Planning an outdoor wedding is a dream for many couples- planning an outdoor wedding in New Orleans? Even better! The charm and beauty of an outdoor venue can make for an unforgettable celebration. In order to ensure things run smoothly, though, one must plan ahead. From unpredictable weather patterns to New Orleans’ bustling festival season, timing is key.
New Orleans’ culture is magical. It has its own set of traditions that make for a lively atmosphere for you and your guests. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush garden ceremony or a vibrant celebration in the heart of the city, let us be your guides. In this post we will walk you through the most essential elements to keep in mind when planning your wedding. We want your event to be as memorable as you do!
Things to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Venue
Before you dive into the fun details of your wedding, like choosing a cake or picking your dress, the first step is to lock down a date and find the perfect venue. And remember, the team behind the venue is just as important as the space itself. So, take some time to visit potential venues and think about these key elements.
Scenery & Ambiance
Are you envisioning a lush, green, peaceful garden? A vibrant, lively backdrop with historic buildings? No matter what vibes you are seeking, New Orleans has it. Take the time to visit potential venues, get to know any staff who may be working, and see the space at night. Be confident in your desire to tangibly experience different spaces before making this big decision.
Wedding Size
Every venue has its own guest capacity, so it’s essential to know how many people you’re expecting. Having a rough guest list in mind will help you avoid any surprises when you’re choosing the right spot for your big day.
Weather Contingency Plans
Weather. We love her when she loves us. Sometimes, though, she is not always willing to cooperate. Ask the venue coordinators about contingency plans should the weather be rainy, cold or otherwise unpredictable. A great venue will have options to accommodate you, no matter what the sky has in store.
Amenities & Services
Outdoor venues often have a different set of services compared to indoor venues. Check whether they have in-house caterers, florists, decorations, music, etc. or if they allow local vendors for all of these items. Ask about any extras you might love. Such as a bridal suite on-site or a petting zoo for a wildly fun and unique experience!
Location & Accessibility
How important is location to you? Luckily, New Orleans is a compact city, so getting around is pretty simple. Still, it’s always a good idea to make sure your venue is easy to reach for you and your guests. Think about neighborhood preferences, distance to accommodations, parking options, and ADA accessibility.
Permits & Restrictions
Depending on the venue you choose, there may be permits you’ll need to secure, especially if you plan to bring alcohol or set up special elements. Double-check things like noise limits or parking restrictions so you’re not caught off guard by last-minute rules.
When it Comes to Outdoor Weddings in New Orleans, Timing is Everything
It’s always the right time to plan a visit to New Orleans, but it’s not always the right time for an outdoor wedding. If you’re having an outdoor wedding in New Orleans, there are a few factors you should consider.
Choosing the Right Time for an Outdoor Wedding
It’s no secret that it’s hot in the summer, definitely too hot for an outdoor wedding. With an average high of 92 degrees, you can say goodbye to lush, green landscape and cooperative hairstyles. June 1st also marks the start of hurricane season, and while you can easily have a backup plan for rain, there’s nothing you can do for a hurricane so it’s probably best to avoid those first few months of summer altogether.
Navigating New Orlean’s Festival Season
If you know anything about New Orleans, you probably know the city loves a good party. While February to May is the peak season for tourism in the city, there are festivals scheduled all throughout the year. While these peak seasons aren’t necessarily a time you should avoid, it’s important to keep in mind the high demand could affect your options for venues, music, hotels, etc. If you decide to have your wedding during peak season, give yourself ample time to plan (at least a year and a half in advance).
Everybody loves New Orleans. It is often a favorite spot to host large events that bring people in from all over the world. As you are choosing a date for your wedding, spend a few minutes looking into any events that may be happening on your chosen weekend.
Major Events & Festivals to Consider
Mardi Gras (January to late February/ early March)
Jazz & Heritage Fest (March/April)
French Quarter Fest (Midway through April)
New Orleans Pride (June)
Essence Fest (Fourth of July Weekend)
Southern Decadence (late August/ early September)
Halloween Weekend
Bayou Classic (November)
All State Sugar Bowl (New Years)
Check out the New Orleans website to learn more about each event.
Getting the Most Out of Your New Orleans Experience
New Orleans is a city rich with culture and traditions, known for welcoming its visitors with open arms. Take advantage of the unique culture of New Orleans by adopting some of the customs and traditions.
Second Line → Probably one of the most iconic and well-known traditions of the city, a Second Line features the Bridge & Groom, followed by a Brass Brand and the rest of the wedding party. An African American tradition that originated as part of a jazz funeral, celebrating the life of the deceased. Eventually the tradition transferred over to weddings and is now a beloved New Orleans tradition. Following the ceremony, a Second Line celebrates the new beginning for you and your partner, symbolizing happiness and good fortune.
Wedding Cake Pull → A Wedding Cake Pull is a great tradition to incorporate to celebrate guests outside of the official wedding party. The Wedding Cake has 6 to 12 ribbons with different charms chosen by the bride for thanks and well wishing. Those 6 to 12 women are called up and pull the ribbon of their choice. Reach out to a local jewelry store for your cake charms.
Live Music → New Orleans is home to some of the most incredible musicians around, live music is a soundtrack to the city, and what’s a wedding without music? Consider hiring a local D.J., local artist or take a more classic New Orleans route with a Brass Band. When it comes to local artists, you can’t go wrong.
New Orleans is known for their music, their parties and of course their food. With French, Cajun, Creole and Caribbean influences, New Orleans has a unique flavor scene. Oysters, seafood, etouffee, crawfish, banan’s foster, I could go on and on. Find a local caterer that can incorporate Traditional New Orleans dishes into your wedding day. Karibou Kitchen is a local caterer that adds a unique New Orleans touch to wedding day cuisine.
Skip the Chains, Support Local New Orlean’s Businesses
As you wander through the streets of New Orleans, you may notice a lack of popular chains and franchises. One of the many aspects that makes this city so special is the multitude of high-quality small businesses. From your coffee when you first wake up, to the hotel where you lay your head that night, shop local and experience the love and small-town charm of New Orleans.
When choosing a hotel for you and your guests, skip the chain and opt for one of the city's many quaint boutique hotels for a more luxurious and intimate experience. To help you get started, we’ve listed a few of our favorites.
Dew Drop Inn → If you’re looking for a hotel that is rich with history and music, this is the place for you. Established in 1939 and revamped in 2023, Dew Drop Inn is a hotel and music venue that hosted some of the most legendary black artists in the 50’s and 60’s and continues to this day. Featuring a pool, bar and 17 (something for well decorated space) rooms, this is the perfect hotel for an intimate wedding gathering.
The Columns → The Columns is located on Saint Charles, an ideal location in the Garden District. Formerly a mansion, the boarding house, it was bought and turned into a hotel in the 1950’s. The decor is mesmerizing and the food and drinks are enticing.
Hotel Peter & Paul → If you’re looking for something a bit closer to the French Quarter, hotel Peter & Paul is a stone’s throw away, located in the Marigney neighborhood. Formerly a Catholic Church, school and convent, this hotel is unlike any other, each of the 71 rooms decorated with its own unique style.
Whether you are envisioning an intimate gathering of your loved ones or a large, extravagant event, choosing the right venue will make all the difference. Planning the perfect outdoor wedding in New Orleans is all about blending the city’s rich culture with your personal style. From the vibrant atmosphere to the unique local traditions, every detail will create a truly memorable experience. If you’re ready to get your plans started, reach out to us to schedule a walk-through of our hidden garden oasis. Let us help you craft a wedding that captures the essence of New Orleans, offering an unforgettable backdrop for your special day.