Do you allow events such as weddings?

Question

1. Do you allow weddings or other events?

2. Do you charge anything extra for such an event?

So there was a weddings today at our cabin and a rehearsal yesterday.

Apparently they had got permission from the previous owner. They were told as long as no more than max of 23 people stayed the night they were fine.

Just wondering should I allow this in the future and if I do such I monetize with a venue fee of sorts?

Aaron Porter · Answer

I used to own a property in southern Alberta.  A couple of times the property was booked to use as a venue.  2 times for wedding and receptions, 2 or 3 times for family reunions.  We definitely up-charged and it was quite substantial.

We also worked with our insurance agent to make sure that we had event coverage during the bookings.  If something gets broken or there is an accident on the property during such an event and you don't have the "event coverage"  it is extremely likely that your insurance carrier will deny coverage.

John Underwood · Answer

I've got no HOA and plenty of room between neighbors.

I'll never buy a vacation rental in an HOA neighborhood.

Erik Stenbakken · Answer

The main thing is not to run foul of neighbors, HOA or local laws. No amount of premium fees is worth losing the good will of your neighbors or your license.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Yeah, it's all risk v reward. I see a LOT more opportunity for disasters. You're mixing a huge party atmosphere with alcohol every single time. I'd personally stay away and that's coming from a risk-taker...just my .02

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @John Underwood, good for you for keeping it.

As for charging, I would also do it. I would also charge more for the cleaning etc. Larger refundable deposits so they have some skin in the game.

I would add a wedding fee or something like that in addition. Nothing crazy, but enough to make it worth your while.

Trish Mccoy · Answer

No way do I allow any events - primarily because of stress on a septic system, liability, permits required in my county, neighbor/noise impact.

If you decide to allow I would definitely charge a premium

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

23 people? Oh, heck yes you monetize this....I would probably not allow this unless it's a rural property with no neighbors....

Demetrius Harrell · Answer

Hey @John Underwood,

I own an event venue (Encaptivating Events), if you decide to allow weddings you should definitely charge extra typically wedding venues charge $800 to $1000 just for the ceremony which includes setup, facility and staff costs. You only have facility cost so you could charge less if you wanted and as others have mentioned have them get event insurance and add you as a beneficiary to protect your investment.

I would not allow receptions to be held there because you cannot control every person's actions and especially when drunk. Given Airbnb's party policies it may be good for you to take this on a case by case basis and get a wedding contract.

Get details such as: Date and Time of the event, include your properties capacity limits, cleaning fee, how damages will be handled, what is and is not allowed on the property, what vendor services will be on the property the day of the event (Catering, DJ, Alcohol, etc.) , Liability coverage.

John Underwood · Answer

Maybe. I'd want to make more money off them if I do.

John Mocker · Answer

John,

Be sure to require them to have Event Insurance and name you as an additional insured on the policy.  I would recommend writing a rental contract with an experienced Attorney.  Things like, the hours, cost if they need additional time for setup/take down, Hold harmless to you, requirements that any contractors brought on (DJ, bartenders, Caterers... have insurance, etc...

Do you allow events such as weddings?

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