New Orleans Wedding Venues

Wondering where to get married in New Orleans?

Many of us have dreams and visions of what we expect from our wedding day long before we even meet our spouse. We envision our attire, the music that we’ll dance to, the flowers we’ll carry and all of those fine tuned details.

Aside from the decision of whom to marry, the next big decision on every couple’s list is where? Choosing a venue that fits your style and plans for your wedding can be an overwhelming task. Especially in a city such as New Orleans, where there is such an abundance of incredible venues to choose from. As someone who has had the distinct pleasure of photographing weddings in and around New Orleans for over a decade, here are some of my favorite wedding venues. 

Under the Stars

If you have been dreaming of a beautiful outdoor ceremony or reception, New Orleans has plenty of scenic venues to choose from. 

Popp Fountain

Located at the City Park, Popp Fountain’s stunning architecture includes a 60-foot wide fountain with a beautiful center sculpture and water feature. In the Spring, the fountain is draped with blooming wisteria and surrounded by beautiful landscaping. Adjacent to the fountain is the Arbor Room, an indoor venue with floor to ceiling windows that offer views of the fountain and surrounding landscape. 

Audubon Park

Audubon Park has several outdoor options for your special day. The Bandstand is a great choice for those who want an outdoor ceremony. Surrounded by beautiful large live oak trees and a park lagoon, the bandstand provides a large outdoor setting with free parking and an adjacent indoor venue, the Audubon Clubhouse. The Audubon Tea Room is yet another venue within the park with indoor and outdoor space.

Another option within the park is The Tree of Life. This historic live oak tree has been the spot of many weddings and elopements and makes for a stunning backdrop for photos, especially at sunset. 

If you are having a small ceremony, another popular option is the parks main entrance, located right off of St. Charles Avenue. With a picturesque fountain backdrop and beautiful flowers in the Spring and Fall, this has been a popular spot for many couples. 

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

This lush, romantic courtyard in the heart of the French Quarter is an ideal location for smaller, intimate ceremonies. Let loose outside under the beautiful New Orleans sky and twinkling lights. 

Elms Mansion

Elms Mansion is another historic New Orlean’s mansion located in the Garden District. The mansion’s grandeur architecture and classic elegance offer plenty of opportunities and spaces for portraits. Enjoy a night of dancing and cocktails outside under the stars in the garden and a formal gourmet dinner reception with top-knotch service. 

Classic New Orleans

If a classic New Orleans theme is what you are going for, these next venues won’t disappoint. 

Beauregard Keyes House

This classic New Orleans style home operates as a historical museum during the day and a beautifully stunning wedding venue on nights and weekends. You and your guests can celebrate in the English garden, dance in the courtyard, and dine inside the house. In the heart of the French Quarter, you’ll absolutely love this gem!

The Mazant

This large 1880’s mansion in the Bywater Arts District is licensed as a bed and breakfast and is also host to many beautiful weddings and events. With accommodations for up to 18 people overnight, your out of town guests can enjoy staying at the bed and breakfast after your reception. 

Race and Religious

This historic property located along the riverfront of the Lower Garden District provides both indoor and outdoor areas. The two beautiful rustic buildings are joined together by three outdoor courtyards. The property has a nice separate area for the bride and groom to get ready in, a pool, and romantic outdoor lighting. 

Elegant + Timeless

These next few venues are both elegant and timeless. Bring your fairytale dreams to life at one of these gorgeous locations.

Il Mercato

Found in the Lower Garden District adjacent to Sophie Wright Park, Il Mercato is a venue that offers timeless elegance and sophistication. The venue provides indoor and outdoor space with plenty of room for larger guest counts. Outside in the courtyard, you’ll find their beautiful grand fireplace, romantic lighting, and flagstone floors. Inside, the ballroom has herringbone wood floors, Italian-style chandeliers, and original wood beams. 

Marché

This stylish venue in the French Quarter combines classic New Orleans charm with sophistication and elegance. With balconies that overlook both the Mississippi river and the French Quarter, a stunning ballroom loaded with natural light, and room to accommodate up to 300 guests, you and your guests will have plenty of space to dance the night away.

Marigny Opera House

The Marigny Opera House combines old world elegance with its unique gothic style. With an empty slate for decorating, you can bring your dreams to life. You also get great natural light and an outdoor space to use. 

Cozy + Charming

If cozy and charming is what you wish for, you’ll want to add these venues to your must-see list. These options are great for smaller, more intimate weddings and elopements.

Maison Lafitte

This beautiful historic home turned event space has ample indoor and outdoor area to accommodate the day of your dreams. Boasting perks such as on site space for the bridal party to get ready, free parking, stunning outdoor ceremonies, an open air dance floor / reception space, excellent customer service and on site catering. It’s less than 45 minutes from New Orleans. You can’t go wrong with Maison Lafitte for your wedding day.

Paradigm Gardens

This funky neighborhood garden located just outside of the Garden District is perfect for smaller, more intimate events. With a quaint little garden area and scenic views, Paradigm Gardens creates a cozy and charming area for you and your guests. To top it off, this venue offers in-house catering and was voted the number one wedding venue in New Orleans 2020 by weddingrule.com. 

The Seraphim House

This surprising and unexpected venue offers a unique and rustic style that’s perfect for a smaller, more intimate wedding. With plenty of history within its walls and great natural light for portraits, your wedding and photos will be uniquely special. 

Party Perfect

Everyone loves a good reception party and these next venues boast the perfect party space for your big day. 

Felicity Church

Located in the Lower Garden District, Felicity Church is a historic church that was severely damaged during Katrina but has since been rebuilt and restored. The couple who purchased the church was the first to get married there after the rebuild. Felicity Church offers beautiful stained glass windows, great natural light ideal for photos, and a large indoor space perfect for dancing the night away at your reception. 

Livaudais Hall

One of the newer wedding venues close to downtown New Orleans, Livaudais Hall combines historic New Orleans with new modern touches to create a unique space for your special day. Large enough to accommodate up to 300 guests, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces and has a beautiful 40 foot domed ceiling cathedral and a pretty sweet historic grotto that makes for some amazing photos. 

Messina’s at the Terminal

With beautiful mid-century architecture and four unique event spaces to choose from, Messina’s at the Terminal is a great party destination for your wedding reception. The Atrium features a two-story wide open, you guessed it, atrium with beautiful art-deco themes. The terrace offers beautiful sunset views overlooking Lake Pontchartrain and the runway. You can also book the walnut room for smaller guest lists. Another benefit of Messina’s is the excellent food and service. You won’t be disappointed!

Pavilion of Two Sisters

This picturesque pavilion located at the City Park features stunning views of the Botanical Gardens and beautiful large oak trees. It has gorgeous floor to ceiling arched windows that provide ample natural lighting, perfect for your wedding day photos. The large indoor pavilion opens up to two outdoor terraces, providing your guests with beautiful views both day and night. 

Music Box Village

This unconventional event space offers guests a unique interactive experience as the outdoor space is laced with musical sculptures. Dance the night away under the stars in what feels like a fantastic forested musical landscape. Your guests will never forget Music Box Village.