[Evelina Friman, Unsplash]

Best Wedding Venues in New Orleans | Top 10 NOLA Places for "I Do"

07:00 April 11, 2024
By: Trinity Brown
Many know New Orleans as home to the best food and music that ties in a never-ending stream of culture growing out of the city, but the city also offers beautiful scenery. One neighborhood is even called the "Garden District" due to its wonderful array of homes surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees. The Big Easy does not just offer the best food for catering your wedding but the most beautiful venues too.


Containing some of the best locations for your big day, no matter what type of environment, know that this city has multiple options if you want to get married here in New Orleans.


10 Prettiest Wedding Venues in NOLA


1. Balcony Ballroom

4738 Utica Street, (504) 885-8001, balconyballroom.com

Balcony Ballroom [balconyballroom.com]

At Balcony Ballroom, there is not one thing they have not thought of to accommodate newlyweds and their loved ones. They are an all-inclusive one-stop shop, from personalized wall projections to staff workers ready to box up your cake and presents. Their service can not be beaten in contrast with their gorgeous sky-high ceiling ballroom and outstanding photo-ready area for separate groups and a section just for the bridal party. Every bridal party is offered one open bar, gourmet food of your choosing, a separate bridal suite, an enormous full-length mirror, and a private restroom.

Balcony Ballroom is so committed to making your wedding as stress-free as possible that they even offer full wedding packages called "Just For Hue." These packages obtain everything that you may possibly need for your day to be filled with everything you could imagine, plus a design specialist to help. From table linens to gourmet food to monograms of your name on the wall, this venue will surely make it happen.


2. Marché

914 N. Peter St., (504) 586-1155, marcheneworleans.com/events/weddings

Marché [marcheneworleans.com]

Marché is located in the French Quarter, where thousands travel to experience the beauty of the oldest public market in America and more. This venue has a beautiful open floor plan to seat 120 guests in a wide-lit ballroom and 50 guests to sit on the terrace. They also allow customers to choose to combine the area if need be in order to hold up to 300 people. The building also can be merged with the gorgeous Dutch Alley Artist's Co-Op downstairs for cocktail receptions or larger groups.

The venue is for a couple who wants New Orleans flair for their wedding. Hand-applied old-world Venetian plaster has been restored to the balconies to ensure your wedding, or any big event, is sure to be one that no one forgets.


3. The Chicory

610 S. Peters St., (504) 521-8055, chicoryvenue.com

The Chicory [chicoryvenue.com]

What started out as a simple coffee warehouse is now praised for being one of the most beautifully styled venues in New Orleans. Built in 1852, this is the perfect place for an aesthetic that makes every bride and groom feel like royalty. Gas lanterns, tin ceilings, and exposed brick give this space the perfect feel for a classic traditional fee that New Orleans is known to give.

Totaling more than 20,000 square feet, the authenticity of each room they offer will be worth every memory you create on your special day. The Fulton Room, Gallery, Parlor, and Rooftop Deck are different sizes to ensure The Chicory can accommodate any event, big or small. Customers can go to their site to view room sizes and details for each.


4. The Elms Mansion

3929 St. Charles Avenue, (504) 895-9200, elmsmansion.com

The Elms Mansion [elmsmansion.com]

The Elms Mansion is everything one would expect a traditional home in New Orleans to be. Built in 1869, the mansion has been made to live up to the standards of any bride's expectations. Lights and fixtures are set up in the perfect element for a beautiful outdoor glow at night, and the daytime flowers will bloom almost as brightly as the bride walking down the aisle.

The Elms Mansion allows gorgeously decorated outside weddings filled with ivory columns to go with any color flower. The lush green grass and big grand trees remind you that your wedding is history being made. Savor the elegant essence of nature with your significant other on your special day.


5. Southern Oaks

7816 Hayne Blvd., (504) 245-8221, southernoaksweddings.com

[Southern Oaks, Website]

Watch your fairytale wedding unfold at the Southern Oaks. This post-Antebellum style mansion offers the romance of a ceremony under grand oaks. The Southern hospitality and cuisine of New Orleans is also available at the Southern Oaks. This mansion was built in 1965, but transports you to the past.

While the traditional receptions are beautiful, Southern Oaks also offers unique ceremonies and service enhancements that make for a truly one-of-a-kind and unforgettable night. Enhancements include firework shows, New Orleans jazz bands, Mardi Gras style parades, and even a taco truck.


