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A Colorado Airbnb wedding offers the perfect blend of jaw dropping mountain scenery, intentional moments, and a truly personal experience. Instead of structuring your day around a venue’s rules or packed timeline, a Colorado Airbnb wedding lets you slow down, stay in a meaningful space, and design a celebration that feels natural and unforced.
A Colorado Airbnb wedding also gives you something many traditional venues can’t: time, privacy, comfort, and flexibility. It creates space for presence, connection, and moments that feel real rather than performative. That’s exactly what drew Tessa and Austin to plan a Colorado Airbnb wedding from out of state. They were searching for a setting that felt scenic without being complicated, intimate without feeling isolated, and calm without sacrificing beauty. Keep reading to see how their Colorado Airbnb wedding brought all of those pieces together in one unforgettable day.
Tessa + Austin’s Colorado Airbnb Wedding Day
How to Plan a Colorado Airbnb Wedding



Tessa and Austin are adventure lovers at heart with a fondness for quiet, meaningful experiences. Their favorite adventure together was a seven-day primitive camping trip through Big Bend National Park – no cell service, just hiking, driving, and nights spent under the stars. That sense of simplicity and connection carried over into their vision for their Colorado Airbnb wedding.
Planning from afar, they found me on Instagram and reached out early, knowing they wanted a lot of guidance finding the perfect location. One of their top priorities was a backdrop of snowcapped mountains in June without the stress of blindly figuring out logistics from Texas. Every planning decision remained focused on creating a wedding day that was breathtaking, intimate, and emotional.
Above all, Tessa and Austin wanted a stress-free day with just their closest loved ones. They valued time with siblings, private moments together, and the ability to fully focus on each other. While they loved the intimacy of celebrating at a Colorado Airbnb, they also wanted to include traditional wedding elements and nearby amenities that would make their day feel familiar, elegant, and personal.

Tessa and Austin have always loved Colorado. The mountains, the adventure, and the calm energy of being surrounded by nature were exactly what they pictured for their Colorado Airbnb wedding.
Breckenridge quickly stood out as the ideal location. It offered nightlife for an after-party on Main Street, plenty of Airbnb options to choose from, and easy access for guests flying into Denver International Airport. It also put them close to some of the most scenic spots in the area for sunset portraits, including Loveland Pass, Boreas Pass, and other iconic mountain viewpoints. They also wanted plenty of space for getting ready so they could both enjoy time with their siblings and wedding party without feeling crowded or rushed.
Another key priority in their wedding day plans was their pup, Stormy. They wanted Stormy to be included in as much of the day as possible, which is something I absolutely love about getting married in Colorado! This state is incredibly dog-friendly, and there are so many thoughtful, meaningful ways to include your dog in your wedding day, from getting ready moments to ceremony appearances and even signing your marriage license in certain counties. I have an entire blog dedicated to creative and practical ways to include your dog in your wedding if that is something you’re dreaming about too.
With their vision in mind, Tessa and Austin found the perfect Colorado Airbnb to bring it all together. They visited Denver months before their wedding to see the property in person, and we met for lunch to discuss logistics. Tessa had even sketched out the whole property, mapping out multiple layout options. We talked through which setup would work best for their ceremony, portraits, and reception, making sure every detail aligned with the day they envisioned.




One of the biggest perks of a Colorado Airbnb wedding is having the time and space to truly make the day your own. Tessa and Austin arrived in Colorado several days before their wedding, giving them time to finalize details, buy flowers, assemble bouquets, and organize all of the decorations Tessa had shipped from Texas. They also used the extra time to obtain their marriage license, decorate the Airbnb, and prep snacks for their guests. Having these extra days made a huge difference in keeping their wedding day stress-free.
The day before their wedding, Tessa and Austin hosted a casual cookout at the Airbnb, enjoying the property and exploring Breckenridge with their loved ones. Yet another huge perk to having a Colorado Airbnb wedding…it can host your rehearsal dinner or send-off brunch!
The morning of their wedding started off relaxed and intentional. Everyone had time to enjoy a slow, calm start before getting ready, which was so much easier since the Airbnb hosted everyone at one location. Tessa and her bridesmaids got ready on the main floor while Austin and his crew prepared downstairs. This setup allowed both sides to spend quality time with their siblings and friends while keeping their first look a surprise. The two could practice their vows, soak in the anticipation, and truly savor the morning without feeling rushed.
Adding an extra personal touch, Tessa’s sister, Hannah, who works at a salon, did Tessa’s hair and absolutely nailed it. It was such a joy to see her work, and I would be thrilled at the opportunity to work with her again. Moments like this made the morning feel intimate and special, surrounded by family, friends, and all the details that set the tone for the day ahead.




