About New Orleans
Located in the state of Louisiana, New Orleans is one of the most unique and vibrant cities in the United States; it’s a place where the music is always playing, the food never stops, and the culture is alive and well. From its French Quarter, which has been around since the city was founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville in 1718, to historic homes along St. Charles Avenue and the famous Garden District, there’s no shortage of character in this city.
The city’s rich native history and authenticity create an atmosphere that many find vital when choosing a place to get married. New Orleans is filled with a variety of historic chapels that make for the perfect backdrop for a wedding day; the architecture and landscape provide a unique contrast between old-world design and modern vibrancy that makes New Orleans stand out from other cities.
Whether you dream of a romantic ceremony in a 19th-century chapel or a festive reception at an iconic landmark, getting married in New Orleans promises to be an unforgettable experience. With its vibrant culture and exciting attractions, this southern gem ensures a truly magical start to your life together as newlyweds.
Chapel Wedding Options in New Orleans
- Florist
A florist helps to add a beautiful and scenic touch to your chapel wedding with decorative arrangements; they can provide flowers for the altar, pews, aisle, and other areas of the chapel as well as bouquets and corsages for the bride and bridal party. Moreover, florists can create a stunning backdrop behind the couple or give the chapel a unique vibe with statement pieces like flower walls or arches.
- Musicians
Hiring musicians who are familiar with wedding music adds ambiance to a nuptial held in a chapel setting and allows couples to choose from a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, folk, and more. The musicians can help set the mood by providing background music during any prenuptial activities and during parts of the ceremony itself.
- Bakery
A baker can provide stunning cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts for weddings taking place in chapels. Whether couples are looking for something more elaborate or simple, bakers are able to create some amazing edible art designs — something guests will love. On top of adding a wow factor, these delectable treats are perfect for sharing after the ceremony is over.
Chapel Wedding Vendors in New Orleans
- Perfect Presentations Florals and Events Design
Perfect Presentations Florals and Events Design has been helping to create stunning arrangements for special events in New Orleans since 1980. With over forty years of experience, Perfect Presentations has a deep understanding of the local venues throughout the city — making them highly capable of creating customized events that bring their client's visions to life. Their team of talented designers specializes in a variety of events — from weddings to corporate galas and cultural ceremonies — and strives to ensure that each event is seamlessly executed to produce stunning presentations for you and your guests.
- Cassie Watson Francillon Harp
Cassie Watson is a talented harpist based in New Orleans, offering her services for weddings and other celebratory occasions. With two decades of experience in the field, she specializes in jazz, Celtic, and folk music played on both lever and pedal harps. She has been praised for her interpretations of traditional black spirituals and African American folk music and her playing is both elegant and soulful, evoking a meditative atmosphere with its versatility and passion. Cassie’s sound reflects her Haitian and Black American roots, bringing together past and future into a modern narrative. Her skillful playing of the harp is sure to create a lasting impression on any special day.
- Simply Sweet Shop
Simply Sweet Shop is a home-based bakery and workshop specializing in artisanal treats. With an emphasis on whole, real ingredients, they offer rustic cottage-style cakes, pies, cookies, bread, and dessert table pastries — all free of fillers or preservatives. From year-round flavors to seasonal selections, their cakes are both delicious and beautiful. For special occasions, customers can choose to have their cakes decorated with dry flowers or opt for a plain cake. With over two decades of experience, Simply Sweet Shop guarantees scrumptious treats that are sure to make your event unforgettable.
Pros and Cons of Chapel Weddings in New Orleans
In New Orleans, there are many beautiful and historic chapel venues available to host a wedding ceremony. While having a chapel wedding can be a special experience, there are advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered before making this important decision.
Advantages
- Chapel venues often have plenty of charm and style, offering a classic atmosphere for couples who want an elegant event.
- Chapels typically provide additional space for receptions or parties after the ceremony is complete. This allows for an all-in-one approach to planning a wedding without having to search for multiple event spaces.
- The smaller size of chapels makes them perfect for intimate ceremonies with family and close friends. The limited capacity also helps keep costs down as they don’t need to be equipped to accommodate large numbers of guests.
Disadvantages
- Some chapels may have restrictions on decorations or other aspects of the ceremony such as music, photography, etc. Hence, couples should check with the venue before booking it to make sure they’re comfortable with the rules.
- Most chapels are associated with religious denominations, which can limit certain options like same-sex marriages or civil ceremonies.
- Depending on how old or ornate the chapel is, there may not be enough parking available for guests without renting additional spaces nearby or requiring them to take public transportation.
Tips on How to Organize Chapel Weddings in New Orleans
For couples looking to get married in a chapel in New Orleans, the task of organizing and hosting a successful wedding can be daunting. However, with some careful planning and implementation of certain tips, your chapel wedding can be a dream come true. Here are some tips on how to make your chapel wedding an amazing success.
- Choose the Right Venue: It is important that you choose a chapel or other venue with enough space to accommodate your guests and provide adequate seating. Additionally, ensure that the location has plenty of natural light so that your photographs come out beautifully.
- Have an Accurate Head Count: Before making any decisions regarding decorations or catering, make sure you have an accurate headcount of all expected guests. This will help you budget properly and avoid overcrowding during the ceremony and reception.
- Prioritize Comfort: Consider creating a cozy atmosphere by providing comfortable chairs or cushions for guests and keeping temperature levels low during the hot summer months; this will help ensure that everyone stays comfortable throughout your nuptials.
- Consider Adding Personal Touches: Why not add some personal touches like handmade favors or custom centerpieces? Doing so will help add some sentimentality to your event and make it truly memorable for both yourself and all of your guests.
- Prepare Guests for Wedding Day Customs: Different chapels may follow different traditions when it comes to weddings. For example, some chapels require guests to stand during certain parts of the ceremony or refrain from taking photos at certain times. If so, you should let your guests know ahead of time if there are any specific rules so everyone is on the same page come wedding day.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- House of Broel
Step back in time and enter the House of Broel, a unique historical home that has been standing tall since the 1850s. But what makes this house so special? Well, in the 1880s, the owner decided to elevate the entire two-story building to accommodate his daughters' lavish parties. That's right, this house was lifted not because of flood fears, but to create more space for entertainment. Today, the House of Broel offers tours for those who love quirky museums and bizarre collections; you'll get to see the exquisite ballgowns and designs of fashion expert Bonnie Broel as well as her awe-inspiring collection of highly detailed dollhouses.
- Healing Center
As soon as you walk through the doors of the Healing Center, you're transported to a world of holistic living and spirituality; the space is filled with natural light and vibrant colors, making it feel like a beacon of positivity and wellness. Whether you're interested in practicing yoga, watching a performance, or browsing the sustainable food co-op, there's something here for everyone. One of the most unique features of this center is the voodoo shrines, which add a sense of mysticism and intrigue to the already captivating atmosphere. This is a place where humans can explore their inner selves and connect with like-minded individuals in a welcoming community.
- Chua Bo De Buddhist Temple
Nestled just outside the bustling city, the Chua Bo De Buddhist Temple offers a serene escape for those seeking a spiritual retreat. A beautiful example of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, the temple is adorned with colorful Chinese-style bodhisattvas, each with its own divine purpose. Upon entering, visitors will immediately feel a sense of reverence as they pass by photographs and offerings to ancestors who have passed on. The vibrant color scheme of red and gold adds to the tranquil atmosphere, creating a peaceful ambiance that is simply enchanting.