Planning an elopement or a micro-wedding? Go to New Orleans!
Mad Men Star, Christina Hendricks married George Bianchini at the historic Napoleon House in New Orleans on Saturday, April 20. According to People Magazine
As for their venue, they landed on Napoleon House — a French Quarter landmark that was once the residence of New Orleans mayor Nicholas Girod, who famously offered Napoleon Bonaparte refuge during his exile — after falling in love with the restaurant's history and eclectic grandeur.
"It's got this rustic Cuban, Spanish, European textured, high-low feeling to it, which I guess is how we feel about ourselves a little bit — a little high-low," Hendricks says. "It's got the most gorgeous walls with paint peeling off, and then you walk upstairs and there's these grand dining rooms with the beautiful ceilings." Christina wore a Claire Pettibone custom Boho Juliet veil with pale gray silk ribbons and lace flowers.
"New Orleans is a place that I always loved to go before I met George, and a place that he always loved to go before he met me. And then when we first started dating or meeting up, because we lived across the country from one another, it was the place in the middle," she explains.
"It just feels like our city together, even though we both loved it individually," she adds.
Thinking of eloping or planning a micro-wedding? Why not make it easy–as in The Big Easy? It’s no secret that New Orleans is one of the world’s best wedding destinations, but it’s even better for small weddings and elopements.
Why? In a historic city like this, a smaller guest list opens up so many intriguing venue options and culinary experiences! Need a little inspiration? Here are some of our favorite ideas…
ELOPEMENTS
The key to a perfect elopement is picking the perfect destination, and it really doesn’t get any better than New Orleans. There’s seriously something for every type of couple from swanky hotels with world-class spas to their world-famous food and music scenes. The venue featured is the infamous Marigny Opera House.
city park
With its iconic oak trees and picturesque moss canopies, City Park is not only New Orleans' largest outdoor attraction, it is one of the oldest parks in the country! This 1,300-acre green space is home to beautiful trails, multiple themed gardens, and the World's largest grove of mature live oak trees
tree of life at audubon park
If you’re going for some real Southern gothic vibes, then pick a foggy day to exchange vows under the shade of the “Tree of Life”. This sprawling oak is believed to be between 100-500 years old, so you can add your love story to the many it has seen in its time.
jackson square in front of the st. louis cathedral
Located at the heart of the French Quarter, it doesn’t get more NOLA than getting married in Jackson Square with the St. Louis Cathedral as your backdrop. This ornate towering structure, with its stained glass windows, is iconic. St. Louis Cathedral has been in countless movies and TV shows and has even been visited by a Pope!
rent out a private streetcar to say, i do
The most quintessential New Orleans thing to do is to take a ride in one of the iconic street cars. But wait…what if you could have a streetcar all to yourselves? Well, you can! Imagine just the two of you, riding through the streets of New Orleans as you exchange vows in front of some of the most historic and scenic sights.
MICRO-WEDDINGS
Like we mentioned before, having a smaller wedding allows couples to consider some of the smaller most historic venues that this city has to offer. From charming boutique hotels to sprawling estates, there’s something for every style. There are even a handful of chic modern hotels in the downtown area if that’s more your vibe. Here are a few of our favorite spots for micro-weddings…
french quarter hotel courtyards or balconies
The architecture in the French Quarter is second to none. It’s completely unique, unlike anything you’ll see in any other city. So, take advantage of these good bones and host your wedding in one of the historic courtyards, or even on one of the spacious balconies.
Our Picks: Hotel Provincial, Royal Sonesta, Omni Royal, Bourbon Orleans
historic homes
New Orleans is home to many a historic mansion and so many of them have been lovingly restored and turned into venues. Complete with vintage furnishings, playful wallpaper, crystal chandeliers, and even ballrooms, if you’re looking to reenact your Bridgerton dreams, look no further than one of these historic homes.
Our Picks: Degas House, Canal Street Inn, Melrose Mansion
gotta have that funk
Let’s face it crystal chandeliers and antique china aren’t for everyone. If you’re trying to keep it chill check out one of these funky, colorful, and shall we say, more casual venues that NOLA has to offer.
Our Picks: Dat Dog on Frenchmen Street, Muriel’s at Jackson Square
modern downtown hotels
While the city itself is historic, there are a few stand-out new buildings that are perfect for couples who are going for a more modern look. Pops of color, quirky art, and wood-paneled walls, the list of photo ops at these venues goes on and on!
Our Picks: Virgin Hotels, Le Meridian
boutique hotels
Looking for a venue where you can get married and you and your guests can stay on-site? We got you! New Orleans is home to some of the best boutique hotels in the country. Vintage buildings with all of the accommodations of a luxury resort…what’s not to love?
Our Picks: Selina Catahoula Hotel, Hotel Peter & Paul, Hotel Saint Vincent, Andrew Jackson Hotel
SECOND THINGS FIRST
Whether you decide to elope or are planning a micro-wedding, one thing is certain. The only way to celebrate your new marital status in New Orleans is with a Second Line. For those who don’t know, a Second Line is a parade through the streets of New Orleans led by a brass band to celebrate life’s milestones. So, if you don’t have a Second Line, did you even get married? While it may seem pretty straightforward, like with anything wedding-related, Second Lines take planning and may require permits. Luckily there are pros that are happy to help you bring your vision to life.
New Orleans is so excited to host your wedding that they’ll actually help you plan it for FREE! Check out their wedding website here or fill out this form for free hotel quotes and planning assistance.
Follow @visitneworleans to see even more of this perfect wedding destination.
We partnered with New Orleans & Company to bring you these awesome elopement packages and micro-wedding venues. As always, thanks for supporting our sponsors!
- Event Planning & Design: New Orleans & Company