New Orleans is the kind of place where you get to really take your pick of all of the uniqueness, quirk and liveliness one of the greatest cities in the world has to offer. As a wedding planner, I know how important choosing the right wedding venue is. The right location sets the tone for the most magical wedding day moments. Thus, I’ve featured a list of what I believe to be the essential wedding venues that truly capture the rhythmic spirit and vitality of New Orleans in more ways than one.
St. Louis Cathedral
You won't get much closer to the heart of New Orleans than this historic fixture of the French Quarter. With quintessential church bells, extensive aisles and majestic settings, we're talking about unmistakeable photos and a breathtaking church wedding ceremony of unrivaled proportions. Not to mention the hundreds of world famous restaurants, venues and streets nearby for revelry that will carry well into the morning after you’ve said your “I Do’s!” Another perk: just outside is Jackson Square, where the public can witness your new union and maybe even join in your celebratory second line parade as a new couple.
Wedding by Everly Event Planning & Design | Photo: Brocato Photography Collective
Race and Religious
Charm. Intimacy. Character. Race and Religious has it all! Once a little known secret of New Orleans wedding venues, Race and Religious is now arguably one of the hottest wedding venues in the city. A blend of outdoor and indoor settings make it a perfect space for your New Orleans ceremony and reception. Your guests can meander through the halls, socialize under bridges and walkways that were constructed in the 1800s, swirl and swing in the many bricked courtyards around the property—all while you say your vows and celebrate in a style only New Orleans can provide.
Wedding by Everly Event Planning & Design | Photo: Chelsea Rousey
It’s a Tie: Marigny Opera House AND Hotel Peter and Paul
Hallowed, historic, and oh so atmospheric! Plus, it’s customizable to suit your ceremony or reception. The building that once housed Holy Trinity Catholic Church is now a home for the performing arts in New Orleans, which means center stage can be all yours. Get ready to shine on your special day because Marigny Opera House is a charismatic space just begging for someone to step into its spotlight. Even better, if you want your guests to crash close to the venue a nearby convent-turned-hotel, Hotel Peter and Paul, offers a true one-of-a-kind (perhaps soul-inspiring) weekend stay for your guest. Adore Hotel Peter and Paul even more than The Marigny Opera House for your big day? You’re in luck! You can have your ceremony and/or reception in the old Hotel Peter and Paul Church turned one of New Orleans newest (and most beautiful!) event spaces.
Wedding by Everly Event Planning & Design | Photo: Tasha Rae Photography
Il Mercato
New Orleans is well known for its French heritage, but Il Mercato offers a refreshing nod to the city's Spanish roots. A marvel of history and architecture, this old Spanish market is adorned with magnificent archways and rippling Spanish tile to round out a scene of complete splendor. As an added bonus, the neighborhood is perfect for partying into the night post-wedding with the famous bars and restaurants of Magazine Street right outside the gates!
Wedding by Everly Event Planning & Design | Photo: Catherine Guidry
NOPSI Hotel
This dazzling downtown wedding destination is smack dab in New Orleans' lively Central Business District. From up here on the NOPSI’s Rooftop, no doubt your wedding will have you feeling on top of the world. Make your way down to the Dryades Ballroom where soaring arched windows, beautiful exposed brick and industrial interior features give the space a rustic yet elegant feel.
Audubon Zoo // The Audubon Tea Room
It can take only a few moments under the oaks in Audubon Park to understand what they say about the "joie de vivre" of New Orleans. In that same moment, you could be saying "I Do" just steps away in front of the sea lion exhibit inside of the Audubon Zoo. Talk about a unique wedding ceremony setting! Then, just a quick second line away is the gorgeous rotunda encircling the ceiling of the Audubon Tea Room, which sets the perfect scene for dancing during your reception whether under the stars or the sun above.
Wedding by Everly Event Planning & Design | Photo: Marquez Fotography
The Elms Mansion
You might be hard pressed to find an iconic mansion on St. Charles Avenue for sale, but at least you can get married in one! The Elms Mansion comes complete with detailed carpentry and lavish furnishing from a bygone era. Reader beware: this is so much more than your run of the mill mansion. It's a masterpiece of New Orleans with a style to match the great Gatsby himself!
New Orleans is a city like no other when it comes to wedding venues. That also means it can be quite a challenge to secure one for your wedding dates. Here's where a planner comes in. Everly’s wedding planning services come included with unique knowledge of all the ins and outs of the city’s best locales; including the best dates and times to book them.