
Top New Orleans Elopement Activities to Match Your Vibe & Make Your Day Epic
One of the best parts about eloping in New Orleans? You get to design a day that’s 100% you —
Say your vows on the bow with our all-inclusive New Orleans boat wedding package – stress-free, wildly romantic, and made for couples who want stunning lake views and zero fuss. The ultimate elopement experience, right on Lake Pontchartrain.
Say Your Vows on a Private Sailboat in New Orleans
Sunset. Skyline. Sailboat. That’s the whole scene.
You didn’t come all the way to New Orleans for something generic. And you’re definitely not the ballroom type. If the idea of a packed venue and a never-ending to-do list makes you want to ghost your own wedding — skip it. You’ve got better options.
Picture this: an all-inclusive sunset sailboat wedding on Lake Pontchartrain.
Just you two (or a few of your favorite people), exchanging vows on a private sailboat as the sun dips behind the New Orleans skyline. It’s personal. It’s romantic. It’s exactly how you want to start your marriage — calm, real, and ridiculously beautiful.
We take care of everything:
✔️ Licensed officiant (your sailboat captain!)
✔️ Professional local photographer (hi, that’s me)
✔️ Custom florals
✔️ Petite cake
✔️ Seamless planning
✔️ Two hours on the water, surrounded by skyline views and Louisiana skies
It’s not a production. It’s a moment – rooted in real connection, full of feeling, and built just for the two of you. With local recommendations, personalized details, and the kind of charm only New Orleans can bring, this isn’t just a wedding. It’s a story worth telling.
Let’s make it real. And have a great time too!
⚜️ Up to 4 Guests
⚜️ Ceremony on a Private Sailboat
⚜️ Assistance with logistics, timeline, restaurant (think top seafood spots on the riverfront)and hair/makeup recommendations
⚜️ Up to 2 hours of professional wedding photography coverage to capture every intimate detail of your special day
⚜️ Officiant who will assist with obtaining and legally filing your marriage license
⚜️ Florals for couple (Bouquet and Boutenniere’)
⚜️ Petite themed cake
⚜️ All professionally hand edited images delivered in a private online gallery of your digital photos with unlimited downloads and print release included
⚜️ 60-Day private online gallery to share with loved ones
⚜️ Print package included
Couples choose Elope to NOLA because we turn the dream of a stress-free, all-inclusive boat wedding into a seamless reality. Whether you’re planning a romantic elopement on Lake Pontchartrain or an intimate ceremony aboard a private sailboat, our experienced team takes care of every detail. So, you can simply show up and celebrate your love.
From helping you obtain your New Orleans marriage license to coordinating with trusted local wedding vendors for flowers, photography, and beauty services, we provide a concierge-level experience that feels personal and effortless.
Our all-inclusive elopement packages include a licensed officiant, professional photography, custom florals, a petite cake, and more, bundled to deliver everything you need for a perfect celebration.
With deep roots in the New Orleans elopement community, we’re passionate about crafting moments that are magical, memorable, and authentically yours. That’s why couples from around the world trust us to plan their destination wedding or luxury elopement by boat.
