The most common question I hear from couples is what their actual day will look like. People understand the logistics of a big wedding because we have all been to a dozen of them. You show up at a church and then move to a ballroom for four hours. But when you decide to elope in New Orleans the script disappears.
That blank slate is exciting but it can also feel a little bit daunting. You might wonder if the day will feel “real” enough or if it will be over in ten minutes. I am here to tell you that an elopement is not just a quick ceremony. It is a full experience that focuses on your connection without the performance for a crowd.
The Morning of Your Elopement
Your day starts long before you meet me at the park or the courthouse. Most of my couples spend their morning at a boutique hotel in the French Quarter or an airy Garden District Airbnb. This is your time to move slowly. There is no bridal party to coordinate and no frantic florist looking for a place to put centerpieces.
I always tell my couples to use this time to truly wake up in the city. Order room service and listen to the sounds of the street below. If you have booked one of our New Orleans elopement packages for two we have already handled the timeline. You don’t have to worry about when the bouquet arrives or if the officiant is lost. Your only job is to get ready and feel like yourself.
The First Look and The Stroll
Once you are dressed we usually start with a first look. This can happen in a quiet hotel courtyard or under the shade of a massive oak tree. As your elopement photographer I love this moment because it is the only time the world feels completely still.
After the first look we take a stroll. This is not a stiff photo session. I provide gentle posing suggestions as we wander. If we are in the French Quarter we might stop by a colorful wall or a quiet alleyway. If we are at the Tree of Life we let the mossy branches be the backdrop. This part of the day is about capturing how you two exist together in this city.
“Marcia went above and beyond. We had a blast during our shoot and it felt like everyone in the French Quarter was celebrating with us. It was magical and perfect.” — L. Rhodes
The Ceremony
This is the heartbeat of the day. In New Orleans a ceremony can happen almost anywhere. You might choose to elope in New Orleans in Pirates Alley or under the canopy of New Orleans City Park.
The ceremony usually lasts about fifteen minutes. It is short but it is heavy with meaning. You aren’t reciting vows to a room of 200 people. You are saying them to the person you want to spend your life with. Our Elope to NOLA team handles the permits and the officiant so you can just be present. Whether you want a traditional ceremony or something totally unique we make sure the legalities are seamless.
The Celebration
What happens after the “I do” is entirely up to you. Some couples want to keep the energy high. You can book a brass band for an unforgettable second line through the streets. Others want something more quiet and discreet.
If you want to elope on a sailboat we head to the lake. There is nothing quite like watching the sun go down over Lake Pontchartrain with a bottle of champagne. This is your first hour as a married couple and it should feel exactly how you want it to feel.
Why Choosing a Local Expert Matters
I have been a New Orleans elopement photographer for over a decade. I have seen every kind of weather and every kind of parade. When you work with Elope to NOLA you aren’t just hiring a person with a camera. You are hiring a local curator.
I know which streets are possibly under construction and which parks have the best light 2 hours prior to sunset. I know how to navigate the city when a surprise festival starts. That expertise is what makes your day feel effortless. You don’t have to be the expert because I already am.
“Marcia is amazing and I recommend eloping in New Orleans to everyone. From the flowers to the location it was the wedding of our dreams.” — M. Senatore
The Ibay Photography Approach to Storytelling
My goal is to capture the “soul” of your day. I am looking for the quiet glances and the loud laughs. I don’t believe in over-posed photos that feel fake. I want you to look back at your gallery and remember exactly how the humid air felt and how the jazz music sounded in the distance.
We deliver all your digital images we capture. Each one is hand-edited to ensure the colors and the mood are just right. We don’t just give you a link and disappear. We make sure you have everything you need to preserve these memories forever.
Making it Official
The last part of “what happens” is the paperwork. It isn’t the most romantic part of the day but it is the most important. You will need to get your license at a Louisiana Parish office. We guide our couples through this process so there are no surprises at the clerk’s office. Our Orleans Parish officiants will even take care of this for you if you’d prefer. Once the ceremony is over and the license is signed we take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in New Orleans
- How much do New Orleans elopement packages for two cost?
Our packages vary depending on the location and the level of service you need. We offer all-inclusive options that cover your photography and officiant as well as florals and permits. You can view our full package pricing here. - Is it easy to elope in New Orleans?
Yes if you have the right team. The city has specific rules for permits and marriage licenses. We handle the logistical heavy lifting so you can focus on the celebration. - Can we bring a few guests to our elopement?
Absolutely. Our elopement systems are built for intimate groups of 25 or fewer. This allows us to keep the experience personal and relaxed. - What is the best time of year to elope?
New Orleans is beautiful year-round but spring and fall are the most popular for outdoor ceremonies. If you are worried about the heat or the rain we always have a plan B ready. - Why should I hire an elopement photographer instead of a traditional wedding photographer?
Elopements move differently than big weddings. You need someone who knows how to be a guide and a witness as much as a photographer. We specialize in the intimate moments that bigger teams often miss.
Final Thoughts
An elopement is a day where you are the main characters of the story. There are no performance requirements and no stress about the guest list. You get to wake up in a beautiful city and marry your best friend.
If you are ready to start planning your soulful New Orleans moment I would love to hear from you. We can check your 2026 date and start building a day that feels like you.
