How To Plan a New Orleans Elopement

drussell March 11, 2025 no Comments

How to Elope in New Orleans: The Ultimate Guide To Eloping In NOLA

I visit New Orleans several times a year for the Wedding Venue Owners Working Vacations I host, as well as several visits a year for wedding venue consulting and research. This vibrant city has captured my heart with its incredible cuisine, the charm of the French Quarter, the energy of Frenchmen Street, the beauty of Esplanade Avenue, the Garden District, The Bayou, the history and the soulful energy of the jazz bands you can hear any day of the week. In this article we have share a treasure trove of info on How To Plan a New Orleans Elopement.

Beyond the culture and atmosphere, what I treasure most are the unforgettable love stories that happen in New Orleans. Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Guest lists, seating charts, and family drama—not exactly romantic, right? That’s why couples are increasingly choosing to elope, and what better place to do it than New Orleans? From its unique charm to its one-of-a-kind wedding venues, this city is an unbeatable destination for intimate and unforgettable elopements.

If you’re weighing your options or just need a nudge in the elopement direction, here are 101 reasons to tie the knot in New Orleans, and why it’s a choice you won’t regret.

What Makes New Orleans the Perfect Place to Elope?

New Orleans isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. Known for its lively culture, stunning backdrops, and unparalleled hospitality, couples find that it offers more than they could have imagined. Here’s why this city is perfect for starting your married life in style.

Rich History and Culture

From jazz music to timeless architecture, New Orleans breathes life into every corner of your celebration. Imagine exchanging vows next to century-old oak trees or within the opulent charm of the French Quarter.

Stress-Free Celebrations

Planning a big wedding can be a headache. New Orleans is home to elopement experts like Elope to NOLA, who take care of everything from finding the perfect ceremony spot to organizing permits and photography. Skip the chaos and focus on what truly matters—your love story.

Dreamy Backdrops

Whether you’re drawn to moss-draped trees in City Park, dreamy gardens, or breathtaking riverfront views, New Orleans has no shortage of Instagram-worthy settings.

10 Historic Mansions Perfect for Eloping

The iconic architecture of New Orleans is inseparable from its charm. Historic mansions serve as stunning backdrops for intimate weddings. Here are 10 you can’t miss:

Degas House
The Elms Mansion
Melrose Mansion
Houmas House
BK House
Pitot House
Columns Hotel
Derbes Mansion
Chateau Le Moyne
Longue Vue House and Gardens

Each of these venues offers rich history, breathtaking scenery, and that classic Southern elegance for your vows.

10 Must-Try New Orleans Restaurants for Your Wedding Dinner

True love and good food are a match made in heaven, and New Orleans delivers on both. These 10 restaurants serve more than just meals; they offer culinary experiences:

Commander’s Palace, 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Brennan’s, 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Antoine’s, 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Cochon, 930 Tchoupitoulas St Ste A, New Orleans, LA 70130
Saba, 5757 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Arnaud’s, 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Peche, 800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Herbsaint, 701 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, 2301 Orleans Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Café Amelie 900 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116

These New Orleans restaurants offer world-class cuisine with the distinctive flavors of New Orleans. Perfect for your post-ceremony meal or traditional wedding feast! Did we miss the opportunity to list an incredibly restaurant, let us know if the comments so we can feature more amazing New Orleans restaurants in upcoming articles.

10 Reasons to Elope in New Orleans and Take a Cruise

New Orleans’ port offers a unique opportunity. Combine your dreamy elopement with a luxurious cruise experience! Here’s why it’s the perfect pairing:

Easy access to tropical destinations.
Begin your honeymoon the same day as your wedding.
Cost-effective elopement and honeymoon package.
Stunning river and ocean views.
Cruise packages offer group celebration options.
You can book wedding services onboard.
Iconic photos on the Mississippi River.
Combine your wedding with a stress-free vacation.
Exclusive offers for cruise-and-elope packages.
Bid adieu to guests as you sail off to paradise!

10 Best Tourist Attractions in New Orleans

Your elopement isn’t complete without soaking up the magic of New Orleans’ most iconic attractions. Add these to your itinerary for unforgettable moments:

Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral
Audubon Aquarium
Preservation Hall
Steamboat Natchez
National WWII Museum
City Park
Mardi Gras World
French Quarter Historic Voodoo Museum
Garden District

For tourists and locals alike, these spots hold a special place in every New Orleans love story.

10 Best Gardens for Wedding Photos

Nature lovers rejoice! New Orleans is home to lush gardens that make for stunning engagement or wedding photos. Here are some favorites:

New Orleans Botanical Garden (City Park)
BK House, has one of my favorite gardens in New Orleans!
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Audubon Park
Washington Square Park
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Crescent Park
The Peristyle in City Park
Coliseum Square Park
Bayou Metairie Walk

These spots ensure every picture captures the timeless romance of your day.

10 Reasons to Visit Frenchmen Street

If live music and nightlife are a priority, Frenchmen Street is where the energy never sleeps. Here’s why it’s essential:

The vibrant live music scene.
Countless jazz clubs (hello, authentic New Orleans experience!).
Open-air art markets at night.
Intimate and charming vibe.
Less touristy than Bourbon Street.
Affordable drinks and food spots.
Explore multiple genres of music in one walk.
The sense of community and connection.
Amazing local restaurants nearby.
Spontaneous second lines and street parties.