EXCELLENT Based on 76 reviews Jessica Chui2025-04-18Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia did an amazing job photographing our day!! She was so knowledgeable of the venue and knew the perfect spots as well as listening to our ideas. She took the time before the day to touch base and it helped to ensure a smooth wedding day. She gave us such great pointer to ensure our photos could be the best they could be. We received the photos so quickly and they were all so flawless. We will appreciate the photos forever. Thank you for everything! Samantha Watson2025-04-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia is the best professional photographer ever! She made us feel so comfortable on our wedding day. She has a keen eye. She is talented and super sweet! My makeup came out too orange and she edited our pictures to where you couldn't even tell! Highly recommend!! Heather Tucker2025-04-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia & her daughter did an amazing job on our photos! She made it go so smooth & stress free. We absolutely love our photos. They both were so kind & helpful. I would recommend them to anyone wanting to elope in New Orleans. She knew all of the right places to go. 10/10 experience!!!!! Liz James2025-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our elopement was absolute perfection thanks to Marcia and her team. She didn't just help plan our perfect day; she captured every moment beautifully. I met with a handful of planners, but the very first time we spoke I knew Marcia was who I wanted to use. She was engaging, excited, attentive, and incredibly thoughtful. All of her suggestions perfectly aligned with our vision for an intimate ceremony with our boys. She made everything so easy that I had zero stress on the day of our ceremony. As our photographer, she captured such incredible moments that I am forever indebted to her. Her ability to make us at ease in front of the camera resulted in stunning photographs encapsulating memories we can now cherish for a lifetime. If you're looking for a planner/photographer who can perform miracles and create perfection, Marcia is your girl! She is a friend for life now!! Aden Ardoin2025-04-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We love Marcia!!!!!!!! My fiance and I worked together with Marcia and Bob Morgan to get engagement photos taken on a sailboat. They turned out so good!!!! We appreciate Marcia and Bob for making our dream come true!! Thank yall so much 💓 11/10 would recommend:) Lovess Henry2025-03-20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Marcia was an absolute dream. My (now) husband and I were having so much trouble devising a plan to get married in New Orleans and when we found Marcia (or did she find us?) all the pieces fell into place in her articulate hands. She handled all of our arrangements so gracefully. We never had to worry that something wasn’t handled and there were so many times that she went above and beyond to give us the experience we wanted. Marcia hand-delivered to us a team of experts in Sandy Arce (Rockstar Officiant and all around kind and dynamic person), Kimberly Quinlivan who crafted the bouquet and floral pocket arrangement of my absolute dreams, and Terry of Chez RuRene Bakery who delivered the tastiest Almond Raspberry cake, decorated to perfection! If you go with Marcia Ibay of Ibay photography as your photographer, wedding planner, or both, you’ll never regret it. You might even walk away with a new friend. <3 Dana Rogers2025-03-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia was amazing and that’s an understatement. We changed our plans for our wedding about 6 months ago and decided to get married in NOLA during Mardi Gras. Crazy idea had no idea how to pull it off. She helps us get it together and made it super easy to get married on Endymion Saturday. Our pictures were fabulous they had some Mardi Gras flare but they were breathtaking Goulding give this company more praises and recommendation. Emily Harris2025-03-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia and her team were incredible to work with! Marcia went out of her way to accommodate some family requests, even making a local purchase for us. I was looking for a small, simple but elegant ceremony and it was better than we could have imagined! Marcia ensured all the details were covered and the flowers, cake, and photographs all exceeded expectations! Thank you for making our day stress free, and for the amazing photographs we’ll treasure forever!! Alan Lam (twc)2025-03-12Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ibay Photography was the best experience for my engagement. Marcia worked with me and her team to give me the best experience possible. She was very professional, took the initiative to fine-tune details, and made my special day as easy and relaxed as possible. She was also prompt in her responses, taking the stress away from such a special day. I can't say enough things about her team! Her turn-around time has also been nothing short of amazing. The photos so far have turned out perfect. I highly recommend Ibay Photography for a perfect engagement/wedding experience! Deneen Moore2025-01-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5 stars is just not enough to express our gratitude and appreciation for the amazing photos of our wedding....They caught candidate shots . EVERY single person was captured in the most beautiful and expressive photos....Her suggestion for looks and poses where fantastic. I just love Ibay photography The Hicks
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.
Let’s ditch the boring and make it official on the water.
Reach out to get the scoop on our all-inclusive sailboat elopement packages, check your date, and start planning a wedding that just feels good to you
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.
One of the best parts about eloping in New Orleans? You get to design a day that’s 100% you —
A City of Legendary Dining Experiences New Orleans isn’t just a place—it’s a mood, a memory, a melody. And when
Hey Y’all! It’s Marcia and I’m writing this blog the day after New Orleans hosted the incredible Super Bowl LIX!