6. Audubon Tea Room

6500 Magazine St., (504) 229-0561, audubonnatureinstitute.org/audubon-tea-room

Audubon Tea Room [audubonnatureinstitute.org]

The Jerome S. Glazer Audubon Tea Room is a hidden gem right by the Audubon Zoo. Decorated with high ceilings, shiny wood floors, and silk drapes, the venue will make you more than ready for your big day. The scenery of pristine double doors leading to the room is perfect for bridal party picture backgrounds. This stunning venue can be a great location to host anything from birthday celebrations to formal business events.

The 4,000 square feet space holds different capacities depending on whether it is a reception, a seating lunch, or a dinner with dancing. The website gives all the details and a list of events that are perfect for the scenery.


7. The Jaxson on the River

620 Decatur St., (504) 571-6333, thejaxson.com

The Jaxson [thejaxson.com]

If you want to be swept away by elegance while still surrounded by rich NOLA culture, this may be the perfect venue for you and your loved ones on your special day. The Jaxson is known for its serene view of the Mississippi River, classic beautiful decor, and spectacular cuisine. Located in the famous French Quarter, it is conveniently placed perfectly in a space only a few meters from St. Louis Cathedral.

At the Jaxson, the experience is worth a lifetime because they understand what a wedding represents. The business is also open to hosting other events such as corporate parties and social gatherings. They offer excellent service with an award-winning menu of decadent cuisines. The service, plus the beautifully lit fairytale-like essence of each decor style they offer, will make the newlyweds feel like royalty who deserve nothing less.


8. Il Mercato

1911 Magazine St., (504) 827-2400, ilmercatoevents.com

il Mercato [ilmercatoevents.com]

Il Mercato offers a great exterior courtyard, as well as an interior space. Both areas are able to be beautifully decorated with any color to go with their lush green ambiance and off-white furniture. The French and Italian-inspired construction of the venue will make anyone feel like they are being whisked away to a beautiful wedding out of the country.

The indoor area has a ballroom with herringbone wood floors, original plaster walls, and Italianate chandeliers. The annex features gray French wall panels and gold leaf accents. They also offer a library with wooden beams and shelves filled with books for a personal aesthetic next to their custom bar. Il Mercato also exclusively welcomes Joel Catering for food and beverage services as they serve one of the best food and experience in the Lower Garden District area. If you want customized floor plans and additional design coordination, vendor recommendations, security detail, and an event timeline for your special day, don't hesitate to contact them via their website or phone.


9. Paradigm Gardens

1131 S. Rampart St., (504) 233-3364, paradigmgardensnola.com

Paradigm Gardens [paradigmgardensnola.com]

The Paradigm Gardens is the perfect place for couples looking for a serene and peaceful venue hidden in the heart of NOLA. They host events in this beautiful outside area for many different kinds of groups and organizations, but that does not mean your special day cannot be their next big thing. Surrounded by trees and perfectly carved light wooden benches, it is the perfect place for an intimate wedding surrounded by family and friends. They have a rental fee depending on the day and how many hours you want, along with all-inclusive amenities that they offer such as string lights, security, a venue coordinator, and more. They also offer a rain plan for couples frantic about intruding weather.

What started in 2014 as a small garden quickly became a spot for chefs and friends to come together and celebrate food together. Eventually, different branches other than gardening special produce for specific restaurants started to take off. They now have a Paradigm Gardens school, a homeschool enrichment program for children ages 3-6, and goat yoga. They have freshly made food on a wood fire grill for all guests to see and taste this unforgettable dining and party experience.


10. NOPSI Hotel

317 Baronne St., nopsihotel.com

[NOPSI Hotel, Facebook]

The NOPSI Hotel knows how to celebrate in style, especially when it comes to weddings. Both their inside and outdoor venues serve as an exquisite and magical atmosphere for your big day.

The expert team at the NOPSI Hotel has a goal of honoring your vision. Whether you're looking for an intimate ceremony, boujee cocktail reception, or a smashing party, the team will make your dream come true. They try their best to honor the visions, traditions, and fantasies of the new happy couple. The Dryades Ballroom is especially beautiful for receptions.


Top Ten Wedding Places in NOLA

All 10 places on this list offer experiences that make customers in the NOLA area more than satisfied. These days, engaged couples want to be excited and stress-free on their wedding day, so their chosen venue should be able to provide that for them. The beauty of a venue is not the only thing people deserve on their big day. They deserve good food and help to coordinate their wedding day in New Orleans.

Each place listed here has set out to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience and service that will guide you along the way for a smooth day and memories that will last.

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