Let me guess – you’re sitting at your laptop (or scrolling in bed), wondering if it’s even possible to elope in New Orleans. Maybe you’ve been to a wedding that felt more like a marathon than a celebration. Maybe the thought of seating charts, dress codes, and family drama makes your eye twitch. Or maybe you just want something that feels real, personal, and fun – with a second line and a side of beignets.
So let me say this loud for the people in the back: YES. You can absolutely elope in New Orleans.
In fact, it might just be the best place to elope (I may be a little biased since I’m a lifelong New Orleanian!)
This city has its own heartbeat. When you elope here, your love story gets to dance to it.
Why Are So Many Couples Choosing to Elope in New Orleans?
I’ve been helping couples elope here for years, and here’s what I see over and over again: y’all are just done with the pressure. The performance. The expectations. The “what will Aunt Susan think” conversations.
Couples are skipping the wedding rulebook and coming to New Orleans to make their own damn traditions. And let me tell you – this city loves that kind of energy.
Want to walk to your ceremony with a brass band? Do it. Want to get married under a 600-year-old oak tree and then hop in a pedicab to a dive bar? Also very possible. Want to elope on a sailboat at sunset while someone plays jazz on a Bluetooth speaker? We’ve done it. It was perfect!
New Orleans makes everything feel cinematic – without needing to over-produce a thing. You’ve got the architecture, the music, the gas lamps flickering at dusk. You don’t need much to make it special because it already is.
And here’s the best part? It still feels like a celebration. Not a production.
What Does Eloping in New Orleans Actually Look Like?
The better question: what could it look like? Because the answer is wide open.
Some couples keep it just the two of them, exchanging vows in a quiet corner of City Park with Spanish moss swaying above them. Others bring a handful of friends and family, pop champagne in a courtyard, then head out for cocktails and live music on Frenchmen.
We’ve done balcony ceremonies, sailboat vows, jazz club afterparties, shotgun-house Airbnb celebrations – after 10+ years.. We’ve seen it all!
There is no template here. No ballroom packages. No chair covers. Just the two of you (and your people, if you want them there), doing things your way.
This is your love story. Let’s make it feel like one.
But Wait… Is It Even Legal to Elope in Louisiana?
Y’all. I promise – this part is way easier than you think.
Louisiana does have a 24-hour waiting period, but if you’re from out of state, you can often get that waived. Marriage licenses are issued by the state but can be used anywhere in Louisiana, including all the dreamy spots in New Orleans.
You’ll need a government-issued ID, SS#’s, divorce decrees (if applicable) and the license is good for 30 days. I walk all my couples through this step, so you’re not Googling legal jargon the night before your vows.
Bottom line? Don’t stress about the paperwork. That’s what I’m here for.
Who Elopes in New Orleans?
My people? They’re the kind of couples who know what they want – and it’s not a cookie-cutter wedding.
They’re usually busy professionals. Travelers. Food lovers. They’ve probably been to some fancy weddings before, and while they were beautiful, they also left feeling like, “That’s just not us.”
They’re into experiences, not performances. They want the kind of celebration they’ll be talking about over drinks ten years from now.
They don’t want “cheap and fast,” they want character. They don’t want fluff, they want meaning. They don’t want a guest list that reads like a corporate spreadsheet.
They want something that feels like them. And this city delivers.
Okay… But Is This For Real?
YES. It’s real. It’s happening every day, and it’s probably the most stress-free, joy-packed way to get married.
You don’t have to explain why you’re doing it this way. You don’t owe anyone a 300-person party with a five-tier cake. You’re allowed to say, “We just want something simple, meaningful, and fun.”
And when your elopement day arrives? You wake up in a cozy New Orleans Airbnb. Maybe you grab beignets and coffee while the sun comes up. You get ready together, or apart – your call. You walk, Uber, or second line your way to your ceremony spot.
You say your vows. You cry. You laugh. You feel every second of it.
Then you eat incredible food, drink amazing cocktails, maybe dance in the street a little.
That’s your wedding day.
Is this for real? Y’all. It’s better than real. It’s yours.
Let’s Talk Packages (But Not the Boring Kind)
Every couple is different, and your elopement should reflect you. That said, I do offer packages to help take the stress off your plate.
Need an officiant? Got it. Want me to find the perfect hidden courtyard or oak-shaded spot? On it. Thinking of hiring a brass band or renting a streetcar? Let’s go.
From photo coverage and ceremony planning to vendor coordination and timeline help, I’ve got you. I’ve done this hundreds of times. I know where the light is best. I know who makes the best Tom Collins. I know how to pivot if it rains.
And I’ll be there to guide you every step of the way.
So… Can You Really Do This?
Yes. You can.
You can elope in New Orleans. You can ditch the stress, the drama, the expectation-laden guest list. You can say yes to something that feels like you.
And I’ll have my camera in hand, cheering you on and making sure you don’t forget a second of it.
If you’re ready to trade stress for joy, and production for presence— y’all know what to do.
Click here to book your elopement call
I’ll bring the local know-how. You bring the love.
We’ll figure out the rest.
Because in this city? Anything is possible. Especially love stories like yours.
FAQ: Y’all Got Questions? I’ve Got Answers.
Do we need witnesses to elope in Louisiana?
Yes! Louisiana does require 2 witnesses for a legal ceremony. Just you, (those 2 witnesses – which we can sign too), your boo, and someone to officiate (which is included).
Can we bring a few guests?
Absolutely. Elopement doesn’t mean “just us” unless you want it to. Bring your favorite humans – parents, siblings, besties, whoever makes the day feel richer. We’ll help plan around your group size. Let’s keep it under 25 guests please 🙂
What if it rains?
It’s New Orleans, so it might. But I always have a Plan B. We’ve done beautiful rainy-day ceremonies under balconies, in historic homes, and even under umbrellas that somehow made it more romantic.
Can we do a second line?
Y’all, you can and you should. We’ll help you pull permits, hire a brass band, and show you how to do it right. There’s nothing like dancing through the streets of the French Quarter after you say “I do.”
Do you help with travel planning?
I’m not a travel agent, but I am your local connection. I’ll share recs for where to stay, where to eat, how to avoid Bourbon Street at the wrong time, and all the secret spots you won’t find in a tourist guide.
How soon should we book?
If you know you’re ready, don’t wait. Dates go fast – especially spring and fall. Once you reach out, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to lock in your dream day.
Still reading? That probably means you’re serious.
So let’s do this. Click HERE, grab a time on my calendar, and let’s make your New Orleans elopement the best damn decision you ever made together.
