Romantic French Quarter Weddings

May 02, 2017
Weddings in the French Quarter are as unforgettable and unique as the city itself, capturing the romance and timeless elegance of historic New Orleans. Romance, after all, has always found its home in the French Quarter and is one of the many reasons that New Orleans is a top wedding destination for those who want to live happily ever after. When it comes to celebrating in style, there is no place like the French Quarter. Bursting with historical beauty, a rich, one-of-a-kind culture, and unrivaled wedding venues, this is the most fun and exciting places to be, especially on the most special and significant day of your life.

Chelsea met her husband-to-be, Matthew, on a Country Club golf course three years ago and soon discovered that they loved many of the same recreational activities, including bocce ball and darts. Falling head-over-heels in love, they planned a visit to New Orleans and enjoyed the intimate performance space of the historic Preservation Hall. The Asylum Chorus, a gritty local band with an emphasis on vocal harmony, was doing a unique gig there for Easter, celebrating with Southern spiritual arrangements and popular secular selections. The main singer called them to the stage where Matthew got down on bended knee, professed his eternal love, and proposed to her.

Since that magical trip, they visited New Orleans four times to visit various wedding venues for their destination wedding. After looking at many lovely venues, the young couple fell in love with the ambience and charm of the centrally located Maison Dupuy with their breathtaking and secluded newly renovated courtyard as the perfect backdrop for their authentic New Orleans wedding and reception. When Chelsea sampled the delicious food, all made fresh in house, her mouth confirmed what her heart felt. Further, the Maison Dupuy offered them an all-inclusive wedding experience for their 150 out-of-town guests. Not only could they stay in a lovely first-class suite, but also the wedding and reception could be held there just an elevator ride away, and a team of culinary chefs would organize the reception menu “from soup to nuts!”

The brief wedding ceremony went off perfectly followed by a reception to rival any dance contest! True to their Czech heritage, the family began with “The Grand March,” a lively wedding Polka which involved lining up the men on one side and women on the other to dance while intersecting and circling each other in Polka fashion, ending in making an arch with their arms over their heads for the Bride and Groom to walk under. Finally, the dancers gathered around in a circle making way for the new couple to have their first dance. Chelsea and her father then danced to the sentimental “Butterfly Kisses” and then without a dry eye in the courtyard, the faces turned to smiles when they surprised everyone by dancing to “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae!)” After hours on the dance floor enjoying the wonderful reception, Kinfolk Brass Band came in with another true sound of New Orleans and the couple and their guests second-lined all the way to Bourbon Street ending at The Cat’s Meow where they enjoyed singing the night away. “There is no wedding like a New Orleans wedding,” Chelsea related. “One couple joked that they should get divorced just so they could get re-married here!”

Located in the heart of the historic French Quarter, the Maison Dupuy is a charming hotel offering an authentic New Orleans setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. Their newly renovated French Quarter courtyard provides a secluded, breathtaking venue to celebrate the most important day of your life. This beautiful backdrop for your reception can accommodate up to 200 guests, with the option of adding a custom tent to give you the outdoor experience in any weather! As the city's most unique boutique hotel, the Maison Dupuy beckons you to discover first-class New Orleans accommodations at their best. Your out of town guests will enjoy the location, just two blocks from Bourbon Street in the heart of the Vieux Carre’. The central location makes it easy to explore the restaurants, shops and local attractions in the French Quarter before and after your special day. 1001 Toulouse Street, (504) 586-8000.

Kristy, an elementary school teacher and Dan, a police officer shared an instant connection from the minute they met ten years ago. Over the years, sharing conversation and laughs when they ran into each other was always special. In the Fall of 2013, they realized their bond and love is that of soul mates and they were truly thankful for the path that life had given them, even if it felt like it took them a long time to get there. “Meant to be” is an understatement and they felt so lucky to have found their happily ever after. Kristy was a lucky lady; she had the world in her hand… or, as we say in New Orleans, the world was her oyster!

On a date night to Atlantic City, in their favorite restaurant, Ruth Chris, they sat in the booth where their first date took place and Dan asked the long awaited question. Of course, Kristy said, “yes” after the shock and excitement subsided. She had to finish her drink quickly as they would be flying to New Orleans immediately to look at wedding venues that night instead of dining! Dan was able to secretly plan with Kristy’s principal to schedule days off. After quickly packing, they drove to the airport to catch their flight. “What a whirlwind of excitement! This trip to New Orleans, our favorite city, felt even more amazing as an engaged couple!” she said. “We searched the French Quarter for a unique venue that offered a taste of historic New Orleans. Being a destination wedding from New Jersey, we had no idea where to even start. There were so many possibilities! However, after some exploring, we walked through the doors of Broussard's. The beauty of the restaurant and the history of the courtyard was truly impressive, not to mention all of the 5-star reviews. I knew, "This was it!" Finding out that the historic Hermann-Grima House was connected which offered such a rustic backdrop for our ceremony made it even sweeter. I immediately got on the phone and was pleased with the prompt, friendly and helpful staff. I began to work with the very special, Elizabeth Lauer, Broussard’s catering manager. From the very beginning, she embraced me, my vision and did everything possible to make my dream a reality.”

“The ceremony and reception plans fell together seamlessly and my concerns were always met with positivity and eagerness to please. To my delight, Elizabeth was truly my wedding planner for everything beyond just the food and drinks! When we went to the rehearsal, she greeted us with a huge smile, was very organized, and said "Yes" to all of my requests and suggestions. That makes for a happy bride. Happily ever after, indeed!” Kristy mused.

