Elope Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Elope to New Orleans

Why Getting Eloped is the Top Marriage Trend

Elope, French Quarter, gulf coast, Jackson Square, new orleans, Venue, Wedding / Marcia Grover

When you think about the top marriage trends, pictures of different kinds of dresses and décor come to mind, but you might be surprised to learn that more recently, couples have been completely changing the way they get married. It’s not really all that shocking considering the costs associated with traditional weddings, combined with the state of our economy and the desire for something new. Couples these days want to focus more on the romance and excitement of their marriage ceremony and not just how to wow a bunch of extended family members. So what about getting eloped makes it so desirable, and why are couples everywhere starting to adopt it? Why Getting Eloped is the new Trend Elopements are Adaptable and Fun! It’s very easy to “elope your way,” which can’t always be said about many other wedding ceremonies that hold fast to the expected way of doing things. In fact, there are many facets of tradition style weddings that are more of an obligation than anything, whereas with an elopement, you can pick and choose what to include, or do away with the “classic” model of weddings altogether. This is extremely appealing for numerous reasons. Maybe you don’t enjoy the stuffiness of long complex ceremonies. Maybe you don’t have many close friends and would rather have a small, intimate ceremony someplace other than a church or wedding hall. Perhaps you want to get married someplace more exotic rather than going there just for your honeymoon. Whichever the case may be, elopements are simply easier to customize. One of the reasons why they are on the rise is because they are easier to fit into people’s busy lives. With all of the financial obligations and various responsibilities we have to deal with these days, planning a full-scale wedding and actually holding it may seem like a whole lot of work. Elopements are easier to fit into everyone’s schedule, because there are fewer people to think about and less aspects that need to be arranged. Elopements also tend to be very spontaneous. There’s a lot more room for fun and deciding on the spur of the moment to try something or visit a certain restaurant that traditional weddings don’t really allow for. There’s more romance and excitement when you’re not tied down to the usual planned ceremonies. This makes for a more exciting, interesting kind of event that has a certain romantic appeal. Also, given current events, having a more adaptable wedding option is more important than ever. You never know when a certain venue may be closed, or how you may be forced to work around certain issues in order to plan your big day. There’s no reason to place all your eggs in one basket when you have the choice and freedom to customize your ceremony exactly how you want it. Elopements are Affordable! It used to be culturally acceptable and even expected to drop huge sums of money on a wedding whether you had the money to spare or not. In the days of family inheritances and bottomless wells of credit, this wasn’t difficult to manage. However, times are changing and new couples don’t have the same kinds of resources that their parents did just a couple generations ago. In fact, the entire economy is currently undergoing a shift, and when this is combined with the clearly evident fact that the Middle Class has shrunk in recent years, you have the perfect storm of financial difficulty. It’s far too burdensome for many couples to shoulder such a massive cost as is usually associated with a traditional style wedding. Elopements offer an affordable alternative that is far more forgiving and customizable. Don’t want full decorations? Don’t buy them. Not particularly sold on having a cake? No problem. The ceremony is completely yours to change and tailor to your needs, rather than adhering strictly to tradition. This frees couples up to spend more on a luxurious hotel suite, or to invest the money they would have spent on the down payment for a house or similar purchase. Couples are looking for ways to make smart financial decisions, and in this economy, eloping just makes a whole lot more sense. Elopements are Low Pressure! This is the big one, perhaps the number one reason why elopements are taking off as the new trend. With all of the other hardships and responsibilities we have to face these days, no one wants to turn their marriage ceremony into an ordeal. Elopements are the furthest thing from a pressure cooker. They can be as lax and as laid back as you need them to be. In fact, they can be a getaway, spa treatment, and fantasy vacation all rolled into one. Rather than piling on a hundred little stressors, your elopement can actually serve to take away your stress and relieve you of your troubles. Planning an elopement is especially simplistic. This makes a world of difference because the typical complexities of planning a wedding actually is proven to be quite stressful for everyone involved, especially the bride and groom to be. This seems quite counterintuitive, and is one of the points regarding our marriage customs that couples are starting to question. Should your marriage be the opposite of a stressful event? By creating a low pressure environment, elopements are appealing and relaxing. You’re not trying to craft these crazy high expectations, you’re not trying to please family members or keep from embarrassing yourself in front of hundreds of people. It’s just you and your significant other living your best life! To speak with an elopement specialist, text us at 504-292-4856 Grab our 5 secrets to a successful (and stress-free) elopement and receive a FREE checklist!

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Top 5 French Quarter New Orleans Small Wedding Ideas

Elope, French Quarter, Jackson Square, new orleans, Park Wedding, Photos, Tree of LIfe, Venue, Wedding / Marcia Grover

Is it your dream to have a fairytale elopement in the magical city of New Orleans? We can’t blame you. From the stunning architecture to the magnetic Creole culture, it’s a fantastic location to say “I Do.” While there are dozens of picturesque elopement venues in NOLA, nowhere captures the New Orleans spirit quite like the French Quarter. Whether you want a grand, royal elopement or an intimate ceremony, you can find it all in the iconic French Quarter. Here are the top _ French Quarter New Orleans small wedding ideas: French Quarter New Orleans Small Wedding Ideas In Nature If you and your hubby-to-be are outdoors fanatics, there are plenty of captivating locations to choose from that are minutes from the French Quarter. Two of our favorites are Audubon Park- specifically at the Tree of LIfe – and Longue Vue Gardens. Longue Vue Gardens is a historic museum and gardens filled with water features, tree-lined walkways and plenty of foliage. If you adore wedding shoots at plantation-style homes or parks, this venue gives you the best of both worlds with a bit more privacy. The Tree of Life is a majestic spot to say your vows. Nestled in Audubon Park, this massive, centuries-old tree will make your wedding romantic and dreamy- and it adds something unique to your elopement photos! Among the stars There is nothing more breathtaking than getting married on a rooftop overlooking the Mississippi River. With the city lights and cool city skyline as your backdrop, a rooftop wedding will make your elopement truly unforgettable! We have several venues that we coordinate with in the French Quarter to make special days like this a reality. Just a short streetcar ride (another historic landmark of New Orleans) is the gorgeous and historic Canal Street Inn. This stunning property with 11 private guest rooms is the perfect place to make memories at your New Orleans wedding. Explore the many options and special wedding services they have to offer. In a historic hotel Do you love the royal, grandiose feel of a historic hotel, but want an intimate micro-wedding? Guess what? You can have both! At Elope to NOLA, we have partnered with both the Four Points Sheraton French Quarter and the Residence Inn Hotel to offer two unique elopement packages perfect for you. The Four Points Sheraton is a landmark in the French Quarter. Its quaint balconies juxtaposed with its regal Spanish and French-influenced architecture will make you truly feel like Cinderella. However, if you want a sleek and modern setting, the Residence Inn Hotel is a great option. Overlooking the bustling French Quarter, this hotel is sophisticated, but still offers that unique New Orleans charm. We have several wedding packages available at these stunning French Quarter and Park locations. Packages start around $2000 and all include stunning photography to capture your special day! To see a detailed list of our elopement packages, click here! Do you want to work with a photographer who is just as passionate about your wedding as you are? Look no further because your wedding-obsessed, self-proclaimed New Orleans expert photographer is here. At Elope to NOLA, we have helped hundreds of couples plan and capture their dream weddings. Click here to learn more about how we can help you! Grab our 5 secrets to a successful (and stress-free) elopement and receive a FREE checklist!

