u/amystake12

My fiancé and I are getting married at a venue in the middle of nowhere Florida (30+ minutes away from any major city) and there aren't a lot of great Airbnb options except one or two. We planned on staying in the same Airbnb as our family and we were very excited because it's an historic Victorian home with 5+ bedrooms and it's giving wedding vibes unlike any of the few other Airbnbs in the area which have the very basic Florida vibe and aren't big enough for everyone to stay in.

Then, we noticed that it wasn't listed anymore and did some searching online. We then found out the owner of our wedding venue bought the place to have it as an option for couples marrying at her venue. We were so excited!! Until we talked to her... we learned that she's upping the nightly rate from $600/night to $2000/night. TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS PER NIGHT. There our plans go out the window. There is absolutely no excuse to charge that much. Maybe in Los Angeles or New York City, but not middle of NOWHERE Florida. It's bonkers. We planned on staying 3 nights for $2000 and now that would be $6000 which we can't afford because we're not rich or willing to go in debt due to capitalist greed.

I voiced my opinion but I highly doubt she'll care unless others decide to voice theirs. It's disheartening how the wedding industry preys on couples and families. I'm trying to stay excited about getting married at that venue but it's difficult knowing what we know now about the owner.

Edit: just wanted to clarify a couple things:
• “Why didn’t you book it earlier?” We found the Airbnb months ago and the previous owner told us we had to wait because they don’t accept bookings 12+ months in advance. As of May, it is 12 months which is why we were going to book now. Either way it doesn’t matter because the new owner canceled all exiting reservations anyway. They’re all void.
• “20-30 minutes away isn’t in the middle of nowhere” I realize that, but it felt out of the way and inconvenient after a super long day. We will likely rent a party bus to take us and our family so thank you for that suggestion!
• “Why did you book a venue with no Airbnbs or hotels nearby?” There are hotels and Airbnbs within 10-20 minutes and we have room blocks for guests, but we wanted to stay in a big airbnb with family. There aren’t many with 5+ bedrooms near the venue but now we have the bus option so it’s fine.

At the end of the day the main reason we’re angry is the fact that someone would exploit couples and families to that degree. I don’t care that it’s good for business. It’s morally bankrupt and I would never do that to another person, plain and simple. It says a lot about you if you’re thinking “that’s just smart business!” hmm, wonder why the economy is so bad? Right. It’s because of people who have that mindset.

Thank you to everyone for the good advice and support ❤️