Top 5 Airbnb’s for your Orlando Wedding
As an Orlando wedding videographer who's captured countless special days, I've noticed a trend that has completely transformed the "getting ready" experience for many of my couples: using Airbnbs instead of traditional hotel rooms. After filming in everything from cramped hotel suites to spacious vacation rentals, I want to share why securing the right getting-ready space matters so much—both for your experience and your wedding media. First, let’s take a look at my top picks in Orlando.
Livingston Pool House
From the Owner:
Welcome to the Pool House! Our newly renovated detached pool house is located in the heart of downtown Orlando, in the Lake Eola Heights Historic District. We are two blocks to beautiful Lake Eola and all the dining and entertainment that Orlando has to offer. The Pool House has everything you need for a relaxing time at home, yet all the entertainment at your finger tips! Downtown living with a tropical escape!
Modern Cozy Home
From the Owner:
Consider this house your home away from home while you visit Orlando. This nice and serene property offers a tremendous experience for guests. With 3 bedrooms, including a king bed, a full bed, and a bunk bed, there's plenty of space for everyone. The 2 bathrooms are equipped with amenities like a hair dryer, bathtub, and shower. You'll find heating, a washing machine, WiFi, an iron, AC, and more. Our place is equipped for both long or short stays to make your holiday or stay one to remember.
Luxury Villa
From the Owner:
* Accommodates: 15
* Bathrooms: 5
* Bedrooms: 5
* Property type: Luxury Villas
* Location: Champions Gate
* At the entrance to the Champions Gate Resort there are several restaurant options, a gas station, a publix.
The Eights House
From the Owner:
Location can't get better! Next to Disney Parks and Restaurant Row! This Guarded and gated place to stay is perfect for family trips. You will fall in love with our year round 12ft tree tastefully decorated by season. Mickey's Camping room, Frozen themed room, the cabin Christmas year round experience & 2 additional modern king rooms perfect for couples! Did I mention the stunning Avengers Home theater/game room and oversized pool?
The Orlando Retreat
From the Owner:
When you visit the Orlando retreat, you will find every amenity that you, your family and fur babies will need to make this stay the best one yet! Unwind at its stunning pool and outdoor area equipped with a BBQ, lounging chairs, and outdoor dinning.
In addition, this house features a beautiful fire place, home office, laundry room, and an updated kitchen with everything you will need.
The Getting-Ready Space
Before we dive into the Airbnb advantage, let me explain why your getting-ready location deserves careful consideration. As a videographer, I can tell you that the preparation hours set the emotional tone for your entire wedding film. This is where authentic moments unfold—nervous excitement, heartfelt gifts exchanged between partners, tearful first looks with parents, and friends sharing memories while helping with final touches.
These intimate moments require the right environment. When you're cramped in a dark hotel room with luggage everywhere and nowhere for your wedding party to sit, those beautiful moments become logistically challenging to capture. Your photos and video will showcase these spaces, so choosing wisely enhances not just your experience, but also your wedding media.
Why Airbnbs Win for Wedding Prep
Space That Breathes (and Fits Everyone)
The most immediate advantage of an Airbnb is the sheer space. Traditional hotel rooms weren't designed for 5-10 people to simultaneously get hair and makeup done while photographers and videographers work their magic. Even hotel suites can feel cramped once you add:
Your entire wedding party
Hair and makeup artists with their equipment
Parents and special family members dropping by
Your photography and video team
All your dresses, accessories, and personal items
I've filmed in Airbnbs that offered separate areas for different activities: a bright, window-filled room for makeup application, a spacious living room where bridesmaids could relax, and private spaces for emotional moments with parents or first looks. This separation allows everyone to have their space without feeling crowded or rushed.
Natural Light
As a videographer, I cannot overstate the importance of good lighting. Many hotel rooms offer minimal natural light with small windows and harsh overhead lighting that creates unflattering shadows and color casts.
Airbnbs often feature:
Multiple large windows in various rooms
Outdoor spaces with natural lighting
Higher ceilings and more open layouts
Varied lighting options throughout the property
Natural light makes skin glow, helps makeup artists see their work clearly, and dramatically improves the quality of your photos and video. When I walk into a bright, airy Airbnb with windows throughout, I know immediately that the getting-ready footage will be stunning.