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How to Plan an Elopement in New Orleans

Elope / Marcia Grover

Thinking of getting eloped in New Orleans? You have made an excellent choice. This historic, gorgeous city has become one of the choice locations for elopements throughout the entire country, for several key reasons. From the agreeable weather to the accepting atmosphere, to the five-star dining, glamorous hotels, and assortment of museums, parks, parades, and events to attend, it’s no wonder why NOLA is becoming recognized as the best place to get eloped. How do you actually go about planning an elopement, though? While there’s not as much to think about compared to an ordinary wedding, you don’t want to just wake up one day and decide to fly to Louisiana. The best thing you can do for your big day is to plan it out properly! Even if you are a couple that enjoys spontaneity and excitement, you don’t want to run into any scheduling snafus, overbooked restaurants, unplanned for holiday parades, or any other x-factors. A lack of proper planning can take what is supposed to be a magical day and turn it into a giant headache. This quick guide will cover some of the most important aspects of planning an elopement in New Orleans, so your big day will unfold seamlessly, for the best experience possible! Start By Picking a Date For Your Elopement! While it may feel a bit arbitrary or unimportant, you do want to get this out of the way. Now, it wouldn’t matter as much if you were planning on getting married on some remote mountain in Montana or something, but if you are getting married in New Orleans, you have to be aware of the date. First of all, New Orleans is a lively city. There’s always something going on here, whether it’s a cultural festival, holiday event, live musical performance, or art show of some kind. The dates for these events are easy to find, and are featured in places like NewOrleans.com. Why is this important? Because you want to plan your elopement around these days and incorporate them into your stay accordingly. For instance, if you are planning on holding your elopement at a particular historic site, and there just so happens to be a parade planned in the city for that day, on that street, you may just want to reconsider. Keep tabs on the big events happening throughout the city, as well as federal holidays and other important dates, and choose a specific day that meets your needs and won’t cause you any unwelcome surprises. Remember, the day that you select for your elopement could also impact availability at local hotels, so book well in advance. This is why you want to choose the date and get it out of the way beforehand. Where Will You Get Eloped in New Orleans? Once you pick the “when,” you need the “where.” New Orleans offers a wide assortment of different venues to choose from, depending on what your interests are as a couple and what theme you would like your elopement to have. One great aspect of eloping in NOLA is the number of options you have to make your elopement truly unique and special. Select from a wide range of different parks, botanical gardens, cozy hotel balconies, aesthetic alleyways, bed and breakfasts, historical sites, and more. You can even incorporate more than one of these places into your plans, if you choose. New Orleans is full of romantic photo-taking opportunities, providing the ideal backdrop for any couple who are truly looking for a magical escape from the ordinary. Do You Have a Theme For Your Elopement? If you are planning to add a theme to your marriage proceedings, the location that you choose will play an important role here. You also want to think about whether or not you will be holding the elopement ceremony outdoors or inside someplace such as a hotel, and how this might affect your dress. Remember, one of the best aspects of an elopement is that you don’t have to feel pressured to wear something specific. Rather, dress for the weather or to be comfortable more than anything. If you are putting together a specific theme, this is when you want to think about such things as the dress, any decorations, bridesmaid dresses, and so on. These points don’t come into play with every elopement, especially smaller-sized events, but it’s something worth noting if you plan on having a theme and a certain number of guests. Elopement Event Planning This is where you might want the assistance of a New Orleans elopement planner. There’s certainly nothing wrong with trying to plan out every last aspect of your elopement by yourself, but you are only increasing the chance that something could backfire if you do this. An elopement planner familiar with the city will be able to guide you in your decision-making. Whether it’s to provide advice on a certain local restaurant that you may never have heard of before, or to help you plan out each leg of your day so that you can avoid scheduling conflicts and other issues, the benefits of a professional elopement planner are numerous. Chances are, you’re not going to have nearly as many different services to account for as you would during the course of a wedding. However, there are still quite a few different things that have to come together in order to ensure that an elopement happens smoothly. Not only will an elopement planner be able to point out which services are better, they will be able to provide assistance with booking or take care of everything themselves without you having to fuss over anything. Having someone on your side that is familiar with the area is important, and something that usually doesn’t come into play with a typical wedding. Most weddings occur close to home in a place that is familiar to the bride and groom, such as a family church. However, many elopements occur in cities or other locations that could be totally new to a

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What do Couples Actually do on Their Elopement Day?

