New Orleans, Louisiana, is a truly unique city. Founded in 1718 on the Mississippi River, this charming Southerner offers an experience like no other.
For some, the charm of New Orleans lies in the blend of French, American, and African influences. Others love the city for its architecture, its wonderful restaurants, and its Mardi Gras festival. Some adore New Orleans for its famous nightlife, which is perfect for anyone who likes to party until the sun comes up. The city may have taken an almighty beating from Hurricane Katrina back in 2005, but it hasn’t lost any of its energy or unique charm.
If you’re planning on tying the knot in the Big Easy, there’s no better place to celebrate your nuptials in style. New Orleans wedding venues vary widely and can be found at the historic French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, or along the scenic Mississippi River, providing the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Exchange vows in a city known for its ability to celebrate life and love like no other, making your special day as vibrant as the city itself.
There’s a lot to consider when planning a wedding reception. From the guest list to the wedding venue decor, the food to the entertainment, so many different aspects combine to create your perfect night.
Wedding Reception Venues
The New Orleans event venue you choose will have a huge impact on the look and feel of your wedding. Be it an elegant banquet hall in downtown New Orleans or charming outdoor event spaces near Jackson Square, you’ll find plenty of great wedding venues in New Orleans to choose from.
Florists
The decor also plays an important part in determining the look and feel of your reception, and nothing makes a bigger difference than flowers. The right floral arrangements can completely transform any wedding venue into a fantastic event space, so an experienced florist will come in very handy when planning your wedding.
Bands
Music is another integral part of any wedding reception. If you want your guests to party the night away, you’ll need to find a band with the musical chops to get everyone out of their seats and onto the dancefloor.
Wedding Photographers
Your wedding will be a day you remember forever—especially when you’ve got beautiful wedding photos to look back on. That’s why it’s important to search around for an experienced photographer who can offer you a timeless memento of your wedding ceremony and reception.
Planning your own wedding is a very big deal. To take the stress out of the planning process and ensure that your day runs exactly how you want it to, why not hire a professional wedding planner? There are plenty of businesses that specialize in New Orleans weddings, so shop around to find one that’s right for you.
Unique Weddings & Events
From cozy and intimate nuptials to grand events, Unique Weddings & Events aims to help you create your perfect wedding day. The team can take care of every aspect of planning from start to finish, allowing you to focus on enjoying your momentous day.
Sapphire Events
Sapphire Events is a destination wedding planning and event designing service based in New Orleans. Offering full-service planning, the Sapphire Events team aims to create weddings befitting such an important milestone in your life.
Emily Sullivan Events
Emily Sullivan and her team have produced and managed hundreds of events over their 14 years in the industry. With packages to suit elopements, day-of coordination, destination weddings, and full wedding day planning and production, Emily Sullivan Events offers something to suit a wide range of couples.
Before you finalize your wedding details, make sure to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of choosing a New Orleans wedding venue.
Great food
New Orleans has a well-earned reputation for high-quality food, so you're sure to satisfy the palates of your wedding guests.
Party vibe
Choosing a New Orleans wedding venue means your guests will experience the heart and soul of the Crescent City amid its historic heart and lively streets like Bourbon Street.
You can take it easy
The pace of life is nice and relaxed in New Orleans—perfect for those who like to take it easy.
Alfresco celebrations
When New Orleans weather is good, there’s nothing quite like an outside celebration beneath the gentle glow of open-flame copper lanterns. You’re also allowed to drink in public in the city.
Great for photos
Looking to capture some spectacular wedding photos? From its stunning architecture to the Antebellum plantations, there are plenty of beautiful backdrops in the area.
Affordable
If you’re on a tight budget, prices in New Orleans are generally quite competitive.
Humidity
If you’re walking around in summertime in New Orleans, be prepared to sweat a lot. If you're worried the heat may cause discomfort to your guests, consider choosing an indoor venue with AC or lots of ventilation.
Hurricanes
As Hurricane Katrina showed in 2005, extreme weather can be a real hazard in New Orleans.
Not ideal if you want a beach wedding
You’re looking at a long drive from New Orleans if you want to get married on a beautiful beach.
Insects
If you don’t like creepy crawlies of any variety, New Orleans may not be the place for you.
Crime
Unfortunately, poverty and crime are a problem in some parts of the city. It's better to stick to the safe areas of the city when choosing a wedding venue.
The French Quarter
When out-of-towners think of New Orleans, the first thing that comes to mind is the bustling French Quarter's historic neighborhood. This historic neighborhood is known not only for its southern charm, but also its excellent food and notable attractions like the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum that offer visitors a glimpse into the past.
The National WWII Museum
Formerly known as the National D-Day Museum, this excellent facility tells the American story of World War II. With exhibits dedicated to the Pacific and European theaters of war as well as the home front, it’s a place to learn, reflect, and acknowledge the sacrifices made. Nestled in the Lower Garden District, this house museum adds to the historic charm of New Orleans, making it a hidden gem that's just what every history enthusiast looking for an authentic Orleans experience needs.
New Orleans City Park
This park is one of the city’s most popular and iconic attractions. Encompassing 1,300 acres of green space, this outdoor oasis is known for its ancient oak trees, scenic lakes, and a gorgeous botanical garden which features a stunning rose garden. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing stroll or setting up for a picnic, there’s nowhere else in New Orleans you’d rather be.