Eloped couple dancing in the streets during a New Orleans second line parade.

Second Line Parades in New Orleans | Jazz Meets Celebration

Second Line Parades in New Orleans | Jazz Meets Celebration

Planning a Second Line Parade for Your New Orleans Elopement

So you’ve decided to elope in New Orleans (or maybe you’re just thinking about it). Either way, excellent choice. If you really want to take your celebration to the next level, there’s something you absolutely need to know about — the second line parade.

A second line is not just a walk through the street. It’s a joyful, music-filled, foot-stomping celebration that announces to the world that you got married and you’re proud of it. It’s tradition. It’s celebration. It’s your own mini Mardi Gras with you and your favorite people leading the way.

What is a Second Line Parade?

A second line is a New Orleans tradition where a brass band leads a party through the streets. The “main line” includes the couple and the band. Everyone who joins behind them dancing, waving parasols and handkerchiefs, makes up the “second line.”

It started with jazz funerals but became a staple at weddings and elopements. Today, it’s a moving celebration of life — this time celebrating your life together.

Why Add a Second Line to Your Elopement

  • It’s a celebration you’ll never forget (actually never)
  • Strangers will cheer for you — that’s the spirit of New Orleans
  • It feels huge even if you only have a few guests
  • It brings a true New Orleans touch without needing a full reception

And come on — a brass band marching with you down Royal Street? That’s the good stuff.

How to Plan a Second Line Parade for Your Elopement

  1. Get a Permit: You’ll need a parade permit from the city. It’s affordable but must be arranged in advance.
  2. Hire a Brass Band: Lots of amazing groups specialize in second lines. We’ll connect you with the best.
  3. Plan Your Route: Short is sweet. Think three to five blocks. We’ll help you choose a path that photographs well and draws the right kind of crowd.
  4. Grab Your Props: Think umbrellas, handkerchiefs, or parasols. They’re fun and look great in photos.
  5. Prep Your Photographer: Your elopement photographer will capture it all — from the first note to the final spin.
Bride and groom second lining in New Orleans

Second Line Parade Etiquette

  • Respect the locals. You’re part of the neighborhood for the day. Embrace the local tradition.
  • Tip your band. Always. They earn every second of it.
  • Drink water. It’s hot. Second lining counts as cardio.
Couple dancing in a second line parade

When to Have Your Second Line Parade

You can do this any time of year, but October through April is prime time. The air is cooler, the light is better, and the streets are a little calmer. Unless you want full-on chaos, skip the big festival weekends.

Make It Part of Your Elopement Package

A second line is great on its own, but even better when it’s part of a full elopement package. We handle permits, book your band, map the route, and greet you with champagne at the end.

Your job? Just show up and dance.

Elopement couple celebrating with brass band

Want even more visual inspo? Here’s what I’ve been pinning lately.

Let’s Make It Happen

Second line parades are one of the most joyful, unforgettable things you can do when you elope in New Orleans. They turn the street into your stage and the city into your crowd.

If you’re dreaming of brass bands, parasols, and spontaneous street parties, we’re here to help. We’ll make sure everything runs smoothly so you can live in the moment and soak it all up.

Share Now

Marcia Ibay - Owner of Ibay Photography and Elope to Nola

Written by

Hi, I’m Marcia. Born and raised in New Orleans, I know this city better than most. I know about all the hidden courtyards, the best time of year to elope, and the instagram-worthy photography locations that bring it all to life.
As a New Orleans elopement wedding photographer, I’ve photographed over 350 elopements. From spontaneous street parades to private vows in quiet gardens, I’ve seen what makes a wedding unforgettable and I make sure you feel that ease every step of the way.

I’ve fixed timelines, pinned boutonnières, and even found a last-minute bowtie when a groom needed one. You can count on me to bring experience, a friendly attitude, and intention to your day.

I started this work after Hurricane Katrina destroyed our family’s photo albums. That loss taught me how powerful one image can be. So I document every elopement like it’s the most important story I’ll ever tell because for you, it is.

I’ll be your calm in the storm, your guide through the process, and your hype woman when you need it. Also, I’m a Scorpio, so yes—I will have a backup plan for your backup plan 🙂

At Elope to NOLA, we’re all about ditching the stress and dialing up the fun. Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony under ancient oaks or sneaking away to a hidden courtyard in the French Quarter, we’ve got you covered. Permits? Handled. Photos? Gorgeous. Flowers? Oh yeah. All those little New Orleans details that give your day actual character—we take care of it all.
Just fill out the form below, and one of our elopement-wrangling humans will be in touch within 24 hours. Let’s do this right!

    You’ll get a few helpful emails after this—short, useful, and maybe even funny. Unsubscribe anytime.

    couple exchanging vows at tree of life in new Orleans
    Scroll to Top