Considered one of the most romantic cities in America, New Orleans is an ideal location for couples to say "I Do." Our city affords locally distinct ways to celebrate your wedding from dancing in a second line or taking a whimsical carriage ride through the streets of the French Quarter. To add to your special day, there is no shortage of venues to celebrate your special occasion. We have historic homes, beautiful courtyards, museums, music clubs and of course a huge selection of restaurants, hotels and wedding venues that range in style from funky/casual to upscale/elegant. Here are just a few unique venues that make your nuptials even more memorable.
Imagine getting married in a lush courtyard with the smell of jasmine and magnolia wafting through the air while a jazz band serenades you during your ceremony. Then you move into a historic home built in 1826 where you enjoy your reception with delicious New Orleans cuisine and cocktails. This dream can become your reality at the BK Historic House and Gardens. This dramatic venue is a National Historic Landmark and restored to its present condition by renowned author Frances Parkinson Keyes beginning in 1948. With the help of architect Sam Wilson, Mrs. Keyes undertook the restoration of the house and established the Keyes Foundation which has maintained the house as a museum since her death in 1970. The home is an outstanding example of the raised cottage, designed by François Correjolles, who incorporated both Creole and American features in a well-detailed residence that remains largely in original condition.
For weddings, guests are granted access to the interior of the main house, the courtyard, and the parterre garden. Couples love the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces. Located at 1113 Chartres St., across from the old Ursuline Convent on Chartres Street, the venue can hold up to 200 for a buffet-style reception, but smaller and more intimate events also work very well. Small seated dinners may be done in either the courtyard or the home. You may also bring in a caterer of your choice. For more information, go to BK Historic House and Gardens - New Orleans (bkhouse.org).
New Orleans is a city steeped in tradition and history. Another unique venue to get married is one of New Orleans’ most architecturally significant buildings. Latrobe’s on Royal provides a gorgeous backdrop for your event. Located in the heart of the French Quarter at 403 Royal St., Latrobe’s was completed in 1822 as the Louisiana State Bank and named after its architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Latrobe was known as the "Father of American Architecture." He has a very extensive story as a contemporary of the Founding Fathers, including Thomas Jefferson, who in 1803 made him surveyor of the public buildings of the United States. In this position, Latrobe completed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. He was also responsible for incorporating American floral motifs such as corn cobs and tobacco leaves in House of Representatives and Senate Chambers. His Supreme Court Chamber in the Capitol is a notably original American Classical interior. Other famous buildings he was the architect for include the Porticos of the White House, the Baltimore Basilica, as well as the development of the Waterworks System of the United States in an effort to combat Yellow Fever. In fact, he was in New Orleans in his later years supervising his waterworks project when he contracted Yellow Fever and died. He is buried in St. Louis Cemetery.
All this backstory adds to the rich backdrop Latrobe’s provides to create your glamorous celebration. Signature elements of the venue are the whisper dome, the Bank Vault and original stonework. In addition to the rental for your private event, they include many services in their rental packages and can also help you find top local vendors to provide you with anything else you might need. Some of their in-house services include Set Up & Break Down, Event Staff & Bar Service, Table Linens & Serviceware, Audio Visual Equipment Rental, Cake Cutting Service, Menu Tastings and Security and Logistics Planning. For more information, go to latrobesonroyal.com/
The Rooftop on Basin sits atop the historic Basin St. Station. Built in 1904 as the Southern Railway Freight Office, Basin St. Station was also originally used by the New Orleans Terminal Company. Today, Basin St. Station serves as a center of economic and cultural activities. Located less than a half of a mile from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, The Rooftop on Basin features panoramic views of the New Orleans city skyline. Perched atop the historic Basin St. Station, The Rooftop on Basin offers endless options and formats for weddings and special events.
Imagine starting your event on the first floor in the New Orleans Museum with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while guests peruse interesting exhibits and history before whisking them up the elevator to the luxurious fourth floor. There guests enter the glass-enclosed salon with lavish, yet modern decor including a mahogany bar, antique chandeliers and commissioned New Orleans architectural and culture artwork. Then, they are escorted out the glass doors onto the large furnished outdoor terrace with gas burning lanterns, stone tile flooring and stunning views of the French Quarter and downtown New Orleans. For mor information, go to therooftoponbasin.com/
Our last suggestion for a different wedding venue is one of the most important buildings in the history of our city and is located in Jackson Square, the most famous area of the French Quarter. Come experience the Cabildo, the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803. Your wedding would be in good historical company at this storied venue. From landmark court cases to visits from international ambassadors, many important events in Louisiana have taken place within the Cabildo.
The Cabildo was built under Spanish rule between 1795 and 1799, following the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788 that completely destroyed the structure there before. Designed by Gilberto Guillemard, who also designed the neighboring St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytère, the Cabildo served as the center of New Orleans government until 1853, when it became the headquarters of the Louisiana State Supreme Court, where the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson decision originated in 1892. The building was transferred to the Louisiana State Museum in 1908 and has since served to educate the public about Louisiana history. The three floors of Cabildo exhibitions cover the history of Louisiana by featuring artifacts such as documents, paintings and 3D objects from the Museum’s vast collection.
In New Orleans, we always offer a little lagniappe (something extra) to our guests. If you are looking for a small pop-up wedding for groups of 20 or fewer, I might suggest Oscar Dunn Park and the Moonwalk. You can get married with one of the most photographed locations in the city as your backdrop. No chairs or décor is allowed, but you cannot best the iconic Jackson Square and views of sweeping vista of the Mississippi River. For more information on this space, go to frenchmarket.org/
Ceremonies, receptions or rehearsal dinners would be ideal at the Cabildo, especially in their window-filled gallery with spectacular views of Jackson Square. Toast to your new beginning amidst a backdrop of exhibits chronicling Louisiana’s fascinating history and culture. The magnificent structure is National Historic Landmark and one of the largest spaces available in the French Quarter. For more information, go to louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/cabildo.
