Common Questions about Outdoor Venues in New Orleans

Weddings are often revered as the happiest day of your life—but let’s face it, they can also be one of the most stressful! Between narrowing down the guest list, choosing the right catering, and managing every last detail, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of planning involved. Add in the task of choosing the perfect venue, and you may start to wonder how anyone survives wedding planning without a few gray hairs!

If you’re considering outdoor venues in New Orleans for your big day, the list of questions can seem endless. What’s the best time of year? What happens if it rains? How can I make sure my guests are comfortable? These are just a few of the many factors you’ll want to consider when planning an outdoor wedding in this vibrant city.

Having had the honor and pleasure of hosting weddings at our garden space for nearly 10 years, we’ve seen it all. So today, we’re sharing answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about outdoor weddings. Hopefully, this will help ease your mind and get you one step closer to planning the wedding of your dreams!

Wedding ceremony at Paradigm Gardens, an outdoor venue in New Orleans.

New Orleans Outdoor Venue Logistics

When is the best time to host an outdoor wedding in New Orleans?

When choosing the best time for an outdoor wedding in New Orleans, you'll want to consider the weather, landscape, and potential peak seasons. March to May and September to November are generally the most favorable months, with mild temperatures and minimal rain. For more tips on timing, check out our detailed guide on the ideal wedding seasons in New Orleans. 

What happens in the case of bad weather?

One of the top questions when booking outdoor venues in New Orleans is, “What if it rains?” Unfortunately, the weather can be unpredictable, so it's essential to plan ahead. Most venues provide contingency options like tents. These can range in size and style, with clear or white tops, giving you the outdoor feel while keeping everyone dry. Tents without sides let you enjoy the landscape, even if you’re sheltered from the rain.

While tents work great, there’s no foolproof plan for a hurricane. To reduce the risk, consider avoiding the peak hurricane season. Some venues offer backup indoor spaces, so if you're worried about weather or don’t want a tent, it might be best to find a venue that offers both options. 

Tents are a great contingency plan for rain, often coming in clear or white options.

Do outdoor venues have parking and restroom facilities?

All venues know that access to restrooms is a must, but what that actually looks like depends on the venue. Some places have full restroom facilities, while others may use portable restrooms or smaller buildings. As for parking, it often depends on the venue's location. For instance, venues in the French Quarter might not have parking, but places a bit further out—like our Garden Space—offer both street parking and a nearby lot.

Will there be a dance floor?

Yes! Most outdoor venues can set up a dance floor, whether it's permanent or rented for the occasion. Some venues have paved areas that can double as a dance floor, while others may provide a wooden dance floor. Either way, there will definitely be plenty of space for you and your guests to dance the night away!

How will I be able to host my ceremony and reception in the same outdoor space?

Depending on the size of the venue and the number of guests that are attending, there could be separate spaces designated for the ceremony as well as the reception. The more common occurrence however is a quick change of sorts during cocktail hour. The space is originally set up for the ceremony, and after the ceremony while the bridal party is taking pictures and guests are mingling and enjoying cocktail hour, the space is magically transformed into the ultimate party space! Trust the experts—your venue’s staff will make the change seamless while you and your guests enjoy the festivities!

If an outdoor venue does not have a dance floor, one can easily be provided!

Guest Experience at an Outdoor Venue

How can I ensure my guests are comfortable?

Keeping your guests comfortable at an outdoor wedding requires a little planning. Let them know it's an outdoor venue so they can dress accordingly—especially if there’s grass involved, where flats or wedges might be a better choice than high heels. Many outdoor venues have shaded areas where guests can cool off, and if you're hosting during cooler months, you can add heaters to warm things up. 

Will there be enough seating to accommodate all of my guests?

When you choose the right venue, there is no question as to whether or not they are able to accommodate all of your guests! When searching for venues, have a rough estimate of the number of guests you plan on attending so you are able to focus on venues that can accommodate all guests. 

Are there any measures to control insects like flies and mosquitos?

Bugs are a reality at outdoor weddings, but there are ways to minimize them. At Paradigm, we use tiki torches to repel mosquitoes, fly traps to keep flies at bay, and small reflective devices to deter bugs from the food. We also provide bug spray for guests who want a little extra protection! Here is an example of a reflective devise used to repel bugs. (This is not an affiliate link, just the one that we like to use).

Fly fans are a great option to help repel flies at an outdoor venue.

Are there any security concerns? What measures will be taken to ensure all guests feel safe?

Outdoor venues sometimes have more security concerns than indoor ones, mainly because there aren’t four walls separating the party from the outside world. To keep your event secure, venues often have fences, privacy screens, or other barriers. Security personnel can also be stationed at the entrance to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Food, Decor & Entertainment

What kind of catering works best for outdoor events?

Whether you're having a table service, buffet, or family-style meal, the catering options at outdoor venues are the same as indoor ones. The bonus? Some outdoor venues offer the unique charm of an outdoor kitchen! At Paradigm, we cook with a wood-fired oven, adding a delicious smoky flavor to the food—and a bit of entertainment while we’re at it!

Wood fired oven and grill at Paradigm Gardens.

How do I decorate an outdoor event space for my wedding?

One of the best parts of choosing an outdoor venue is that nature does much of the decorating for you! The stunning landscapes of New Orleans—lush greenery, vibrant flowers, or historic buildings—provide a beautiful backdrop. You can enhance the natural beauty with lighting, floral arrangements, and unique table settings, creating an eco-friendly and gorgeous celebration.

Can I have live music at an outdoor venue in New Orleans?

Absolutely! New Orleans is famous for its music, and many outdoor venues are perfect for live performances. Be sure to check with your venue about any noise restrictions, curfews, or permits required for live entertainment.

When it comes to an outdoor venue, the landscape is the decor!

Planning a wedding at one of the many beautiful outdoor venues in New Orleans is a truly magical and unique experience, but it’s important to feel prepared and confident every step of the way.  

Remember, no question is too small when it comes to planning your big day. Be sure to ask your venue about their amenities, setup, and contingency plans to ensure your day is as special as you are!

If you’re ready to start your journey toward the perfect outdoor wedding, we’d love to help you make it a reality! Reach out to us today to learn more about our stunning garden space and how we can assist in bringing your vision to life. Let’s make your dream wedding in New Orleans unforgettable!