Tessa’s attention to detail was incredible. You could tell how much effort and love she put into every bit. She made nearly all of the decor herself, using a Cricut from one of her bridesmaids and devoting hours of careful, creative work. Her style was formal and traditional, with white flowers accented by pops of blue and plenty of candles. The elegant decorations complemented the iconic mountain backdrop rather than competing with it.
She also included precious, meaningful family heirlooms in her day. She incorporated pieces of her mom’s wedding dress into her getting-ready robe and also surprised her mom by turning extra pieces of the dress into a clutch for her mom to use on the wedding day! Her great-grandmother’s blue necklace, placed in her bouquet, became her “something blue,” and a necklace made from her mom’s engagement ring served as her “something borrowed.” It was so sweet to see such sentimental family heirlooms given new life.
The Airbnb layout also made it easy to document all these elements, from perfume and cologne bottles to invitations, themed cookies, florals, and thoughtful letters from loved ones. Because Tessa had so many sentimental details and handmade decor, it was really important to her to preserve them in photos. These photos not only celebrated her creativity and family lineage, but also honored all the personal touches she worked so hard on.
By the time Tessa stepped into her wedding dress with the help of her mom, the natural light flooding the multi-story windows made every detail glow. Austin’s mom pinned his boutonniere, and the father-daughter first look on the deck created a joyful, playful moment before the ceremony began. It was an incredibly sweet moment to see the joy on their faces. The Airbnb setting allowed all of this to happen seamlessly in one location, keeping the focus on what matters most: family, love, and connection.



















Tessa and Austin held their ceremony at the entry of their Colorado Airbnb. With lush green trees just beyond the entryway, the setting was tucked away and intimate while being surrounded by nature. Tessa lined the aisle with wood details and candles, creating a beautiful path that led her straight to Austin. Chairs were set for their 15 guests, and everyone felt comfortable, close, and fully in the moment.
Tessa and Austin kept their ceremony fairly traditional, which made it feel familiar and grounding to them, especially in such a personal setting. A close friend officiated, adding another meaningful layer to the day. One of the unique things about getting married in Colorado is that it is a self solemnizing state, meaning couples can choose to marry without an officiant. Tessa and Austin loved having the option, even though they ultimately decided to include someone who knew them well. It was a fabulous choice for them and so touching! If you’re curious about how self solemnization works in Colorado, I break it all down in another blog post.
They chose not to have a first look, so the first time they saw each other was when Tessa walked down the aisle. That moment alone set the tone for their entire ceremony. It was incredibly sweet, raw, and emotional. There was no rushing, no distraction, and no sense of performance. Just Tessa and Austin in their own world, surrounded by their loved ones.
The ceremony itself was deeply emotional. Everyone cried happy tears at some point, from the guests to Tessa and Austin themselves. They exchanged their heartfelt vows with intention behind every word. For them, this part of the day mattered more than anything else. When it came to their photos, the most important thing was documenting their emotions in a place they truly loved. They wanted to be able to look back and remember exactly why they chose an intimate wedding, the focus they had on each other, the joy they shared, and the way their closest loved ones experienced it right alongside them.
Because their ceremony took place at their Airbnb, there was no pressure to move on quickly. After their ceremony, everyone lingered for a minute, hugged, shed some more happy tears, and shared in that emotional space together. It felt honest, connected, and incredibly meaningful, which is exactly what Tessa and Austin had hoped for when they began planning their Colorado Airbnb wedding.















After the ceremony, everyone headed to the deck for family photos. The light was beautiful and soft. Even with a smaller guest count, family photos can take more planning than couples expect, so we moved through them intentionally while keeping the process relaxed. We wrapped up with a full group photo before transitioning into the next part of their day.
If you’re currently planning your own wedding and stressing about family photos, I have a full blog post that walks through how to build a family photo list step by step, including a complete template.




