Popular Outdoor Wedding Venues in New Orleans

Popular Sites for Weddings

Artillery Park (Washington Artillery Park)

Artillery Park is located between Jackson Square and the Mississippi River. It is a popular place for tourists, as it offers a great vantage for photos of both. While it can be busy and noisy on the weekends, it’s great for small ceremonies, and the Cathedral as a backdrop gives a story-book look, and the passing carriages, streetcars and paddle-wheelers offer additional charm. Centrally located, and walking distance from many hotels, you can hop in a buggy for a romantic, post-wedding ride to your reception or celebration dinner.

Audubon Park (St. Charles side of Park)

Located in the historic Garden District between Tulane University and the Zoo, Audubon Park offers a wide variety of venues for your wedding. Moss-draped oak trees surround sleepy lagoons where swans, ducks and geese glide by. On the St. Charles side sits a majestic fountain ringed by a garden. The Magazine Street side offers a stone pavilion and patio. Several shelters with picnic areas are scattered through the park, and can be reserved for a fee for large parties.

Audubon Park (Magazine Street side of Park)

City Park

One of the oldest and largest urban parks in the country, City Park is the home to the largest collection of mature Live Oaks in the world. Next to the New Orleans Museum of Art, you will find romantic bridges that have become a favorite place for couples to begin their lives together. Nearby, you will find Popp’s Bandstand and the Peristyle. Several grand venues, such as the Botanical Gardens are available for rent.

Piazza d’Italia

Next to Lowes Hotel is the Italian Plaza. The Romanesque architecture and fountains make for a classical wedding site, and the colorful arches and grand columns offer dramatic photos. The American Italian Renaissance Foundation Museum and Library resides next door.

Plaza de España

A Bicentennial gift from the country of Spain, Spanish Plaza is located on the Mississippi River next to the Riverwalk. The beautiful fountain is surrounded by benches bearing tiles that represent all of the Spanish provinces.

The Moonwalk

Named after former Mayor, Moon Landrieu, (not Michael Jackson’s dance) the Moonwalk runs between the Mississippi River and Woldenberg Park from the Gov. Nicholls Wharf to the Riverwalk. As it passes Artillery Park, there are some steps that lead down to the river. Some couples have chosen this as their “Jumping Off” spot to start their relationship.

Jackson Square

A statue of the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, Andrew Jackson, dominates the middle of the park. Surrounded by St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytere, and the Upper and Lower Pontalba Apartments, the manicured gardens have seen many historic moments. Owned by the New Orleans City Dept. of Parks and Parkways, a minimum usage fee of $200 is required for weddings in the park. (Call 504-658-3200 for more information.) Park hours are seasonal and subject to change -- Winter: 8 am to 5 pm; Summer 8am to 7pm; 7 days a week except for special events.

Courtyards

Many local hotels and B&B’s have romantic courtyards that are available for weddings. Some facilities don’t charge extra for their use, depending on the size of your wedding party, whether or not you are a guest, and how much extra is involved. Check with the sales departments, and/or owners for specifics.

Restaurants

New Orleans is full of restaurants, from world-class, to the mom-and-pop operations. Many have private rooms that are available for ceremonies and receptions. These make for great all-in-one locations, especially if you have a favorite. Again, check with the owners/operators for specifics regarding their policies.

I will be happy to offer recommendations, simply email me for more information, or go to the Helpful Links page for more ideas.

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