Elope, French Quarter, gulf coast, new orleans, Park Wedding, Photos, Venue, Wedding / Marcia Grover

One of the best parts of an elopement is the sense of truly being able to own your ceremony and make it yours. This can leave couples asking however, what in the world do you actually do on your elopement day? Bucking the traditional wedding format means you can pretty much do whatever you want, but this is where confusion can set in. When do you have the ceremony? Can we squeeze in a romantic photo shoot in the park beforehand? Do we have to have a reception at a hall on the same day? What about entertaining our guests? The freedom that elopement offers can seem daunting when it actually comes time to plan everything, but that’s why I put together this handy guide. An elopement doesn’t have to follow the typical structure of a classic wedding. In fact, part of the appeal is in mixing it up and adding activities and events that you wouldn’t normally be able to cram into a traditional wedding day, such as viewing a parade, a night on the town, or a whimsical garden photo shoot. The possibilities are truly limitless and that’s why it’s important to plan your elopement day well beforehand to get the most out of it. Sure, the idea of spontaneity is probably one of the things that attracted you to the idea of getting eloped in the first place, but too much of it will just lead to a mass of confusion and headaches you don’t want. Maximize the excitement, fun, and carefree feel of your elopement by structuring your day with some of these popular ideas. Private Photo Session Pre-Ceremony Isn’t it bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the actual ceremony? Not when you’re eloping! In fact, a rising trend that couples love involves having your own private scheduled photo shoot before the ceremony even begins. Not unlike an engagement shoot or something similar, couples work with their elopement planner or photographer to pick a romantic location such as a garden, public park, or hotel balcony just to have some personal time together before everything gets rolling. Couples claim that pre-ceremony photoshoots (also known as “first looks”) ease tension and can be extremely romantic. Even during an elopement, things can get busy, leaving little to no private time for the couple. Sometimes a little quiet intimacy goes a long way. You can even incorporate the photo shoot location into the ceremony itself if you want. Just make sure to work it out with your elopement planner. Museums and Tours Why not see the sights while you’re getting married? It’s popular to get eloped in cities that are rich in history and culture. Sure, you could wait a couple days to take advantage of these attractions, but nothing’s stopping you from incorporating them right into your special day. If your ceremony is scheduled for the morning, why not spend the afternoon touring a famous museum or spending it exploring the historic streets of places like the French Quarter? These are the kinds of perks couples love about eloping that you simply can’t get with a traditional wedding. If you really want to go all out, you could schedule a tour or witness a parade before your actual ceremony. Embrace everything your location of choice has to offer! Add in Some Adventure Nothing says you can’t add some real spice to the day of your elopement ceremony. Just remember to dress for the occasion and plan accordingly. Want to say your vows on a carriage ride or hop on a steam boat? Or maybe you want to visit an historic cemetery or have a picnic in the park? The choice is yours! An elopement doesn’t have to mimic a traditional wedding at all, if that’s not your thing. How about a Spa Treatment? You’re saving time by not having to deal with a drawn out wedding ceremony, and you’re also saving a ton of money by getting eloped in the first place. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself! Take a slice out of the day to splurge on your hair and nails at the finest place in town. Coordinate with your elopement planner and dedicate a solid block of time for a good pampering. Not only will you look and feel great before the ceremony, this can also act as a stress-reliever. Because you’re not going to be bogged down trying to corral 100 people at a wedding reception, eloping leaves more time open for you to unwind and enjoy life! Romantic Dinner for Two! Yes, you can cap off the night with a classic candlelit dinner. In New Orleans, great food comes with the territory. There are no shortages of five star restaurants and romantic locations to choose from. Because you’re not flying out to your honeymoon destination right after you get married (since you’re already there!), the night of your ceremony is open for you to do what you want with. This means less headaches and more romance. After the ceremony is over, feel free to trot back to your hotel (or ride there in style with a rented limo or horse drawn carriage), get changed into something more comfy, and live it up with a night on the town. What about the Actual Ceremony? This is all up to you as well! Exchange your vows and rings, play some music of your choosing, share a kiss, or mix it up. The beauty of an elopement is that there is no one right way to do anything. Include religious content or don’t. Include traditions like throwing the bouquet or don’t. Or go all out with a unique theme and invent traditions of your own. What’s important is that your elopement speaks to you and that you fill the day with purposeful and meaningful activities. Don’t include anything just because it’s tradition or you think you’re expected to. Own your elopement! Grab our 5 secrets to a successful (and stress-free) elopement and receive a FREE checklist!

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How to Elope in Pirate’s Alley New Orleans – Ibay Photography

