipped kitchens, an outdoor grill, and a hot tub for soaking under the stars after the celebration winds down.

Getting there is part of the adventure. There are two routes to the property, one is a single lane dirt road up a steep cliffside for the more adventurous types, and the other is a calmer unpaved route. All wheel drive is recommended year round and four wheel drive is a must in winter. Either way, plan accordingly and enjoy the ride.

This Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado backs up to 4,000 acres of national forest, so you’re free to incorporate some outdoor exploration in your wedding weekend, including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, skiing, hunting, and fly fishing practically at your doorstep. Glenwood Hot Springs and downtown Glenwood Springs are just 25 minutes away. Additionally, Aspen and the famous Maroon Bells are just about an hour away.

Sky High Lodge offers a small gatherings package that includes multi night house rental, a day of property manager, tables, chairs, tent, and cleaning services. The package accommodates up to 30 guests and 10 vehicles, with pricing dependent on the length of stay, season, guest count, and day of the week. You can visit their page directly to reach out about current package details and availability.

I had the pleasure of photographing the dreamiest micro wedding reception here, and you can check it out on the blog!

Blue Sky Lodge

Florissant, Colorado might not be the first place people think of when they picture a Colorado wedding, but Blue Sky Lodge might just change that. Sitting on 80+ acres of rugged Rocky Mountain landscape with stunning red rock formations and scenic overlooks, this Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado offers a secluded and truly breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony.

Inside, a dramatic two story atrium and a three story great room centered around a massive stone fireplace give the space a warm, grand feeling that is perfect for your post ceremony celebration. The property has 6 bedrooms, 9 beds, and 6.5 bathrooms, sleeping 16+ guests comfortably. There is also a gourmet kitchen, two wet bars, two laundry rooms, and a shuffleboard for some competitive fun.

Outside, a wraparound deck with a gas fire pit and grill is great for outdoor gatherings, and the Jacuzzi hot tub is the perfect place to wind down at the end of the night. The stargazing here is stunning too. The Milky Way is clearly visible and on a good night you can watch meteors streak across the sky from the property’s ‘Scenic Circle’.

On this property, parking is plentiful with space for 10 or more cars plus trailers and boats. The entire first floor is wheelchair accessible. Finally, a 4×4 is recommended for accessing the property in winter.

To see more from this property, check out a real micro wedding I photographed here on my blog. 

Rocky Mountain Retreat | New Hot Tub | Sunset View

Sitting on 3 private acres on the edge of Pike National Forest in Bailey, this Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado is about 90 minutes from Denver and feels like your own slice of heaven. At 8,400 feet, the main living area has floor to ceiling panoramic windows and a wood burning fireplace. Perhaps best of all, the home’s fully opening glass walls transform the living room into an open air space that connects seamlessly with the mountains outside. The views are genuinely stunning in every direction.

There are multiple outdoor spaces to work with, including a private rock overlook, large wraparound deck, a lower deck, a side deck, and a private balcony off one of the rooms. There is even a separate deck a short walk from the property with sweeping views if you want a more private ceremony or portrait location. There is really no shortage of options for how to set up your day.

The property sleeps up to 16 guests comfortably with 4 bedrooms plus a separate guest suite above the garage, a fully stocked kitchen, game room with ping pong and darts, and a separate entertainment room.

A few things that make this property really stand out are a new 8 person hot tub perfect for stargazing, a private infrared sauna, and air conditioning, which is actually pretty rare at this elevation. The property also has purified drinking water, frequent deer sightings, and easy access to nearby trails, Wellington Lake, and local breweries. Plus, Breckenridge is only about 90 minutes away for ski season.

This property has welcomed many micro weddings and elopements, so if you’re planning something special, make sure to mention your plans to the host when booking. A 4-wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended if you book this Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado between November and April.

If you want to see a real micro wedding at this property, make sure to head to my other blog.

And these are just a few of my favorites! I have a whole guide dedicated to some of the most beautiful VRBO and Airbnb wedding venues in Colorado, with a much more extensive list of properties in all different areas and styles. If none of these feel quite right, there is a good chance your perfect spot is waiting for you over there, or I can definitely help you find it.

Let’s Choose Your Airbnb Wedding Venue in Colorado!

By now you probably have a comprehensive picture of what planning your wedding day around an Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado can be. From Laura and Tod’s laid back and love filled weekend at Luna Dome to the practical steps of finding, vetting, and booking the right property, it can be a lot to think through but so worth it. The beauty of this type of wedding is that it can be whatever you want. Intimate or festive, adventurous or relaxed, just the two of you or your closest 30+ people gathered around a long dinner table on a mountain deck.

If you’re starting to picture your own day at a private property in Colorado and want some help narrowing down the right location, building a timeline, or just figuring out where to begin, I would love to help you through that process. As both a photographer and planner, I work with couples at every stage of planning, and helping you find the perfect Airbnb wedding venue in Colorado that fits your vision is one of my favorite parts of the job. Reach out anytime and let’s start talking through what your day could look like.