How WedStay Works: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Short Term Rental Wedding
Last Updated: November 5, 2025 — This guide now includes our newest feature: the WedStay Preferred Vendors Marketplace, making it even easier to plan your dream wedding!
If you've ever dreamed of saying "I do" under the stars at a vineyard retreat, or dancing the night away in a modern loft surrounded by your closest friends, WedStay is here to make those dreams come true. Planning a wedding at an WedStay-style property doesn't have to be overwhelming. With WedStay's curated collection of event-ready properties and a straightforward process, you can create a celebration that's as unique as your love story. Here's how it works:
Enchanting WedStay-style wedding venues are perfect for intimate weddings, featuring stunning landscapes, elegant decor, and romantic settings for a memorable celebration.
Step 1: Pick Your Property
Finding the right venue is the foundation of your wedding day. WedStay offers a handpicked selection of stunning properties tailored specifically for weddings, making it easier than ever to find a location that matches your vision.
Explore Unique Spaces
From rustic barns perfect for boho-chic ceremonies to sleek modern villas overlooking the ocean, WedStay's collection spans a wide variety of styles. For example, imagine a forest retreat with cozy cabins for your guests or a sprawling estate with a pool and mountain views—each property is designed to wow. Whether you're dreaming of a Temecula wine country wedding or a Tampa lakeside celebration, each venue offers an unparalleled backdrop that ensures your wedding is anything but ordinary.
Did You Know?
At WedStay, we continuously update our property listings to feature new, one-of-a-kind locations. Be sure to check back often to find the perfect venue for your special day.
Details Matter
Every WedStay property includes overnight accommodations as part of the booking. These spaces double as event venues and guest lodgings, offering charming bedrooms, versatile gathering areas, and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. Key details like guest capacity, amenities, and parking information are clearly listed to help you make informed decisions.
Act Fast
Properties are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are confirmed with a 50% deposit. With many locations requiring a 2–3 night minimum stay, your wedding can easily turn into an extended celebration. Use this opportunity to create a weekend experience your guests will talk about for years.
Actionable Insight
Use WedStay's pricing calculator on each property page to estimate costs and customize your experience. This tool helps you plan with confidence and ensures no surprises down the road.
Step 2: Secure Your Vendors
One of the biggest perks of a WedStay wedding is the flexibility to hire vendors who align with your vision. Whether you're dreaming of gourmet food trucks, lush floral arrangements, or a string quartet by the lake, the choice is yours.
Bring Your Dream Team
WedStay allows you to bring your own licensed and insured vendors, ensuring that you have the freedom to personalize every detail of your day. This means you can have your favorite local baker whip up a custom dessert table or hire a caterer who specializes in your favorite cuisine.
NEW: WedStay Preferred Vendors Marketplace 🎉
Exciting news! We've just launched the WedStay Preferred Vendors Marketplace—your one-stop solution for finding exceptional wedding professionals who specialize in private property celebrations.
What Makes Our Vendor Marketplace Different?
Unlike traditional vendor directories that list anyone willing to pay a fee, the WedStay Preferred Vendors Network maintains an exceptionally selective 15% acceptance rate. Every vendor has been rigorously vetted for:
- Private Property Expertise: All vendors specialize in estate weddings and understand the unique logistics of multi-day celebrations
- Insurance Requirements: Each vendor carries $1-2M liability coverage specifically designed for private property events
- Quality Assurance: Comprehensive portfolio reviews and continuous performance monitoring ensure top-tier service
- Estate Wedding Experience: These professionals have proven track records with destination weddings, welcome parties, and farewell brunches
12 Service Categories Available
Browse hand-selected professionals in every category you need:
📸 Photography | 🎥 Videography | 📋 Planning & Coordination
🌸 Floral Design | 🍽️ Catering | 🎵 DJ & Music
💄 Hair & Makeup | 🚗 Transportation | 🎂 Cake & Desserts
💡 Lighting & Decor | 💍 Wedding Jewelry | ⭐ Specialty Services
Why Couples Love the Vendor Marketplace
💼 Premium Quality: Connect with professionals who serve luxury weddings with budgets of $40,000-$100,000+, ensuring you get experienced vendors for your celebration.
⚡ Fast Response Times: Most vendors respond within 24-48 hours with detailed quotes and availability.
🎯 Perfect Matches: Browse portfolios, compare quotes, and find vendors who already know your chosen WedStay property or have extensive estate wedding experience.
🛡️ Complete Flexibility: You're never required to use only WedStay vendors—but having access to pre-vetted professionals who specialize in private properties saves you countless hours of research and vetting.
Explore the Preferred Vendors Marketplace →
Concierge Services
For couples who want extra support, WedStay offers an optional elopement concierge service. This team can coordinate vendors, timelines, and logistics, making your planning process as seamless as possible. Imagine the relief of having someone else handle the finer details while you focus on enjoying your engagement.
Actionable Insight
Before booking vendors, check your property's specific rules regarding noise restrictions, setup times, or preferred lists. Clear communication ensures a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Pro Tip
Always reference the WedStay host guidelines on your chosen property's listing page. This helps you and your vendors align on setup and teardown protocols, ensuring your wedding day goes off without a hitch.
