How to Tell Your Family You Are Eloping Without Feeling Guilty
Y’all… there’s a moment—usually right after you have decided to elope—where the absolute silence of your decision is broken by
The New Orleans Elopement,
Crafted for Presence.
Elope To Nola — blending cinematic photography with intentional, all-inclusive coordination and authentic local soul.
Your only responsibility is to remain entirely in the moment...
We don't do stuffy, and we definitely don't do traditional. Think of your absolute best first date, but you end the day married to your best friend. This space is built for the creatives, the fun quirky souls and the insanely in love who prefer dressing exactly how they want over rigid "say yes to the dress" traditions. Whether that means a classic gown worn with sneakers or a bold statement choice, if you want to stroll through the French Quarter with a cocktail in hand looking effortlessly iconic, you belong here.
Our team finds art in intentional simplicity. Since 2014, we have served as a sanctuary for couples who prioritize presence over performance. As the original all-inclusive elopement team in New Orleans, we handle every detail—from color-rich photography and bespoke florals to seamless timelines—ensuring your day remains unhurried.
Our specialty is the quiet luxury of eloping. Picture the stillness of a historic morning, fresh beignets, jazz in the distance and the relief of knowing everything is handled for you. This is not a chaotic wedding production; it is your unfiltered narrative. No outside noise. Just two people and an experience that feels larger than life. Simply book your travel, pack your rings, don't forget your documents and let us take care of the rest.
Which New Orleans Backdrop Fits Your Story?
Expertly curated locations for your all-inclusive elopement
The French Quarter
The Vibe
Historic, soulful and vibrant. Think cobblestone alleys, wrought-iron balconies and the sound of brass bands in the distance.
Best For
Couples wanting iconic NOLA energy, architecture and a short walk to a world-class celebratory dinner.
All-Inclusive Touch: We know the quietest times for the best light & less crowds in the French Quarter.
City Park
The Vibe
Ethereal, lush and timeless. Acres of manicured gardens, stone bridges and a peaceful escape from the city hustle.
Best For
Couples looking for a "fairytale" feel with greenery & winding lagoons. City Park boasts the largest concentration of stunning oaks in the USA.
All-Inclusive Touch: We handle the park permits and guide you to a truly magical experience.
The Tree of Life
The History
The Etienne de Boré Oak, planted circa 1740. Standing here is joining a story nearly 300 years in the making.
Best For
Couples seeking a ceremony connected to nature and a romantic "strength of the tree represents the strength of your marriage" symbolism.
All-Inclusive Touch: Permit is included in our package + we time your vows so sunlight filters perfectly through the massive branches.
Private Sailboat
The Vibe
Serene, exclusive and breathtaking. A private escape onto Lake Pontchartrain as the skyline glows in the distance.
Best For
Couples trading city streets for the tide. Total privacy with a front-row seat to a New Orleans sunset.
All-Inclusive Touch: We coordinate the charter, the nautical timing and the celebratory toast.
The Experience from Past Couples
"After the first conversation I knew she was the one..."
"Marcia is a great communicator! She took care of pretty much everything and I literally had nothing to worry about. Our photos came out amazing. I am still in awe."
— Dale B. | New Orleans Bride
★★★★★
The Solo Experience - Elopement Frameworks for Two
If you want the truth—the kind of insight that only comes from a team that has documented hundreds of intimate celebrations—here it is: There is an unmatched magic when a couple chooses to elope entirely alone. By intentionally bypassing the guest list production, you completely reclaim the day for yourselves.
Explore the Solo Experience Pathway →I’m Marcia!
Your professional NOLA elopement planner, photographer and unofficial ‘Keep it Real’ specialist. I help couples bypass the industry noise and focus on what matters most...the two of you.
I’ve lived in this city all my life, and I still get goosebumps every time a brass band starts playing in the distance. Having captured elopements here for over a decade, I know that New Orleans isn't just a backdrop, it's a feeling. My goal isn't to just check the boxes off on your wedding day; it's to protect your peace of mind and make sure you truly feel the heartbeat of the city I call home.
My all-inclusive New Orleans elopement packages cover everything from officiant to florals, timelines and full photography coverage. Whether you’re tying the knot beneath the live oaks or wandering the French Quarter, I’ve got your back.
If you want a day that feels relaxed and real; complete with second line parades, world-class food and authentic moments… welcome to the Elope to NOLA family.
Our 5-star reviews aren’t luck! They come from years of experience, preparation and treating every couple’s day like it’s our own. I’d love to hear your story because I know it’s an incredible one!
