Is an Elopement Package Worth It? All Your New Orleans Questions Answered
Is an Elopement Package Worth It? All Your New Orleans Questions Answered I have to admit, I love scrolling through
A Sacred Ceremony Beneath the Etienne de Boré Oak
Check Our Current Availability2026 Update: As we enter a new season, the Tree of Life remains our most-requested natural cathedral. Whether you are planning a fresh start with an elopement or a stress-free New Orleans vow renewal, we have updated our logistics to ensure your ceremony remains private and timeless.
There is a quiet grandeur found only beneath the Tree of Life in Audubon Park. This ancient Etienne de Boré Oak, planted circa 1740, isn’t just a backdrop—it is a living witness to your love story. Imagine exchanging vows where the strength of the roots mirrors the strength of your commitment.
At Elope to NOLA, we specialize in creating serene, intimate ceremonies in this iconic sanctuary. We blend the natural beauty of the park with expert planning, ensuring your day feels as timeless and grounded as the branches above you.
A Sacred Altar
Standing directly beneath the sprawling, moss-draped canopy provides a feeling of total seclusion. It is a natural cathedral that requires no additional decor to feel deeply significant.
Cinematic Perspective
The massive, undulating roots of the tree offer a unique architectural element for your portraits. It’s the perfect setting for photos that capture the "grounded" nature of your partnership.
Sophisticated Contrast
Just a short stroll from the tree lies the elegant Hyams Fountain. We often transition here for additional photos, blending the wild beauty of the oak with classical Audubon Park charm.
Audubon Park requires a specific permit for all ceremonies. We know the ins and outs of this process and handle all the paperwork to ensure your day is squared away.
The most magical light happens in the early morning or the final two hours before sunset, when the sun filters perfectly through the ancient Spanish moss.
With free parking located directly in front of the tree, this is one of the city's most accessible "nature" locations, allowing for a stress-free arrival for you and your guests.
A typical golden afternoon at the tree...
We meet at the base of the oak for a first look or to gather your guests in the cool shade of the branches.
Your officiant guides you through your vows beneath the majestic, centuries-old canopy.
We explore the textures of the oak and the nearby fountain, capturing your first moments as a married couple.
The session concludes. You are free to head to a celebratory dinner, soaking in the glow of your New Orleans elopement.
Don't settle for traditional! Let’s create a legacy beneath the branches of the Tree of Life.
Book Your Vision Session
Visual Proof of Love Under the Tree of Life
EXCELLENT Based on 93 reviews Posted on Karen LongeneckerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found Marcia online and purchased an elopement package and am so very happy I did. She’s an excellent and confident communicator, artist, professional and local guide. I loved working with her and felt I could relax and feel confident knowing she could handle everything in such a professional and kind manner. I have always felt I’m not photogenic and normally dread having my picture taken. But our elopement with Marcia was a dream. I felt happy and relaxed and truly myself, and the pictures are amazing. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Her services are wonderful.Posted on Taylor CampbellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We could not have had a better experience working with Ibay! The entire team was very easy to work with. The flowers and cake were exactly what we wanted, and we love our photos!Posted on Lisa RhodesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Ibay photography. I am so glad that we found them online. From the first consultation on the phone to the day of our wedding, Marcia went above and beyond. We made our elopement to New Orleans plans with her months in advance. She checked in periodically throughout to make sure we had what we needed, planned the officiant (Sandy- who was also AMAZING) and, by the time our Big Day arrived, we were ready and totally relaxed. We thought we were going to have some weather issues, so Marcia adjusted her time for us and made everything work perfectly. Our photoshoot was not only GORGEOUS, but we had a BLAST. It was like everyone in the French Quarter was celebrating with us and Marcia and Ibay photography made this possible. After the photoshoot, we arrived at the Tree of Life for our ceremony. It was magical and perfect. I still cannot believe how easy she made this day for us and how much fun we had. And we got some of our photos the VERY NEXT day! I cannot recommend her enough for photography, elopement services, and anything else. She is amazing, professional, flexible, and, most of all, so much fun! I will never forget this day and how much she did for me and my husband.Posted on Sheila MorganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We use Marcia for our boat