Next came one of the most personal moments of the day. Tessa and Austin signed their Colorado marriage license with their pup, Stormy, by their side. Summit County currently still allows dogs to sign marriage licenses, so Stormy added her paw print using an inkless pad. It was such a sweet, lighthearted moment and felt very true to them.
I know that sometimes, getting your marriage license in a small mountain town can feel confusing, especially if you’re planning from out of state. I break that process down in another blog if you and your partner want more guidance.




While guests transitioned into cocktail hour, Tessa and Austin stayed nearby for portraits on the deck. Midday light in Colorado can be really bright, but we had perfectly timed cloud cover that provided soft, glowing light. We also took advantage of the large windows inside the Airbnb for some off camera flash portraits, which added a little flair and something unique to their gallery.
As guests found their seats for the dinner reception, Tessa and Austin’s moms helped bustle Tessa’s dress, showing a heartwarming collaboration.







The dinner setup was stunning, and once again, Tessa designed it all. From the napkin styling to the florals, every detail felt intentional and thoughtful. She handmade wooden napkin holders etched with each guest’s name, and even made a personalized one for me! It was a special touch that showed how much care she put into every part of the day and everyone present. When Tessa and Austin popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate, everyone was smiling and having a great time. It was the perfect start to their reception.
Tessa and Austin’s moms gave heartfelt toasts before dinner, and watching Tessa and Austin react to their words was one of my favorite moments of the evening. Dinner was catered by High Country Kitchen Co and included braised short rib, fish, potatoes, and rice. The meal was beautifully presented, and everyone enjoyed the food, the company, and the chance to savor this special time (and of course the delicious spread) together.










After dinner came the cake cutting, which ended up being surprisingly memorable. Austin used to work in catering, and it showed. When I say the slice of cake was perfect, I mean it was the most aesthetically pleasing slice of cake I’ve ever seen. They fed each other their first bites, and while there was no plan for cake smashing, Tessa got a little frosting on Austin’s face. He leaned in for a kiss to share the wealth, which felt perfectly them.
The whole evening flowed smoothly with the reception onsite at the Airbnb. This is one of the biggest benefits of a Colorado Airbnb wedding: everything happens in one location. No rushing, no loading cars, no pressure to move to a new location before everyone is ready. It kept the night feeling cohesive, full of connection, and focused on enjoying the people and moments that matter most.
Once dinner wrapped up and the sun started to sink, it was time to head out for the last chapter of the day and one of the places they were most excited about: Boreas Pass.









Boreas Pass is a scenic dirt road that runs from Breckenridge to Como and reaches just over 12,500 feet in elevation. It lies close to downtown Breckenridge, is easy to access in summer and early fall, and boasts an incredible variety of beautiful scenery, especially between June and October.
Fall is when Boreas Pass really stands out. During peak color change, the aspens turn bright gold and completely transform the landscape. It’s also permit free for portraits and intimate elopements, making planning all the easier. For a deeper dive into Boreas Pass and other Breckenridge-area elopement locations, check out my other blog post.

After their reception, Tessa, Austin, and I drove to Boreas Pass for golden hour. They had visited the area the day before and marked a few spots along the road that stood out to them. We parked at the nearby trailhead and all hopped into the white Jeep they had rented for the weekend, which made it easy to pull over, take our time, and move between locations without worrying about limited parking.
The Jeep itself was such a fun part of the evening. Tessa and Austin added a “Just Married” decal to the back windshield, which felt like a small but meaningful way to carry the celebration with them.
Our first stop was one of my favorite stretches of Boreas Pass, with aspens lining the road, a lake visible below, and layers of mountains in the distance. While we were parked, Austin helped Tessa change into her custom white Tecovas boots. It was quiet and unassuming, one of those moments that happens naturally and ends up being really special to look back on.
As the light softened, we stepped into an open field just as the sun neared the horizon. This is where they shared their private first dance, which they had intentionally saved for this moment. The duo enjoys two stepping at home, and they had taken a few lessons and watched tutorials leading up to their wedding. Out there in the mountains, with no one else around, their first dance felt natural and familiar, exactly what they had hoped for.
As the sun continued to dip behind the peaks, I pulled out a picnic blanket for a few relaxed portraits before making one final stop at a nearby field filled with purple wildflowers. That spot felt extra special knowing how fleeting it was. I went back just one week later, and the purple blooms were already gone, replaced by yellow wildflowers instead. It was a perfect reminder of how quickly the landscape changes and how lucky our timing was.
By the time we left Boreas Pass, night had fallen and the story of the day felt complete. The Airbnb, the mountains, and the emotion flowing through the day came together in a way that felt very true to Tessa and Austin. After we went our separate ways, Tessa and Austin met back up with their guests for a group celebration on Breckenridge Main Street, ending their Colorado Airbnb wedding exactly how they started it, surrounded by the people they love most.