Elope / Marcia Grover

How to Elope in Pirate’s Alley New Orleans? New Orleans is known for its historic landmarks and rich artistic culture. Due to its large amount of parks, hotels, aesthetic streets and historic landmarks, it is also a wonderful place to get married. There are many places that cater specifically to elopements in this exciting city, from beautiful plantations to magical parks overflowing with historic oaks. How to Elope in Pirate’s Alley New Orleans One of the most popular places to get married is in Pirates Alley, where people come from all over the country just to visit. This simple “alley” is a part of the historic French Quarter and is known for its beautiful architecture and access to bars and other quaint shops, as well as bordering the gorgeous St. Louis Cathedral. It’s up for contention whether or not there were ever really “pirates” there, but the alley was known for its colorful and intriguing variety of patrons, where it’s said everyone from General Andrew Jackson to William Faulkner paid a visit. While the exciting origins of Pirate’s Alley are certainly a topic history buffs love to discuss, what there can be no question about is the overall appeal of the location for elopements. The atmosphere alone draws hundreds of couples every year to visit this very location just to tie the knot. It is a photographer’s dream to capture a wedding at this historic location because the natural lighting combined with the antique architecture will create wedding photos that couples can appreciate years after their big day, which is one of the reasons why I love when couples pick this spot. Elopement Weddings in New Orleans, LA with Ibay Photography If you are looking for a photographer for your Pirate’s Alley elopement ceremony, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to help you capture every magical moment of your big day. If you are interested in getting married at Pirate’s Alley but aren’t quite sure how to go about planning such an event, here is a brief guide: How to Elope in Pirate’s Alley New Orleans – New Orleans Because Pirate’s Alley is an actual alley, or walkable street, there is no need for a permit and you don’t technically need to notify anyone, but there’s still some logistics you want to factor in so everything goes smoothly. How Much Does it Cost to Marry in Pirates Alley The cost of your Pirate’s Alley elopement ceremony will depend on the amount of guests you have and what kinds of extras you want to include. Since there is no specific cost for the venue itself, that is a money saver, and keep in mind that there is limited room at Pirate’s Alley, so it’s best for more intimate elopement experiences rather than a large ceremony. Generally, 15 or fewer guests are recommended for Pirate’s Alley. Keep in mind also that the location is standing room only, you can’t bring chairs. When creating your wedding budget, don’t forget to include a photographer! It’s absolutely crucial that you hire a professional photographer to capture your special day so you can avoid the blurry or thumb-in-the-way photos that your family members might take. You deserve to have a wedding album full of high quality pictures that beautifully capture every aspect of your wedding. I have shot many weddings in New Orleans and have several wedding photography packages available What does a Ceremony Look Like in Pirates Alley? If you’d like to get an image of what your ceremony at the historic Pirate’s Alley might look like, here are the answers to some of the commonly asked questions I get from curious couples: Who will marry us? As Pirate’s Alley is a public venue, you will be required to provide your own wedding officiant. Ibay Photography packages include a licensed officiant who specializes in 24 hour waiver as well. See our packages which include all you need! How many guests can we invite? Pirate’s Alley is a perfect wedding venue for smaller, more intimate elopements. Generally it’s suitable for 15 guests or fewer. Is there parking? As Pirate’s Alley is literally an alley, or pedestrian walk, it doesn’t have parking. However, there is easy access to public parking across from the St. Louis Cathedral on nearby Decatur Street. What day/time is best to get married at Pirate’s Alley? Pirate’s Alley is open to the public and has no official closing or opening times, nor any specific times where elopements can be hosted. However, it is recommended to avoid tourist times, such as during Mardi Gras, as well as Friday Nights and all day Saturday year round. This is a public pedestrian street, so there WILL be tourists consistently walking thru the street. Most New Orleanians and tourist will respect the event and try and walk as close to the sides to avoid disrupting the event however we cannot “block off” space for the elopement. If tourists want to walk thru, we must let them. This is why choosing a weekday over a Friday and Saturday will help with avoiding large crowds. It is New Orleans and most couples welcome the fun, eclectic and vibrant people that will be surrounding their wedding ceremony. To Sum Up I hope that you enjoyed this short, informative guide to getting married at Pirate’s Alley in New Orleans. No matter which city you decide to get married in, it’s important that you hire locals to help with the planning. This is crucial. Locals know the best restaurants, flower vendors, decorators and more to make your big day the best it can possibly be. Hiring local is the only way to ensure that your wedding day goes as planned. In addition to hiring local vendors and wedding planners, hiring a local photographer is also incredibly important. Local photographers know the wedding venues in their city inside and out, including the best spots for wedding photos. If you would like to hire an experienced local photographer for your wedding, reach out

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How Much Does the Average Elopement Cost?

1 Comment / Elope, new orleans, Photos, Venue, Wedding / Marcia Grover

Elopements can come in all shapes, sizes, and of course budgets. There is certainly no one right way to have an elopement, especially considering all the options there are for venues, entertainment, photo shoot opportunities, and sight-seeing that you can incorporate right into the celebration. If you’re interested in getting eloped, you might be wondering just how much the average elopement costs, however. Is it similar to that of a traditional wedding, or are there ways to cut costs? This is actually one of the best parts of eloping, and one of the reasons why couples everywhere are starting to consider it over other options. Generally speaking, the cost of elopement is typically quite low in comparison to the average cost of a more traditional wedding ceremony. Most traditional weddings in the United States hover around the $30,000 mark, which is a hefty price tag. We’re so used to weddings costing a ton of money that we don’t really think much of it, but the costs can certainly put a damper on things. Stress related to wedding costs is a rather well-known phenomenon. In some cases, couples even take out personal loans just to pay for wedding expenses. When you think about it, this is a little crazy. Putting yourself in debt just for your wedding seems like a surefire recipe for marital disputes and aggravation down the road. Even cheaper weddings can run well over $15,000. It simply costs a lot of money to pay for catering for dozens of people, decorations, photography, and all the other services and parts that go into a typical wedding. Elopements Focus on What’s Important! Because you’re not inviting 100-300 friends and family, buying thousands of dollars’ worth of flowers and doilies, and buying the most expensive wedding dress on the market, you’re going to save money. Typically, elopements run cheaper than traditional weddings because a lot of the extraneous costs are cut out. You don’t realize how much all the pieces of a wedding add up until you see that final price tag. Most elopements boil down to air fare, a hotel room or two, the cost of a marriage license and officiant, photography, and whatever events and sightseeing you have planned. There is some variation, but for the most part, this is the bulk of what you’re going to be thinking about when creating a budget for your elopement. Compared to what most traditional weddings entail, this is downright simple. We’ll discuss some of these costs more in depth, so you have a better understanding of what goes into a typical elopement and how much it really costs. Travel and Lodging This is where the money will be spent. The major cost involved with most elopement packages is in the air fare and in whatever lodging, such as a hotel, you will be staying at. Elopements almost always involve some kind of travel. It’s like combining the best parts of a wedding and honeymoon together, so traveling to a romantic destination is almost a given. You don’t always have to go fancy either. Maybe there’s a place that’s special to you and your significant other someplace simple out of state that you love or always wanted to go to. Lodging for elopements can run as little as a couple thousand dollars, sometimes even cheaper if you can get package deals. This of course is much cheaper than catering and decorations for a wedding hall. Hotels are typically what most couples use for lodging during an elopement, and whether you are going as a couple or with some friends and family, you can usually find a great place at whatever resort or location you are staying at, and the costs won’t really be all that much. In fact, if you take the time to look around and search for deals, you’re liable to really cut costs and have an amazing experience. Consider Photography Elopement Packages Like any wedding, elopements don’t skimp on photography. This kind of thing can make or break a ceremony, and many elopement planners go to great lengths to ensure that quality photography is their highest priority. Capturing the best moments of the ceremony and bringing out the love that the couples have for each other in every photo is something that photographers spend years learning how to do, so good photographers are usually one of the bigger costs of any elopement. Depending on the size and length of the elopement, they can run anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Far cheaper of course than typical wedding photography because of all the complexities of most modern weddings. Entertainment and Adventure What’s an elopement without some fun? Much of the rest of the costs of any elopement tend to come in the form of sightseeing, restaurants and bars, tours or cruises, and entertainment. You would think that this adds up, but depending on the vacation or elopement package, you can stuff a ton of romance and excitement into one week for only a couple thousand dollars or less. You just have to know where to look and be savvy about where you spend your money. Many cities, including New Orleans, have very gracious couples packages for sightseeing and activities. If you’re looking for a packed week full of things you’ll never forget, you won’t be disappointed. For the cost of what it usually takes to decorate a wedding hall, you could visit world class museums, have a picnic lunch in a beautiful park, go snorkeling, take a ride on a ferry, eat at the best restaurants in town every night, and still have plenty of money left over for late night room service! The True Cost of Eloping! Only about $2000-$5000 depending on location/destination! You might wonder how that’s even possible, but many couples who elope are concerned more about the romance than the flash and flair. The bulk of an elopement package, which will typically run anywhere between $2000 and $5000, is in the hotel accommodations and

