On a personal note, New Orleans was one of the first places I traveled as a destination wedding photographer. I started my business in the panhandle of Florida, and New Orleans wasn’t too far away. The first time I visited this incredible city, I knew I had to keep coming back. It’s one of the most uniquely magical places to get married and visit.
Popular Venues for Weddings in New Orleans
New Orleans boasts various venues catering to diverse tastes, from elegant ballrooms to charming courtyards. The city’s architecture, a mix of French Creole and American styles, offers stunning settings for your special day.
Here are ten of my favorites:
- The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
- Located in the French Quarter, this venue offers luxurious ballrooms and intimate courtyards, embodying the city’s blend of Southern elegance and timeless luxury, perfect for an upscale, memorable wedding.
- Race & Religious
- A unique venue that combines history, art, and culture, Race & Religious offers eclectic decor with its blend of Creole cottages and courtyards, ideal for couples looking for a venue with distinct New Orleans character.
- Broussard’s
- This historic French Quarter restaurant offers a private courtyard and elegant dining rooms, reflecting nearly a century of culinary traditions. Broussard’s is a prime choice for couples desiring a classic New Orleans ambiance.
- The Chicory
- Featuring exposed beams, brick walls, and vintage chandeliers, The Chicory provides a rustic yet elegant setting. Its spacious rooms and rooftop terrace offer versatile spaces for both ceremonies and receptions.
- Hotel Monteleone
- A landmark in the French Quarter, Hotel Monteleone is known for its majestic lobby and luxurious ballrooms. Its rich history and refined decor make it an ideal venue for a sophisticated wedding.
- New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
- Set in City Park, NOMA and its surrounding gardens offer a picturesque wedding setting. The museum’s elegant architecture and extensive art collections provide a cultured and sophisticated backdrop.
- The Jaxson
- Overlooking the Mississippi River, The Jaxson features modern amenities with historic charm. Its waterfront location and floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views, making it a captivating setting for any wedding.
- Audubon Tea Room
- Part of the Audubon Nature Institute, this venue is surrounded by lush gardens and the zoo’s beauty. The Tea Room combines classic elegance with the tranquility of nature, making it perfect for a serene, upscale wedding.
- The Elms Mansion
- Located on the famous St. Charles Avenue, The Elms Mansion is an example of antebellum architecture, offering luxurious interiors and a beautifully manicured garden. It provides an opulent setting for an exclusive wedding experience.
- The Pavilion of the Two Sisters
- This venue, within the New Orleans Botanical Garden, features a large pavilion surrounded by vibrant gardens and scenic landscapes. It’s an ideal choice for couples looking for a natural yet elegant wedding venue in the heart of the city.
Each of these venues provides a unique setting for a luxurious wedding in New Orleans. They offer everything from historic charm to modern elegance, all while ensuring a memorable experience for couples and their guests.
Popular Locations for Wedding Day Portraits in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city that marries the charm of its historical architecture with the natural beauty of its landscapes, offering a plethora of stunning locations that serve as the perfect backdrop for your wedding portraits. Here are some expanded highlights, along with additional picturesque settings:
- Jackson Square: This iconic spot in the heart of the French Quarter, with the majestic St. Louis Cathedral as its backdrop, offers a quintessentially New Orleans setting. The square’s lush greenery, framed by historic buildings, provides a picturesque canvas that captures the city’s essence.
- Garden District: The Garden District is renowned for its antebellum mansions, surrounded by ancient oaks and beautifully manicured gardens. This neighborhood offers a serene and elegant backdrop for wedding portraits, embodying the grandeur and Southern charm of New Orleans.
- Audubon Park: Nestled in the Uptown area, Audubon Park is an oasis of natural beauty. Its sprawling live oaks, serene ponds, and winding pathways offer a peaceful and idyllic setting for capturing your wedding moments, reflecting the tranquil beauty of the city’s green spaces.
- French Quarter Streets: The vibrant, bustling streets of the French Quarter, with their historic facades, intricate ironwork balconies, and colorful doors, provide a lively, unique backdrop. Each corner tells a story, making your wedding portraits stand out with the character and vitality of New Orleans.
- Crescent Park: For a more modern, panoramic backdrop, Crescent Park, in the Marigny neighborhood, offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the city skyline. Its sleek design and riverside walkways present a contemporary contrast to the historical settings around the city.
- The Bywater: Known for its artistic vibe and brightly colored houses, The Bywater district offers a quirky, colorful backdrop for couples seeking vibrant, full-of-personality portraits. The area’s murals and eclectic art installations add a unique and playful element to your wedding photos.
- Algiers Point: For a different perspective on the city, it offers stunning views of the New Orleans skyline across the Mississippi River. The quiet, tree-lined streets and quaint Victorian cottages offer a charming, less-crowded setting for intimate, scenic portraits.