Getting married at a Colorado Airbnb gives you a lot of freedom that traditional venues don’t. You can spend the morning together, host your ceremony and reception in the same location, and enjoy your wedding day fully present and unrushed. Whether you’re imagining a mountain weekend in a mansion or a cozy, intimate cabin celebration, an Airbnb lets you design your wedding day around your life, your preferences, and your relationship.
That said, Airbnb weddings come with a few special considerations to think about ahead of time. Below, I’ll break down the biggest benefits and considerations when planning your own Colorado Airbnb wedding.
One of the biggest perks of a Colorado Airbnb wedding is how much control you have over the day. You’re not navigating challenging logistics, vendor restrictions, or limited access windows.
Many couples love that they can:
There are also many Colorado Airbnb venues with outdoor spaces for weddings, which makes it easier to host your ceremony with mountain views, forest backdrops, or wide open skies right outside the door.
Airbnb weddings are not one size fits all, and they do require a little more upfront planning.
Some important considerations include:
This is where understanding the guidelines for hosting your wedding at a Colorado Airbnb becomes crucial. Not every listing that appears picture perfect online is actually well-suited for a wedding day, even an intimate one.
You’ll also want to spend time reading reviews of Colorado Airbnb homes suitable for wedding ceremonies, especially reviews that mention events, gatherings, or large groups. Those often give you the most honest insight into what to expect.
When couples ask me how to book a mountain Airbnb for a Colorado wedding, my biggest advice is to slow down, read everything, and communicate.
When booking a property for your Colorado Airbnb wedding:
If budget is a factor, there are also many affordable large Airbnb rentals for Colorado weddings, especially if you’re open to weekday or shoulder season dates and locations off the beaten path.
And of course, one of the most common questions I get is: Can I legally host a wedding at a Colorado Airbnb property? The short answer is yes, but it depends on the property, the county, and the rules tied to that specific listing. This is another reason why clear communication with the host and careful research are so important.
Choosing the right space comes down to more than just square footage and decor. It’s important to think about how the property will support your actual wedding day experience.
Ask yourself:
This just scratches the surface of what goes into planning a Colorado Airbnb wedding. If you want more guidance, I’ve created two in-depth resources that couples find incredibly helpful:
Both go deeper into logistics, location ideas, and real-world planning tips so you can feel confident every step of the way.






Tessa and Austin’s wedding day showed just how much a Colorado Airbnb wedding can offer. A full, unhurried day with your favorite people, a stunning mountain backdrop, and moments that are genuinely yours. From getting ready with their loved ones to golden hour portraits at Boreas Pass, every part of their day moved naturally, with space for laughter, quiet moments, and enjoying each other without feeling rushed.
If you’re dreaming of a day that is intimate, flexible, and entirely your own, a Colorado Airbnb wedding could be exactly what you’re looking for. Take your time exploring locations, plan for the moments that matter most, and consider how the space will support your day. I can help you find the perfect spot and guide you through planning so your wedding is exactly how you imagine it. When you’re ready, reach out and we’ll start bringing your vision to life.

Vendors:
Photographer:
Stephanie Yves Photography | https://stephanieyvesphotography.com/
Hair & Makeup:
Making Waves | https://www.makingwavesaltoona.com/
Videographer:
Dave and a Camera | https://www.daveandacamera.com/
Catering:
High Country Kitchen | https://highcountryholidaykitchen.com/
Baker:
Azucar Bakery | https://azucarbakery.com/
Attire:
Suitsupply | https://suitsupply.com/en-us/stores/denver
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