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Where Can I Elope in French Quarter New Orleans?

Elope, French Quarter, Jackson Square, new orleans, Photos, Venue, Wedding / Marcia Grover

The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carre’ or The Big Easy, is the oldest and most vibrant neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. When you think of New Orleans, you think French Quarter and probably world famous Bourbon Street. The French Quarter area has been designated as a historic landmark, with many significant structures and buildings. It is a prime tourist destination for both visitors and locals alike. This is the area where you can try the world famous beignets, the hurricane drink and some of the best authentic New Orleans cuisine you’ve ever had. Shopping, dining, dancing, drinking cocktails and listening to live Jazz bands are some of the many things locals and tourist enjoy when in the French Quarter. If there is one city in the USA that enjoys and lives life to the fullest, its New Orleans. Rich in culture and traditions… I can almost guarantee you will fall in love with the city the instant you arrive. Why Elope in French Quarter Many couples have chosen New Orleans and specifically the French Quarter neighborhood for their elopement weddings. The one-of-a-kind, unique and romantic experiences are what draws couples to choose New Orleans…Not to mention the gorgeous backdrops of the pastel colored buildings and gas lantern streets make for amazing wedding photos! Who will marry us? Since these suggested areas are open to the public, you will need to bring your own officiant to perform the ceremony. We can help you secure an officiant that will also assist with securing your marriage license. All of our Elopement Packages include officiant services. Where can I marry in the French Quarter? We recommend: Exchange Alley – under 10 guests – standing room only – no chairs allowed. Pirates Alley – under 20 guests – standing room only – no chairs allowed. Jackson Square – Permit fee required (prices vary depending on guests count) – chairs allowed (rented by couple) You can see photos on our Pinterest Page of each location by visiting our Gallery Page You can also get a good feel of these locations from our best places to elope Blog HERE What is required to marry in the French Quarter? Besides an excellent wedding or elopement planner (which is one of our specialties!), all you’re really going to need is any required permit from Jackson Square. We also highly recommend a New Orleans tradition of a 2nd line wedding parade to complete your elopement experience – rates vary. What is the cost? Please call Jackson Square at (504) 658-3200 for information on permits required. When writing this blog, fees were around $500 for up to 25 guests and $700 for 26-100 guests. Alternatively, your wedding or elopement planner can handle much of these details so you don’t get bogged down. Your planner can help put a package together for you that saves assist you with all your requests to have the best destination wedding in New Orleans! How many guests can we invite? Jackson Square can accommodate up to 200 guests. Remember that this is still a public park and tourist will still be roaming the area within Jackson Square. While you will be the only wedding during your scheduled block of time, the park will not secure a section for you to have a private ceremony. The great news is that New Orleans locals and visitors are some of the nicest people you will meet and will respect your wedding during your ceremony. Many of them will want to just stand on the sidelines, witness and wait for the big kiss so that they can celebrate with congratulatory well wishes. How do we get to the French Quarter – New Orleans? All three locations we have recommended are within the 13 very short blocks of the French Quarter. Once you arrive to your French Quarter hotel, all of these locations will be walking distance for you. Or if you prefer, a quick Uber ride from hotel to ceremony location. New Orleans is an extremely easy to travel city, so keep on the lookout for signage that will point you in the right direction. Hopefully you found this information on Eloping in New Orleans useful for your upcoming elopement or micro-wedding. Feel free to contact us anytime if you want to talk about a package deal just for you, so you can experience the magic and romance of the French Quarter for yourself! View Done-For-You all inclusive packages HERE and Congratulations to you both!

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What Is a First Look And Why Do Couples Do It?

