8 Brass Bands for Your New Orleans Wedding

Hiring a New Orleans brass band for your wedding is an enchanting way to embrace the city's rich cultural heritage—and add some low country charm to your big day. Brass bands are deeply rooted in New Orleans' history, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These bands, traditionally composed of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, tubas and percussion, have been a vital part of the city's vibrant musical landscape. They originally played at jazz funerals, parades and social events, infusing the streets with lively, soulful melodies that captured the spirit of New Orleans.

A New Orleans wedding featuring a brass band offers an authentic experience steeped in tradition. Brass bands typically perform a mix of jazz, funk, blues and even contemporary hits, ensuring that the music appeals to guests of all ages. They can lead a second-line parade, a joyous procession where the newlyweds and guests dance through the streets, waving handkerchiefs and twirling parasols. This unique and spirited tradition symbolizes the celebration of life's joyous moments and brings a communal, festive atmosphere to your wedding.

The Knot Vendor Marketplace can help you find the perfect live band for your wedding day at every price point—simply search for your location and filter by genre or instrument type. To get you started, we've narrowed down our top picks for you.

Big Fun Brass Band in New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Big Fun Brass Band

The name says it all: Big Fun Brass Band is a high-energy ensemble known for bringing a festive atmosphere to weddings. Specializing in traditional New Orleans brass band music, they offer couples a lively experience guests will rave about for years to come. As a woman-owned and LGBTQIA+-owned business, they celebrate diversity and inclusivity and the band is bilingual, providing an added layer of cultural richness to their performances. Services include live music, emcee services and sound equipment featuring instruments like trumpet, trombone, tuba and drums. Their music genres include jazz, funk and traditional New Orleans, and they are available for rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties and after-parties.

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• Years of Experience: 10+ years
• Music Genres: Jazz, funk and traditional New Orleans
• What Couples Love: Couples like the high-energy performances and the ability to get everyone dancing.

Raw Deal Band in New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Raw Deal Band

Raw Deal Band provides a unique blend of genres to make your wedding day music a gorgeous variety of melodies. With a repertoire that spans from classic hits to modern favorites, they cater to diverse musical tastes and ensure an engaging experience for all guests. As a Hispanic-owned business, they bring a rich cultural heritage to their performances and their bilingual abilities make them accessible to a wide audience. Services offered include live music, emcee services and recorded music with instruments such as guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Their music genres encompass rock, pop and Latin, ensuring a dynamic and varied performance.

• Years of Experience: 15+ years
• Music Genres: Rock, pop and Latin
• What Couples Love: Couples appreciate their versatility and ability to play a wide range of songs that keep the party alive.

Knockaz Brass Band in New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Knockaz Brass Band

Knockaz Brass Band brings the authentic sounds of a New Orleans brass band to your wedding. Known for their dynamic performances, they deliver an electrifying atmosphere that's perfect for a lively celebration that lingers into the early hours of the morning. As a Black-owned business, they bring a unique cultural perspective to their performances and their bilingual abilities add to their appeal. In addition to live music, they can also play emcee and provide sound equipment. In true brass band fashion, they have instruments including trumpet, saxophone, trombone and drums. Their music genres include brass, jazz and funk, providing a diverse and exciting repertoire. They are available for cocktail parties and after-parties and offer virtual consultations and sample performances.

• Years of Experience: 12+ years
• Music Genres: Brass, jazz and funk
• What Couples Love: Couples love their infectious energy and how they keep the dance floor packed all night.

Tidal Wave Brass Band in New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Tidal Wave Brass Band

All couples want their guests to feel like they caught a wave at their wedding, riding it well into the night with laughter and drinks all around. Tidal Wave Brass Band delivers an unforgettable New Orleans musical experience, perfect for couples looking to infuse their wedding with authentic local flair. As a diverse and inclusive group, they pride themselves on their high-energy performances and ability to engage guests of all ages. They offer live classic brass band jams, featuring instruments like trumpet, trombone, saxophone and drums. Their music genres include jazz, funk, Caribbean and traditional New Orleans brass—so you can have a mix of everything for your big day.

• Years of Experience: 2+ years
• Music Genres: Jazz, funk, Caribbean and traditional New Orleans brass
• What Couples Love: Couples love their dynamic energy and how they keep the celebration lively.

Dat Band in New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Dat Band

DatBand, a premier wedding music ensemble based in the heart of New Orleans, offers a collective of talented, versatile artists dedicated to keeping your dance floor packed. They create tailored setlists based on your musical preferences, ensuring a personalized experience. Known for their engaging performances, featuring bass, saxophones, trombones and trumpets, DatBand works closely with couples to craft a unique and memorable celebration. They provide all necessary equipment and can also serve as emcees, too. Couples are encouraged to contact DatBand to discuss available dates and packages, allowing them to tailor their services to meet their specific needs and preferences.

• Years of Experience: 10 years
• Music Genres: Rock, pop and jazz
• What Couples Love: Couples love the versatility and ability to cater to diverse musical tastes

True Blue Brass Band in New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: True Blue Brass Band

True Blue Brass Band delivers the ultimate New Orleans brass band wedding experience with their authentic second-line parades. Whether for a wedding, intimate gathering or large corporate event, they create unforgettable celebrations. Woman-owned and New Orleans-based, the wedding band handles everything from planning the route and securing parade permits and police escorts to providing an on-site coordinator. They can enhance your parade with Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps and stilt walkers for a true New Orleans flair. With their full-service planning, all you need to do is take to the street, wave your handkerchief and enjoy the festivities.

• Years of Experience: 9+ years
• Music Genres: Jazz, funk and traditional New Orleans brass
• What Couples Love: Couples love the vibrant performances and festive atmosphere and easy process.

Brasshearts Brass Band in New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: @brasshearts.brass.band | Instagram

Based in New Orleans, the Brasshearts Brass Band delivers impressive musical performances for any occasion. Whether it's a wedding second line, cocktail hour or full-length reception, the Brasshearts entertain with style and flair, making them the highlight of your event. Accepted into Jazz Fest in '22 and '23, performed live on ESPN's SEC Nation, and featured in the Krewe of Rex parades in '22, '23 and '24, this band has been going strong since 2017. The brass band in New Orleans offers a versatile song list, including New Orleans favorites, pop tunes and jazz standards, and can coordinate your second-line parade for a stress-free experience.

• Years of Experience: 7+ years
• Music Genres: Brass, jazz and funk
• What Couples Love: Couples love their energy and authentic New Orleans sound.

Kinfolk Brass Band in New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: Kinfolk Brass Band

Kinfolk Brass Band delivers vibrant New Orleans brass band wedding performances blending traditional Mardi Gras movements with modern favorites for an eclectic experience. This band is Black-owned by New Orleans natives, giving them a unique perspective into the rich culture of the area. They offer comprehensive services, including securing permits, taking one less to-do off of your wedding planning list. With a high-energy set list featuring songs like "The Second Line Song" and "Iko Iko," as well as brass band covers of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," their performance will be the highlight of your event. You can also hire them for brass band receptions, cocktail receptions and your ceremony. They can provide cultural elements, as well, like a grand marshall, Mardi Gras Indians, pedicab arrangements and parasol rentals. From the 2012 Olympics to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, they have played on the world's biggest stages.

• Years of Experience: 11+ years
• Music Genres: Jazz, funk and traditional New Orleans brass
• What Couples Love: Couples love their vast variety of options, stellar performances and NOLA knowledge.