Step 3: Enjoy Versatile Accommodations
Unlike traditional venues, every WedStay property includes overnight accommodations for your closest guests. This unique feature creates an intimate atmosphere and extends the celebration beyond a single evening.
On-Site Stays
Each property offers overnight accommodations, perfect for hosting family and the wedding party. For example, a Florida Keys waterfront estate might include charming guest rooms and cozy cabins for everyone to unwind. Welcome baskets with snacks, local treats, or mini first-aid kits can make their stay even more memorable. A handwritten note from the couple adds a personal touch.
Nearby Lodging
If your guest list exceeds the property's capacity, WedStay helps you curate a list of nearby hotels, additional short term rentals, or charming bed-and-breakfasts. For added convenience, consider reserving a block of hotel rooms or arranging group rates. Your guests will appreciate having everything organized and stress-free.
Transportation
For properties in remote locations, transportation can simplify logistics. Imagine a vintage trolley shuttling guests from a nearby hotel to your mountaintop ceremony in California. It's practical and adds a fun, whimsical touch. This not only makes your guests' experience smoother but also elevates the overall charm of the day.
Actionable Insight
Share a detailed accommodations guide with your guests well in advance. Include check-in and checkout times, parking details, and local recommendations to ensure everyone has a stress-free experience.
WedStay Tip
Many of our properties at WedStay include additional perks like hot tubs, fire pits, or lakeside docks. Take advantage of these features to plan fun pre- or post-wedding activities for your friends and family.
Step 4: Create Your Perfect Celebration
Once you've secured your property and vendors, it's time to bring your vision to life. WedStay properties are designed to be blank canvases, ready for your creativity.
Flexible Event Spaces
Whether it's a rehearsal dinner under the stars or a next-day brunch by the pool, WedStay properties provide the versatility to host multiple gatherings. For instance, a vineyard estate in Temecula might offer a stunning outdoor ceremony space, a patio for cocktail hour, and an indoor reception area. You have the freedom to transform each space to reflect your personality and love story.
Quiet Hours
Each property has designated quiet hours to respect neighbors and maintain harmony. Be sure to check these details during your planning process to avoid surprises. While it may sound restrictive, these guidelines often inspire creative ways to keep the celebration going—like an afterparty around a fire pit.
Event Insurance
To protect your event, WedStay provides event insurance for all bookings. This straightforward step ensures your celebration is covered for unforeseen incidents, ensuring liability coverage, protection against damages, and overall peace of mind for your big day.
Actionable Insight
Whether you're a DIY bride or working with a day-of coordinator, you'll have all the information you need to create a detailed timeline for setup, celebration, and cleanup. Sharing this plan with vendors ensures everything runs smoothly.
Extra WedStay Bonus
Planning a multi-day celebration? Utilize the property's different areas to host activities like a welcome BBQ or a morning yoga session by the pool. With WedStay, you're free to design an unforgettable wedding weekend that goes beyond the main event.
Why WedStay Is Your Secret Weapon
WedStay takes the guesswork out of planning a wedding by offering:
- A Curated Collection
Each property is handpicked for its unique charm and event-friendly features, ensuring you'll find a venue that's both beautiful and functional. From enchanting forest escapes to chic modern mansions, every option is designed to wow. - Preferred Vendor Marketplace
Our new Vendors Marketplace connects you with hand-selected wedding professionals who specialize in private property celebrations. With only a 15% acceptance rate, you're guaranteed access to the industry's top talent. - Stress-Free Planning
With tools like the pricing calculator, the revolutionary Venue Matcher (swipe to find your perfect venue!), and optional concierge services, WedStay empowers couples to plan their dream wedding with confidence. Forget endless scrolling and uncertainty; WedStay simplifies the process from start to finish.
Visit WedStay Today
Browse our expanding collection of one-of-a-kind properties, from elegant countryside manors to sleek modern mansions. Each listing is carefully vetted to ensure the best possible experience for you and your guests.
Ready to Find Your Dream Venue?
I know how overwhelming venue hunting can be (trust me, I've been there!). That's why I created these free tools to cut through the confusion:
Free Wedding Planning Tools
- Wedding Venue Cost Calculator — Get instant cost estimates with no email required!
- WedStay Venue Matcher — Swipe to find your perfect venue (yes, like a dating app but for wedding venues!)
- Preferred Vendors Marketplace — Browse hand-selected wedding professionals vetted specifically for estate weddings
Don't Miss These Related Guides
- WedStay's Revolutionary Venue Matcher: Swipe Your Way to the Perfect Wedding Venue
- How to Find a Wedding Venue Fast: The 7-Day System That Actually Works
- Venue Finder Apps Comparison 2025: Which Wedding Venue Discovery Tool Is Right for You?
Ready to start planning? Explore WedStay's properties, secure your dates, and start creating a celebration that's uniquely yours. Say goodbye to banquet hall blandness and hello to a wedding experience your guests will never forget!