Elope, gulf coast, new orleans, Photos, Wedding / Marcia Grover

One tradition that has been staple of tradition for centuries is that of a couple not seeing each other on the day of the wedding, until the actual ceremony takes place when the bride enters the room. This tradition is still fairly common and it’s something many couples still believe in and practice. It was considered bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the ceremony, and this sentiment still exists to a degree, though a new wedding and elopement trend is starting to become more prevalent in our photography-rich age of social media. This new trend, dubbed the “first look,” involves the couple meeting up early on the day of the wedding for a pre-ceremony photoshoot. The sense of anticipation for the arrival of the couple (and everyone watching) is something that adds a bit of magic to the entire elopement or wedding ceremony, so it’s no wonder it’s still somewhat expected that one not see the other until the actual ceremony. However, there can be no doubt that the rising first look trend is taking hold: many couples believe there are several reasons to have a first look, and it’s not just about beautiful photos. The Magic of a First Look It’s undeniable that the concept of first look ceremonies might seem awkward to people who area traditionalists or who just haven’t heard of such a thing before. After all, won’t the couple getting married have their pictures taken dozens of times throughout the actual ceremony anyway? That would be the case if a first look was all about the photos. The truth is, one of the most magical aspects of the first look is getting some time to be alone before the action of the ceremony. This quiet time that brides and grooms get to share can be both intimate and soothing for the nerves. For many couples, nerves are the biggest downer and impediment leading up to an elopement or wedding ceremony. Even if there’s nothing to be nervous about and all of the planning has gone right, all of the guests have arrived, all of the honeymoon details have been taken care of, and everything else is lined up, that feeling of unnecessary anticipation and nervousness is not something all couples welcome. Instead, the option of a first look gives couples a chance to spend time together before the day gets too busy, helping to ease nerves and release some tension. There’s also the fact that the couple gets to see each other before anyone else – hence the term “first look.” It’s a more private, intimate setting before the families and friends get involved. A lot of couples are starting to prefer this, as it gives them a chance to mingle and spend some personal time together. Privacy is something that’s hard to come by on your wedding day. Once everything is set in motion, you might go the entire day without getting a shred of personal time with your new wife / husband. A first look bucks this trend and allows for some personal time before the ceremony gets underway and privacy goes out the window. The Perfect Photo Opportunity First Look’s aren’t just about quality time for the couple, there are practical aspects too. One of the biggest reasons why couples opt to have a first look is for early photographs. Photography is such a huge part of any elopement or wedding ceremony – but cramming in all of the desired angles and moments can be daunting during the actual ceremony itself. A first look gives couples the chance to stage a special photo shoot specifically to take pressure off the ceremony and create easier, dynamic, and romantic shots. Much like an engagement photoshoot, a first look offers couples the ability to choose a special location with very specific lighting and backdrops, and because there isn’t so much pressure, it’s often easier for couples to unwind and be natural during the photos. First look photo sessions have other benefits, including timing. Depending on the time of the year the ceremony is taking place, the lighting may not be ideal after everything is done for post-ceremony photos, especially outdoors. Holding a photo shoot before the ceremony even begins guarantees that you get in plenty of gorgeous photos with adequate lighting. Another benefit is that a photographer or videographer gets to be more involved and can direct the couple if need be into more romantic poses and settings. Despite playing such an important role in the ceremony, photographers can’t really intervene much when the ceremony is going on, so if there is some last minute lighting problems, bad angles, or camera snafus, there’s really not much they can do. It’s much different during a first look, where a photographer can tell the bride or groom to stand a certain way, remind them to pose naturally, look in a certain direction, or move closer to a light source. You’re also free from the prying eyes of family and friends, so you can be as goofy or as passionate as you want, without risk of judgment later on! Planning a First Look! Interested in a first look for your wedding day or elopement? The most important part of planning one is to simply make sure everyone involved is on the same page, that you have easy transportation to the location of the first look, and that it doesn’t put any unnecessary stress on you or your significant other. The key to pulling off a romantic, fun first look is to treat it like a casual date. Let yourself relax and enjoy the time before the ceremony together, your mood will show up in the photos and they will come out fantastic. You don’t necessarily have to go far or rent out someplace exotic all for the sake of your first look, either. Often the courtyards and lobby areas of certain hotels make perfect places for small intimate photoshoots. Inquire with the hotel you

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Top How to Elope Guide

Elope, gulf coast, marriage license, new orleans, Venue, Wedding / Marcia Grover

For some couples, the prospect of elopement can seem like a massive undertaking. There’s certainly a lot of misconceptions when it comes to just what an elopement entails. In this “How to Elope Guide” I want to provide you with some help to overcome these hurdles. It’s common to wonder if an elopement is right for you, or what you can or cannot do in an elopement. This guide will demystify your fears and set the record straight. I want couples feeling happy and confident with their decision to have an elopement, and there’s no better way to accomplish this than informing them. Here’s everything you need to know on how to get eloped! How to Elope Guide Pick a Location! It all starts here. Part of the appeal of having an elopement is that you’re not bound to the traditional expectations of holding your ceremony at your family church or local hotel or similar venue. You’re free to pretty much tie the knot wherever your heart desires. Think of an elopement as a wedding and honeymoon in one, and you can see why the practice is becoming more and more popular. Having the option to fully control every aspect of your ceremony and truly make it your own, in every way, this is something that a traditional wedding can’t really offer. It’s also worth mentioning here that a location can largely dictate what kind of elopement you want to have. Looking for a tropical getaway and an elopement ceremony on the beach? Someone where in the mountains? A gorgeous historical park like the kind found in New Orleans? Do some research into the kind of ceremony you want and then plan your location accordingly. Intimate or Inclusive? The next major step in planning an elopement is deciding the size and style of it. Do you want your ceremony to be nearly as complex as a wedding, with dozens of guests, full catering, and tons of decorations? Or are you looking for something far more intimate, perhaps only you, your significant other, and a magical week together for just the two of you to share? Something in between? The size of an elopement largely dictates what you can and cannot do, as well as where you can hold the actual ceremony, what kinds of catering and planning expenses you incur, as well as the overall “feel.” Part of the appeal of elopements are the ability to have a much more intimate, simplified experience compared to the average wedding. Less people you hardly know, less expenses, less stuff to think about, less stress, less drama. Elopements tend to focus on the couple, not just traditions. This is why small, intimate elopements are so popular. The small size of most elopements enables you to save money on accommodations and catering, which gives you the ability to book really nice hotels and spend more money on fun and enriching experiences rather than suits and flowers. On the other hand, if you have an extended family that really wants to see you get married but you just can’t fathom going the traditional route, there’s nothing wrong with packing your entire family and holding your ceremony halfway across the country. You just have to plan for it first! Plan Your Budget! The least fun part of any wedding, but the good news is, elopements certainly simplify the process quite a bit. In fact, compared to most weddings, you’re going to be cutting out a lot of the fat and saving a ton of money. There’s just certain things that don’t really come up in an elopement. You’re not going to be decking out a wedding hall for 60 people, buying expensive catering, hundreds of floral displays, balloons, confetti, decorations, table settings, and all the other little things that make planning a wedding a financial nightmare most of the time. When planning your elopement budget, you want to focus on three main things: Your marriage license (typically very cheap) Your travel expenses Your accommodations Once you have these three points down, you can kind of play around with your budget a bit and add or subtract as you like. The next most important thing you should splurge a bit on is either an elopement package, elopement planner or elopement photographer, or all if you’re lucky. You should also take your time looking for airfare and hotel deals. Don’t make snap decisions, you can save a lot of money if you just take your time, plan your destination, and hunt for deals. Every penny you save in the travel and accommodations, you can spend having the time of your life once you finally tie the knot! The Legal Side of Things Of course, the marriage license aspect of an elopement is important too. This is why you have to decide where you want to get married before most of the rest of your planning, because the laws on marriage licenses differ from state to state and at times even from county to county in those states. The majority of the time, there is a slight waiting period after you sign a marriage certificate application, that can range from 24 hours to about 72 hours. There is also always a clerical fee attached to the process of filing a marriage license application. Please do your homework in this area. The last thing you want is have your ceremony bungled because you mistimed the waiting period or worse yet, decided to get married during a federal holiday! If you’re interested in getting eloped in New Orleans, we’ve already written an extensive guide that covers everything you could ever need to know about getting a marriage license there along with professional and experienced officiants who will help with all the legalities required. There are also a few other legal matters to research before taking the leap and spending money, such as the regulations a park might have for the size of certain groups, park or beach permits for parties or gatherings, and

