NEW ORLEANS WEDDING VENUES
YOU’RE ENGAGED! Soak it in and bask in the engagement bliss before diving into the wedding planning! But since you’re googling New Orleans Wedding Venues you’re probably ready to begin!
If y’all are set on a New Orleans wedding then it’s time to find the venue that makes you swoon, and makes you feel all the feels…and all the other clichés! You’ll know it when you see it…BUT there are two question you should answer before you get your heart set on a particular venue…
#1.) What is your REALISTIC budget?
Do not sign a venue contract until you have an understanding of what various event elements actually cost. Schedule an intro call with a wedding planner first thing because we can help give you a general idea of whether your vision aligns with what you’re comfortable spending. Whether your budget is $50,000 or $500,000 it really is best to manage expectations from the start.
#2.) How many guests are you ACTUALLY inviting?
I don’t mean how many people do you think will come. I mean how many people are you actually inviting. Expect upwards of 90%+ of those you invite to attend a New Orleans wedding — especially if it’s a destination wedding. People LOVE New Orleans and people you haven’t seen in years who you would have sworn wouldn’t attend will make it a 4-day vacation. So, do NOT invite 200 people and bank on only 130 people attending. This sets you up for stress as you receive all of those “Will Attends.” If you are inviting 200 guests base your budget on 200 guests.
The other reason you need to know how many guests you’re actually inviting is because this directly effects the venue you choose. Of course, you want to love the venue or venues but they also need to be able to accommodate the number of people you’re inviting….actually inviting…just in case they all come! Have you dreamed of a 300 person seated dinner with dance floor, big stage and a 10-piece band? Well, then that eliminates a lot of venues and you’ll be focused on larger spaces. Or is your vision an intimate affair with 50 guests? You’ll have lots of options but you don’t want to go to a space that is so big that you feel lost.
You’re venue search will be much more efficient and focused once you have realistic answers to both of these questions!
Let’s take a look at some of my fav venues that New Orleans has to offer:
Il Mercato is a sophisticated, classic and modern space located in the Lower Garden District. The bricked courtyard is spacious and features a massive fireplace which makes a dramatic ceremony backdrop. The indoor space is gorgeous with warm wood herring bone floors, white walls, large tasteful chandeliers and a sleek bar room.
If your vision is a seated dinner and a dance floor the space can accommodate 160 guests. If your guest count is larger, it can accommodate a maximum of 400 guests reception style using both the indoor space and outdoor courtyard. But it’s a good idea to leave some room between your guests to create a good flow, so, it’s ideal to max out around 325. Il Mercato also has an in-house caterer which is Joels’ Cuisine.
il Mercato
Latrobe’s on Royal is a striking space that absolutely oozes New Orleans. For couples who like a little history in their venue, Latrobe’s was built in 1820 by acclaimed architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe and originally housed Louisiana State Bank.
Dark slate floors and gas lanterns in the enclosed courtyard create a beautifully moody vibe. The main space features an incredible domed ceiling, mirrored windows and green concrete floors. My favorite room is the bar which is painted a gorgeous deep red and was once the bank vault. Latrobe’s is situated at the corner of Royal Street and Conti Street in the French Quarter. You can’t get much more New Orleans than that!
Latrobe’s is a fabulous place for a reception style wedding and accommodates up to 300 guests. Seated dinners are lovely for up to 200 guests. Latrobe’s also provides in-house catering.
Photography: Christi Childs
Originally built in 1906, The Civic is the oldest theater in New Orleans and was created by the Shubert Brothers, theatrical pioneers credited for establishing the Broadway theater district in New York. This venue will definitely make y’all feel like the stars of your show!
The Civic is a cool, contemporary space. The entrance alley to the door is clean and modern. The Lobby is a lovely place to cocktail and the impressive white marble topped bar makes a statement. The Hall feels elegant and provides a versatile space for you to create a design that is expressly your own.
I absolutely love seated dinners in this space and they are quite comfortable for up to 180ish with a dance floor and stage. Reception style the space can accommodate up to 300. The Civic does not have an in-house caterer so you are free to bring in one of your favorites.
Photography: Julia Bailey
New Orleans Museum of Art is one of the most elegant venues in the city — it definitely makes a statement! There are so many possibilities here! Your ceremony can take place on the staircase of The Great Hall — a two-story open space with a windowed ceiling - it is beautiful and dramatic! The space is perfect if you’re art lovers or just dream of a classically sophisticated wedding.
NOMA also offers outdoor space in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. There are three gorgeous areas in the Garden to have the ceremony and enjoy cocktails. And if it rains there are a couple of indoor spaces for the ceremony to pivot including The Great Hall — definitely not a bad rain B! There is a ton of versatility here!
NOMA is a large space with lots of different rooms with a max capacity of 1,200 — but don’t let that number throw you — The Great Hall accommodates 100 to 200 guests beautifully without feeling like the space is too large. NOMA does offer in-house catering by Ralph Brennan Catering + Events.
Photography: Dark Roux
The Marigny Opera House is a deconsecrated Catholic church that is full of New Orleans charm — it feels a bit like “the city that care forgot” in the best way. The space feels interesting and special. The floor has been newly refinished and the round stained glass windows that line the ceiling are recently refurbished.
Since this is an old church it yearns to host a ceremony — and this venue does allow ceremonies only but you also have the option of having your entire event on property. There is a spacious courtyard where guests can cocktail while the ceremony is “flipped” into the reception space.
Marigny Opera House feels 150 guests suits the space perfectly — a little less if you are looking to do a seated dinner with a dance floor. There is no in-house caterer so feel free to bring in a caterer you love! You can learn more about Marigny Opera House in the New Orleans Venue Spotlight.
Photography: Brandon O’Neal
The Orpheum is an ornate and opulent space that has served as a theater for 100 years. It feels sophisticated and grand and it suits larger weddings beautifully. A seated dinner accommodates up to 275 guests while a reception style wedding has space for up to 450 — but it is always a good idea to max out 50 to 75 people under the max so there is a good flow for your guests. The Orpheum partners with Bella Luna Catering.
After parties are very common and the best part of The Orpheum is that there is a super cool, “hidden” venue underneath it called the Double Dealer Lounge….it is very Speakeasy….very sexy…very secluded…it feels like the best kept secret in New Orleans.
Orpheum Theater
Double Dealer Lounge
Hotel Peter and Paul is technically a hotel but the event space is definitely not your typical hotel ballroom. Instead of a ballroom the event space is The Church — you may have guessed it but property was indeed once a Catholic school and church.
The Church is ethereal, moody and dramatic. The hard wood floors are warm, the blue tiled wall and mural on the altar are lovely and the stained glass windows are absolutely divine. Naturally, the space is perfection for a ceremony for those who are looking for a sacred setting. The Piazza is the bricked outdoor drive where guests mingle for cocktails while The Church transforms from the ceremony to the reception.
Hotel Peter and Paul suits 125 to 200 guests the best. They also use Bacchanal as their in-house caterer. Check out the Hotel Peter and Paul New Orleans Venue Spotlight blog for more insight.
Photography: Brandon O’Neal
I hope this gives you some insight into some of my favorite venues in New Orleans. Good luck with the search!
Lovely to meet you.
I specialize in luxury weddings and events with an understated elegance that allows you and your guests to experience the best of New Orleans.
504.452.6761