Top 5 Airbnb’s for your New Hampshire Wedding
As a wedding videographer in New Hampshire for over a decade, I've witnessed hundreds of couples prepare for their big day in various settings. One trend I've noticed gaining significant momentum in recent years is the use of Airbnbs as wedding preparation spaces. This shift from traditional hotel rooms has transformed the getting-ready experience in ways that not only enhance the day itself but also create better memories and, frankly, better wedding films.
Today, I want to share my professional insights on why choosing an Airbnb for your wedding day preparations might be one of the smartest decisions you make for your celebration. First, let’s take a look at my top picks in New Hampshire.
One-of-a-kind log home
From the Owner:
“A truly unique mountain getaway! Close to all that the White Mountains and North Conway have to offer,in a private and idyllic setting with mountain views. While the main level tends to offer a peaceful retreat, the ground level is the place to entertain. With the hot tub and outdoor firepit overlooking the mountains, no need to go out. A ski enthusiast’s dream location, minutes away from Cranmore, Attitash Bear Peak, and the MWV Ski Touring Center!”
Surfside Sanctuary, Jenness Beach
From the Owner:
“Surfside Sanctuary is right on Jenness Beach. Enjoy the view from the enclosed porch, outdoor patio, or the sand—Jenness Beach is your front yard. One of the best beach breaks in New England is right in front of the house. This is likely the friendliest wave you will ever surf. Ride the waves or watch the surfers, play bocci ball on the sand, surf cast, boogie board, take a surf or SUP lesson.”
As Unique as they come!
From the Owner:
“We hope you're sitting down.
This unique place has a style all its own. If you want to stay in a place that has you talking about it for years to come then look no further.
Hot tub with moving roof ✔
Cinema screen for a TV ✔
Fire pit along a small flowing stream ✔
Pet friendly ✔
2 indoor fireplaces ✔
Surround sound system ✔
Quirky & thoughtful decor ✔”
The Niche
From the Owner:
“Welcome to the Niche, crafted and forged to preserve your memories. The many custom touches in this space echo our wish for your experience here: beautiful, unique, and unforgettable. As you relax, in a private wooded setting, we hope you find the peaceful time away you're searching for.”
Modern A-frame
From the Owner:
“Welcome to our cozy 3-bedroom A-frame cabin, nestled in the heart of North Conway. Originally built by our grandparents in the 1960's, this A-frame serves as the perfect home-base for adventuring and exploring all that the White Mountains have to offer; skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, breweries, dining, floating the Saco, leaf-peeping and the like!”
The Importance of Your Getting-Ready Space
Before diving into the specifics of Airbnbs, let me emphasize why your preparation space matters so much. As a videographer, I can tell you that approximately 20-30% of your wedding film will feature moments captured during these preliminary hours. The getting-ready portion sets the emotional tone for your entire wedding day narrative.
Traditional hotel rooms often present significant challenges:
Limited natural light with small windows
Cramped quarters that become chaotic with bridal parties
Impersonal decor that doesn't reflect your style
Restricted movement for photographers and videographers
What many couples don't realize until it's too late is that these limitations directly impact the quality and feel of your wedding documentation. When I arrive at a standard hotel room with harsh overhead lighting, cluttered surfaces, and barely enough space to move my equipment, I know I'll be fighting an uphill battle to create truly beautiful footage.
Why Airbnbs Have Become a Game-Changer
When I first had a couple choose an Airbnb for their preparation space around 2018, I immediately noticed the difference. The footage from that day had a distinctly different quality—more intimate, more personal, more visually compelling. Since then, I've become a vocal advocate for this approach, and here's why:
Natural Light
Airbnbs typically offer what professionals like me consider the holy grail: abundant natural light. Many feature large windows, sliding glass doors, or even skylights that flood spaces with soft, flattering daylight. This natural illumination:
Creates a warm, inviting atmosphere
Eliminates the need for harsh artificial lighting
Provides flattering illumination for makeup application
Allows for more creative shooting possibilities
I recently filmed a bride preparing in a renovated farmhouse Airbnb just outside Wolfeboro. The morning light streaming through the east-facing windows created a golden glow that no professional lighting setup could replicate. The resulting footage had an almost ethereal quality that perfectly captured the anticipation and emotion of those moments.
Space That Accommodates Your Vision
The spatial advantages of Airbnbs cannot be overstated. Instead of cramming your entire wedding party into a standard hotel room, you'll typically enjoy:
Multiple rooms for different activities
Space for hair and makeup artists to set up properly
Areas for family members to relax
Options for private moments away from the group
Room for photographers and videographers to work unobtrusively
This abundance of space transforms the getting-ready experience from chaotic to celebratory. I've noticed that when bridesmaids aren't constantly bumping into each other, when parents have a comfortable place to sit, when there's room to hang dresses without wrinkling—everyone's stress levels decrease significantly.
