These New Orleans Wedding Venues Let the Good Times Roll
If a standard banquet hall reception isn't your vibe or you and your future spouse want something that feels like a destination wedding but doesn't require guests to get passports or pay for international flights, it's time to check out New Orleans wedding venues.
New Orleans, Louisiana, otherwise known as Nola or the Big Easy, isn't all about Mardi Gras and hard partying — it's also home to incredible food, music, and a rich culture that will leave guests feeling like they've been transported to a faraway land. Not only do New Orleans weddings come with their own vibrant feel but also unique traditions like the second line, or post-wedding private parade in the streets with guests and a band, as well as cocktail style receptions, which ditch seated dinners for heavy passed items that flow throughout the night. The philosophy is if you assign guests a specific seat, they will be more inclined to spend the reception sitting down instead of mingling, dancing and enjoying every second. (And not having to worry about formal seating assignments and meal choice selections is a major plus during planning!)
Thanks to the unique architecture and hidden courtyards as well as the sweeping oak and magnolia trees as well as lush vegetation, there are countless stunning wedding ceremony and reception venues no matter how big or small of an event you're planning. Check out 13 of our favorite New Orleans wedding venues below.
Napoleon House in New Orleans, Louisiana
If you're looking for some of the best food, drinks, and ambiance in New Orleans, then check out this gem in the heart of the French Quarter. Known for its Pimm's Cups, Napoleon House is a restaurant that offers a one-of-a-kind space with a charming bar and courtyard on the main level and an upstairs comprised of a historic grand apartment complete with chandeliers, fireplaces, and sweeping balconies. Whether you're searching for a memorable rehearsal dinner location, a cocktail reception or a formal seated dinner, the different event spaces ooze southern charm.
The Beauregard-Keyes House in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Beauregard-Keyes House is a National Historic Landmark built in 1826 that will transport you and your guests back in time. With multiple event spaces from the enchanting rose garden and separate back courtyard to the cottage's grand interior, you have options when it comes to personalizing your ceremony and wedding reception spaces. Plus, it's in an ideal New Orleans wedding venue to second line through the French Quarter.
Riverview Room in New Orleans, Louisiana
If you're looking for a unique wedding venue in New Orleans, the Riverview Room is definitely worth checking out. This rooftop space in the French Quarter is full of historic charm, and features 14,000 square foot of space where you and up to 500 of your closest loved ones can celebrate. The Riverview Ballroom offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a classic-meets-modern vibe. For outdoor events, the Decatur Street Terrace offers views of the French Quarter. In-house catering is available, and couples rave about the accommodating staff here.
Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana
The Audubon Nature Institute is a unique wedding venue in New Orleans that allows couples to be surrounded by nature on their wedding day. This venue offers a variety of indoor and outdoor locations to exchange vows and celebrate. For ceremonies, the Oak Grove in Audubon Park is a scenic spot that's adjacent to the well-appointed Clubhouse reception space (capacity: 200). For a larger event, the Audubon Tea Room in the Audubon Zoo is a grand space that can host weddings and events of up to 750 guests.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana
This New Orleans wedding venue is located right next to Napoleon House, making it ideal for an intimate elopement or wedding ceremony in the heart of the French Quarter before heading next door for creole cuisine. Or enjoy a classic Nola second line before returning for a French Quarter courtyard reception. This museum and its enchanting courtyard are one of the French Quarter's best hidden secrets. Not only is this apothecary home of the first licensed pharmacist in the United States but also behind this 19th century creole townhouse and its unique exhibits, the unexpected tropical courtyard creates a private ambiance while tucked away right in the middle of downtown New Orleans.
Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights Museum and Showroom in New Orleans, Louisiana
Another French Quarter hidden gem, Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights Museum and Showroom is a one-of-a-kind space for your special day. This intimate event venue is ideal for rehearsal dinners, elopements, ceremonies, and smaller wedding receptions — especially for those looking for a memorable space for their Nola destination wedding. The workshop was first opened in 1945 by one of the original designers of the iconic New Orleans lantern and the museum now offers a breathtaking hall showcasing over 40 handcrafted, open flame, copper lanterns for you to walk down as you say "I do."