How to Pick Flowers for a New Orleans Elopement Wedding

Elope, Flowers, Park Wedding, Photos, Wedding / Marcia Grover

The bouquet is certainly one of the most iconic parts of any elopement wedding or ceremony. It’s a tradition spanning hundreds of years and can make for some perfect and elegant photographic moments as well. When it comes to New Orleans elopements, seasonal flowers are typically what work best and that’s why Elope to Nola specializes in them. It’s important to know beforehand exactly what kind of bouquet you can expect in order to help you plan for the perfect elopement. Seasonal Flowers means better Quality! While the selection may be less broad, this will work in your favor to not have any additional stresses of flower details. With ElopeToNola bouquets, you simply need to select a color theme! The reason we have simplified the flower selection is that some flowers just don’t work because they have to shipped from far away, which is expensive and also tends to damage the flowers in the process. Other flowers wilt fast shortly after they are cut, like the magnolia, and are not ideal for most elopement bouquets. Some simply don’t do well outside in Louisiana’s humid climate, like the lily. Some couples may want certain flowers from a faraway state or even exotic ones like the Hawaiian plumeria, which are quite popular in wedding ceremonies in certain parts of the country. However, it would be extremely expensive and impractical to import such flowers to Louisiana. Remember that elopements rarely take place in the controlled confines of a church, where flowers can be preserved and tend to remain in air conditioned surroundings. Most New Orleans elopements take place in parks, outdoor courtyards or beautiful streets of the city itself; often in less than ideal conditions for certain flowers. Many of the classic pictures of bouquets you can find on Instagram and Pinterest were designed with either church halls or a lot of money in mind. That’s not practical for an elopement, which should be focused more on romance, affordability, and spontaneity. Here’s some of the best seasonal flowers you can expect from one of our elopement package bouquets that ensure top quality. Roses, Peruvian Lilly, Gerbera Daisy, Hydrangeas, Lisianthus and many fillers like baby’s breath are generally readily available. Our florist on our team will generally ask for a color scheme and then will make recommendations on what will be available during your wedding month. Visit our Pinterest page and view all past bouquets created by our talented florist. You can always ask our florist if a specific flower you want may be available on hand, and she will do her best to make it happen if there is a supplier that can get them (premium flower upgrade fees may apply). Keep in mind if you asked florist for pink roses and that week of your wedding only ivory roses were available, she will incorporate pink color to your bouquet in some other way either by adding another pink flower or using pink ribbon tied around the stems. Because we focus on seasonal, fresh flowers, sometimes substitution is necessary! You can be sure that whatever our florist comes up with, it will be absolutely stunning, and perfectly fit the theme of your elopement. If you have any questions about what kind of bouquet you can expect, or help planning and putting everything together, get in touch with us. Sometimes it takes that expert touch to make everything fit, and creating gorgeous bouquets for our couples is one of our specialties! Grab our 5 secrets to a successful (and stress-free) elopement and receive a FREE checklist!

