Top 5 Airbnb’s for your Tampa Wedding
Today, I want to share why an Airbnb might be the perfect getting-ready space for your wedding day, along with tips for finding and maximizing this often-overlooked wedding day location.
As a wedding videographer based in Tampa, I've filmed hundreds of couples on their special day. One trend I've noticed over the past few years that consistently creates beautiful footage? Couples choosing Airbnbs as their getting-ready locations instead of standard hotel rooms. This choice might seem small, but it can dramatically impact both your experience and your wedding media. First, let’s take a look at my top picks in Tampa.
The Riverside Retreat
From the Owner:
Centrally located in the heart of Tampa's Riverside Heights neighborhood, our gorgeously designed, one of a kind home has all that you’re looking for! As featured on HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens & Country Living, this house is a gem in the heart of Tampa. Float to sleep in your gently swaying suspended bed after a relaxing evening in our backyard oasis. The Riverside Retreat has it all! Make our home your home-away-from home while experiencing all that Tampa has to offer.
The “Amanda House”
From the Owner:
The “Amanda House” is a fully restored 1926 Tampa Heights home that is 3 minutes from Armature Works and downtown Tampa, that sleeps up to 15 people. Relax in this huge home, complete with pool table, covered hot tub, gorgeous backyard deck and outdoor fire pit. Two master en-suites, one on the first floor, one on the second floor. Two queen bedrooms, a full bath and a sleeping loft with queen size trundle and a pull out twin, upstairs. A queen size bed with a half bath en-suite downstairs.
Unique Home by Clearwater
From the Owner:
Welcome to our tranquil oasis. Designed to exude a relaxing and calm energy. Each space is inspired by my travels, showcasing a deep appreciation for diverse global cultures. After years of calling this home, I'm excited to welcome wonderful guests like you. Situated near Clearwater Beach and just 10 minutes from Indian Rocks Beach, we offer a dedicated team to ensure an exceptional stay. Enjoy nearby restaurants, gyms, and a recreation center with trails, tennis, and more.
Stunning South Tampa 6 Bedroom House
From the Owner:
Welcome to our tranquil oasis. Designed to exude a relaxing and calm energy. Each space is inspired by my travels, showcasing a deep appreciation for diverse global cultures. After years of calling this home, I'm excited to welcome wonderful guests like you. Situated near Clearwater Beach and just 10 minutes from Indian Rocks Beach, we offer a dedicated team to ensure an exceptional stay. Enjoy nearby restaurants, gyms, and a recreation center with trails, tennis, and more.
4/3 home near Busch Gardens
From the Owner:
Can you imagine feeling at home away from home? Relax with the whole family at this peaceful & private 4 bedrooms, 6 beds, 3 full bathrooms, game room, office, laundry, pool and patio. Use the whole house! It’s all yours. Just 6 min from Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, 10 min from Hard Rock Casino, 12 min from University of South Florida, 13 min from Ybor City Historic District. Walking distance to bars and restaurants. Come explore the Sunshine state with the comfort of your own home!
Why I Love Filming Getting-Ready Moments at Airbnbs
After capturing countless wedding preparations in both traditional hotel rooms and Airbnbs, I can confidently say that Airbnbs often provide a superior experience both for you and for your photo and video team.
Natural Light is a Game-Changer
Nothing—and I mean nothing—beats natural light for wedding photography and videography. Most hotel rooms have limited windows and often harsh overhead lighting that creates unflattering shadows. Meanwhile, many Airbnbs offer abundant windows, natural light, and unique architectural features that elevate your getting-ready footage.
I'll never forget filming Melissa and Carlos last year at a historic bungalow in Hyde Park. The morning light streamed through original 1920s windows, creating this golden glow around Melissa as she read a letter from her soon-to-be husband. That same shot in a standard hotel room with fluorescent lighting would have lacked the magic we captured.
Space to Move and Create
Hotel rooms can become cramped quickly once you add:
The bride and bridesmaids
Hair and makeup artists
Mother of the bride and other family
Photo and video teams
All the dresses, accessories, and equipment
Most Airbnbs provide significantly more square footage, multiple rooms for different activities, and comfortable seating areas. This means I can capture authentic moments without constantly maneuvering around people or equipment.
Personal Expression and Style
Your getting-ready space sets the tone for your wedding film. Generic hotel rooms with identical bedspreads, artwork, and furniture can make it harder to create a film that feels uniquely yours.
Airbnbs come in endless styles—from ultra-modern downtown lofts to charming historic cottages. Choosing a location that reflects your wedding aesthetic creates visual consistency throughout your wedding media.
