About New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana, is the place where the charm and culture of the Deep South converge with the vibrancy of a major metropolitan area. This vibrant and iconic city rests at the mouth of the Mississippi River, nestled between Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne. The city's dynamic melting pot of French, Spanish Creole, and American Indian cultures makes it a gem in the Gulf Coast Region. It is renowned for its music, where jazz and blues fill the air at night. The street musicians on Bourbon Street offer an unforgettable auditory experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Along with its famous attractions and unique entertainment options, this charming city also offers a host of outdoor activities as well. New Orleans is an ideal destination for those looking to create their unique memories in this enchanting place - whether they wish to marry outdoors by the rivers of the Mississippi River or celebrate their nuptials beneath flourishing live oaks draped in Spanish moss. With endless possibilities, from cabin stays in nearby state parks and riverfront campgrounds to private glamping tents near the bustling French Quarter, you can find everything you need for your special day in the fresh air. From pristine beachfront venues providing a stunning backdrop as you say "I do" to charming hillsides where you can celebrate your wedding amidst nature's beauty, you'll find just what you need in NOLA.
Camping Wedding Options in New Orleans
- Entertainment
Music is a great way to liven up any outdoor event. A live band or DJ can create a festive atmosphere by playing upbeat tunes perfect for dancing or singing along. Activities such as karaoke or games around the outdoor area will keep guests entertained between meals.
- Photography & Videography
Having professionals capture every moment of your special day will make it even more unforgettable. Photographers and videographers specializing in outdoor weddings understand how to work with natural lighting, angles, and poses so that every photo looks its best regardless of location. Plus, they know how to capture candid moments throughout the day so you can relive your wedding memories time after time.
- Decorations & Rentals
Simple decorations like banners, balloons, fairy lights, lanterns, centerpieces, and more will bring plenty of personality to your outdoor camp space while making it look beautiful. An experienced decorator can do everything from selecting color schemes to finding appropriate lighting options that accentuate the venue’s natural beauty. They are also knowledgeable about which types of materials will hold up well in nature if needed for outdoor decoration purposes.
Camping Wedding Vendors in New Orleans
- Saveur Catering
Saveur Catering is an experienced catering company that strives to provide the highest quality food and service for every event. Founded in 2013, the company specializes in farm-to-table meals using ingredients sourced from local Louisiana farmers and other farms throughout the South. Saveur Catering offers a full range of services, including passed hors d'oeuvres and plated meals, non-alcoholic beverage service, full bar service with bartending staff, on-site cooking, setup and tear down of event space, and more. Their team can also help with the menu, design decisions, and full rental and equipment procurement for your camping wedding.
- Linka Odom Photography
Linka Odom Photography is a multi-faceted artist and experienced wedding photographer based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Linka Odom Photography offers couples a chance to have their story told through beautiful photos. She creates immersive photographic installations often displayed outdoors, and her images capture unique cultures and surreal moments of exploration. Her approach is professional and creative, and she can create images of your camping wedding that will be treasured for generations to come.
- Fat Cat Flowers
Fat Cat Flowers is a professional event design studio in New Orleans that delivers beautiful wedding flowers. Fat Cat Flowers provides a customizable wedding experience and helps to take the stress out of the special day. With fifteen years of experience, designer Diane Mouton has become an expert at bringing creative visions to life. She has been featured in film and television, as well as at events around the city. The team at Fat Cat Flowers helps with unique events like marine gatherings, camping weddings, rooftop receptions, and more.
Pros and Cons of Camping Weddings in New Orleans
Getting married in a natural, rustic setting is truly magical, and camping weddings in New Orleans can provide a unique outdoor experience for saying "I do." However, several pros and cons to these types of weddings should be considered before having one in the Big Easy.
Advantages
- More intimate atmosphere – Enjoying the outdoors with your closest family and friends can provide a more intimate atmosphere than a traditional wedding venue.
- Flexibility – Camping weddings offer flexibility as couples can decide what type of services they want at the wedding and how it will be set up.
- Cost-effective – Outdoor weddings often cost less than traditional venues as there may be fewer amenities and personnel needed for the wedding.
Disadvantages
- Unpredictable weather - Weather cannot always be controlled, so couples must consider potential rain or thunderstorms which could disrupt their special day.
- Restrictions/Regulations - Depending on where you choose to camp out for your wedding, there may be restrictions regarding alcohol consumption and noise levels that may prevent you from having certain services during the ceremony unless you obtain permission from authorities beforehand.
- Lack of amenities - While camping weddings offer flexibility, they also lack the conveniences provided by traditional venues, meaning bathrooms will not be readily available or caterers providing hot meals for guests throughout the night.
Tips on How to Organize Camping Weddings in New Orleans
Planning a camping wedding in New Orleans can be a unique and special way to celebrate your big day. To ensure that your guests have a fun and stress-free experience, consider a few tips when organizing such an outdoor event.
- Choose the Right Location: It's important to pick the right venue for your camping wedding in New Orleans. Look for a spot that offers scenic views and easy access to restrooms, nearby towns, and other amenities needed for your celebration. Consider how much space you need for guests to camp overnight if needed.
- Bring Supplies: When planning a camping wedding, it’s important to remember that there may not be much around besides nature. Make sure to plan and bring all necessary supplies, such as tents, blankets, chairs, and cooking equipment, to ensure everyone stays comfortable throughout the festivities.
- Invest in Proper Lighting: As dusk approaches, make sure you have enough lighting both inside tents or cabins as well as outside in case guests want to explore at night. Bring along LED lights so that pathways remain visible even after dark, and consider purchasing several large tiki torches for a tropical feel during evening festivities.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Use nature’s beauty to create unique ceremony and reception site decorations. Utilize local foliage like magnolia wreaths as seating markers or hang festive lanterns from tree branches to create an elegant yet rustic atmosphere.
- Find Entertainment Options: Enjoying some entertainment during your camping wedding is an excellent way to ensure that all of your guests are having fun. Local bands or DJs can provide live music. Movie nights can be set up with portable screens and projectors, or team-building activities can add fun before or after saying “I do.”
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- New Orleans Botanical Garden
Nestled within the verdant City Park of New Orleans is a wondrous spectacle of natural beauty and human creativity: the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the diverse and exotic flora of both local and international origins. But the garden is more than just a collection of plants - it also boasts stunning examples of art deco architecture and WPA craftsmanship, such as the Pavilion of Two Sisters and Lath House. And don't miss the Train Garden, a miniature-sized replication of the city with 1300 feet of rail weaving through it. At the New Orleans Botanical Garden, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- Gallier Hall
Gallier Hall, a Greek-Revival structure designed by James Gallier Sr, is a testament to New Orleans' rich history. Dedicated in 1853, it served as the city's city hall for over a century until it was replaced by a newer building a few blocks away. Despite being closed to the public for regular visits, it remains a fixture in the city's cultural landscape, especially during Mardi Gras parades when it serves as a grandstand on St Charles Ave. Additionally, the LUNA Fête light festival partially projects onto the sides of Gallier Hall, adding to its grandeur and making it a must-see for visitors to the city.
- Hemmerling Gallery
At Hemmerling Gallery, visitors are greeted with the vibrant works of William 'Bill' Hemmerling, a self-taught folk artist who breathed life into his pieces with discarded materials. From wooden scraps to debris, these unconventional mediums were transformed into artwork that exuded an energy that is hard to ignore. As you peruse Hemmerling's work, you'll also discover the art of other folk painters and sculptors who embody the raw and untamed spirit of creativity. This gallery celebrates the power of art made from everyday objects and invites you to explore the colorful world of folk art.