- City Park: Beyond Audubon Park, City Park is another expansive green space that offers a variety of picturesque locations, including the enchanting Oak Alley, storybook bridges, and the romantic Peristyle. The park’s diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities to capture the natural beauty of New Orleans.
Each of these locations in New Orleans provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding portraits and captures the city’s spirit and beauty, ensuring that your photos are as memorable and enchanting as your special day.
Popular hotels in New Orleans
If you’re planning a destination wedding in New Orleans, you’ll need somewhere to stay for yourself and your guests! Here are some of my favorite hotels in the city:
- The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, stands out for its blend of Southern elegance and luxury, housed in a historic 1908 Beaux Arts building. It offers exceptional service, a world-class spa, and live jazz performances, encapsulating a luxurious New Orleans experience.
- Hotel Monteleone is celebrated for its iconic Carousel Bar & Lounge, a historic landmark in the French Quarter that has attracted literary legends. Its rich history and luxurious accommodations make it a storied and enchanting place.
- The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, boasts opulent design and the famous Sazerac Bar, known for its Art Deco style and as the birthplace of the Sazerac cocktail. Its luxurious spa and annual festive decorations are truly standout features.
- Le Pavillon Hotel mixes old-world elegance with a quirky nightly tradition of offering guests peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, known as the “PB&J tradition,” making it a unique blend of luxury and comfort.
- Ace Hotel New Orleans, situated in the Warehouse District, reflects the city’s contemporary culture, emphasizing music, art, and culinary excellence. Its rooftop pool and bar offer breathtaking city views, appealing to a hip, younger crowd.
- The Pontchartrain Hotel in the Garden District is famed for its views of the Mississippi River and the iconic Caribbean Room restaurant. Its rich literary history and classic elegance appeal to those seeking historical charm.
- Hotel Peter & Paul, set in a restored 19th-century church, schoolhouse, convent, and rectory, offers a stay steeped in history with a touch of modern comfort. Each building’s distinct character provides a uniquely immersive experience.
- W New Orleans – French Quarter brings a contemporary twist to its historic setting with modern design and vibrant nightlife. Its outdoor courtyard pool and stylish accommodations attract travelers looking for an energetic stay in the city’s heart.
- The Hotel Fontenot – This lovely hotel stands out in New Orleans for its commitment to celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage, coupled with a keen sense of sophistication and contemporary style. This boutique hotel in the heart of the Warehouse District distinguishes itself through its interior design, which pays homage to New Orleans’ vibrant music scene, and its dedication to providing a high level of personal service and luxury. I recently stayed here and it’s a remarkable space – I especially loved eating at the Peacock Room!
Each hotel in New Orleans offers a distinct experience, whether steeped in history, luxury, quirky traditions, or contemporary culture, ensuring every visitor finds a memorable place to stay.
Things for your wedding guests to do in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city with culture, history, and endless fun. Here’s a list of twenty popular things to do while in town for your wedding:
- Explore the French Quarter
- The heart and soul of New Orleans, the French Quarter is famous for its vibrant nightlife, colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies, and historic sites like Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. It’s a must-visit for first-time travelers to soak in the city’s rich culture and history.
- Take a Steamboat Cruise on the Mississippi
- Board the Steamboat Natchez or the Creole Queen for a cruise on the Mississippi River. Enjoy live jazz music and breathtaking views of the city skyline, and learn about New Orleans’s history and the river’s significance.
- Visit the National WWII Museum
- Recognized as one of the top museums in the United States, the National WWII Museum offers an immersive look at the American experience during WWII. It features interactive exhibits, personal stories, and historical artifacts.
- Enjoy Beignets at Café du Monde
- A trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without tasting the famous beignets at Café du Monde. This iconic coffee shop has served these delicious powdered sugar-covered treats since 1862.
- Stroll Through the Garden District
- Admire the Garden District’s beautiful antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and Southern charm. A guided walking tour can provide insights into the history and architecture of this picturesque neighborhood.
- Experience a Jazz Performance
- New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and experiencing a live jazz performance is essential. Venues like Preservation Hall, The Spotted Cat Music Club, and Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro offer authentic jazz experiences.
- Tour the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
- Visit the oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans, known for its above-ground tombs and notable residents, including the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Guided tours are recommended as they offer fascinating insights into the city’s unique burial customs and history.
- Ride the St. Charles Streetcar
- Take a ride on the historic St. Charles Streetcar, the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar line. It’s a charming way to see the city, passing through the Garden District and Uptown New Orleans.
- Explore the French Market
- The French Market is the oldest public market in the country. It offers a variety of vendors selling local produce, crafts, and delicious food. It’s a great place to find souvenirs and taste local specialties.