Broussard’s is one of New Orleans dining’s Grande Dames and is the perfect place for rehearsal dinner parties, showers, weddings, and bridal luncheons. It is a scenic and historic setting that reflects our city’s rich culinary tradition. The century old wisteria beside the fountain in their lovely French Quarter courtyard provides the ambience that every couple seeks when planning their wedding events, whether they prefer to order from a menu or serve themselves “reception style” from many uniquely New Orleans choices. 819 Rue Conti, (504) 586-1155.

There are so many options in wedding services to consider in New Orleans…

Everyone dreams of the perfect wedding venue with a romantic atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and a stunning location. Marché offers all that and more with a one-of-a-kind classic space in the heart of the historic French Market. Whether you desire an intimate dinner for fifty guests or a spectacular reception for 300, their professional, courteous, and attentive staff will work tirelessly throughout every step of the planning process to assure that every detail of your event offers your guests a true taste of New Orleans. Their custom menus, décor, and live entertainment options ensure that your day will be picture perfect. Marché may also be combined with the historic Dutch Alley below for cocktail receptions or to accommodate larger groups. Their elegantly restored space features classic ivory tones and mixed metal accents which lends itself to every aesthetic from rustic shabby chic to romantic and sophisticated. They offer approachable yet sophisticated innovative cuisine with a passion for quality and artfully presented. Their premier wedding venue is walking distance from all of the finest hotels in the French Quarter and the historic St. Louis Cathedral, making it convenient for both you and your guests. 914 N. Peters Street, (504) 586-1155.

What could be more romantic than expressing your love aboard the Steamboat Natchez as the sun sets on the Mighty Mississippi? From single couples to hundreds of guests, this last authentic paddle-wheeler is an icon of New Orleans and offers catering and entertainment options for your bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, wedding, or reception. Captains can perform the ceremony or you may invite your own. Food is created fresh on board, and full packages include cakes, flowers, photography, entertainment, and more. Breathtaking views of the beautiful city skyline while floating down the Mississippi River make for a memorable event for up to 350 guests. (504) 569-1431.

Experience a magical fairy-tale entrance for that special day as you arrive in an elegant mule-drawn four passenger white wedding carriage while your guests await you. Your carriage driver, dressed in a suit or tuxedo, will pick you up from your hotel, church, or restaurant and deliver you wherever your heart desires. Royal Carriages has specialized in carriage tours and transportation in the New Orleans area for over 75 years. These authentic mule-drawn carriages can accommodate between two and eight passengers, so you can even bring your honor attendants along or rent multiple carriages to lead the entire wedding party on a royal-style procession. Royal Carriages can transport 85 guests at once with our fleet. With the costs of second-line bands, permits, and police escorts, many wedding couples are choosing to let the good times roll by using authentic carriages as a celebratory activity for the wedding guests. Imagine your own mule-drawn procession through the old streets of New Orleans. Carriages provide all guests, no matter their age, the opportunity to share in the excitement of your special event. Royal Carriages is available for wedding transportation, rehearsal dinners, Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, family familiarization tours, Wedding and Anniversary gifts, Ceremony/Reception venue rental, and Bridal photo-shoots. Make your New Orleans wedding truly authentic with Royal Carriages, (504) 943-8820.

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen is a legendary French Quarter restaurant serving upscale Cajun and Creole dishes with top-quality service and atmosphere. Upstairs, they have perfect private rooms and balcony overlooking the French Quarter for a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, or Bridal luncheon. Award winning Chef Paul Prudhomme and his wife K opened this restaurant in 1979 and it quickly became a sensation as many customers claimed it was the best Cajun and Creole restaurant in New Orleans. Now with Chef Paul Miller and Brenda Prudhomme at the helm…K-Paul’s continues to be a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike offering the very best in Cajun and Creole cuisine…the perfect place to celebrate your special moment! “Laiez les bon temps rouler”! 416 Chartres Street, (540) 596-2630.

The Country Club has been a neighborhood gem for more than 40 years. This historic Bywater Center Hall home, offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.

With a grand hard wood and granite bar, beautifully appointed dining rooms, and a lush back yard with cabana lounge and pool, our New Orleans oasis is the ultimate place for locals and tourists to come together over food, drink and fun. The Country Club invites brides to host a wedding event at their newly renovated restaurant. The hand-painted walls serve as the perfect backdrop for enjoying thoughtful, chef-driven cuisine inspired by Italian-French and Creole-Southern heritages for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and day-after brunches. 634 Louisa Street, (504) 945-0742.

Tessa Makeup Artistry will ensure that any bride looks her best by serving her before and during her wedding for a flawless appearance all day long. Tessa is a licensed Esthetician as well as a media & bridal makeup artist who has trained at the renowned Award Studio in Burbank, CA and also trained and assisted under makeup artist and developer, Ashley Sievert. She treats each face as a unique canvas and her services include traditional makeup application, HD airbrush makeup, lash application, and even grooming for the Groom! (504) 676-8424.

New Orleans weddings are Allure Transportation Shuttle and Limo Service’s specialty! They ensure that everything about your wedding day goes smooth and as planned, arriving in style and on time. Their Mercedes Benz Sprinter limousines, Cadillac stretch limousines, Cadillac XTS sedans and Mercedes Benz Sprinter luxury shuttles have the “state of the art” amenities that will make your special day exceptional. They even placed a “bride’s door” in their limousine for easy access and beautiful bridal portraits! Allure Transportation promises to get you to your wedding events with elegance and tender loving care! For the most trusted and professional chauffeured locally owned and operated transportation, call (504) 444-2795.

Consider these lovely options and more to make your special day as unique as the love it celebrates with a French Quarter wedding rich in history, tradition, charm, and elegance. Each location has a story and details that give it a quality all its own. For sweep-you-off-your-feet, over the moon romance, there is a gem in the French Quarter to inspire dream-worthy visions of your nuptials.