If you are looking for a "Once in a Lifetime" experience, I highly recommend Louisiana Castle. My husband and I had our wedding on a Saturday evening and we stayed in the castle ov...ernight. My grown children and friends flew in from all over, many of whom stayed down the road at the "Castle Cottage." The next morning, we went to breakfast before dropping my children and their spouses at the airport in Baton Rouge.
The Castle itself. It's a castle... What's not to like? Knowing there is a love story behind the entire orchestration of the castle is a bonus. (Look into that. It's a bit romantic to consider getting married at a venue with a love history, castle or not.) The castle portion looks castle-ey. Medieval-type memorabilia, and the Juliet Suite is the perfect hideaway for a Bride. The balcony, the large mirror, and the wall mirror are some favorite spots for pictures. I wish I had hired a photographer who knew the lay of the land, so I would have those photos. I recommend you look at the website to view pictures you like and let your photgrapher know which shots you want.
I must be honest and say.... My wedding was a blur. It all seemed sureal and it happened so fast. I am more traditional so I was stashed in the Juliet Suite where no one could see me until my grand entrance. It was days later when I found out the Coodinator/Manager had to help with my husband's tie. Having a coodinator for the event was a must! She told us exactly what we needed to do and when we needed to do it. I was so nervous to make my entrance but before she swung open that door, she was reassuring and told me to stop at the top of the steps so the rose petals could fall while a picture was being taken. She guided the entire evening.
The venue and Manager were accomodating throughout the entire process. We had "Elvis" sing at our wedding, a cake pull, and, my husband, donned in his royal crown, read a Thank You to our guests after we arrived as Mr. and Mrs. Later in the evening he knighted his mates with his sword. His sword was also used for us to cut his cake.
We've had several guests tell us they have never been to such a fun wedding. I understand the food was delicious. (I can't eat when I am nervous.) They did have an overnight plate for us in the room, but by that time, Cinderella had several 'crowns' to go with her 'royal' theme. (haha)
THE STEPS: I was concerned. My bridal party and I wore ballet slippers. However, in hindsight, I could have worn heels with no issues.
THE MUSIC: We had out own DJ for the Reception, but they DJ'd the Ceremony with no issues. In fact, I had specific songs for my bridal party and me, and it went smoothly.
THE CATERING: Heard it was delicious! haha The food was there all night.
THE DECOR: The standard castle decor is quite elegant for the Ceremony and Recpetion in the Ballroom. I have seen upgrades that were incredible, so it is an option. I chose my upgrades to be more like personal champagne glasses and keepsake favors.
I highly recommend Louisiana Castle regardless of where you live. It's affordable and travelers can make their way to New Orleans for a destination wedding event. You can have an elopement for 2 or a party of 350. The only thing I would change is how nervous I was and my photography. Just remember, it all goes by quicker than you think, so be organized and on time.