Top 5 NYC Airbnb’s For Getting Wedding Ready
As a wedding videographer in New York City, I've filmed countless couples preparing for their big day in every venue imaginable – from hotel suites to childhood homes, cramped apartments to spacious mansions. But over the years, I've noticed a growing trend that I absolutely love: couples choosing Airbnbs as their getting-ready locations. After documenting hundreds of wedding mornings, I want to share why an Airbnb might be the perfect choice for your pre-ceremony preparations. First, let’s take a look at my top picks!
Manhattan
Cozy and Chic Studio Loft
From the Owner:
Beautifully Brownstone-designed Studio apartment features 2 Queen-sized beds and a pullout sofa bed located right off Grand Central Metro Station. Walking distance to Times Square, Steps from Central Park & the Metropolitan Museum of Art. surrounded by cool bars, restaurants, and coffee places. Located next to the United Nations, therefore, one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC. The apartment is well-designed and features anything you need for your trip, linens, towels, pots, pans, fridge, etc.
Brooklyn
Private, Beautiful Brownstone Guest Suite
From the Owner:
If you're looking for a home and not just another apartment managed remotely filled with someone’s leftover furniture, please keep reading. This Airbnb was created by an interior designer with front row couture runway show clients using contemporary, mid-century, vintage and antique furniture.
We offer a luxurious, quiet, clean, private 700 square ft space for you to relax in. The space is a guest suite that is part of our own larger space where we live. You’ll enjoy your own living and dining space, kitchen, bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Your chic accommodations will allow you the chance to live large in a Brooklyn brownstone, the space is a guest suite within our space in the house.
Queens
Splash of Color: The White House
From the Owner:
Get ready to relax in our newly renovated home decked out with amenities you won’t find anywhere else! Just a 5-minute drive from JFK airport, it’s perfect for a cozy stay or a grand adventure in the big city. NYC is only a quick 30-35 minute train ride away! Enjoy ample space and all the comfy vibes.
The Bronx
Large NYC Home
From the Owner:
Have fun at this stylish place. You will enjoy a large backyard with patio, fire pit, deck, ping pong table and gas BBQ. The house has plenty of space and is in the center of town and walking distance to the beach and restaurants and 20 minutes to Manhattan. Enjoy this hidden gem of a neighborhood- City Island, the seaport of the Bronx! The basement is set up as a 2 bedroom space for additional use and privacy if needed at an additional charge!
Staten Island
Modern house in Staten Island
From the Owner:
Welcome to our modern and newly renovated Airbnb property! This spacious home features two bedrooms, including a master bedroom with its own attached bathroom for added privacy and convenience. Additionally, there are two bathrooms in total, ensuring ample facilities for your stay.
Throughout the property, you'll find modern and stylish decor, creating an inviting and contemporary ambiance. Our recent renovations ensure a fresh and updated atmosphere for your comfort and enjoyment.
The Lighting Advantage
Let me start with what might seem like a technical detail but is actually crucial for both your photos and videos: natural light. As someone who's spent years capturing these intimate morning moments, I can't stress enough how important good lighting is. Many hotel rooms, despite their luxury, can be surprisingly dark or have harsh overhead lighting that's less than flattering.
This is where Airbnbs often shine (pun intended). When booking an Airbnb, you can specifically look for properties with large windows, light-colored walls, and open floor plans. I've filmed in Brooklyn brownstones with gorgeous bay windows and Manhattan penthouses with wraparound windows that provided the kind of soft, natural light photographers and videographers dream about. Your getting-ready footage will thank you for it.
Space and Flow
One of the biggest advantages I've noticed with Airbnbs is the natural flow they provide. Unlike a hotel room, where everyone is cramped into one or two rooms, an entire house or apartment offers distinct spaces for different activities. Picture this: hair and makeup artists set up in the sunny living room, the wedding dress hanging elegantly in a doorway, bridesmaids getting ready in one bedroom while groomsmen prep in another, and a quiet corner for the couple to read their letters to each other.
This separation of spaces not only makes for better footage but also creates a more relaxed atmosphere. I've seen how this natural division helps reduce stress and allows for those authentic, candid moments that make wedding films so special.
The Personal Touch
There's something inherently more personal about getting ready in a home environment, even if it's a temporary one. Hotel rooms, while lovely, can feel sterile and commercial. An Airbnb, on the other hand, often has character and charm that can add a unique element to your wedding story.
Cost-Effectiveness
Let's talk about the practical side. While luxury hotel suites in New York can easily run upwards of $1,000 per night, you can often find spacious, beautiful Airbnbs for significantly less. Plus, you're getting more square footage and amenities for your money. Many of my couples have mentioned how they appreciated being able to stock the kitchen with breakfast items and champagne, rather than paying for overpriced hotel room service.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Prep Airbnb
Location Matters
Choose a location that makes sense logistically. I recommend finding a place within 15-20 minutes of your ceremony venue. Remember, New York traffic can be unpredictable, and you don't want to spend your wedding morning stuck in it.
Read the Fine Print
Before booking, make sure:
The host allows events and knows you'll be using it for wedding preparations
The maximum guest count accommodates your entire getting-ready crew
Check-in time works with your timeline (many of my couples book the night before to ensure early access)
The cancellation policy is clear and reasonable
Photos Can Be Deceiving
As someone who works with visuals, I always recommend my couples to:
Look carefully at all photos, especially of the main getting-ready spaces
Check for reviews that mention natural light
Look for photos taken at different times of day
Consider the color of the walls (neutral colors are best for photos and video)
Space Requirements
From my experience, the ideal getting-ready Airbnb should have:
At least 2-3 bedrooms for larger wedding parties
Multiple bathrooms
A spacious living area or common space
Good mirror access
Adequate electrical outlets (trust me, this is crucial)
Strong, reliable WiFi
Clean, clutter-free spaces
A decent kitchen for snacks and drinks
Check out some of my films:
Nick & Ashley
Jacqueline & Marshall
Monique & Diran
Jamie & Charlie
A Few Final Thoughts
After years of filming wedding preparations across New York City, I've seen how the getting-ready location can set the tone for the entire day. An Airbnb can provide that perfect blend of comfort, practicality, and style that makes for both a pleasant experience and beautiful footage.
Remember, these first few hours of your wedding day are precious. They're filled with anticipation, emotion, and intimate moments with your closest friends and family. The space where these moments unfold should feel special but comfortable, photogenic but practical.
If you're considering an Airbnb for your wedding prep location, take your time in the selection process. Look for spaces that speak to your style while meeting your practical needs. And don't forget to consider the visual aspects – after all, these moments will be captured forever in your photos and wedding film.
As a videographer, some of my favorite wedding films have come from mornings spent in carefully chosen Airbnbs, where natural light, spacious rooms, and personal touches came together to create the perfect backdrop for the start of an unforgettable day.
