Find Small Wedding venues for rent in New Orleans, LA

About New Orleans

New Orleans is an iconic and vibrant city located in the southern state of Louisiana, known for its unique culture and history. The city is renowned for its annual Mardi Gras celebrations, which attract millions of fun-seeking people each year. Its distinctive French-Cajun heritage, colorful architecture, and formidable music scene all contribute to its cultural identity. Additionally, the city’s French Quarter is an incredibly popular tourist destination that includes famous attractions like Jackson Square and Bourbon Street.

As well as being a fantastic holiday destination or place to relax and take in the sights, New Orleans also provides an excellent backdrop for small weddings. A small wedding allows couples to celebrate their special day with only close family and friends in attendance — making it much more intimate than larger ceremonies. With its impressive selection of awe-inspiring venues, including grand old buildings or modern spaces, there's something for everyone — regardless of budget.

Small Wedding Options in New Orleans

• Wedding Cakes
  New Orleans is known for its exquisite wedding cakes. Several bakers are available to craft the perfect cake for your special day, from traditional southern-style cakes with pecan and cream cheese icing to more modern creations with fondant and intricate piping. Each cake can be customized with flavors, decorations, and textures to match your style.
  
  
• Photographers
  Numerous experienced wedding photographers in New Orleans have a wide range of styles and techniques to capture your special day. Some specialize in candid shots of moments shared between family members or newlyweds, while others focus on creating beautiful artistic photos that will last a lifetime.
  
  
• Florists
  New Orleans has many talented florists who design stunning floral arrangements for weddings of all sizes. From just a few small bouquets to elaborate centerpieces, there are limitless options that can be tailored to fit any budget or theme. Many florists also offer delivery services so that even those who are planning their weddings remotely can make sure their flowers arrive on time and look perfect.

Small Wedding Vendors in New Orleans

• NOLA She Chef
  NOLA She Chef elevates your next dinner party — or brunch, for that matter — to a five-star experience! With fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, the chefs will create delightful dishes tailored to any allergies or dietary preferences. And better yet — they’ll handle everything from menu development to setup, serving, and even cleanup. You can choose from one of NOLA She Chef’s seasonal menus or have them create a custom menu just for you. And if it’s an intimate event like a wedding reception or birthday party that you’d like to make special, NOLA She Chef can create small, unique dining experiences too.
  
  
• Eau Claire Photographics
  Eau Claire Photographics is the choice for couples wanting a documentary-style wedding photography experience. Sandra and Sam, the studio’s founders, have a natural working style that allows their shots to be authentic, true-to-life, and timeless. Eau Claire Photographics enables couples to step away from traditional photography styles and opt for something more creative and personal. They capture each couple's special day in a way that will make them cherish every moment for years to come. Plus, you don’t have to worry about stiff poses or uncomfortable unnatural poses because Eau Claire Photographics keeps it casual!
  
  
• Unique Weddings in New Orleans
  Unique Weddings in New Orleans are unlike any other. From intimate ceremonies to glamorous affairs with all of your friends surrounded by the iconic Bourbon Street lights, they offer something for everyone. Whether you need help selecting a venue, preparing the perfect menu, or crafting an unforgettable atmosphere, wedding planners can assist you in curating your dream wedding. They provide helpful resources that guide you through the planning process — from tips and tricks to finding awesome vendors — and finding venues so special it will look like you stepped out of a magazine.

Pros and Cons of Small Weddings in New Orleans

When it comes to planning a wedding, small gatherings offer an intimate setting and the opportunity to celebrate your big day with those closest to you — all without the headaches of hosting a huge event. Of course, there are some possible drawbacks you should consider beforehand:

Advantages

• A vibrant cultural atmosphere with plenty of unique attractions and activities keep guests entertained leading up to the big day.
  
  
• An abundance of talented vendors offers specialized services like custom cakes, live music, photography, and more.
  
  
• Potential savings due to lower overhead costs associated with smaller weddings — everything from catering costs and venue rentals to decorations can be scaled down accordingly.

Disadvantages

• The potential for inclement weather such as hurricanes can cause disruptions in the wedding plans.
  
  
• Restrictions on the size and nature of the ceremony due to state laws, may not be conducive to an intimate gathering.
  
  
• Difficulty in finding venues that can accommodate smaller gatherings, as most places are designed to host larger ones.

Tips on How to Organize Small Weddings in New Orleans

Small weddings can be incredibly romantic and beautiful, but they also require a lot of planning. Here are some tips to make the process a little easier:

• Venue: Do research into venues that are both intimate and beautiful. Consider spaces like eclectic courtyards, vintage galleries, rooftop gardens, or chic restaurants that can hold smaller wedding parties. Make sure to review the facilities in person and check to see if there are any specific requirements or restrictions for it to be suitable for a wedding reception.
  
  
• Food and Drinks: Look into catering options that specialize in small weddings so you can get a tailored menu and service. These caterers often offer more customized options than those typically available at larger establishments and may even provide additional services such as florists, bakers, bartenders, servers, and other vendors.
  
  
• Personalization: Explore creative ways of personalizing the ceremony. Consider having a local band play music during the reception or ask a friend or family member to officiate the ceremony rather than hiring someone else. If you want to keep things more intimate, consider hosting an outdoor ceremony with only close family in attendance instead of inviting everyone under one large tent.

Famous Locations in New Orleans

• Gasa-Gasa In Nola
  The highly acclaimed French graffiti artist and progenitor of the mural art trend, MTO, made his way to New Orleans in 2013. His immaculate hyper-realist mural stands proudly on Gasa-Gasa's wall along Freret Street — one of the first pieces to be commissioned before murals became popular citywide. Commissioned by Micah Burns, owner of Gasa-Gasa, the piece features four prominent male singers performing live. This eye-catching and distinct work of art celebrates New Orleans' rich musical legacy and is an important reminder of how much MTO has contributed to the city's artistic culture.
  
  
• Canal Street
  Canal Street holds a special place in New Orleans' history, having served as the "neutral ground" between the city's old families and American settlers. You can still find retail in abundance, from One Canal Place to small stores and boutiques; there are also plenty of hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, and Sheraton to choose from. Plus you can explore local insect life at the Audubon Nature Institute’s Insectarium. But if you want a taste of what Canal Street is all about, then take a stroll around; something is captivating about it being alive with music, people parading and rounds of enthusiastic shoppers browsing through showrooms.
  
  
• Gallier House
  If you're looking for an informative and interesting outing, check out the Gallier House in New Orleans. Built in 1861, it was surprisingly innovative for the period and became home to the architect James Gallier and his family. When you take a tour of the house, you can see how they lived with period furnishings and objects as well as wall treatments. And if you look close enough, you might find some old children’s toys hiding around. It's sure to be a fun day learning about a fascinating part of New Orleans's history.