What Typically Happens at an Elopement? Your New Orleans Timeline Explained
The most common question I hear from couples is what their actual day will look like. People understand the logistics
Say your vows on the bow of a private sailboat with our all-inclusive New Orleans sailboat wedding package – stress-free, wildly romantic and made for couples dreaming of a Lake Pontchartrain elopement with zero fuss.
So, you want to get married on a private sailboat in New Orleans? You’re speaking my language.
This is for the couple who cringes at banquet halls and seating charts – the ones who’d rather feel the wind on their face than a hundred eyes on them. Picture this: you say “I do” on the deck of a sailboat at golden hour, with the sun setting over Lake Pontchartrain. Just the two of you (or with a few close friends) in a moment of pure, open-air romance. Our all-inclusive New Orleans sailboat elopement package handles every detail, so all you have to do is show up, step aboard and marry your person.
⚜️ A private sailboat ceremony for the two of you (plus up to 4 guests)
⚜️ An experienced officiant (your Captain too!) who handles the legal stuff
⚜️ Custom Wedding florals
⚜️ Photography coverage to capture every moment
⚜️ Local restaurant and timeline guidance so everything flows seamlessly
⚜️ A few thoughtful extras😉
Boat elopement package offered at $2,900.
Let’s make it official—with sunsets, sweets and zero stress.
Pricing Updated Fall 2025
This is your sign to ditch the rulebook and say your vows on the bow. Your sailboat elopement in New Orleans is about more than just a ceremony; it’s about a unique experience that reflects your adventurous spirit. Instead of the typical destination wedding, you get a luxury elopement by boat, complete with stunning views and the intimate feel of a private sailing trip.
We’ve turned the dream of a stress-free boat wedding into a seamless reality for couples from all over the world. We take care of every detail, from connecting you with locals for hair & makeup and dinner to advising on the legal side of eloping. We’re passionate about crafting moments that are magical and authentically yours.
Let’s get to know each other! We’ll check your date availability, answer all your burning questions, and make sure we’re a perfect fit. This is your chance to feel confident and excited about the adventure ahead.
Ready to lock it in? Secure your elopement date with a signed contract and retainer — easy and straightforward. Once your date is reserved, we officially start planning your next-level day together.
Now the fun begins! We’ll nail down the timeline, boarding location, vendors and all the little details — so you can relax and enjoy your day without a worry. Next up: Elopement Day! It’s time to say “I do” effortlessly, with every moment captured just the way you dreamed.
EXCELLENT Based on 93 reviews Posted on Karen LongeneckerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found Marcia online and purchased an elopement package and am so very happy I did. She’s an excellent and confident communicator, artist, professional and local guide. I loved working with her and felt I could relax and feel confident knowing she could handle everything in such a professional and kind manner. I have always felt I’m not photogenic and normally dread having my picture taken. But our elopement with Marcia was a dream. I felt happy and relaxed and truly myself, and the pictures are amazing. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Her services are wonderful.Posted on Taylor CampbellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We could not have had a better experience working with Ibay! The entire team was very easy to work with. The flowers and cake were exactly what we wanted, and we love our photos!Posted on Lisa RhodesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Ibay photography. I am so glad that we found them online. From the first consultation on the phone to the day of our wedding, Marcia went above and beyond. We made our elopement to New Orleans plans with her months in advance. She checked in periodically throughout to make sure we had what we needed, planned the officiant (Sandy- who was also AMAZING) and, by the time our Big Day arrived, we were ready and totally relaxed. We thought we were going to have some weather issues, so Marcia adjusted her time for us and made everything work perfectly. Our photoshoot was not only GORGEOUS, but we had a BLAST. It was like everyone in the French Quarter was celebrating with us and Marcia and Ibay photography made this possible. After the photoshoot, we arrived at the Tree of Life for our ceremony. It was magical and perfect. I still cannot believe how easy she made this day for us and how much fun we had. And we got some of our photos the VERY NEXT day! I cannot recommend her enough for photography, elopement services, and anything else. She is amazing, professional, flexible, and, most of all, so much fun! I will never forget this day and how much she did for me and my husband.Posted on Sheila MorganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We use Marcia for our boat weddings at CaptaIn Morgan Sailing Charters. She is so talented and wonderful to work with. She knows what she is doing and makes sure that the wedding is seamless.Posted on Mehgan SapphireTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When our wedding plans changed, eloping kept whispering to my husband and I. With three weeks of our set vacation, I found Marcia and so glad she was able to accommodate. It was my first time in NOLA, and my hubby’s 2nd but prior to COVID. The city was new to us and we had no idea where to do start with eloping. Not only did Marcia give us recommendations for officiants she also offered the perfect spot for our vow exchange during Halloween weekend. For those wanting a low maintenance, less stressful way to say I do, definitely say YES to iBay! Our photos came so quickly we really didn’t expect them until after the holidays, they came out perfect. Also choose the option to take on the city with her during your shoot, Marcia will layout the perfect hours and get lost in capturing your love!Posted on Jenny RichardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience with Ibay Photography! 