The No-Nonsense Guide to Small Wedding Packages in New Orleans

Planning a small wedding in New Orleans? You’re in the right place. Whether you want something intimate with just a few guests or a truly private ceremony for two, New Orleans offers options that skip the drama and focus on what really matters: you and your partner.

At Elope to NOLA, we help couples ditch the endless spreadsheets and overwhelming checklists. Instead, we bring calm, expert planning and beautiful venues that make your day feel easy and exciting.

Why Small Weddings Work in New Orleans

New Orleans has a vibe that suits smaller weddings perfectly. The city’s rich culture and stunning locations let you have a day full of character without the chaos.

You won’t get lost in a crowd. Instead, you get a personal experience — like saying your vows in a secret garden or on a private boat with the sunset behind you.

Small weddings also mean less stress. No giant guest list, no long hours stuck in one place, and no pressure to perform. Just your people, good food, and the city’s unique charm.

What to Expect in a Small Wedding Package

If you’re looking for a straightforward small wedding package, here’s what you’ll usually get:

• A beautiful, intimate venue (think: French Quarter courtyard, City Park garden, or a private sailboat)
• A licensed officiant who makes the ceremony personal and real
• Professional photography to capture the moments without awkward posing
• Flowers or simple florals to add a little color and romance
• Planning and coordination so the day flows without you needing to think twice

These elements cover the basics and leave room for you to add personal touches.

Three Small Wedding Packages You’ll Actually Love

Because every couple is different, we offer three options, all similar in price but with different vibes and locations:

Small French Quarter Wedding

Classic New Orleans charm with historic buildings, iron balconies, and St. Louis Cathedral in the background.

Includes:

• Ceremony in Jackson Square, local boutique hotel courtyard or Pirate Alley (with permit help)
• Officiant
• Professional photography
• Florals for the couple
• Petite cake
• Planning and timeline coordination

💵 $3,800

City Park or Garden District Wedding

Soft light, oak trees, and a tucked-away romantic feel.

Includes:

• Ceremony at City Park or Audubon Park
• Officiant
• Professional photography
• Florals for the couple
• Petite cake
• Planning and permit help

💵 $3,800

Private Sailboat Wedding

A ceremony on the water with champagne and sunset views.

Includes:

• Private boat rental on Lake Pontchartrain
• Licensed officiant (also your boat captain!)
• Professional photography on the dock and boat
• Florals for the couple
• Petite customized themed cake
• Timeline coordination

💵 $2,900

How Small Wedding Packages Make Your Life Easier

Choosing a small wedding package means you get to skip the usual wedding headaches.

• No long guest lists to stress about
• No complicated seating charts
• No pressure to entertain a big crowd

Instead, you get a day that feels relaxed and true to you. That kind of day stays with you — in your memories and your photos.

We handle the details so you don’t have to. Permits? Check. Timeline? Check. Vendors? Check. You focus on being present.

When to Book and Plan

New Orleans weather is best from October through April. The humidity drops, and the city feels quieter.

Planning around festivals like French Quarter Fest or Essence can be tricky but also exciting if you want the city’s energy buzzing in your celebration.

We help you pick dates that fit your style — whether you want the buzz or the calm.

What You Should Know About Marriage Licenses

New Orleans makes it simple to get legally married, but there are a few quirks, like the 24-hour waiting period waiver you might need.

We’ll walk you through the process so you can get your license stress-free and legal without the usual headaches.

Why Choose Elope to NOLA?

We get what you want: a wedding that feels real, calm, and just for you.

With many years experience and over 300 elopements planned, our team knows New Orleans inside and out. We plan everything (with your vision in mind) so you don’t have to worry.

We care about your story and your day — not just the logistics.

If you’re looking for a small wedding package in New Orleans that cuts the noise and delivers the good stuff, you’ve found it.

About Me

Hi, I’m Marcia from Elope to NOLA. I’m a New Orleans local who’s helped hundreds of couples plan weddings that feel like them — calm, joyful, and totally stress-free. I know this city inside and out, and I’m here to make sure your small wedding in New Orleans is exactly what you want, without the fuss.

I’m a hyper-focused, type-A planner who obsessively sweats the details so your day goes flawlessly. Your stress-free, joyful wedding is my top priority. I’m hands-on and available whenever you need me, making sure nothing gets overlooked.

Ready to Plan Your Small New Orleans Wedding?

If this sounds like what you need, let’s talk. Check out our elopement packages or just drop us a message.

You can also find inspiration on our Pinterest board.