10 Best New Orleans Elopement Venues (2026 Guide)
You have made the best decision: you are ready to elope in New Orleans. The city is intoxicating, lush, and full of life. But when it comes to choosing the perfect spot for your intimate wedding, where do you start?
This guide narrows down the absolute 10 best New Orleans elopement venues, organized by the vibe you are looking for. We cover permits, smart timing, and exactly why we love them for unforgettable photography.
The Iconic French Quarter
1. Jackson Square (The Classic)
This is the postcard NOLA spot. Majestic oak trees, historic energy, and the stunning St. Louis Cathedral towering in the background. The Expertise POV: Jackson Square requires a specific city permit and incredibly smart timing to beat the crowds. As your planners, we handle all the paperwork and ensure your day starts early enough to capture that perfect light.
2. Pirate Alley (The Moody & Historic)
Tucked right next to St. Louis Cathedral, this narrow brick alley offers a moody, intimate charm. The narrow walls provide excellent shade and natural framing for cinematic portraits, eliminating the need to worry about harsh midday sun.
3. Exchange Alley (Cobblestone Charm)
For those who love the European feel, Exchange Alley features beautiful cobblestone walkways and historic buildings. It’s a quieter alternative to the busier streets, offering perfect architectural lines for your photos.
4. Pharmacy Museum Courtyard (The Intimate Secret)
High plaster walls, lush tropical greenery, and iron details offer 100% privacy. This is, without question, the best place to elope if you want a guaranteed, built-in rain plan and a quiet oasis from the street noise.
5. Napoleon House (The European Flair)
One of our favorite, most reliably beautiful private spaces. It offers an airy, historic atmosphere with signature European charm. Utilizing this specific location ensures your experience is seamless from vendor to vendor.
Nature & Scenic Escapes
6. The Tree of Life (The Majestic Oak)
This iconic, centuries-old live oak is a natural wonder. Its enormous branches create a canopy that feels both protective and majestic. The Expertise POV: We guide you past the crowds toward the perfect root system where the light shines best.
7. City Park McDonough Oak (The Oldest Oak)
As the oldest tree in City Park, this oak provides a grounded, historic energy. It is a spectacular natural backdrop for couples who want to be surrounded by the quiet power of nature and Spanish moss.
8. Butler Fountain (Original Sculpture)
A stunning, artistic centerpiece in City Park. This historic sculpture and fountain provide an elegant, formal garden vibe for a truly unique ceremony site that feels both grand and intimate.
9. A Private Sailboat (The Sunset Lakefront)
For a truly dramatic and private ceremony, the water offers an unexpected and serene setting. The light over Lake Pontchartrain at sunset is truly magnificent and provides a stunning, high-contrast narrative for your story.
10. The Riverfront (Mighty Mississippi Views)
The riverfront offers grand, wide-open views and a sense of scale that makes your intimate vows feel epic. It captures the true spirit of the Crescent City with the “Mighty Mississippi” as your witness.
Link to Simplified Planning
Stop stressing over searching for private venues and coordinating multiple vendors. We built our packages to make this entire process effortless. The best way to secure one of these fantastic locations without the hassle is by checking out our all-inclusive elope in New Orleans packages. We handle the officiant, flowers, photography, and timeline—all centered around an amazing experience.
“Marcia was incredible from start to finish. She helped us plan our curated elopement down to the smallest details and made the entire day go seamlessly.”
Want Even More Inspiration?
Trust the Vision (from your New Orleans Elopement Experts)
New Orleans offers every kind of backdrop imaginable—from the historic bricks of the French Quarter to the serene shade of mossy oaks. The number one most important decision is not which venue you pick but who you hire to guide you through the process.
As photographers first, we see the light and the cinematic potential in locations others miss. We do not just book a venue; we build the timeline around the perfect moment, the perfect light, and the emotional story you want to tell. Trust the team with the expertise, experience, and authority to deliver an unforgettable, stress-free New Orleans elopement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How do we secure a permit for a French Quarter spot?
- A: We will walk you thru this process. For locations like Jackson Square or certain public spaces, there is required paperwork and applications to complete with the city’s permit office. Once you’ve secured your French Quarter permit, we handle everything else in our New Orleans elopement packages.
- Q: Do you handle venues outside of New Orleans?
- A: Yes, absolutely! While our heart is in the city, we routinely travel for destination elopements. We have specific expertise in nearby locations like Biloxi and the entire Gulf Coast.
- Q: Can we really do this with an elopement package for two?
- A: Yes, that’s our specialty. Our packages are specifically designed to include everything an elopement package for two requires: planning, photography coverage, officiant services, and even beautiful, local flowers.