10 Spots to Visit in the French Quarter

The beating heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter, promises a magical experience to all who visit. Don’t miss these stops:

Café du Monde for beignets and coffee.
Bourbon Street for nightlife and people-watching.
The Balcony at Royal Street for beautiful architecture.
French Market for unique shopping.
Pat O’Brien’s for that legendary Hurricane drink.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
Jackson Brewery for scenic views.
Muriel’s for a romantic dinner.
Voodoo Authentica for cultural intrigue.
Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar for a drink in motion.

10 Best Neighborhoods in New Orleans for Exploring

Each neighborhood in New Orleans has its own character and charm, making them perfect for exploring during your elopement celebration:

These neighborhoods offer picturesque streets, local gems, and unique vibes to enhance your special getaway.

10 Locally Owned Bed & Breakfasts or Boutique Hotels

After all that celebrating, you’ll need a cozy yet stylish place to retreat to. Consider these top-rated New Orleans Hotels:

The Roosevelt Hotel, 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
Hotel Peter and Paul, 2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Degas House, 2306 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Maison de la Luz, 546 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Henry Howard Hotel, 2041 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Rathbone Mansions, 1244 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast, 2727 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Derbes Mansion, 2257 Bayou Rd, New Orleans, LA 70119
The Columns, 3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
Sully Mansion, 2631 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Top Venues for Your Elopement

Choosing the right venue is essential, and New Orleans has no shortage of stunning options. Here are some favorites for the ultimate intimate celebration.

New Orleans Wedding Venue — The Degas House, Olivia Yuen Photography

The Degas House

The Degas House is not only a historic gem but also a versatile venue for elopements. With overnight accommodations and its close location to the French Quarter, it combines convenience with timeless elegance. Bonus? Your guests can stay on-site, turning your wedding into a cozy experience for everyone. Located near the French Quarter at 2306 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119

House of Broel

Known for hosting elopements for decades, the House of Broel embodies southern charm. This historic venue offers an intimate, romantic setting paired with top-tier service. A true New Orleans classic for couples seeking sophistication. 2220 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Audubon Park

Want to exchange vows beneath century-old live oaks? Audubon Park offers breathtaking natural beauty perfect for a small, private ceremony.

The Pontchartrain Hotel Rooftop

For couples looking for a modern, chic twist, the rooftop of The Pontchartrain Hotel boasts panoramic views of New Orleans with an exclusive vibe. Locate at 2031 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Find more local venues through resources like the venue search map at Wedding Venue Owners. By choosing small, local businesses, you’re supporting the community while making your special day unique.

How Elope to NOLA Makes It Happen

If you’ve never planned a wedding, don’t worry. Services like Elope to NOLA exist for couples just like you. From scouting breathtaking locations to creating stress-free timelines, they handle it all.

They also offer comprehensive elopement packages, which typically include photography, florals, an officiant, and more. Here’s why couples love their services:

Professional planning made easy: Kick back knowing permits, vendor recommendations, and even the perfect cake are taken care of.
Local expertise: Their team knows every hidden gem in New Orleans, ensuring your day is fully immersed in the city’s magic.
Memories that last a lifetime: With expertly captured photographs and curated poses, your elopement will be as unforgettable in print as it felt in real life.

Get customized recommendations based on your preferences, and discover stunning venues you didn’t even know existed.

Local Favorites for Celebrating

Celebrate your new chapter like a true local! Here are a few iconic New Orleans must-dos after saying “I do”:

Café Du Monde for iconic beignets and coffee.
Take a stroll through the French Quarter, stopping for live jazz along the way.
Plan a post-ceremony meal at a local favorite, such as Commander’s Palace or Brennan’s.
Enjoy a steamboat tour along the Mississippi River.

Why Elope?

Still on the fence about eloping? Here are 5 key advantages to consider:

Focus on You – Forget about catering to hundreds of guests. Eloping puts the spotlight back on your love and commitment.
Save Money – A big wedding can cost upwards of $50,000. By eloping, you can indulge in an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the cost while splurging on a dreamy honeymoon.
No Stress – Say goodbye to endless checklists and timelines. Elopements are simple and stress-free.
Memories, Not Formalities – Instead of worrying about cutting a giant guest list, focus on enjoying intimate, authentic moments with your partner.
Tailored to Perfection – With the help of NOLA’s expert planners, even last-minute elopements will feel thoughtfully designed and effortless.

Your Dream Wedding, Your Way

Why wait? With everything New Orleans has to offer, there’s no better place to start your forever. Whether it’s the authentic southern charm, the mic-drop venues, or the soulful energy of the city, your dream day is waiting here.

Start Planning Today

Are you ready to create memories that last a lifetime? Let the charm and vibrant culture of New Orleans serve as the backdrop for your special day. Visit Elope to NOLA to discover personalized packages and expert guidance for your dream elopement. Or explore a wide range of stunning venues with the wedding venue map at Wedding Venue Owners to find the perfect spot for your celebration. Make your elopement truly extraordinary with the magic, romance, and timeless allure of New Orleans.

The love story of a lifetime begins right here. 💍

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