New Orleans

Wedding Reception Venues in New Orleans
New Orleans is synonymous with music, Creole cuisine, and, of course, Mardi Gras! Often described as the most unique city in the United States, it is a melting pot of different cultures and communities. This is where the free-spirited couple will find themselves most at home.

Finding Your New Orleans Wedding Venue
If you dream of a quintessential New Orleans wedding, look no further than the historic heart of the French Quarter. There are numerous restaurants and cathedrals here bursting with life. You’re sure to find the art deco, Gatsby-style venue of your dreams. The Garden District and Crescent City are also great areas full of stylish venues.

Amenities in New Orleans
Each nook and cranny of NOLA is more beautiful than the next. You and your loved ones can stroll through the markets, cafes, and bars while treating yourselves to the best jazz and jambalaya. The city is also known for its haunted history, and there are plenty of ghost and cemetery tours for guests who want a more supernatural adventure.

FAQs

What time of year is best for a wedding in New Orleans?
Spring and fall are the best times of year to have a wedding in New Orleans. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s best to have a backup plan, as the city can be rainy and has a hurricane season that runs from June through November.

How do you get a marriage license in New Orleans?
To obtain your marriage license, you will need a photo ID and two witnesses. You will also need to wait at least 72 hours before you’re issued one, so factor this in while choosing a date.

What is the second-line wedding tradition?
A second line is a common wedding tradition in the city, where the wedding party travels on foot from the ceremony to the reception, usually following a live band if you’d like to celebrate in true New Orleans fashion, parade through the streets, and spread the love!

Popular New Orleans Wedding Venues and Pricing
New Orleans wedding venues are steeped in the background of this soulful city. Couples looking for the right place to say “I do” will only run into one hitch—narrowing down the incredible choices! From rooftop spaces with sweeping views of the French Quarter to stunning historic hotels overlooking the nation’s oldest cathedral, ballrooms and courtyards around the city celebrate the spirit of NOLA. But the choices don’t stop there. In a city with a deep history, venues are often stories in and of themselves. There are opulent antebellum plantations, mansions in the Garden District, and homes that belonged to famed artists. Whatever location feels right for you and your story, there’s a New Orleans wedding venue made for your nuptials.

Weddings in The Big Easy can easily go big, as New Orleans is a city of grand celebrations. The average cost of a wedding here is about $28,800, which runs about $1,000 below the national average. As you plan and look at wedding venues in New Orleans, keep an eye on your budget and remember that, if you want to, you can have a big party without spending big bucks.

Accommodations and Travel in New Orleans
The cost of accommodations in New Orleans can run on the high side since NOLA is a popular tourist destination. Depending on your budget, when you plan to tie the knot, and what you’re looking for, it’s worth considering all your options. Choose from inns, bed & breakfasts, boutique or historic hotels, and more. The closer you are to the French Quarter, the higher prices tend to be. If you’re willing to move further away from the action, you can find affordable rooms around $50-$80. More upscale hotels and inns in the heart of the city will run between $150 to around $400 a night.

Even traveling via New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) sounds like fun. Since MSY is just 22 minutes on I-10 from the airport into the heart of the French Quarter, you won’t have to wait long to start your revelry. You can take a shuttle, bus, taxi, or pick up your rental car from the airport into NOLA. Once there, try out the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world to explore the city.

New Orleans Weather
New Orleans is warm and wet, with a subtropical climate that brings about 5 inches of rain per month. Winters average between the mid-40s and 60s, while summers are sultry between the mid-70s and lower 90s. Spring and fall are lovely, averaging in the 70s. Between the humidity and frequency of precipitation, couples might consider New Orleans wedding venues that offer covered areas or provide indoor options in case the rain shows up. Luckily, rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck. Even if you hear the telltale drip-drop, you can bet The Big Easy will bring its good vibes to your union.