Why a Backyard or AirBnb Wedding May Not Be the Best Idea

Over the past five years, backyard weddings have gained popularity for their intimate and personal touch, and as couples seek out unique, budget-friendly alternatives to traditional wedding venues, Airbnb weddings have also become an increasingly popular choice.  However, while the idea of exchanging vows in the comfort of your home might seem appealing, or the idea of a wedding in a stylish, cozy, or quirky space seems intriguing to many, there are several reasons why a backyard or Airbnb wedding might not be the most practical or budget-friendly options. Here are some potential pitfalls you might want to consider before pulling the trigger on your backyard or booking that dreamy Airbnb rental property for your big day, particularly for a wedding reception in Buffalo, NY, a wedding reception in Western New York, or even a wedding reception in New York State.

1. Lack of Experience

While a backyard wedding offers a personal touch, it lacks the expertise that a professional venue and its staff bring. Wedding venue managers and event coordinators at venues, like ours at Notting Hill Farm, are skilled at managing everything from timelines to troubleshooting last-minute issues. In contrast, you might find yourself scrambling to deal with problems that arise on your big day, which can be overwhelming and distracting.

2. Lack of Professional Amenities

A professional wedding venue usually comes equipped with a full range of amenities, from proper lighting and air conditioning to high-end sound systems and restrooms. At home, you'll have to make arrangements for everything yourself—portable bathrooms, rental generators for power, and adequate lighting are all additional expenses and logistical challenges. This can take away from the overall experience and add a lot of stress to the planning process. Ensuring that your backyard or Airbnb has the proper infrastructure for a wedding can be a costly and very time-consuming endeavor.

Most Airbnb properties, even the most beautiful ones, are typically designed to accommodate small groups. Whether it's a charming cottage, a trendy apartment, or a lavish villa, these homes usually don't have the capacity to host large gatherings. While a small, intimate wedding might work, if you're hoping to invite a bigger crowd, the space might feel cramped. Additionally, many Airbnb rentals don’t come with the kind of event-ready accommodations you’d find at a professional wedding venue, such as spacious reception halls, proper seating arrangements, or enough bathrooms to cater to all your guests.

3. Unpredictable Weather

Backyard wedding reception in a tent rained out and flooded.

Weather is always a wild card, especially if you’re planning an outdoor event. Even if you’re hosting a wedding during a season known for good weather, things can change quickly. A surprise rainstorm or a heatwave could throw off your plans, making your outdoor ceremony and reception more stressful than joyous.  Unlike wedding venues that usually offer indoor backup options, reliable shelter, or extensive contingency plans, private homes and Airbnb properties are often ill-equipped to handle unpredictable weather conditions. If it rains or there’s a sudden change in weather or a power outage, you might find yourself scrambling to find alternative solutions, such as renting a tent at the last minute or relocating guests to nearby areas.  While tents and canopies can help, they add to the cost and can’t guarantee comfort or safety during extreme conditions.  At Notting Hill Farm, we not only have indoor ceremony options and covered outdoor space, we also have standby generators that come on automatically in a power outage and power the entire building.  We also have our own professional sound system; in the event your DJ’s system fails (yes, this has happened several times in the past), they can easily and very quickly connect to our in-house system and keep the party going!

4. Hidden Costs

While a backyard or Airbnb wedding may initially seem like a more affordable option, the costs can quickly add up. Rental fees for tents, tables, chairs, linens, and bathrooms, along with the price of catering and entertainment, can exceed what you might pay for a wedding venue. Furthermore, your backyard may not be prepared for an event of this scale, meaning you might need to invest in landscaping, lighting, or other modifications, which can become unexpectedly expensive.  At an Airbnb, cleaning fees, extra guest fees, and security deposits can make the final price of hosting a wedding at an Airbnb far higher than expected. Additionally, some Airbnb hosts may have additional charges for hosting events, especially if they involve a large number of guests. These unexpected costs can catch you off guard and blow your wedding budget.  At a traditional venue like ours, costs are upfront and transparent, making your planning process much easier, and ultimately, more predictable and affordable.

Hidden costs of a backyard wedding or Airbnb wedding that are included in Notting Hill Farm's affordable venue rental fee starting at $7800!

5. Stressful Set-Up and Clean-Up

A backyard or Airbnb wedding means you'll likely have to handle (or oversee) the setup and cleanup. From arranging furniture and decorations to managing the catering and rentals and ensuring everything runs smoothly, the logistics can become overwhelming. After the event, you’ll be expected to return the property to its original state, which means dealing with trash, food, decorations, and the cleaning and return of rentals. The cleaning process after a wedding can be exhausting, and it’s easy to overlook how much work it will involve, especially after such a long, emotional day. Many Airbnb hosts require their guests to handle this themselves, and failure to do so could result in additional cleaning fees. This can add an extra layer of stress on your special day. Traditional wedding venues like ours, on the other hand, provide event staff to handle all the setup and cleanup, allowing you to focus solely on your celebration and making your post-wedding experience much more relaxing.

6. Noise and Privacy Issues

Crazy neighbor destroys backyard wedding with lawnmowing.