Check out some of my films:
Nick & Ashley
Jacqueline & Marshall
Monique & Diran
Jamie & Charlie
Personalization and Comfort
Hotel rooms, no matter how luxurious, tend to feel generic. Airbnbs offer unique character and comfort that can complement your wedding style. I've filmed in:
Modern downtown lofts with city views for urban weddings
Rustic farm cottages for country ceremonies
Beachfront properties for coastal celebrations
Historic homes that provided elegant backdrops for traditional weddings
This personalization extends beyond aesthetics. Having a full kitchen means your wedding party can enjoy a relaxed breakfast together. Multiple bathrooms eliminate morning traffic jams. Comfortable living spaces allow people to spread out rather than perching on the edge of hotel beds.
Control Over Your Environment
In an Airbnb, you control the environment completely. You can:
Rearrange furniture to create the perfect backdrop
Control the temperature throughout the space
Play your own music through the house
Keep snacks and drinks available in the kitchen
Maintain privacy from other hotel guests or tourists
This control extends to timing as well. Many Airbnbs allow early check-in or even booking the night before, giving you time to settle in and prepare the space. You won't feel rushed by hotel checkout times or housekeeping knocking on your door.
Practical Tips for Booking the Perfect Getting-Ready Airbnb
Start Your Search Early
The best properties book quickly, especially during peak wedding season in Orlando. I recommend searching 6-8 months before your wedding date. Look specifically for:
Properties within 15-20 minutes of your venue to minimize travel time
Listings with at least 4.7+ star ratings and positive reviews
Spaces that specifically mention accommodating events or groups
Properties with flexible check-in/check-out times
Prioritize These Features
After filming in dozens of getting-ready spaces, I recommend properties with:
Ample Natural Light: Look for listings that showcase bright interiors with numerous windows. Keywords like "sun-filled," "bright," and "airy" are good indicators.
Open Floor Plan: An open concept living/dining area provides flexibility for hair and makeup stations while allowing everyone to remain connected.
Multiple Bathrooms: With several people needing to shower and use bathroom mirrors, having at least two bathrooms is crucial.
Outdoor Space: A patio, balcony, or yard offers additional options for portraits and can be a nice retreat when indoor spaces get busy.
Character and Style: Choose a property that complements your wedding aesthetic. The architectural style and decor will feature prominently in your photos and video.
Communication Is Key
Always inform the Airbnb host about your intentions. Be clear that you'll be using the space for wedding preparations, including:
How many people will be present
Whether hair and makeup professionals will be working there
If photography and videography will take place
Some hosts have specific policies about events or additional fees for extra guests. Transparency prevents day-of conflicts that could disrupt your timeline.
Preparing Your Airbnb Getting-Ready Space
Once you've secured the perfect property, here's how to maximize it on your wedding day:
Arrive Early or Book the Night Before
If possible, book the Airbnb for the night before your wedding. This allows you to:
Prepare the space by clearing clutter
Hang dresses properly to remove wrinkles
Set up amenity baskets for your wedding party
Stock the refrigerator with breakfast items and champagne
Get a good night's sleep in your preparation location
Designate Areas for Different Activities
Create zones within the property:
A well-lit area near windows for hair and makeup
A separate space for dressing with good mirrors
A "quiet room" for moments of reflection or private first looks
A gathering space for the wedding party to relax
A staging area for dresses, accessories, and details
Prepare the Space for Photography and Video
As a videographer, I notice when couples have thoughtfully prepared their space:
Remove random items, charging cables, and clutter from surfaces
Hang robes, dresses, and suits where they can catch natural light
Keep meaningful items (invitation suites, jewelry, family heirlooms) together for detail shots
Consider bringing simple decorative elements that match your wedding colors
Turn off ceiling fans (which cause flickering in video) before we arrive
Your getting-ready space sets the tone for your entire wedding day—both in experience and in documentation. While hotel suites can work, Airbnbs offer advantages in space, light, comfort, and personalization that are hard to match.
As your videographer, my goal is capturing authentic moments that tell your unique story. The right environment makes those moments more likely to unfold naturally and beautifully. When you're comfortable, relaxed, and surrounded by thoughtfully chosen spaces, the emotion and significance of those pre-ceremony hours truly shine through in your wedding film.
If you're planning your Orlando wedding and have questions about selecting the perfect getting-ready location, don't hesitate to reach out. After all, creating a stunning wedding film is a collaborative process, and it starts long before I press record on your wedding day.