Practical Benefits Beyond Beautiful Footage
While I'm naturally focused on the visual benefits of Airbnbs, there are plenty of practical advantages too.
Cost Effectiveness
Many couples are surprised to discover that renting an entire house often costs less than booking multiple hotel rooms for the wedding party. Instead of paying for 3-4 separate rooms, you can consolidate into one beautiful space, often at a lower total cost.
Kitchen Access
Having a kitchen available on your wedding morning can be surprisingly valuable. From keeping champagne properly chilled to having space for catering to set up a light breakfast, this amenity alone makes many Airbnbs worth considering.
I've filmed several brides who incorporated special breakfast traditions into their morning—something that would have been impossible or extremely expensive in a hotel setting.
Privacy and Control
In a hotel, you're sharing space with other guests and limited by hotel policies. Want to play music loudly? Have vendors arrive early? Keep the celebration going a bit later? An Airbnb gives you control over your environment without worrying about disturbing neighbors through thin walls.
Finding the Perfect Wedding Day Airbnb
Not all Airbnbs are created equal, especially when it comes to serving as your wedding day headquarters. Here's what to look for when searching:
Location Considerations
Choose a location that makes logistical sense:
Within 15-30 minutes of your ceremony venue
In an area that feels special to you or complements your wedding theme
Near restaurants or grocery stores for any last-minute needs
In a neighborhood that offers nice outdoor areas (sometimes we'll step outside for a few quick shots)
The Tampa Bay area offers everything from beachfront properties to historic downtown locations. Think about what setting would complement your overall wedding vision.
Must-Have Features
Based on filming countless wedding preparations, here's what I recommend prioritizing:
Abundant Natural Light
Look for listings that showcase lots of windows and bright, airy spaces. Check that the photos in the listing were taken during the same time of day you'll be getting ready.
Multiple Bathrooms
Trust me on this one—multiple bathrooms are essential when several people need to get ready simultaneously.
Spacious Common Areas
Look for open floor plans or large living rooms where your wedding party can gather comfortably.
Interesting Architectural Features
Unique staircases, beautiful doorways, interesting windows, and outdoor spaces all provide great filming opportunities.
Neutral Walls and Décor
While character is good, extremely bold or busy patterns can be distracting in wedding footage. Spaces with some neutral areas provide flexibility for shooting.
Communication with Hosts
Always be upfront with your host about:
Exactly how many people will be present (including vendors)
The timeline of your stay
That it's specifically for wedding preparations
Some hosts have special event fees or restrictions, and it's better to know about these upfront. Many hosts are actually excited to be part of wedding days and may even offer special accommodations when they know what you're planning.
Check out some of my films:
Nick & Ashley
Jacqueline & Marshall
Monique & Diran
Jamie & Charlie
Making the Most of Your Airbnb on Wedding Day
Once you've secured the perfect space, here are my professional tips for maximizing it:
Arrival and Setup Strategy
Arrive early enough to settle in properly—ideally the night before if your budget allows. This gives you time to:
Clean up any areas that will appear in photos/videos
Arrange furniture optimally for hair and makeup stations
Set up a designated area for dresses and details
Identify the best lighting spots
Creating Zones
One advantage of Airbnbs is the ability to create dedicated areas for different activities:
Hair and makeup station near natural light
"Getting dressed" area with space for helpers and good backdrop
Quiet room for writing vows or having a moment alone
Gathering space for the wedding party
Lighting Considerations
As a videographer, lighting is everything to me. To ensure the best possible footage:
Open all blinds and curtains for maximum natural light
Turn off overhead lights that cast yellow tones
Bring a few small lamps if the space doesn't have enough light sources
Consider the time of day—morning light is often softer and more flattering
Setting the Mood
The getting-ready atmosphere contributes significantly to your wedding memories:
Create a dedicated playlist for getting-ready time
Have champagne and snacks available
Bring meaningful items that can be incorporated into your footage (family photos, special gifts, etc.)
Keep the space reasonably tidy for the best background in photos and video
Final Thoughts
As someone who specializes in capturing authentic wedding moments, I can attest that your getting-ready environment significantly impacts the outcome of your wedding media. An Airbnb offers the space, light, and personalization that often elevates wedding footage from beautiful to extraordinary.
When couples ask me for my professional opinion on getting-ready locations, I consistently recommend exploring Airbnb options before defaulting to traditional hotel rooms. The difference is visible in the final product and makes my job as your videographer so much more creative.
If you're planning your Tampa wedding and have questions about getting-ready locations or how to maximize your space for the best possible footage, don't hesitate to reach out. Creating wedding films that truly capture your story is my passion, and the environment where that story begins matters more than most couples realize.
