All Forum Posts by: Kevin Marin

Quote from @Kevin Marin:

Hey,

I have recently listed an airbnb in September and I got an inquiry for a few dates. They asked me if I would consider allowing them to have their wedding ceremony at the property with the reception after. I'm considering it to be honest but I'm worried something could go wrong as in someone gets hurt. What would I need to do to make this a smooth opportunity?

I appreciate any advice

I am a venue owner I can tell you from experience, the wedding ceremony would be fine but the reception would have to many moving parts if you do not have the systems in place to manage it. 

Dj, setup and breakdown/clean up, food, guest leaving trash in random places, POOP ON WALLS (still trying to figure out how that happened) etc.

When it is left up to the guest to manage it all that increases the chance of something happening.

Most events/weddings have less people show up than planned for “IF” 30 people really is the accurate head count.

Besides for a reception that small they should be able to find an actual venue for $1000 to $3000.

Quote from @Kevin Marin:

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Hey @Kevin Marin, is your property in a neighborhood? I could see a wedding with portable toilets pissing off pretty much everyone within a few blocks.

I think you should pass on this no matter what. Just like @Bruce Woodruff said.

It's not in a neighborhood, I have about a 4 acre lot with lots of trees around

That still might not be enough, depending on the noise, and how understanding your neighbors are. Guests will wander your property up to other's fence lines after a few drinks.

I just don't believe in short-term gain traded for long term stability. But let us know how it goes.

We had a wedding venue in one of out neighborhoods that was about 4 acres, and it was a disaster. The music and noise floats a long way at night when it's still out. Every neighbor within a mile was calling the Sheriffs. They ended up going out of business....

Hey @Kevin Marin, is your property in a neighborhood? I could see a wedding with portable toilets pissing off pretty much everyone within a few blocks.

I think you should pass on this no matter what. Just like @Bruce Woodruff said.

Do Not do it. Think and don't be greedy. They will bring way more people than they say. There will be music and drinking, lots of noise, parking issues, trash issues....this one event could cause you long term rancor with your neighbors. It will take a long time to recover from one bad event.

Are you so desperate that you need to take this?

I get asked this all the time for our old farmhouse we fixed up near Shenandoah. I always say no. I don’t trust people to bring the number they say it will be at. It’s very likely always going to be more. 
aI’m also on a septic, so if you are as well, that’s a concern. I can’t have “at most 30 people” using my septic system over a few hours. Lots of other reasons too. But if you really need bookings and they’re good with a substantial up charge and you know your insurance plan well enough to be good with it, then go for it! 

Do you have space for it? What about all the cars? How many people? Etc etc too many moving parts I think unless you nail it all down. Also, I recommend all STR owners have commercial liability just in general all the time on each individual property. Happy to refer you to my agent if you need it.

Quote from @Kevin Marin:

Hey,

I have recently listed an airbnb in September and I got an inquiry for a few dates. They asked me if I would consider allowing them to have their wedding ceremony at the property with the reception after. I'm considering it to be honest but I'm worried something could go wrong as in someone gets hurt. What would I need to do to make this a smooth opportunity?

I appreciate any advice

I can see your concern, honestly for the right price the balls in your court. I would personal go ahead with allowing them but then also get an umbrella policy the dates they stay. It’s easy to do and your covered if that’s your only issue.