Why Your Elopement Photographer Should Be Fully Invested In Your Day From Start To Finish

Couple celebrating their New Orleans elopement

You deserve a photographer who cares about your day as much as you do. Not just for an hour. From start to finish. From first email to last dance-in-the-street moment. That level of care is the difference between photos that look pretty and photos that feel like you.

I photograph elopements in New Orleans because I love this city and the bold hearts who choose it. If you plan to elope in New Orleans you need a teammate who shows up fully. That is how your day stays easy, beautiful, and stress free.

What “fully invested” looks like with Elope to NOLA

  • I only photograph weddings I plan or co-plan with you. That keeps the timeline clean and the story cohesive.
  • Every photo on my site was captured by me or my team. No stock. No borrowed work. What you see is what you get.
  • I never subcontract photography to a stranger. If someone has a camera at your wedding they are on my team and aligned with my standards.
  • Couples book us for our experience, our photos and our way of taking care of people. Not just a package.

How this changes your day

You get location guidance that matches your style and guest count. French Quarter at sunrise. Garden District greens. Audubon Park oaks. Hidden corners by the river. I scout, plan, time the light, prepare for rain, and keep you present.

You get ceremony support. I help with permits when needed, coordinate with your officiant, and prep a timeline that moves like butter so you never feel rushed.

You get real direction during portraits. Natural prompts. Clean posing. Nothing stiff. Nothing awkward.

You get vendor recommendations I actually trust. Hair and makeup that lasts in the Louisiana air. Florals that fit the vibe. Music that makes the city part of your soundtrack.

You get a gallery that reads like a movie you lived. Not a checklist. A memory you can feel.

A quick story from the French Quarter

They flew in on a Tuesday. Just the two of them. We met at sunrise by a quiet courtyard. Vows under a balcony with iron lacework. A champagne stop on a side street while a brass riff drifted by. We walked. We laughed. We caught the kind of light that makes New Orleans glow. They told me later it felt easy and big at the same time. That is the magic of a fully invested team.

Trust signals you can count on

  • Clear communication before and after booking
  • Local expertise across neighborhoods and permits
  • Only original imagery on my site and socials
  • Fast sneak peeks while you are still here
  • Vendor partnerships built on real experience

Who we are a fit for

  • Couples who want care over chaos
  • Couples who value story over stuff
  • Couples who want to elope New Orleans style and keep it simple and elevated

What you can book right now

  • Weekday elopements Monday to Thursday outside of October
  • Sailboat vows and Biloxi beach options for midweek lovers
  • A new intimate indoor location coming soon
Plan Your Elopement

Client words

“Our elopement was absolute perfection thanks to Marcia and her team. She captured every moment beautifully and made the whole experience stress free and fun.” — Liz J.

FAQs about eloping in New Orleans

Do I need a permit to elope in New Orleans?
Some locations do. Jackson Square and City Park often require permits. I guide you and handle the logistics so it is legal and smooth.

How far in advance should we book?
One to six months is ideal. Weekdays book faster than you think. If you need last minute help, reach out.

Can we personalize our ceremony?
Yes. Your officiant will craft something that sounds like you. Romantic or playful or spiritual. Your voice matters.

How many guests can we bring?
My packages are designed for intimate events under 25 guests. I will match you with locations that fit your count and vibe.

Will we get professional wedding photos?
Yes. Hand edited. High resolution. Delivered in a private gallery that is easy to share and print.

Do you offer New Orleans elopement packages for two?
Yes. I help you choose the best timing, location, and vendors so it feels personal and effortless.

Want even more visual inspo? Here’s what I’ve been pinning lately.

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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    couple exchanging vows at tree of life in new Orleans
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