MARIGNY OPERA HOUSE | Venue Spotlight
The Marigny Opera House is special. A special space makes for super special weddings and events.
Alluring, mysterious and beautiful, it is an old, deconsecrated church that attracts a particular type of couple. As soon as they walk in, they’ll know whether it’s a yes or a no. If you’re the sort of couple who is drawn to it, you will feel the warm energy and see the charm in the decay immediately.
You can host your entire wedding on property if you’d like. Obviously, that long indoor aisle and altar are begging for a ceremony, then imbibe on cocktails in the spacious yard. While you and your guests are cocktailing outside, my team is inside flipping the ceremony space into the reception space. When the doors reopen for the reception, the Marigny Opera House will have been transformed. Or flip the script, and create a gorgeous outdoor ceremony and cocktail inside. There are several ways to utilize the venue and I love having options.
My favorite thing about the building are the gorgeous circular stained glass windows that run along either side of the arched ceiling. Recently restored, they look absolutely pristine. However, the thing about stained glass and evening events is that guests can’t enjoy looking at the glass after dark. The solution is to install lighting on the roof and illuminate the windows from the outside (which we did at the wedding in the photo below). It definitely provides a wow moment!
My other favorite thing, or I should say person, about Marigny Opera House is the venue manager, Bill Murray! He is absolutely delightful in every way. I sent him a handful of questions to answer about the space and not only did he oblige he said it was fun! Check out our quick Q & A below…
Twirl Photography/Spera Special Events
What is your favorite spot on the property?
I like the stairwell. But y'all aren't allowed in there.
What excites you about the event space?
We are host to over a hundred performances year round. Most people know us for our ballets, which we do 4 or 5 of each year but we also have Opera, Chamber music, Jazz, theatre and just some avante guarde perfromances that no other venue has.
What size wedding suits the space the best?
While we have seen full receptions with 40 guests and as many as 225 we think for receptions 150 is just right, but it all does depend how else the space is being used. We do have a courtyard which allows for a nice even flow from inside to out all night long.
Is there a wedding moment you witnessed in the space that was particularly memorable?
We had a Traditional Chinese wedding a few years ago with a couple of large "Dragons" on the dance floor. The Church of the Arts (we call it) was deconsecrated in 1997 from its Catholic beginnings, so Catholic weddings are the only weddings we don't see much of.
Does Marigny Opera House require couples to hire a wedding planner? If so, why?
We don't require a wedding planner, but we strongly suggest one.
Words of wisdom for engaged couples...
I hope each couple fully enjoys their guests on their special day and have the utmost confidence that the professionals they've hired share their passion for a successful event.
Brandon O’Neal Photography/Spera Special Events
If you love the vibe of Marigny Opera House check out Casey and Sam’s rehearsal dinner at MOH.. We also had an amazing time planning Nathalie and Brett's wedding at Marigny Opera House.
You can learn more about weddings at this historic location by visiting the Marigny Opera House website.
Lovely to meet you.
We are destination wedding planners + designers based in New Orleans, Louisiana and South Walton County, Florida that specialize in luxury events with an understated elegance.
504.452.6761