- Visit the Audubon Zoo
- Located in Uptown New Orleans, the Audubon Zoo is home to many animals from around the world. It’s known for its Louisiana swamp exhibit, exotic animals, and beautiful natural settings.
- Take a Haunted Tour
- New Orleans’ rich history and folklore make it the perfect setting for a haunted tour. Explore the French Quarter’s haunted sites, hear about ghost stories and voodoo legends, and maybe even experience paranormal activity. This is hands down the best city to do this in, and something I do every time I visit!
- Experience the Art and Culture of the Bywater
- The Bywater neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art, eclectic shops, and artsy vibe. It’s a great place to explore local art galleries, enjoy live music, and dine at innovative restaurants.
- Visit City Park
- Spanning 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the country’s oldest and largest urban parks. It features beautiful oak trees, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Botanical Gardens, and plenty of outdoor activities.
- Catch a Performance at the Saenger Theatre
- The Saenger Theatre is a beautifully restored historic theater that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances. Its stunning architecture and state-of-the-art facilities make it a premier entertainment venue.
- Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
- Located in City Park, NOMA houses an impressive art collection, including works from French and American artists, African and Japanese works, and a beautiful sculpture garden.
- Sample Creole and Cajun Cuisine
- New Orleans is famous for its food. Try Creole and Cajun specialties like gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, and crawfish at local institutions like Commander’s Palace and Galatoire’s.
- Visit the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
- This museum showcases the world’s most extensive collection of Southern art, highlighting the visual and cultural heritage of the American South through its exhibits and educational programs.
- Relax at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
- Engage with the fascinating world of insects at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, the largest museum devoted to insects in North America. It’s an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Each activity offers a unique way to experience the culture, history, and vibrancy of New Orleans, making your visit unforgettable.
Additional questions couples have when planning a New Orleans destination wedding
When planning a destination wedding in New Orleans, couples might have various questions to ensure their special day is as magical and seamless as possible. Here are some common questions that might arise:
What is the best time of year for a wedding in New Orleans?
The best time of year to have a wedding in New Orleans is spring (February to May) or fall (October to November). Spring offers mild temperatures, and the city is bursting with color, making it a beautiful wedding backdrop. This period is also before the intense heat and humidity of the summer months, ensuring more comfortable outdoor celebrations.
Fall is another excellent choice, as the weather starts to cool down, offering pleasant temperatures and less humidity. Additionally, both seasons are outside the peak of hurricane season, which runs from June through November, minimizing the risk of weather disruptions.
However, it’s essential to consider the city’s busy festival calendar when planning. Events like Mardi Gras in early spring and various music and food festivals can affect hotel availability and prices. Planning around these events can ensure a smoother experience for you and your guests.
How do we find local vendors for our wedding?
Finding the right local vendors is a crucial step in planning your New Orleans wedding, ensuring your special day reflects the city’s unique charm and vibrancy. Here are some strategies to help you secure the best local talent for your wedding:
- Wedding Planners: The best advice I can give you is to hire a local wedding planner. This will be invaluable. They have established relationships with various vendors and can recommend those that best fit your style, budget, and needs. Planners are familiar with the nuances of New Orleans weddings and can navigate local logistics efficiently.
- Online Wedding Directories and Marketplaces: Utilize online platforms specializing in wedding services, such as The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola. These sites allow you to search for vendors in New Orleans, view their portfolios, read reviews from other couples, and request quotes.
- Social Media: Instagram and Pinterest are fantastic tools for discovering local vendors. Many photographers, florists, caterers, and venues showcase their work on these platforms. Use location tags and specific hashtags related to New Orleans weddings to find vendors whose style aligns with your vision.
- Local Wedding Magazines and Blogs: Look for magazines and blogs focusing on New Orleans weddings. These publications often feature real weddings, vendor interviews, and editorials highlighting local wedding professionals.
- Venue Recommendations: Once you’ve selected your venue, ask for its preferred vendors list. Venues typically have a network of trusted vendors they work with regularly and are happy to recommend professionals familiar with the venue’s logistics and policies.
- Word of Mouth: Ask friends, family, or acquaintances who have had weddings in New Orleans for recommendations. Personal referrals can lead you to fantastic vendors who may not have a large online presence but deliver exceptional service.
Be clear about your vision, budget, and expectations when contacting vendors. It’s also advisable to arrange meetings or calls with potential vendors to ensure they’re a good fit for your wedding day. Remember, the best vendors often book up early, so start your search before your wedding date.
New Orleans was one of the first cities I traveled to as a destination wedding photographer, and I have never stopped going back. If your wedding is here, I would love to hear about it.
