About New Orleans
New Orleans is an iconic city along the Mississippi River; it's renowned for its rich culture and history, which is deeply intertwined with jazz music and French influences. The city is home to an array of attractions, including historical buildings and museums from the 18th century, vibrant art galleries, colorful street music performances, and unforgettable cuisine. Additionally, the city’s unique architecture has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
From grand plantation homes to ornate churches, New Orleans has many stunning castles that have become popular filming locations for movies such as Interview With a Vampire, Double Jeopardy and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. These old structures provide a perfect backdrop for filmmakers looking to capture beautiful shots in this unique location. Additionally, these historic castles are also open for public use; not only are they a tourist attraction, they can also be hired as a venue for all kinds of private events. If you want a one-of-a-kind venue for the event you’re planning, consider checking out one of the many castle locations in New Orleans.
Castle Options in New Orleans
- Flowers
Flowers are an essential part of an event and can add a touch of elegance and beauty to any function. Experienced florists in New Orleans have access to exotic blooms from all over the world and can arrange them into beautiful bouquets and arrangements that will add color, beauty and charm to your special occasion. They can also create stunning flower displays for the castle setting, combining lush garlands with towering centerpieces for a truly magical ambiance.
- Photography
Experienced photographers in New Orleans specialize in capturing the finest moments at events such as weddings or corporate gatherings. They know how to take advantage of the unique architecture and settings available at castle locations to produce stunning images that will last a lifetime.
- Event Planner
A professional event planner in New Orleans helps to create and organize the perfect events, like weddings, corporate gatherings, parties and more. In addition to taking care of the little details, they will also help you find the right castle venue around New Orleans and take care of all the requirements needed to book such a location such as permits and licenses.
Castle Vendors in New Orleans
- Kim Starr Wise Floral Events
As a world-renowned floral designer, Kim Starr Wise offers a unique, memorable experience for any special event. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a glamorous wedding, Kim Starr Wise combines distinctive design with the essence of the New Orleans atmosphere to craft custom floral creations that leave a lasting impression on guests. Drawing inspiration from traditional aesthetics, mixing in elements of the unexpected and of course, utilizing her eye for color, texture and style — these all come together to make the perfect floral decor for your event.
- Kathleen K Parker Photography
Kathleen K Parker Photography is the perfect photographer for your wedding, engagement, or special event in the Greater New Orleans Area. Having established her business in 2001, Kathleen has nearly 20 years of experience in capturing perfect memories for all types of occasions. She is not limited to weddings and engagements though; Kathleen can also photograph meetings, headshots, family groups, anniversaries, graduations and a variety of other occasions.
- Amanda Price Events
Amanda Price Events is a New Orleans-based, full-service event planning company that knows how to put together any type of event. From wedding receptions to corporate gatherings, they will take care of all the details — from booking venues and vendors to running operations on the day of — to make sure that things go off without a hitch. Their team also regularly consults with clients to ensure that their preferences are being met and that no stone is left unturned and they offer competitive packages that cater to all budgets.
Pros and Cons of Castle Location Events in New Orleans
From medieval-style fortresses to stunning Gothic Revival homes, there are plenty of castle locations in New Orleans that can be used as a backdrop for any project or event. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of organizing an event in this type of venue before moving forward.
Advantages
- Many of the castles located throughout New Orleans are incredibly ornate and beautiful, which give off a unique aesthetic that can’t be found anywhere else. The intricate details and designs provide endless opportunities for creative shots and angles that will bring out the best in any event.
- Authentic historical setting: These castle locations have been around for centuries, offering a glimpse into the past that can’t be replicated in modern settings.
- Ample resources: New Orleans is a hub of culture and creativity, which is why the city has no shortage of vendors that specialize in an array of fields. With that said, you won’t have much difficulty finding suppliers needed for your event.
Disadvantages
- Castle locations are likely more expensive than other venues since they tend to be owned by private individuals or organizations who charge high fees for usage rights.
- Many castles located throughout New Orleans aren’t available all year round due to either seasonal closures or limited hours of operation. Hence, you may not be able to book the location you want on the date that you prefer.
- There may be restrictions on certain parts of castles due to either structural issues, renovations, or regulations set forth by their respective owners. This means certain areas may not be accessible at all times, which could cause limitations for your event.
Tips on How to Organize Castle Locations in New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its stunning castle venues, many of which make the perfect backdrop for events and special occasions. However, organizing an event in a castle location can be a daunting task. Here are some tips on how to successfully organize activities in the city’s castle locations:
- Hire local vendors and businesses: Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate function or any other type of event, you would need to hire vendors to help bring your project to life. Luckily, New Orleans is home to numerous businesses that offer such services — from catering and equipment rental to photographers and event planners.
- Consult with venue owners: Before booking your castle location, it’s important to consult with the venue owners about any restrictions or limitations you may have when hosting an event at their property. Some castles may have guidelines regarding noise levels and safety protocols that must be followed during your time on site, so be sure to review these ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly.
- Secure appropriate permits: The city of New Orleans may require permits before you can organize an event; make sure you obtain all necessary permits before the day of your event. Otherwise, you could face hefty fines or other penalties from the city government.
- Research potential hazards: Carefully research any potential hazards before setting up shop at a castle location; this includes hazardous materials (such as asbestos) or wildlife that could pose risks during production activities (such as snakes). If hazardous materials are present or animals roam nearby, implement appropriate safety protocols so everyone stays safe during your event.
- Utilize insurance coverage: Most professional production companies carry insurance coverage specifically designed for events held in castles; this provides protection against property damage liability should any unexpected incidents occur. Make sure you read through all coverage details beforehand so that you are fully aware of what is covered under your policy should something go wrong during activities at the site.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Luling Mansion
Built in 1865, the Luling Mansion of New Orleans features an Italianate design, 30 acres of land, and a luxurious interior featuring 22 rooms and opulent furniture. Despite its beauty, however, the site has a rather tumultuous past; following the deaths of two sons, Florence Luling left for Europe while the mansion was put to new use by the Louisiana Jockey Club and later used as apartments. Steeped in history yet steadily succumbing to the passage of time, Luling Mansion certainly stands as one of New Orleans' most unusual but interesting attractions.
- Napoleon House
The Napoleon House is as old as the city itself, having been built by former mayor Nicholas Girod in 1797. It received its distinctive name due to Girod's Napoleonic fervor; he commissioned it with the dream of it one day becoming home to Napoleon Bonaparte himself. Unfortunately, this didn't quite come to fruition — but that doesn't mean today's visitors can't enjoy all of its classical charms. The historic site currently functions as a restaurant and is regarded as one of the best places in New Orleans to dine and drink.
- Magazine Street
Magazine Street is the ultimate shopping mecca for those visiting New Orleans; this 6-mile stretch has been dubbed “shopper’s paradise” — and for good reason. From boutiques and spas to galleries and costume shops, this street is a true gem in the heart of The Big Easy. Not only are there plentiful stores, but colorful cottages line the street, giving visitors plenty to look at while they explore. Hungry shoppers can also refuel in one of the several restaurants that line the street.