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Elopement Photo Posing Tips

Elope, Fashion, new orleans, Photos, Wedding / Marcia Grover

The Best Photo Posing Tips for your Elopement Wedding The key to any good couple’s photography is to capture a “natural” or effortless look and feel. Nothing looks worse than stiff bodies and unnatural, complex poses and gestures, especially in photos that are supposed to be special and capture important memories like your elopement. What are the best photo posting tips for your wedding? And… how is this accomplished without going to some kind of modeling school? You’re in luck, we have put together this small guide to help couples take stunning, natural-looking photos without any hassle. *** ALWAYS STAND TALL, SHOULDERS BACK A BIT and LADIES SHOULD DISTRIBUTE WEIGHT ON ONE LEG (Whether crossing one leg over another or shifting all weight to back leg. This will create an hourglass figure that flatters most ladies) The Importance of Bending Joints Think about how you move around throughout the day. You’re rarely stiff, with your joints locked. This is the number one mistake people make when they “pose” for photos. You never want to lock your joints, it’s what gives you the appearance of being stiff and uncomfortable. Not only this, but these kinds of stiff unnatural poses tend to show on the faces of the people being photographed, which usually means the whole composition comes off as awkward. This is the last thing you want for your elopement photography session! The more you look at each other, laugh with each other and kiss.. the better the photos come out. Your photographer will let you know when he/she would like for you to look directly at camera for a more formal pose. When getting into a specific pose, remember to relax your body and bend. Don’t lock your knees (ladies should put all weight on back leg), bend your arms, and make sure your hands are doing something. It’s very rare during the course of a day when our hands are just flat and resting stiffly at our sides. That’s unnatural and it will show in the final product! Always try to touch, hold hands or arms around waist One of the most important parts of capturing natural, stunning elopement or wedding photos is intimacy. No matter what pose or angle you take, there should be some kind of interaction between the couple. There are some basic but highly effective posing tips for capturing natural intimacy that are super easy to do and will take your photos to the next level. To create as natural-looking photo as possible, you should be sure to touch each other as much as possible. For men, if your hand is not touching your partner, the other hand should be placed in your pant pocket. Belly Button to Hip This simple, classic pose has the typically shorter of the pair facing the hip of the taller, preferably in an embrace or at least touching. Remember to bend the elbows and knees, don’t force yourself into a stiff posture, and try gazing at one another for added effect! Chest to Chest! Nothing says romance quite like a chest to chest pose. Can be an especially powerful pose to highlight peak moments of the ceremony or to show off anything you want to camera (like rings!) if the couples extend an arm toward the photographer. Touch foreheads or kiss for an extra dash of romance. You can’t go wrong with this intimate pose. Together but Open – generally holding hands You don’t always have to be in an embrace to create a romantic composition. This pose has become popularized in social media like Instagram in recent years. All you really need to be doing in this pose is holding hands with your significant other at a distance, but it helps if you look as if you are in the middle of doing something, like sharing a joke or just walking along. Modified Prom A different take on a classic pose. Standing one in front of the other, one embraces the other from behind. Be sure to be touching each other’s arms or hands for added intimacy. This is one of those sweet poses that is easy to pull off and creates the perfect elopement feel. Remember to keep time of day in mind if you are shooting outdoors. You want the light to be favorable and not too harsh, so early morning or evening lighting is preferable to noon or midday. Likewise, if you are indoors, try to take photos in ambient lighting, or with the right equipment so that shadows aren’t too harsh. You want soft light and a primary light source so there aren’t a bunch of messy shadows. There are a lot of factors that go into stunning elopement photos but these are the most important. If you remember to stay flexible, pose naturally, and take your photos in good lighting, it’s easy to create beautiful shots that you will come out just the way you want and that you can cherish forever. For any additional posing questions, reach out! We are happy to assist in any way. Grab our 5 secrets to a successful (and stress-free) elopement and receive a FREE checklist!

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Why Elope? Top 10 Reasons For Most Intimate Wedding Experience

Elope / Marcia Grover

Here are the Top 10 Reasons Why to Elope! If you have been asking yourself… why elope? This guide should give you a few things to think about. Top 10 Reasons Why To Elope For Romantic Wedding Experience 1. Eloping is much much cheaper! Reasons Why to Elope? According to the popular wedding website The Knot, the average traditional wedding in the USA now costs over $27,000. But if you live in a large city, the cost could be even higher. Of course, prices will vary depending on what you include, and the date of your wedding. But eloping will cost a fraction of a traditional wedding, even a budget wedding. Save that money for a fabulous reception after you get home if you wish. Put it towards a house, a car, a honeymoon….a new pair of shoes! I’ve never met a person who has regretted saving money and not going into debt for their wedding. Many people these days prefer the intimacy and romance of a small elopement which makes this the #1 reason why elope. 2. Elopement means fewer hassles and much less stress Don’t worry about the bridal registry. Do you really need those monogrammed towels or another toaster? Do you care about coordinating the color of the invitations with the guest favors? Guest lists alone have driven many a bride-to-be to drink! We have read reports that 19% of brides say they have more disagreements with their boyfriends after becoming engaged. 3. Eloping is much quicker Most wedding planners agree that it takes at least a year to plan the average wedding. Many popular venues are booked a year or more in advance. Maybe this is a second marriage for one or both of you. Maybe you just want to get started on your new life together. Long engagements aren’t for everyone. 4. Avoid “sticky” situations. How will you control Uncle Jack’s excessive drinking? What about Grandpa’s notoriously bad breath or the divorced aunt and uncle who are still feuding over custody of Fido and each wants you on his or her side? Dodge the family drama when you skip the traditional wedding. 5. No need for thank you notes Hadn’t thought of that? Many etiquette experts say that thank you cards for gifts received on the wedding day should be sent out within 2-4 weeks of returning from the honeymoon. Others say you may take up to 3 months. But to quote Peggy Post: “No fill-in-the-blank cards, no preprinted cards, no phone calls, no emails, and no generic posts on your website.” We suggest a simple announcement that tells everyone that you eloped. You can send this announcement electronically and it won’t be frowned upon. 6. Eloping helps you feel the true significance of the moment. You are more likely to live in the moment of this important event when you are in a small group or just with your loved one. You will also most likely spend a couple of days in your destination city so the memories of your wedding day will be over a few days, not a few hours like a traditional wedding. Eloping can be truly intimate…and isn’t that what committing your life to another person is all about? 7. No seating charts! Do you know who is feuding with whom? Do you care? Should you put only those who know each other at the same table or mix it up so that singles can meet others? Will someone be offended that you stuck them at the back table with the photographer? 8. Elopements can be more memorable than run-of-the-mill weddings. Get creative. Think of the stories you can tell your friends for years to come. Imagine getting married atop a glacier – in a hot air balloon or under a 300 year old majestic oak tree in New Orleans or how about a unique, your own vision backyard wedding? Deciding to elope doesn’t have to mean running to the courthouse in your work clothes or going to the drive-through chapel in Vegas (unless that turns your crank). It can still be very memorable and special. 9. Spontaneity can be very romantic. You’ll never look at a pineapple the same way if you use one for a bouquet! If you choose to elope to New Orleans, you will likely grab some beads…find a balcony in the French Quarter and throw them at random strangers. Or dance in the middle of the streets to amazing street performers. Can you do that at a traditional wedding? 10. Not everyone likes to be the center of attention. Believe it or not, there are some women who do not care to be “Queen for the day”. Men too don’t always like being in the spotlight. Grab our 5 secrets to a successful (and stress-free) elopement and receive a FREE checklist! Reasons Why to Elope – If you have been asking yourself… why elope? This guide should give you a few things to think about. Elopement weddings are what we specialize in, reach out to us or send an email to: info@elopetonola.com if you would like to chat!

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Where Can I Elope in French Quarter New Orleans?

What Is a First Look And Why Do Couples Do It?

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How to Pick Flowers for a New Orleans Elopement Wedding

Elopement Photo Posing Tips

Why Elope? Top 10 Reasons For Most Intimate Wedding Experience

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