weddings at CaptaIn Morgan Sailing Charters. She is so talented and wonderful to work with. She knows what she is doing and makes sure that the wedding is seamless.Posted on Mehgan SapphireTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When our wedding plans changed, eloping kept whispering to my husband and I. With three weeks of our set vacation, I found Marcia and so glad she was able to accommodate. It was my first time in NOLA, and my hubby’s 2nd but prior to COVID. The city was new to us and we had no idea where to do start with eloping. Not only did Marcia give us recommendations for officiants she also offered the perfect spot for our vow exchange during Halloween weekend. For those wanting a low maintenance, less stressful way to say I do, definitely say YES to iBay! Our photos came so quickly we really didn’t expect them until after the holidays, they came out perfect. Also choose the option to take on the city with her during your shoot, Marcia will layout the perfect hours and get lost in capturing your love!Posted on Jenny RichardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience with Ibay Photography! Marcia was incredible from start to finish. She helped us plan our curated elopement down to the smallest details and made the entire day go seamlessly. Her experience and local knowledge were invaluable and she even helped us choose the perfect time of day for photos amidst the busy New Orleans Halloween festivities. Marcia went above and beyond, offering thoughtful suggestions for hair and makeup and keeping everything relaxed and enjoyable. The photos came out absolutely stunning, capturing the joy and magic of our day and the city perfectly. We’re so grateful we found her and can’t recommend Ibay Photography enough!Posted on Sage WilliamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the absolute best experience with the Ibay photgraphy team! From start to finish, they were professional, kind, and incredibly supportive. They captured our wedding day perfectly — every shot was beautifully composed with stunning color, lighting, and emotion. Beyond their amazing photography skills, the team went above and beyond to make everything stress-free. They helped coordinate with our vendors, guided us through poses naturally, and kept the atmosphere relaxed and joyful all day long. Looking through our photos now, we’re in awe — every image brings the day back to life in the most magical way. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and highly recommend Ibay photography to anyone wanting not just gorgeous photos, but a team that genuinely cares about making your day unforgettable. Thank you so much. Sage and BrandyPosted on Melissa SenatoreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I say it was perfect, I mean perfect!! From the flowers to the cake to the officiant to the location to the absolutely beautiful pictures, this was the wedding of our dreams. Marcia is amazing, and I recommend eloping in New Orleans to everyone.Posted on Kyle McGillTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia and her daughter were the photographers for our elopement and they were awesome. Aside from the stellar photographs (got our b/w photos day after), we also leveraged Marcia's network of other services. Through her we got connected with our officiant, baker, and florist that made our special occasion so magical.Posted on Tyler CrenshawTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marcia went above and beyond to make our engagement shoot unforgettable. We did a surprise sunset sail proposal, and she cleverly disguised herself as a deckhand so my fiancée wouldn’t suspect a thing. From start to finish, her communication was amazing, she helped plan every detail and made the process effortless. The photos turned out absolutely stunning, perfectly capturing the light, emotion, and setting. Her professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail were outstanding. I can’t recommend Marcia and Ibay Photography enough to anyone looking for beautiful, natural photos and a photographer who truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Marcia, for making our engagement so special and giving us memories we’ll cherish forever.
Yes, a permit is required to elope at the Tree of Life, but don’t worry, we’ve got it covered. Our packages include the necessary permit for the tree, so you won’t have to lift a finger or stress about logistics. Just show up and soak it all in!
Early morning (before 9:30a) or late afternoon (2 hours prior to sunset or golden hour) is recommended for the best lighting. These times provide a serene atmosphere and beautiful natural light for photography.
While the Tree of Life is ideal for ceremonies of all sizes, we prefer small gatherings. Typically, up to 25 guests is manageable, ensuring a comfortable and unobtrusive experience for all.
Essentials include your marriage license, your rings and any personal touches like written vows or comfy shoes. We’ll guide you on additional items to enhance your ceremony depending on your vision.
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