Image by Lyndsey Goddard
Recent Orleans is a city overflowing with vibrant culture, wealthy history, delicious food, and a fascinating charm–so it’s not hard to see why so many couples select it as a marriage destination. From the historic French Quarter to serene gardens and grand ballrooms, there’s something for each couple seeking to tie the knot on this charming city. From venue options to vendors who may help bring your dream day to life to Recent Orleans wedding traditions you’re going to want to incorporate, we’re breaking down every part there’s to find out about tying the knot in The Big Easy.
Wedding Venues in Recent Orleans
Historic Mansions and Estates
Elms Mansion – Nestled within the Garden District, this 1869 mansion boasts stunning Italianate architecture and beautifully manicured gardens, making it the proper venue for those in search of an outside wedding.
Race + Religious – This three-building historic estate is a mixture of whimsical indoor spaces and brick courtyards overflowing with greenery. Tie the knot by the courtyard pool before partying under the night sky (after your classic second-line parade, in fact).
Marigny Opera House – Inbuilt 1847, the Marigny Opera House began as a church before it was burnt down and rebuilt in 1853. It wasn’t until 1999 that the previous church was changed into the Opera House that it’s today. Now, it’s arguably one of the beautiful wedding venues within the country, because of its old-world charm.
Hotels and Ballrooms
Le Pavillon Hotel – Situated in the guts of downtown NOLA, this 1907 hotel has all of the charm you’d anticipate finding in a Recent Orleans hotel. Exchanging vows in certainly one of their beautiful ballrooms may have you feeling such as you traveled back in time.
The Barnett – Formerly often known as the Ace Recent Orleans, this art deco hotel is quintessential Recent Orleans. It’s bursting with character, eclectic decor, and restaurants serving only one of the best Southern food. And one of the best part? Your guests can stay on the property with you.
Image by Yana B.
Unique Spaces
Recent Orleans Pharmacy Museum – A pharmacy museum will not be at the highest of everyone’s minds on the subject of wedding venues, but this gorgeous historic landmark provides the proper opulent Recent Orleans party ambiance in your big day. And it’s only a pair blocks away from Jackson Square, where you possibly can take stunning portraits along with your companion.
French Quarter Wedding Chapel – Certainly one of our favourite parts concerning the city is the unconventional venue options ideal for those searching for something outside the box–just like the French Quarter Wedding Chapel. It’s the one wedding chapel within the French Quarter, is open 24/7, and features vintage furniture, elegant chandeliers, and dollar bills hanging from the ceilings.
Brennan’s – Foodies searching for a venue for his or her intimate affair, look no further than Brennan’s. The restaurant is a James Beard Outstanding Restaurant finalist, was named certainly one of CN Traveler’s best restaurants on the planet, and is often known as the birthplace of bananas foster. Oh, and did we mention that the decor is the epitome of romantic?
Recent Orleans Wedding Photographer Highlight
Selecting the best vendors is one of the difficult parts. With so many professionals on the market who’re wildly talented at what they do, how are you presupposed to know which one is true for you? We wish to focus on a Junebug photographer who we expect is completely incredible.
Matthew Foster Photography
Review: “Matt and Liz are a terrifically talented and dynamic photography duo. We might hire them again without hesitation and would also encourage anyone reading this review to STOP your search and HIRE THEM! From the planning process to the event itself, Matt and Liz were attentive, accommodating, skilled and really comfortable to be around. They captured so many special moments and expressions. We’re truly thrilled with all facets of their work: details, preparing, first look, wedding, and reception photos. They even managed to capture great images of our very large families with speed and ease. Thanks, Matt and Liz, you were a wonderful addition to our wedding experience.”
Recent Orleans Wedding Traditions
Cake pulls – Dating back to the Victorian era, cake pulls are very just like bouquet tosses. Silver charms are connected to the tip of a ribbon and placed between layers of the marriage cake. Before the cake is cut, those that are single within the bridal party are invited to tug a ribbon. Each charm has its own meaning (i.e., who will get married next, who will experience good luck, etc.) and acts as a keepsake for individuals who pull it.
Shop cake pulls: 20 Piece Traditional Style Cake Pulls; 2. Individual Cake Pull Bracelets; 3. Gold Luxe Pearl Beaded Cake Pulls
Second line parade – This iconic Recent Orleans tradition incorporates a brass band leading the marriage party and guests from the ceremony to the reception, complete with parasols and handkerchiefs for dancing within the streets. It’s a fun approach to incorporate Recent Orleans culture and provides strangers a likelihood to wish you good luck as you start your journey as newlyweds.
Mule-drawn carriage – Not within the mood to parade down the road? Consider a mule-drawn carriage as an alternative. Or, incorporate a carriage ride as your grand exit. Regardless of how you select to go about it, it’s a fun approach to see the town and luxuriate in some romantic one-on-one time together.
Dance troupes – Recent Orleans is understood for its music and dancing, so it’s no surprise that it’s tradition to rent dance troupes to get a reception began. These skilled dancers are a surefire approach to keep guests entertained and keep them on the dance floor.
Image by Savanna Sturkie
Local Cuisine and Drinks
Foods and drinks are central to any Recent Orleans celebration. Incorporate these local flavors and specialties to thrill your guests:
- Cajun and Creole cuisine – Treat your guests to dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée to showcase the town’s culinary heritage.
- Seafood – Fresh Gulf shrimp, oysters, and crab are must-haves, reflecting the region’s coastal bounty.
- Signature cocktails – Serve iconic Recent Orleans drinks akin to the Sazerac, Hurricane, and French 75, together with locally brewed beers and refreshing mint juleps.
- Street vendors – One walk around the town, and also you’ll find countless street vendors. To bring them into your celebration, consider hiring one (or multiple) for a late-night snack.
Other Ways to Incorporate NOLA Culture into Your Big Day
Customized invitations – Use designs featuring Recent Orleans’ iconic elements like wrought-iron balconies, jazz instruments, or fleur-de-lis motifs.
Shop Recent Orleans-inspired wedding invitations: Hand-Drawn Recent Orleans Editable Wedding Invitations; 2. Watercolor Recent Orleans Destination Invitations; 3. Custom City Map Save the Date; 4. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler French Quarter Wedding Invitation
Memorable favors – Give guests a taste of the town with favors like pralines, mini bottles of hot sauce, or custom Mardi Gras masks. In case you’re hosting a destination wedding, consider adding a couple of of those to a welcome bag!
A Recent Orleans wedding is a celebration of affection, life, music, and culture. Town’s unique ambiance will create lasting memories for you and your guests. Whether you’re drawn by the historic charm, energetic culture, or delectable cuisine, Recent Orleans provides a magical setting in your big day. Able to hire vendors in your Louisiana celebration? Make sure you try Junebug’s vendor directory, which has lots of of talented professionals who’re sure to suit your needs.
Image by Dallas and Sabrina
