New Orleans Sailboat Elopement You’ll Love!

Sail into your wedding day like it’s the best decision you ever made (because it is).

Most weddings are stuck on land. Yours doesn’t have to be.

If you don’t light up at the thought of a ballroom. If you’d rather feel the wind in your hair than hear a DJ yell “Make some noise.” If the whole idea of walking down an aisle surrounded by flower petals gives you the ick… then you’re in the right place.

This is New Orleans. But instead of Bourbon Street, think open water. Instead of sweating through a crowded ceremony, picture a quiet breeze, golden sunlight, and a sailboat that feels like it was made just for you.

This is a one-of-a-kind elopement — relaxed, wildly scenic, and designed for couples who want something real without all the performance.

This is not your typical New Orleans wedding

Yes, there’s charcuterie. Yes, there’s music. Yes, there’s cake. But there’s also open sky and views for days.

This isn’t a city hall “let’s just get this over with” kind of thing. It’s an actual experience — one that slows you down, strips away expectations, and lets you actually enjoy your wedding day.

We sail on Lake Pontchartrain, the biggest lake in Louisiana and a hidden gem most tourists never get close to. No strangers with selfie sticks. No brass bands to shout over. Just a peaceful private boat ride that doubles as your ceremony and photo backdrop.

Here’s how it all flows (literally)

No 47-point timelines. No bossy aunties wrangling people into family photos. Just something that feels right.

What a typical sailboat elopement looks like:

• You show up dressed and ready — or bring your outfit and change onboard
• We hop on a beautifully appointed sailboat with room to breathe
• Captain Bob takes us out for a private cruise on the lake
• You say your vows while the sun sets — I’ll guide you if needed or hang back if you’re in the zone
• We toast with champagne and capture photos that don’t feel like photoshoots — just you, elevated
• You come back with wind in your hair, zero stress, and memories that matter

From first hug to last laugh, it’s all photographed. I’ll catch the details, the big moment, and the quiet ones in between — everything that makes your day yours.

The team behind the dream

This isn’t a touristy gimmick. It’s a real sailboat, captained by a real person — Bob Morgan — who’s spent decades on these waters. He’s not just steering the boat. He’s your officiant too. He’s chill, reliable, and genuinely excited to help couples start married life in a way that’s personal and low-key special.

Captain Bob’s boat is spotless, his route is scenic, and the whole setup is built to give you space to be in the moment.

Want to meet him and his crew? Click here to check out Captain Morgan Sailing

And me? I’m Marcia — founder of Elope to NOLA, lifelong New Orleanian, and someone who’s helped elope more couples than I can count. I’ve done big weddings, tiny ones, courtyards, rooftops — but nothing hits like this boat.

It’s private. It’s beautiful. It’s relaxed in the best way.

What’s actually included?

• ⚜️ Your captain/officiant (yes, same guy — he’s a pro at both)
• ⚜️ Photography coverage by me (Marcia, hi!) throughout your 2-hour sail
• ⚜️ Light refreshments on board — think chilled drinks, fruit, and a little cheese to nibble on while you sail
• ⚜️ Florals and a themed cake
• ⚜️ Marriage license guidance and light planning help
• ⚜️ A private online gallery with all your high-res photos
• ⚜️ Timeline support and all the nitty-gritty logistics handled for you

All you need to do is pick a date — I’ll handle the rest.

Ready to see the full breakdown? View our Sailboat Elopement Packages

Couples keep telling me the same thing: “This was better than we imagined”

“We love Marcia!!!!!!!! My fiancé and I worked with Marcia and Bob for our photos taken on a sailboat. They turned out so good!!!! We appreciate Marcia and Bob for making our dream come true!! 11/10 would recommend :)”
— A. Ardoin

“Marcia worked with me and her team to give me the best experience possible. She was professional, took initiative, and made my special day as easy and relaxed as possible. Her turnaround time was amazing and the photos turned out perfect.”
— A. Lam

I’m not here trying to go viral. I’m here to make your elopement feel personal and real — not in a “posed next to a volcano” kind of way. This is closer. Simpler. More connected.

You don’t have to do it the traditional way. You just have to do it your way.

Not everyone will get why you skipped the big reception. Not everyone understands why you didn’t want a 10-foot train. But you do. And that’s enough.

You’re doing this your way — with sun, sky, water, and your person.

And if you want to go out for a fancy dinner after? You’ll already be glowing.

This is your moment to do something special — without making it complicated.

Let’s sail into the next chapter — together.

See what dates are available Read more elopement reviews

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

FAQ: Everything You Want to Know About Eloping on a Sailboat in New Orleans