Wed Where You Bed

8 Reasons Why You Should Tie the Knot At Your Vacation Rental

1. Accessibility

Here’s the deal. You really want to have friends and family there to celebrate, and while hiking to a beautiful view sounds fun, you know in reality hauling a bunch of people to the top of a mountain might not be a good idea. The good news is North Carolina has some amazing vacation rentals that offer stunning scenery which all guests can access safely.

Corey and Jess, 10/1/2020, Photography: The Hoffmans, Venue: Chalet Shiloh

2. Privacy

To find a truly private outdoor destination, you’ll either have to do a pretty long hike, have a sunrise ceremony, or both. A lot of spots you see in photos actually have people nearby because they are public spaces. I’ve performed ceremonies by backcountry campsites, kids playing, dogs running about, and even other elopements. While I’m not opposed to any of this, if I hear someone say they truly want privacy, I might encourage them to have the ceremony at the rental property and have a photoshoot offsite afterwards.

Amanda and Patrick, 10/23/2019, Photographer: Cappy Phalen, Coordination: Simply Eloped

3. Easy-Peasy

This is a no brainer. You get to wake up, have a mimosa, and take your time getting ready for the ceremony. Everything is in one location so no need to pack up, worry about traffic, or panic about weather.

Most vendors will even come to you including catering, hair and makeup, event rentals, and floral.

Alexis and Sean, 10/17/2020, Photo: Sarah Folsom; Florals: The Budding Florist; Hair & Make-Up: Flawless Airbrush; Chef: Malcolm Black; Musician: Irvin Music Studio; Art styling surfaces: Elysian Market

4. Reunion Time!

If you’re into an “all hands on deck” DIY-style wedding, renting a home gives you maximum control over the set-up while providing your guests a meaningful task that everyone will remember. Maybe you have your guests arrange flowers, put out decor, tell vendors where to go, grab you mimosas (is this a theme?). Whatever the case, you can have all of your besties under the same roof.

Makenzie and DJ, 11/7/2020, Photographer: Cappy Phalen, Coordination: Simply Eloped

5. Affordability 

The price is right. You already have to pay for accommodations if you’re doing a destination wedding. Some vacation rentals up-charge for weddings but if it’s a true elopement (just you two) then you’re likely just paying for your rental home. Also consider a property that has multiple accommodations on-site if you want all of your family in one location. The ceremony below featured a family and friends bonfire after the reception.

Shannon and Dan, 9/2017, Their entire family stayed on-site in private Yurts at Mountain Springs Cabins.

6. Puppers

You want to include your entire family, and this means your furbabies. Finding a rental that is dog-friendly means you can have your pup(s) without the stress of figuring out what to do when it’s time to take couples-only portraits, or when they get overly excited as their parents are tying the knot. (I say this from experience.)

Alexis and Sean, 10/17/2020, Photo: Sarah Folsom

7. Celebrate Where You Sleep

The reception is at the same place as your ceremony. Again, no travel. Which means no expensive Ubers or risky driving! Caterers drop off some amazing eats and you get to dance with your shoes off as the sun dips below the mountains knowing your head is only yards away from a pillow.

Cristina and Camilo, 10/10/2020, Photographer: Annie Carroll

8. Added Bonuses

Some rentals come with fun and games (i.e. cornhole, pool tables, firepits, etc.) so you might even challenge your mom to a game of billiards. 

Alexis and Sean, 10/17/2020, Photo: Sarah Folsom