Even if you live in a quiet neighborhood, noise can still be a significant concern. Your wedding could be interrupted by everything from barking dogs to lawnmowers, to passing traffic. If your backyard is not private, there’s also the risk of curious neighbors peeking in on your special day. Noise ordinances could also limit how loud the music or announcements can be, which might affect the atmosphere you’re hoping to create. If your neighborhood is not accustomed to large gatherings or are particularly sensitive to noise, a wedding celebration can cause tension and create contentious interactions with disgruntled neighbors. You might have to deal with complaints about loud music, traffic, or the large number of people. This can be especially problematic if you live in a residential area with strict noise regulations or if you plan on celebrating late into the night. A venue with an expansive property and dedicated event spaces is far less likely to cause friction with neighbors. At Notting Hill Farm, we offer privacy and seclusion on over 215 acres!

Notting Hill Farm stands out amongst Buffalo wedding reception venues for its privacy, seclusion, serenity and stunning views! Photo courtesy of Matt Emery Portraits

7. Unpredictable Rules and Regulations

First and foremost, in most areas, local governments and Airbnb have policies that may prohibit or severely restrict events like weddings. These rules might include restrictions on the number of guests, noise limits, or curfews. Additionally, Airbnb hosts themselves may have their own specific rules and restrictions regarding guest counts and permitted activities. It's crucial to get explicit written permission from the host and understand their policies before booking.  Always ensure that Airbnb and state and local governments permit gatherings at properties in your desired location as violating these rules can lead to hefty fines or, in extreme cases, your event being shut down altogether.

8. Limited Space and Guest List Woes

One of the most significant drawbacks of a backyard wedding is the limited space. Not all backyards are designed to accommodate a large group of people. While intimate gatherings might work, squeezing a big guest list into a small yard can feel cramped and uncomfortable. In addition, you might find yourself making difficult decisions about who gets invited, and you could end up having to exclude important people simply because you don’t have the room.

Cramped backyard ceremony.

9. Parking Problems

Parking is another logistical nightmare that often comes with hosting a backyard or Airbnb wedding. If your guest list includes a large number of people, parking might be a major issue. Streets around the home may not have enough space, and the driveway might only accommodate a few vehicles. This could lead to confusion, frustration, and even safety concerns if your guests have to park far away or on narrow streets. At a professional wedding venue, parking is typically a non-issue.  At Notting Hill Farm, we offer a very large, well-lit, paved and staffed parking lot, as well as shuttle services to and from the lot to the venue!  Because our parking lot is situated away from the venue, you also will not have to deal with car noise and fumes nor will cars be in your photographs!

10. Risk of Property Damage or Liability Issues

Weddings can be messy, and with food, drinks, and a lot of people around, there's a potential for accidental damage to the property. Your homeowner’s insurance policy is unlikely to cover special events or liquor liability, and without the hefty insurance coverage that a venue typically provides (especially if the venue is also serving the alcohol), you could be liable for any injuries or accidents that happen on the property during the wedding.  The same is true for events at an Airbnb.  Airbnb hosts may charge you hefty fees for any damage caused during the event, and some may even have strict policies about hosting events in their space. Professional venues are equipped with insurance and have experience dealing with the risks associated with hosting large events, making them a much safer option in this regard.

11. Security Concerns

When hosting a wedding at home, the security of your property and belongings is an often-overlooked issue. You’ll need to hire professionals to manage security and make sure everything runs smoothly, especially if you have a large guest list. Wedding venues typically offer security services, including security camera systems, ensuring your property is safe and that only authorized individuals can enter the event.

12. Limited Vendor Availability & Accommodation

Not all wedding vendors are accustomed to working in backyards or at Airbnb properties. From caterers and florists to photographers and DJs, you may find that many professionals are less familiar with the logistics and limitations of this type of venue, nor will your home or Airbnb property provide proper working situation for vendors. This could affect the quality of service you receive or even make it difficult to find vendors who are willing to work in non-traditional spaces. Wedding venues like ours are built to accommodate professional vendors, offering them the facilities and equipment they need to execute their services seamlessly.

While the idea of a backyard or Airbnb wedding may seem like a great alternative to traditional venues, the reality often presents more challenges than most couples anticipate. From logistical headaches and privacy concerns to hidden costs and unpredictable regulations, hosting your wedding in your backyard or at an Airbnb property comes with a range of risks that could turn your dream day into a stressful ordeal. If you’re looking for a stress-free, memorable wedding day, it might be worth considering a more traditional venue like Notting Hill Farm where professional staff, ample space, and all the necessary amenities are already in place to make your celebration truly special.  At our venue, you will be a guest at your own wedding and will not lift a finger!

Notting Hill Farm — Buffalo best wedding reception venue

We hope you enjoyed this blog detailing why a backyard or Airbnb wedding may not be the best choice.  We encourage prospective couples to book a tour with us and experience our stunning property and find out for yourself why we stand out amongst the best wedding halls in Buffalo!

Supporting Local

At Notting Hill Farm, we’re committed to raising awareness about the importance of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can make a difference by writing a Google review, following these venues on social media, and sharing recommendations whenever you can. Your support means the world to us and to small business owners across the country. We’re excited to give a heartfelt shoutout to some of our incredible venue owner colleagues nationwide. If you’re planning your big day, consider choosing a locally owned venue—find some of the best through the Wedding Venue Map. Talula Mesa, Oaks of Devonaire, Bluestone Estate, Eden Farms Weddings, El Tango Reception Hall, Dream Ranch Events, Livingstone Event Space, Make It Jamaica, Thistledome House, La Bella Luna