Top 5 Airbnb’s for your Fort Myers Wedding
As a wedding videographer based in Fort Myers, I've captured countless couples' special days over the years. One trend I've noticed that consistently leads to stunning footage and a more relaxed experience for everyone involved? Using an Airbnb as your getting-ready location. Today, I want to share why this alternative to traditional hotel rooms has become one of my top recommendations for couples planning their wedding day. First, let’s take a look at my top picks in Fort Myers.
Modern City Loft in Downtown River District
From the Owner:
“Welcome to Gun-Loft, a custom-designed modern sanctuary in the Downtown River District. This expansive 3500 square foot city loft is tailored for those seeking to embrace the cosmopolitan lifestyle, with the perfect blend of urban luxury and cultural richness. Whether it's a leisurely stroll to the Edison Ford Home, an exciting night out, or a culinary adventure in the restaurants nearby, Gun-Loft offers an unparalleled experience in the city's most coveted location.”
Convenient Historic Home
From the Owner:
“Located within a mile from Downtown Ft Myers, this distinctive Craftsman-style brick home is in Historic Dean Park. Purchased by Henry & Jennie Colquitt in 1923 & home finished in 1926. The Colquitt's, originally from Michigan, were prominent in Ft Myers' real estate development, & the creation of the Colquitt Building in 1925. For your convenience, a Free Trolley going to downtown & back, Nov-Apr, has a stop very close to the home.”
Chic & Cozy River District Townhouse
From the Owner:
“This townhouse is in the heart of the River District, making it easy to plan your visit. For the young or young at heart, you can enjoy the downtown entertainment on foot or from the comfort of your own Chic City Townhouse. Park your car in front and you'll never need to leave. Walk to any one of numerous restaurants. Whether you want to curl up and enjoy a movie on the 77 inch tv or walk to the Edison Home, it's all at your fingertips.”
Waterfront Hideaway
From the Owner:
“This picturesque Airbnb is a hidden gem nestled along a canal with a one minute boat ride to the Caloosahatchee River.
The living room, bathed in natural light is perfect for taking in the scenic views.
The spacious bedroom has a king-size bed, ensuring a night of blissful rest. The full kitchen is equipped with all modern appliances.
Bring your boat and dock it on the seawall, ready to set sail whenever your heart desires.”
Luxury Ft. Myers Apartment
From the Owner:
“Relax with the whole family at this new apartment community on the Caloosahatchee River, 2 minutes from downtown Ft. Myers and numerous restaurants. Enjoy our first class amenities including a resort style pool, golf simulator, 24/7 fitness center, and 5th floor lounge overlooking the water.”
The Getting-Ready Space Makes a Difference
Before diving into the specifics of Airbnbs, let me explain why your getting-ready location matters in the first place. Those pre-ceremony hours are more significant than most couples realize – both for your overall experience and for your wedding film.
When I arrive to film your wedding morning, I'm not just capturing people getting dressed. I'm documenting:
The quiet moments of anticipation
Heartfelt exchanges with parents and friends
The transformation from everyday life into your wedding day
The building excitement and emotions that set the tone for your entire celebration
These moments form the emotional foundation of your wedding film. The right environment can make this footage much more cinematic and meaningful. The wrong setting can make it challenging to capture these moments beautifully.
Why Hotels Often Fall Short
Traditionally, couples get ready in hotel rooms. While this works for many, as someone who has filmed in countless hotel rooms, I can tell you they often present challenges:
Limited space: Standard hotel rooms quickly become cramped with the wedding party, family members, hair and makeup artists, and vendors like myself.
Poor lighting: Most hotel rooms have harsh overhead lighting or insufficient window light.
Cluttered backgrounds: With everyone's belongings spread throughout the room, finding clean backgrounds for shots becomes difficult.
Lack of character: Generic hotel décor rarely enhances your wedding aesthetic.
Restricted movement: Moving between rooms often requires key cards and coordination.
The Airbnb Advantage
This is where Airbnbs shine. Here's why I've fallen in love with these spaces for wedding preparation:
Space
The most immediate advantage of an Airbnb is space. With entire homes or spacious apartments at your disposal, everyone can spread out comfortably. From my perspective as your videographer, this means:
Room to set up equipment without being intrusive
Ability to capture natural moments without constantly being in someone's way
Multiple areas to film different aspects of preparation simultaneously
Space for cinematic movement in my shots
For you and your wedding party, it means a more comfortable, less stressful environment. Hair and makeup artists appreciate the extra room to set up properly, and everyone can move freely without feeling crowded.
Natural Light
Nothing beats beautiful, natural light for creating stunning footage. Many Airbnbs offer:
Large windows that flood rooms with soft light
Multiple rooms with different lighting options
Outdoor spaces like porches or gardens for additional shooting locations
I've filmed getting-ready sequences in Airbnbs with floor-to-ceiling windows that created the most gorgeous, diffused light across a bride's face as she read a letter from her soon-to-be spouse. That kind of lighting is nearly impossible to achieve in a standard hotel room, and it elevates your wedding film tremendously.
