New Orleans Elopement Guide

Want to elope in New Orleans?  This comprehensive New Orleans elopement guide has all the information, including the best places to elope in the city, as well as some top tips and things to know for your dream NOLA elopement.  Keep reading for info on the best locations, balconies, hotels, vendors, and fun things to do on your elopement day here in the Big Easy.


Keep scrolling to read about:

  • Top 10 places in New Orleans to elope, including locations in popular parts of NOLA, like the French Quarter, Marigny, and Uptown.
  • Best NOLA parks for a private and intimate elopement in nature surrounded by the best green spots in the city
  • Elope on a NOLA balcony!  Keep scrolling for some of your favorites
  • BONUS! Secret spots right outside of the city
  • Fun things to do in New Orleans the day that you elope.
  • Romantic and stylish hotels for your elopement in New Orleans
  • Our favorite officiants for your elopement in the Big Easy
  • A few of our favorite florists in the New Orleans
  • FAQ about New Orleans elopements

New Orleans Elopement Photographer

Our picks for the top 10 places in New Orleans for elopements:

(In alphabetical order because we just can’t pick)

1. City Park

    • From the botanical gardens to the sculpture garden, to rows of giant majestic oaks, this park is a tranquil place for your New Orleans elopement.  City Park is 50% larger than Central Park and one of the oldest urban parks in the nation.  There are countless secluded spots to have an intimate ceremony here.
    • Check out Morgan + Dylan’s City Park elopement here.

2. French Quarter Wedding Chapel

    • The French Quarter wedding chapel is a spot for classic New Orleans charm.  They offer a variety of wedding packages to take the stress out of your destination elopement.

3. Hotel Peter and Paul

    • Located in Faubourg Marigny, Hotel Peter and Paul is a former Catholic church and school that is both inspired and unique.  The red-brick church is a sacred place to elope in an ethereal setting.
    • Check out Andi + Gage’s Hotel Peter and Paul elopement here.

4. Marigny Opera House

    • The Marigny Opera House, also known as the Church of the Arts, is also located in the Marigny.  This old church is both grand and cozy from the checkered tiled floor, warm lantern lighting, and high arched ceilings.
    • Caitlin and Stephen’s Romantic Opera House wedding can be found here.

5. One of the many balconies or galleries in the city

    • French Quarter balconies and galleries (here’s the difference) can provide an elopement with a view and there are so many great spots in the city to choose from.  Some favorites include balcony rooms at the Omni hotel, Bourbon Orleans, Hotel Royal, and Hotel Mazarin.

6. Pharmacy Museum

    • The Pharmacy Museum is located in Vieux Carre (French for “French Quarter”) and displays a rich history of pharmacy in Louisiana.  This venue houses a brick-paved, tropical lush courtyard with romantic cafe lights and gas lanterns.

7. Race and Religious

    • Race and Religious is a three structure, two-story Creole cottage right on the river in the garden district.  From its brick courtyard lined with bougainvilleas to the design of its interiors, this venue is packed with NOLA charm.

8.  Seraphim House

    • A hidden gem with crystal chandeliers, lots of plants, and layers of historic paint make this rustic-charm atmosphere a great place for your elopement. Complete with a courtyard garden and two suites on-site, the Seraphim House is great for anyone who wants to stay the night.

9. Terrell House

    • Located uptown on Magazine street, Terrell House is a bed and breakfast in a charming neighborhood.  Check out this house with a brick courtyard, double parlor, and a balcony.

10.  Tree of life in Audubon Park

    • Audubon Park is another great park in the city with waterways, trails, and lots of big oaks.  One of the most popular oaks is the Tree of Life and it makes a perfect backdrop for a scenic elopement in New Orleans.

New Orleans Wedding Photographer

Best spots in the French Quarter for a classic New Orleans elopement:

Balconies in the French Quarter for an elopement with a view of New Orleans from above:

New Orleans Elopement Guide

Marigny / Bywater locations for a hip elopement or small wedding in New Orleans:

  • Hotel Peter and Paul – Stylish, comfortable, and in a great neighborhood.  Can’t go wrong with this NOLA spot for your elopement.
  • Marigny Opera House – A beautiful, historic converted church for surreal elopement memories.
  • Seraphim House – A hidden gem that packs in personality with modern and historic touches.

Locations in Uptown/Garden District for an elopement away from the crowds:

  • Race and Religious – Courtyards, fireplaces, style, and lots of history make this a popular spot for elopements.
  • Felicity Church – A gorgeous renovated nondenominational church for your New Orleans elopement.
  • Il Mercato – A Spanish Colonial-style building right on popular Magazine Street.
  • Terrell House

New Orleans Elopement Guide

Downtown Hotels for a New Orleans elopement:

New Orleans parks for an elopement surrounded by big oaks:

  • City Park – One of our favorite places to spend time in New Orleans.
  • Audubon Park  – Tree of Life is one of the most famous elopement spots in the city!
  • Coliseum Square – Small park for a low-key scenic elopement in New Orleans.

New Orleans Elopement Guide

Bonus spots to elope right outside of the city of New Orleans:

Fun Elopement Activities in the Big Easy:

  • Get a drink at Bar Marilou
  • Take the ferry to Algiers
  • Stroll around the French Quarter
  • Have dinner at Justine

4 Romantic Hotels for your New Orleans Elopement:

  1. Maison De La Luz
  2. The Chloe Hotel
  3. The Columns
  4. The Pontchartrain Hotel

A few favorite New Orleans wedding officiants:

  1. Waning Moon Weddings by LaToya
  2. Let’s Elope, New Orleans
  3. Romance in New Orleans

A few favorite New Orleans Florists:

  1. Antigua Floral
  2. Doris Ione
  3. Fatcat Floral
  4. Pistil and Stamen
  5. Leaf and Petal Nola

FAQ:

  1.  What is the best place to elope in New Orleans?
    • We’ve listed lots of places above!  If you’re still unsure, just reach out and we can talk more about your priorities for your New Orleans elopement to help narrow down spots.
  2. Do I need a permit to elope in New Orleans?
    • Depends on the spot.  Some places in the French Quarter and some parks do require a permit.  Venues like Marigny Opera House and Race and Religious require that you book and pay in advance.
    • Here’s more info about eloping in City Park.
    • More info for elopements in Jackson Square.
  3. What paperwork will I need to make the elopement official?
  4.     Where can I obtain a marriage license in New Orleans?
  5. Do I need a witness to elope?
    • Two witnesses must be present (and we would love to be those witnesses for you!)
  6. When is the best time of year to elope in New Orleans?
    • Spring and Fall are popular wedding seasons here, but some venues offer special prices for off-seasons.  Decide whether you’re opting for an indoor or outdoor location and go from there.
  7. What is the best time of day to elope in New Orleans?
    • Golden hour (the hour right before sunset) is always great for lighting, and you can skip some crowds in more popular areas by getting ready in the morning.
  8. Anything else I should know about getting married in Louisiana?

Having a destination elopement?  We’ve photographed elopements in Yosemite, Redwood National Forest, Maui, Colorado, and many other beautiful destination elopement places.  We would love to travel with you!