general new orleans elopement photographer

Private Lake Pontchartrain Sailboat Elopements

An intentional, sunset ceremony on the open water in New Orleans.

Bypass the traditional wedding noise and trade the city traffic for the calm rhythm of the tide. While most couples spend months managing extensive guest lists and production logistics, you could be watching the sunset over Lake Pontchartrain from the deck of a private boat, centered entirely on each other.

Maybe you’ve done the traditional route before, or perhaps you simply realized early on that a large production wasn't for you. You want something real, relaxed, and memorable.

If you find yourself asking:

— What if we just exchanged vows on a sailboat at sunset?

— Can a wedding day really be this effortless and intimate?

— Is it okay to choose serenity over expectations?

You aren't required to play along with outdated traditions. You deserve a celebration that reflects who you truly are.

The Lake Pontchartrain Sailboat Experience

Investment: Starting at $3,500 | Guest Limit: Up to 4 Guests

A completely coordinated, photography-led celebration on the water. We manage every single detail behind the scenes so you can simply show up, drop your guard, and inhabit the moment.

Private 2-Hour Sail: Exclusive charter on Lake Pontchartrain with a licensed local captain for the two of you and up to four guests.
Cinematic Photography: Editorial documentary coverage capturing your ceremony, details, and sunset portraits on the water.
Officiant & Legalities: Professional licensed local officiant to guide your vows and handle legal paperwork.
Bespoke Florals: Custom-designed luxury fresh bouquet and matching boutonnière shaped to your aesthetic.
Onboard Celebration: Refreshments and celebratory toast shared as the sun sets over the lake.
Land & Sea Curation: Includes an optional pre-ceremony park portrait session in classic New Orleans greenery alongside a petite heart shaped cake.
Weather Assurance: Complete standby timeline and protected land-based backup options to ensure total peace of mind.

Schedule A 15-Min Vision Call Connect With Us

Petite heart-shaped celebration cake shared on board.

Pre-ceremony portraits under classic New Orleans greenery.

Real Experiences

"We had a traditional wedding planned before deciding to cancel the noise and focus on each other. Calling Marcia was the best decision we made. It was completely stress-free and better than we ever dreamed."
— Mr. & Mrs. Morales

"They planned the entire experience seamlessly. All we had to do was show up and enjoy the water. It felt so authentic to us, and the photos are absolute editorial perfection."
— The Stovalls

Why Choose a Sailboat Elopement?

Lake Pontchartrain offers a quiet, open-air retreat just minutes from the historic core of New Orleans. It provides an intimate backdrop that combines luxury with effortless ease.

Complete Intimacy: An unhurried 2-hour cruise for just the two of you or a select few loved ones.
Unmatched Horizons: Breathtaking, open-water sunset lighting that cannot be replicated on land.
Seamless Logistics: Skip public park permit applications entirely while enjoying direct captained navigation.
An Unforgettable Launchpad: The perfect sunset ceremony before heading into the city for an intimate fine dining dinner.

Your Journey to the Water

1. Connect & Consultation: Select a time for a 15-minute vision call or reach out via our contact form.
2. Reserve Your Date: Lock in your celebration on our calendar with a signed contract and retainer.
3. Effortless Coordination: We step in as your local advocate, handling the vessel charter, timeline, florals, and officiant.
4. Arrive & Celebrate: Show up relaxed, enjoy the wind and water, and say your vows seamlessly.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can we bring guests on the sailboat charter? +

Due to Coast Guard safety regulations and vessel intimacy, our Sailboat Elopement collection accommodates the couple plus up to 4 guests. For larger gatherings, we recommend a land-based ceremony followed by an intimate dinner gathering.

What happens if rain or bad weather is forecasted? +

We monitor weather conditions closely leading up to your date. If heavy rain or high winds prevent a safe sailing departure, we pivot seamlessly to a curated land-based backup location or adjust timing to preserve your ceremony experience.

Do we need public park permits for a sailboat elopement? +

No. Because the ceremony is hosted on a private captained vessel, public land permits are not required. We coordinate all nautical logistics and charter permissions directly.

We feel camera-shy. Will the photography feel forced? +

Not at all. We specialize in documentary, story-led photography that focuses on genuine connection rather than rigid posing. The natural movement of the boat and open water help you relax and forget the lens entirely.