Character and Personality
One of my favorite aspects of Airbnbs is how their unique character can complement your wedding style. Here in Fort Myers, we have everything from:
Beachfront cottages with coastal vibes
Historic homes with architectural details
Modern, minimalist apartments
Lush, tropical properties with stunning outdoor areas
When chosen thoughtfully, your Airbnb can become an extension of your wedding aesthetic. This cohesion creates a more immersive story in your wedding film rather than having generic hotel scenes that contrast with your carefully designed venue.
Privacy and Exclusivity
At an Airbnb, you don't share lobby space with strangers or worry about other hotel guests. You have complete privacy, which allows for:
More authentic, uninhibited moments
Freedom to play your getting-ready playlist as loudly as you'd like
No awkward elevator rides in your wedding attire
Control over who enters your space
This privacy often leads to more genuine emotional moments – which are gold for your wedding film.
Cost-Effectiveness
While luxury hotels can be expensive, especially for multiple rooms, many Airbnbs offer:
Better value for the square footage
Accommodation for your entire wedding party under one roof
Kitchen facilities to save on morning-of catering
Multiple bathrooms (a major plus when everyone needs to get ready!)
Splitting an Airbnb among wedding party members often works out more economically than booking separate hotel rooms.
Check out some of my films:
Nick & Ashley
Jacqueline & Marshall
Monique & Diran
Jamie & Charlie
How to Choose the Perfect Getting-Ready Airbnb
If you're now considering an Airbnb for your wedding preparations, here are my professional tips for selecting the perfect space:
Prioritize Light and Space
As your videographer, I strongly recommend prioritizing:
Abundant natural light: Look for listings that mention "well-lit," "sunny," or "bright" in their descriptions. Large windows, preferably facing east or north, provide the most flattering light.
Open floor plans: Spaces where common areas flow together give us more options for capturing movement and interactions.
High ceilings: These create an airy feeling and allow for more dynamic compositions.
When browsing listings, pay close attention to the photos. If rooms look dark or cramped in professional listing photos, they'll be even more challenging to film in.
Consider the Location
The ideal Airbnb isn't just about the interior—its location matters too:
Proximity to your venue: Choose something within 15-30 minutes of your ceremony location to minimize travel stress.
Neighborhood setting: A quiet residential area typically works better than a busy downtown location with parking challenges.
Scenic surroundings: Properties with attractive exteriors or nearby natural features offer additional filming opportunities.
Here in Fort Myers, we're blessed with beautiful neighborhoods that offer everything from waterfront views to lush, tropical settings – all of which can enhance your wedding morning footage.
Review Practical Amenities
Beyond aesthetics, certain practical features make a huge difference:
Multiple bathrooms: This is crucial when several people need to get ready simultaneously.
Reliable air conditioning: Especially important for our Florida weddings to keep everyone comfortable and prevent makeup meltdowns.
Sufficient parking: Ensure there's space for vendors and wedding party members to park without issues.
Strong Wi-Fi: This might seem minor, but it's essential for sharing real-time updates with other vendors or live-streaming to absent loved ones.
Full-length mirrors: These are surprisingly often overlooked but essential for final preparations.
Read the House Rules Carefully
Before booking, carefully review:
Guest limits: Ensure the property allows the number of people who will be present.
Event policies: Some properties specifically prohibit events or wedding-related activities.
Check-in/check-out times: Ideally, you want early check-in and late check-out options to avoid rushing.
Noise restrictions: Especially important if your wedding party tends to be lively!
I've seen morning preparations derailed by unexpected rule enforcement, so it's worth a conversation with the host to clarify these points before booking.
Making the Most of Your Airbnb on Wedding Day
Once you've booked your perfect Airbnb, here are some tips to maximize the space for both your experience and your wedding film:
Designate Rooms Strategically
When I arrive to film, it helps tremendously if you've already:
Assigned a "main" getting-ready room: Choose the room with the best natural light for key moments like putting on the dress or suit.
Created a "clean room": Designate one area to remain clutter-free for portraits and detail shots.
Established quiet spaces: Have a separate room available for private moments like reading letters or exchanging gifts.
Arrive Prepared
To make the most of your Airbnb:
Arrive the night before: If possible, this allows you to settle in and prepare the space.
Bring extension cords and portable lighting: While natural light is ideal, having backup options is wise.
Consider the aesthetics: Bring nice hangers for attire, decorative trays for details, and perhaps some flowers to enhance the space.
Communicate with Your Vendors
Make sure to:
Share the address and access information: Send detailed instructions to all vendors coming to the Airbnb.
Provide arrival times: Create a clear schedule of when each vendor should arrive.
Discuss any property restrictions: Make sure everyone is aware of parking situations or access limitations.
Final Thoughts
As your wedding videographer, my goal is to tell your story as beautifully and authentically as possible. The environment where you begin your wedding day plays a significant role in setting the tone for both your experience and your wedding film.
While hotels certainly have their place, I've consistently found that well-chosen Airbnbs provide superior settings for wedding preparations. The combination of space, light, privacy, and character creates an environment where genuine moments can unfold naturally—and where I can capture them beautifully.
If you're planning your Fort Myers wedding and have questions about choosing the perfect getting-ready location or any other aspect of your wedding videography, I'd love to chat. Your wedding morning deserves to be as special as the ceremony itself, and the right space can make all the difference.