With love and soul,
Marcia Ibay
Founder & Photographer
Your Path to a Stress-Free Celebration
From "What if?" to "I do" in three effortless steps.
Begin
01. The Vision Session
Let’s turn your ideas into a plan. We’ll check your date availability, explore iconic NOLA ceremony backdrops and make sure we’re the perfect fit to tell your story.
Secure
02. Reserve Your Date
Once your retainer is set and the contract is signed, the weight is off your shoulders. Your date is locked, and our local expertise is officially at your service.
Celebrate
03. Arrive & Enjoy
We curate the timeline, florals, photography and logistics while you focus on each other. Simply show up, breathe deep & soak in your soulful New Orleans moment.
Elopement Questions? We Have Answers.
- Our process is designed exclusively for couples who value presence over production. If your vision includes the logistical weight of a bridal party, formal seating, or expansive decor, we may not be the right fit. We specialize in the quiet, intimate moments that belong only to you.
- We specialize in story-first photography rather than a traditional wedding shot list. While we capture all essential family groupings, our process is designed for couples who prioritize authentic connection over an exhaustive list of poses. This allows us to capture genuine moments and pivot quickly if we need to dodge a New Orleans rain shower.
- Couples structure their financial investment based on the narrative scope of their day. A linear ceremony focus requires less coverage, while custom creative integrations—such as a live street brass band, elite multi-location photography, or sunset sailboat charters—naturally scale into a more comprehensive, premium investment framework. Explore our service frameworks here.
- Yes, you will need an Orleans Parish marriage license. While there is a standard 24-hour waiting period in Louisiana, we can guide you on securing a Judicial Waiver if your travel timeline is tight. Read the legal requirements here.
- Most intimate ceremonies last 10 to 15 minutes. This allows for a short, sweet, and deeply heartfelt exchange focused entirely on your story.
- Our all-inclusive elopement model is designed exclusively for highly intentional, intimate groups of 20 guests or fewer. This ensures the day remains focused entirely on the two of you. We will guide you in selecting the perfect location that best accommodates your micro-wedding footprint.
- Our everything-handled approach includes high-end fine art photography, a licensed local officiant, custom florals, and a completely seamless, curated timeline. See the full list of inclusions here.
- This city welcomes everything from high-fashion editorial gowns to chic cocktail attire to themed vintage styles. We highly recommend comfortable shoes for navigating historic cobblestones during your portrait session.
- Absolutely. We partner with experienced local officiants who specialize in personalized ceremonies and handle all necessary legal filings with the State of Louisiana.
- Yes, an elopement is absolutely a real, intentional wedding. By stripping away the production and the pressure of a large crowd, you are left with the only thing that matters: the two of you and the promises you make. Like the classic courthouse marriages of the past, your wedding is defined by the depth of your commitment, not the size of your guest list.
- Yes. Many iconic spots like City Park or Jackson Square require specific photography and event permits. We guide you through the local parks and parkways logistics and facilitate the paperwork filing seamlessly.
- Most couples secure their dates 2 to 6 months in advance. However, we have successfully coordinated intimate ceremonies in under 72 hours. Reach out directly to check our current calendar availability.
- We always maintain a tactical backup plan. We pivot seamlessly to covered historical arcades or employ your clear, stylish umbrellas, which are perfect for capturing romantic, moody editorial imagery.
- I will reach out personally within 24 hours to schedule a quick call. We will walk through your aesthetic vision and I will answer every question you have. Let us connect here.
- By bundling high-end photography with custom florals and a trusted local officiant, you entirely bypass the immense stress of navigating unique local logistics alone. Learn why this framework is worth it here.
- Our inclusive approach means all the operational heavy lifting happens behind the scenes. From facilitating municipal permits and vetting the city’s top floral designers to hand-editing every image for a timeless finish, we manage the complexities so your only responsibility is to show up and be completely present.
- We are native born and completely attuned to the city’s unique quirks. We know exactly when the light hits the Tree of Life perfectly and how to find the quiet, hidden courtyards tucked away from the crowds.
- We prepare meticulously for every variable—from high humidity to local parade traffic. With a seasoned local expert in your corner, your solitary job is to show up and be deeply in love.
Bottom line: We are not elopement photographers who also shoot traditional weddings.
We specialize in elopements ❤️
READ OUR INDEPTH GUIDES TO ELOPING
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Creating timeless experiences since 2014.
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