About New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most vibrant, enigmatic cities in the United States. This city has a deep history that reaches back to its French and Spanish colonial roots. It also has an alluring modern facet, from its lively music scene to its creative cuisine options. From the French Quarter to Bourbon Street, visitors are treated to a vibrant city full of music, art, and unique experiences.
But New Orleans has more to offer than just good times; it's also home to some of the most historic haciendas in America. Constructed in the 19th century, these sprawling country estates were once grandiose homes for wealthy landowners and their families. With ample space for entertainment, production, and manufacturing, these properties were highly sought after among the local aristocrats.
Many of these haciendas still remain, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region's rich past and culture. They have been repurposed as some of the most beautiful wedding venues in New Orleans. Every year, countless couples tie the knot at one of these exquisite properties - surrounded by grandiose architecture, lush gardens, galleries of artwork, and more. With their old-world charm, modern amenities, and stunning backdrops that perfectly capture the romance of the Big Easy, these boutique venues will make any special day one to remember.
Hacienda Wedding Options in New Orleans
- Florist
An experienced florist can help create a unique and beautiful atmosphere for a wedding by adding custom flower arrangements to the venue. Everything from centerpieces, bouquets, and hanging installations can be created to fit any theme or style desired. The flowers will bring a special touch of elegance and romance to the event, with guests talking long after the wedding.
- Music
Musicians bring life to any celebration, especially weddings. Whether it’s live acoustic music during cocktail hour or a full-fledged dance party after dinner, having someone who knows how to get people on their feet will ensure everyone enjoys themselves at the hacienda wedding.
- Photography
Professional photographers can help immortalize the hacienda wedding with high-quality photos that capture the beauty of the venue and the special moments of the day. They can also advise on utilizing the space best to create stunning visuals.
Hacienda Wedding Vendors in New Orleans
- Rare Sighting Photography
Rare Sighting Photography is a professional portrait and wedding photography studio based in New Orleans. Led by owner and head photographer Dr. Devonte Williford, the team provides unforgettable images that capture the emotions of cherished moments on the couple’s special day. They can work with your planner to ensure enough time for documenting all the significant memories of your hacienda wedding.
- New Groove Brass Band
New Groove Brass Band is a jazz entertainment provider. With an experienced and talented roster of musicians, they deliver high-energy performances that light up any event. Whether it's a hacienda wedding, party, festival, or concert, their presence creates an exciting atmosphere for all in attendance. From elegant brass instrumentals during cocktail hours to energetic dancing and lively tunes, they bring the heat. The band also participates in citywide pop-up second lines to showcase their talent, leaving audiences with a positive memory of the event.
- Cry Baby Floral
Cry Baby Floral is a New Orleans-based floral design studio established in 2019 specializing in events, weddings, and editorial work. The two-woman team combines creative techniques with unique color stories to create custom designs. Their experience with large-scale installations and wedding event planning gives them the expertise to create stunning arrangements and dynamic visuals. Their passion for flowers and commitment to excellence can help with all the decor prep needed for your hacienda wedding.
Pros and Cons of Hacienda Weddings in New Orleans
A hacienda wedding in New Orleans is ideal for couples looking to add a unique and romantic ambiance to their special day. However, as with any wedding venue, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before deciding. Here is a look at some pros and cons of hosting your wedding in a hacienda.
Advantages
- Authentic atmosphere: Haciendas feature traditional Spanish colonial architecture, providing an authentic and beautiful backdrop for your big day.
- Unique options: With amenities such as outdoor courtyards, lush gardens, and even fountains, haciendas provide couples with plenty of unique options for decorating the space.
- Variety of services: Many haciendas offer catering services and packages that include decorations and music. This can help take the stress out of planning the reception portion of your wedding.
Disadvantages
- Limited availability: Due to their popularity as wedding venues, haciendas can book up quickly, meaning couples have to plan far in advance to have their ceremony at one particular locale.
- Distance from major cities: Providing lodging options for guests near haciendas can be challenging as these locations are often far away from cities or towns.
- Restrictions on decorations: Some haciendas have strict rules when it comes to decor, which can limit the couple’s ability to customize the space.
Tips on How to Organize Hacienda Weddings in New Orleans
Weddings held in a hacienda ooze with rustic charm and elegance, allowing couples to give their guests an unforgettable experience. Planning a successful wedding in a hacienda requires ample planning, creativity, and ingenuity. Here are some tips on how to make sure your special day is perfect:
- Hire Professional Help: To ensure everything runs smoothly throughout your wedding day, consider hiring experienced professionals like caterers and florists who can take care of your needs quickly and efficiently. This will free up valuable time so you can focus on enjoying yourself instead of worrying about the small details.
- Select Appropriate Decor: Haciendas often have high ceilings and open spaces, which can be enhanced with perfect decor such as floral arrangements, lighting fixtures, furniture rentals, etc. Including these items in the plan will transform any space into an exquisite location for a grand occasion such as a wedding celebration.
- Give Guests Directions: Many people may not be familiar with the area surrounding the hacienda, so it’s important to provide detailed directions on how to get there and when they should arrive at the venue. Providing this information will save everyone from getting lost on the day off and make sure no one shows up late.
- Utilize Outdoor Space: Most haciendas have plenty of outdoor space for additional activities like pre-ceremony cocktails or photo ops, so it’s best to take advantage of these areas before they get overcrowded with guests. Some ideas include game stations, live music performances, and food stalls, which can entertain your guests during cocktail hour or after the ceremony.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Art Garden
Looking for a unique shopping experience in the heart of New Orleans? Look no further than Art Garden, an art bazaar in Frenchmen Street's heart. Here, local painters work on their latest projects while you peruse various unique and limited-edition artwork. With its relaxed and bohemian atmosphere, Art Garden is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. And with the nearby Palace Market just a stone's throw away, you'll have no shortage of creative inspiration to explore.
- Confederate Memorial Hall Museum
Step back in time at the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum, where tattered gray uniforms, rebel swords, and faded diaries bring the stories of the Confederacy to life. Louisiana's oldest operating museum, this smallish space is a treasure trove of Civil War memorabilia, including one of the largest compilations of Confederate artifacts in the country. Located within the stately Confederate Memorial Hall, this museum provides a glimpse into a tumultuous time in American history.
- Preservation Resource Center
New Orleans is known for its unique and historic architecture, and the Preservation Resource Center is the perfect place to start exploring it all. Housed inside the stunning 1853 Leeds-Davis building, the center offers free pamphlets with walking-tour maps for all parts of the city. Their knowledgeable staff can provide information on everything from cycling routes to restoring a heritage home. Plus, visitors can look forward to the annual Shotgun House tour in March and the top-rated Holiday Home tour in December. So, whether you're a local or a tourist, the Preservation Resource Center is an excellent resource for discovering the fascinating architecture of New Orleans.