A bride and groom pose for a photo in front of the St. Louis Cathedral located in the French quarter of New Orleans after eloping.

What happened to the Algiers Courthouse and where to elope instead

Why You Can No Longer Get Married at the Algiers Courthouse — And What Stunning Alternatives You Have Instead

If you’re planning a New Orleans elopement or small wedding, chances are you’ve heard about the Algiers Courthouse as a popular wedding spot. For years, it was a hidden gem on the West Bank side of the mighty Mississippi River where couples could say “I do” in a historic, old-world charming courthouse setting.

But here’s the thing:

Unfortunately…the Algiers Courthouse is no longer an option for wedding ceremonies.

You might be wondering why. Honestly? So am I.

Despite some policy changes behind the scenes, there’s no official public explanation that fully clarifies why they stopped performing weddings there. The bottom line is, the Algiers Courthouse closed its doors to wedding ceremonies — and we need to move forward.

What Happened to the Algiers Courthouse Weddings?

I want to be upfront with you: I don’t have all the details. The courthouse closure to weddings isn’t widely explained, and there’s no official public statement spelling out the reasons. But what’s clear is this:

If you had your heart set on getting married at the Algiers Courthouse, it’s no longer possible.
Trust me… we call every month to check if it’s possible.

That can feel like a huge bummer, especially if you’ve read older blogs or wedding guides listing it as a top courthouse wedding spot. The internet can be slow to update, and it’s easy to find outdated info that confuses couples.

So let me help you skip the frustration and move on to the best part:

Stunning Alternatives to the Algiers Courthouse for Your New Orleans Wedding

The good news? New Orleans is loaded with incredible, romantic, and downright beautiful spots to get married — many even more memorable and unique than a courthouse ceremony.

1. Gretna Courthouse

Gretna has a working courthouse and remains a top legal wedding spot in the metro area — and for good reason. Its simple architecture and front staircase make it picture-perfect.

  • Central location, easy for guests
  • Affordable and quick marriage license + ceremony options
  • Great outdoor spots (including the river) for post-ceremony photos

2. Lakefront Ceremony on Lake Pontchartrain

If you want something a bit different and totally serene, a private ceremony on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain is a dreamy option.

  • Gorgeous water views with the New Orleans skyline in the distance
  • Peaceful, less crowded than the French Quarter
  • Perfect for a romantic, intimate vibe

👉 See our elopement packages here.

3. Historic Courtyards & Gardens

New Orleans is full of lush gardens, hidden courtyards, and historic venues that offer charm and privacy:

  • The Royal Hotel courtyard
  • The Pharmacy Museum
  • Local private gardens and boutique venues

These locations bring that old-world feel with plenty of photo ops — without feeling like a “typical” venue.

4. City Park Under the Oaks

One of the most stunning and underrated places to elope in New Orleans is City Park.

  • Massive live oak trees draped in Spanish moss create a cinematic backdrop
  • Plenty of privacy if you know the right nooks (I do 😎)
  • Easy to get to, with beautiful walking trails, bridges, and even art installations nearby

Whether you're barefoot in the grass or dressed to the nines beneath the trees, City Park brings a peaceful kind of grandeur to your ceremony.

📌 Pinterest-Inspired Ceremony Ideas

New Orleans elopement inspiration collage
See more ideas on Pinterest

Helpful Resources for Planning Your New Orleans Wedding Without the Algiers Courthouse

Frequently Asked Questions About Algiers Courthouse Weddings

Q: Can I still get married at the Algiers Courthouse?

A: No. The Algiers Courthouse no longer performs wedding ceremonies and is permanently closed for this purpose.

Q: Why did the Algiers Courthouse stop doing weddings?

A: There’s no official public explanation. It’s best to accept that it’s no longer an option and focus on what’s still available.

Q: Where can I legally get married in New Orleans instead?

A: Gretna Courthouse is a legal and convenient option. Other venues — like City Park or the lakefront — are perfect if you bring your own officiant.

Q: Are there scenic outdoor options for weddings near Algiers?

A: Yes! The Lake Pontchartrain shorelines and nearby gardens are stunning. And don’t sleep on City Park either — it’s full of natural beauty and privacy.

Q: How do I find a wedding photographer familiar with New Orleans venues?

Final Thoughts

The Algiers Courthouse will always hold a special place in the hearts of couples who got married there. But sometimes cities evolve, and historic wedding venues close or change.

If you’re planning your New Orleans wedding, don’t let this closure stress you out. Instead, see it as a chance to explore a wider range of incredible venues that make your day uniquely yours.

And if you want help finding the perfect spot or capturing your New Orleans elopement beautifully, I’m here for you.

Ready to start planning?
👉 Let’s chat about your dream New Orleans elopement

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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!

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