How and Where to Find an Airbnb for a Wedding Reception

The big day’s on the horizon—you’ve found the dress, locked in the guest list, and now it’s time to decide where the celebration will actually happen. Many couples start by searching for an Airbnb for a wedding reception, tempted by stylish homes or scenic outdoor listings. But here’s the catch: Airbnb’s millions of properties are designed for overnight guests, not wedding parties. 

From strict guest caps and noise curfews to outright bans on events, plenty of listings that look picture-perfect online fall short when it comes to actually hosting the congregation. To help your big day run smoothly, this guide breaks down what to look for in a reception-ready venue—and the alternative platforms that will help you find your perfect match.

---

Pro tip: Unlike Airbnb, Peerspace is set up for celebrations. Forget noise complaints or last-minute cancellations just because you’re having a party—these wedding-reception-ready spaces, from bars for hire to sprawling mansions available just for the night, are made for toasts and dancing until the early hours.

---

Table of contents:

• Is an Airbnb a good idea for a wedding reception?
• The truth about Airbnb wedding reception venues
• How to choose a reception venue made for events
• How much should you budget for a wedding reception venue?
• Peerspace or Airbnb? The smarter pick for your reception
• Finding the right wedding reception space with Peerspace

Can you use Airbnb for a wedding reception?

Quick answer: No.

Since 2022, the Airbnb global party ban has prohibited “parties and events” at all listings. That means wedding receptions, late-night dancing, or even larger gatherings could see your booking cancelled mid-celebration. For peace of mind on your big day, it’s better to choose a venue that’s built for weddings from the start.

How Airbnb wedding reception venues fall short

The party ban is a deal-breaker

Airbnb’s global party ban leaves no room for weddings. The policy blocks all parties across its listings, which puts receptions firmly in the danger zone. While a host might turn a blind eye at first, the rules are clear—and enforcement is strict. One neighbour complaint or too many cars in the driveway could see your DJ packing up before the first dance is over. That’s a big gamble to take on a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Guest caps don’t add up for weddings

Wedding guest lists are only getting bigger. In the UK, the average wedding now welcomes 89 guests—up from 80 in 2024—while many Airbnb homes cap occupancy at 10 to 15. Picture it: a countryside villa that only allows 12 guests. Once your catering staff, band and photographer are in, you’ve barely got space for the bridal party, let alone the rest of your family and friends.

Insurance won’t cover your big day

Airbnb’s AirCover liability insurance is designed for overnight stays. It doesn’t extend to non-overnight visitors like catering teams, musicians, or extra guests who arrive just for the reception. If there’s an accident on the dance floor or damage during setup, you could be left footing the bill.

Behind every reception is a lot of gear

Receptions often require pro sound systems, dance floors, catering setups, and sometimes even generators or lighting rigs. Most Airbnb houses aren’t equipped for that—and moving furniture, loading in gear, or parking catering vans may violate house rules.

How to find a venue like an Airbnb for a reception

Read the fine print before you say “I do”

Some venues impose hard guest limits, noise restrictions that shut down music before midnight, or bans on alcohol and outside catering. That might suit a quiet weekend stay, but it’s a dealbreaker for a wedding reception. Always read the fine print on gatherings, amplified sound, and visitor numbers before booking.

Define your big-day essentials

Before you fall for a pretty listing, decide what your reception truly needs. Will there be a band and dancing? Do you want an outdoor space for cocktail hour? Separate rooms for catering prep and storage? Listing these must-haves now ensures you don’t commit to a space that can’t deliver on the big day.

Keep the lights on and the party moving

A wedding reception venue doesn’t just need to look good, it needs to function. Guests should have space to mingle and enough bathrooms to keep queues short. Behind the scenes, reliable power will keep everything running—from the DJ and lighting rigs to catering equipment and photo booths. Think backup power options and strong Wi-Fi if you’re live-streaming the fun for guests who can’t attend. 

The takeaway: Pretty photos are great—but it’s power, space, and guest-friendly rules that make a reception venue actually work.

How much does it cost to hire a venue for a wedding reception?

Make sure you choose the right time and place for your wedding budget.

Watch out for weekends

Venue prices climb the moment you circle a Saturday—the most expensive day of the week to get married, with Fridays and Sundays trailing close behind. Peak wedding season (May to September) adds another premium, with August topping the charts. This year alone, 3,500 weddings were scheduled for Saturday, 23 August. If you’re flexible, midweek weddings and off-season dates (January to March or late autumn) can slash reception venue costs. Some venues also offer reduced rates for brunch or afternoon celebrations.

There’s an urban premium

A central city location will always command more. Venues in central London, Manchester, or Edinburgh can cost double the price of equally beautiful countryside options, simply because of demand and convenience. Proximity to hotels, transport links and landmark backdrops (like the Thames or a castle view) all push prices up. Hidden extras like parking permits in city centres can also add to the bill.

The more, the pricier

Most venues charge in tiers based on headcount. A space for 50 guests will be significantly cheaper than one designed for 150, not just for size but also staffing, security, and catering requirements. Larger spaces can often require minimum spends on food and drink, too. 

You’ll pay to put your stamp on it

Some venues include essentials like tables, chairs, a sound system, or even décor in the hire price. Others are blank canvases, which can seem cheaper upfront but require you to rent everything—from glassware to generators. 

Expect the unexpected

Cleaning fees, security, corkage, late-night surcharges, and overtime charges if you run over your slot can all creep into your budget. Some venues also add service charges of 10–15% on top of food and drink minimums. Ask for a full breakdown before signing a contract so you don’t get caught out.

How Peerspace is better than Airbnb for your wedding reception

You pay for the party, not the stay

Airbnb requires overnight stays—even if you just want a space for a six-hour reception. Peerspace offers transparent hourly pricing, so you’re not stuck paying for empty beds you don’t need, freeing up more budget for flowers, food, or the DJ.

Vendors are welcome (and expected)

On Airbnb, outside catering, DJs, or florists may be prohibited—or require endless back-and-forth with the host. Peerspace welcomes professional vendors. Venues are even kitted out for them, with catering prep space, load-in access, parking, storage, and sound systems.

What you see is exactly what you’ll get

Listings for Airbnb reception venues can be vague—especially when it comes to whether events are really allowed. Peerspace cuts the guesswork. Each listing spells out guest capacity, amenities, and house rules, with reviews from other couples who’ve had their big day there. 

Flexible policies for big days

Weddings don’t always go to plan. Airbnb’s strict cancellation policies can leave couples paying thousands if a date needs to shift. Peerspace offers more flexible modification and cancellation terms, so if you need to adjust your hours, push your day, or even reschedule, you’re not penalised.

How to find a wedding reception venue on Peerspace

Here’s how to find a wedding reception venue that fits your budget and your big day.

1. Head to Peerspace.com/uk or download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Select “Wedding Reception” as your activity, then enter your preferred location.
3. Refine your search using the filters for date, budget, party size and any special amenities you need.
4. Browse photos and reviews to see how others enjoyed the space on their big day.
5. Message the host to check noise rules, alcohol policies, and set-up times.
6. Hit “Book now” to secure your space.

Not every venue was made for a wedding

The best wedding receptions aren’t just fun—they’re stress-free. Think room for your guests, the right setup for food and music, and no unexpected noise restrictions.

Peerspace helps you find the perfect match. Find your perfect wedding reception space today.