The Chicory in New Orleans, Louisiana
For those hoping to find an industrial-chic reception venue with a modern-meets-bayou feel for their wedding day, The Chicory won't disappoint. Originally built as a coffee warehouse in 1852, it has since been transformed into an event venue with more than 20,000 square feet of space complete with exposed brick walls, beams and gas lanterns in Nola's Warehouse District/Arts District.
Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard in New Orleans, Louisiana
Not only does Broussard's Restaurant offer the food and event spaces for a lavish wedding reception but also it gives couples access to a breathtaking large courtyard for a stunning garden wedding ceremony. This classic 19th century restaurant and popular New Orleans wedding venue won't just wow guests with its upscale creole cuisine but also with its second romantic courtyard for a southern charm reception as well as elegant interior spaces for an indoor-outdoor celebration for up to 350 in the French Quarter.
Degas House Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana
Located just outside the French Quarter of New Orleans, this charming bed and breakfast and museum was once home to French Impressionist artist, Edgar Degas. With Victorian parlors, a private outdoor courtyard, and luxe guest suites, you can host your big day here for up to 350 guests or getaway with your bridal party instead of a hotel block. Or, plan your rehearsal dinner or a creole farewell brunch at this historic southern mansion.
New Orleans City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana
Nothing says the big easy quite like New Orleans City Park. Exchange vows under centuries-old sweeping oak trees before enjoying cocktails by the Art Deco fountains before posing for photos along the quaint stone bridge. Within the park's 1,300 acres, there are nine different indoor and outdoor event spaces for weddings including the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the Conservatory, Pavilion of the Two Sisters, and Parkview Terrace.
Race & Religious in New Orleans, Louisiana
Whether you're planning a destination wedding or are a local, this luxury Lower Garden District wedding venue will impress. Within the riverfront property, there are three structures including a Creole cottage and historic rowhouse with three courtyards, balconies and a swimming pool. Race & Religious offers different packages from elopements to wedding receptions for up to 300 guests.
Il Mercato in New Orleans, Louisiana
Originally constructed as a neighborhood market in 1931, this Spanish Colonial-style space was transformed into a refined wedding venue in 2014. With herringbone wood floors, ornate chandeliers, large private courtyard complete with a statement fireplace, and a furnished library, this Lower Garden District event venue is refined southern sophistication. With cocktails and cuisine from Joel Catering, guests will enjoy what they eat just as much as what they see throughout your impeccable celebration at Il Mercato.
New Orleans Board Of Trade in New Orleans, Louisiana
Located just a few blocks from the streetcar and down the street from Jackson Square (hello, memorable second line!), this Central Business District wedding venue provides for an upscale New Orleans experience. If you're looking for more of a banquet hall feel, the Board of Trade's indoor space complete with an eight-sectioned mural dome can accommodate up to 300 guests while the Arcade and the Plaza offer captivating outdoor spaces complete with magnolia tree and fountain.
Arnaud's in New Orleans, Louisiana
Arnaud's isn't just a sophisticated restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans with outstanding creole fare. Within this elegant spot, complete with 17 lavish dinning rooms and balconies that overlook the French Quarter, is the Mardi Gras Museum. This unexpected area shows off the ornate gowns of Count Arnaud's daughter, who was queen of more than 22 Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968. Your guests will love walking through with a cocktail before making their way to your private rehearsal dinner or wedding reception space.
Omni Royal Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana
From the rooftop of the Omni Royal Orleans, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Mississippi River and Jackson Square — but that isn't even the best part of this wedding venue. The polished French Quarter hotel also has a grand ballroom, indoor/outdoor courtyard garden terrace and stunning space for the bride and her bridesmaids to get ready in style before saying, "I do."