A Backdrop That Tells Your Story
Perhaps the most significant advantage from a visual storytelling perspective is the way an Airbnb can reflect your personal style and wedding aesthetic. Unlike the generic artwork and standard beige walls of hotels, Airbnbs offer:
Unique architectural features
Character-filled spaces with personality
Decor that can complement your wedding theme
Beautiful outdoor areas for additional shooting locations
I filmed a winter wedding last year where the couple chose a modern cabin-style Airbnb in North Conway with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking snow-covered mountains. The rustic-yet-refined interior perfectly matched their wedding aesthetic, creating visual continuity between the preparation footage and their venue. These thoughtful connections elevate the final film from documentation to artistry.
Practical Considerations When Booking an Airbnb
While the advantages are clear, selecting the right Airbnb requires careful consideration:
Location Logistics
The perfect Airbnb won't help if it creates transportation headaches. I recommend looking for properties that are:
Within 15-20 minutes of your ceremony venue
Easily accessible for vendors (makeup artists, florists, etc.)
In areas with reliable transportation options
Close to emergency services (just in case)
I once worked with a couple who found a stunning Airbnb in a remote part of the White Mountains. While visually spectacular, the 45-minute drive to their ceremony venue caused significant stress when traffic unexpectedly delayed their arrival. Balance beauty with practicality when making your selection.
Checking the Fine Print
Not all Airbnb hosts welcome wedding-related activities. Before booking:
Communicate clearly with the host about your intentions
Verify that events or gatherings are permitted
Understand any restrictions on guest numbers
Confirm policies regarding outside vendors
Check if additional fees apply for events
Many hosts in New Hampshire have become quite wedding-friendly as they've recognized this market, but never make assumptions. I've seen too many couples face last-minute complications because they hadn't been upfront about their plans.
Essential Amenities to Consider
Beyond aesthetics, certain practical features can make or break your experience:
Multiple bathrooms (essential for larger wedding parties)
Adequate parking for vendors and wedding party members
Reliable WiFi (yes, you'll need this more than you think)
Sufficient mirrors (crucial for getting ready)
Kitchen access for snacks and refreshments
Air conditioning or heating depending on season
Backup generators in remote locations
The amenities that matter most will depend on your specific needs, but I've found these to be universally important based on my experience with dozens of New Hampshire weddings.
Making the Most of Your Airbnb on Wedding Day
Once you've selected the perfect Airbnb, here are some tips to maximize its potential:
Arrive Early and Get Organized
I always advise couples to:
Check in the day before if possible
Remove unnecessary clutter before vendors arrive
Designate specific areas for different activities
Create a "staging area" for details (jewelry, invitations, etc.)
This preparation makes a tremendous difference in how smoothly the day unfolds. When I arrive to find an organized space with intentional planning, I can immediately begin capturing meaningful moments rather than helping rearrange furniture.
Consider the Light Throughout the Day
Understanding how natural light moves through your Airbnb can help you plan:
Schedule hair and makeup in the rooms with the best morning light
Know which spaces will be brightest during different parts of the day
Have contingency plans for cloudy days
Discuss lighting with your photographer and videographer in advance
Light is the most crucial element in creating beautiful imagery, and being thoughtful about this aspect shows in the final results.
Create Comfort for Your Wedding Party
Remember that your preparation space needs to serve practical functions too:
Stock the kitchen with easy snacks and plenty of water
Have a designated "quiet room" for anyone needing a moment
Ensure temperature controls are accessible
Provide ample seating for everyone
I've noticed that when the basic comfort needs of the wedding party are met, the emotional atmosphere is much more conducive to those special candid moments that make wedding films so meaningful.
Check out some of my films:
Nick & Ashley
Jacqueline & Marshall
Monique & Diran
Jamie & Charlie
Final Thoughts
As your wedding videographer, my goal is always to create a film that authentically captures not just how your day looked, but how it felt. The environment where you prepare sets the foundation for that emotional narrative.
While an Airbnb may represent an additional expense in your wedding budget, I've consistently seen this investment pay dividends in terms of experience quality and resulting documentation. When you consider that your wedding film and photos are what remain long after the day itself, creating optimal conditions for their creation becomes a priority worth considering.
If you're planning a New Hampshire wedding and have questions about preparation spaces or how to make the most of your chosen location, I'm always happy to share more specific advice based on your unique vision. After all, my job isn't just to document your day—it's to help you create the most beautiful version of it possible.