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. Her experience and local knowledge were invaluable and she even helped us choose the perfect time of day for photos amidst the busy New Orleans Halloween festivities. Marcia went above and beyond, offering thoughtful suggestions for hair and makeup and keeping everything relaxed and enjoyable. The photos came out absolutely stunning, capturing the joy and magic of our day and the city perfectly. We’re so grateful we found her and can’t recommend Ibay Photography enough!Posted on Sage WilliamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the absolute best experience with the Ibay photgraphy team! From start to finish, they were professional, kind, and incredibly supportive. They captured our wedding day perfectly — every shot was beautifully composed with stunning color, lighting, and emotion. Beyond their amazing photography skills, the team went above and beyond to make everything stress-free. They helped coordinate with our vendors, guided us through poses naturally, and kept the atmosphere relaxed and joyful all day long. Looking through our photos now, we’re in awe — every image brings the day back to life in the most magical way. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and highly recommend Ibay photography to anyone wanting not just gorgeous photos, but a team that genuinely cares about making your day unforgettable. Thank you so much. Sage and BrandyPosted on Melissa SenatoreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I say it was perfect, I mean perfect!! From the flowers to the cake to the officiant to the location to the absolutely beautiful pictures, this was the wedding of our dreams. Marcia is amazing, and I recommend eloping in New Orleans to everyone.Posted on Kyle McGillTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia and her daughter were the photographers for our elopement and they were awesome. Aside from the stellar photographs (got our b/w photos day after), we also leveraged Marcia's network of other services. Through her we got connected with our officiant, baker, and florist that made our special occasion so magical.Posted on Tyler CrenshawTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia went above and beyond to make our engagement shoot unforgettable. We did a surprise sunset sail proposal, and she cleverly disguised herself as a deckhand so my fiancée wouldn’t suspect a thing. From start to finish, her communication was amazing, she helped plan every detail and made the process effortless. The photos turned out absolutely stunning, perfectly capturing the light, emotion, and setting. Her professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail were outstanding. I can’t recommend Marcia and Ibay Photography enough to anyone looking for beautiful, natural photos and a photographer who truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Marcia, for making our engagement so special and giving us memories we’ll cherish forever.
What’s your story? What’s your vision for your big day? How can we help you plan the perfect day? This is a great opportunity for you to get to know us, too! Ask us anything you’d like, we may even share some insider tips about our wonderful city.
When you’re comfortable, we will sign the agreement with a first payment collected to secure your date.
After we’ve determined your vision, we will help with all the fun parts of planning. This includes creating a timeline fit for you, hiring your florist, baker and even assisting in choosing the perfect after ceremony meal.
We are also happy to help with other fine details including finding the perfect hair and makeup artists for the bride, a charming hotel or airbnb, and even transportation (which by the way, the sailboat is only a 15min Uber drive from the French Quarter!)
Our team will be fully available to you throughout the planning process, all the way up to your special day.
We are all yours on your elopement day. Your officiant (also the Captain of the boat!) will meet us at the agreed location to board the sailboat. Florals and Cake will be delivered to the sailboat
After your ceremony, your captain will sail you straight to a lakefront dock – no car needed. Choose from three dockside restaurants, each with its own ambiance, menu, and lakefront view.
Landry’s Seafood House
Classic and polished. Great for a calm, comfortable dinner with shrimp, crab cakes, and crawfish étouffée—plus steak and chicken options. Patio views are especially dreamy at sunset.
The Blue Crab
Local, laid-back, and full of energy. Expect oysters, fried seafood baskets, cold beer, and maybe even live music. It’s breezy, open-air, and always a good time.
Felix’s Oyster Bar (Lakefront)
Old-school and full of flavor. Known for raw or grilled oysters and bold Louisiana seasoning. Casual, lively, and all about that real New Orleans feel—no dress code required.
After your elopement, we know you’ll want to relive your day over and over again. We will send you a sneak peak of your photos so you know what to look forward to! Sneak Peaks will be uploaded to social media shortly after your elopement, and full galleries will be sent to you in 4-5 weeks.
Let’s skip the ordinary and make it official on the water.
Want the scoop on our all-inclusive sailboat elopement? Check your date, fill out the form, and we’ll set up a time to chat. Can’t wait to hear all about your day!
Our all-inclusive sailboat elopement packages typically cover everything you need for a memorable ceremony: a licensed officiant (often the sailboat captain), professional photography, custom florals, a petite cake, and expert planning. You’ll enjoy approximately two hours on the water, with the stunning backdrop of Lake Pontchartrain and the New Orleans skyline enhancing your experience.
Prices for sailboat elopement packages generally start at $2,900. The final cost can vary based on additional services or customizations you choose. This investment offers a unique and intimate experience, combining the charm of New Orleans with the serenity of a private sailboat ceremony.
Yes – if you legally want to wed in Louisiana, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the Orleans Parish Marriage Office. Non-residents can typically have the 24-hour waiting period waived by an Orleans-registered officiant if “serious and meritorious reasons” are cited on the application. It’s advisable to check the latest requirements and plan accordingly.
Weather can be unpredictable, but we have contingency plans in place. In case of inclement weather, options may include rescheduling the sail, moving the ceremony to a covered area at the nearby yacht club, or selecting an alternative indoor venue. Our goal is to ensure your day remains special, regardless of the weather.
Absolutely! While all sailboats have capacity limits (per coast guard regulations) for safety and comfort, we can accommodate up to 4 guests. If you wish to include more close friends or family, let us know, and we’ll provide options that suit your group size.
The most favorable times are during the spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) when the weather is typically mild and pleasant. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful sunsets, enhancing the romantic ambiance of your sailboat elopement.
The most common question I hear from couples is what their actual day will look like. People understand the logistics
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