this is the code for the render ad
Louisiana-New Orleans

Planning a wedding from abroad

We're a European couple looking into the possibility to get married in New Orleans next summer. We've been to the city several times, in fact our first date was in New Orleans! The last time we visited was in 2004, and I guess a lot has changed since then.

I've read through a lot of the posts and they gave me many good ideas, but I still need some help.

A little about the wedding:

Style: Laid back, informal

Wedding party: Most of the guests will be travelling from Europe, and we'll be somewhere between 15 and 40, depending on how many who's able to take the trip. A few of the guests are kids, including our own 7 year old son.

Venue: I really would like to get married outside, but I know the heat, humidity (and possible rain) might not make that possible. I thougt an afternoon wedding in a park, and then just go to a restaurant, but if we have to do it inside, I guess we should choose a venue for the whole thing. Any thoughts?

I've looked into The Audobon Clubhouse and Cajun Ballroom, but they're quite big. Anyone familiar with these venues? Anyway to make them work with a small party? They are only available in the evening, will moskitoes be a problem?
I've also contacted the Cornstalk Fence Hotel, but kids are not welcome there.

Both since we're from out of town, and on a budget, I'm not interested in a venue where everything has to be rented in, like tablecloths and chairs and everything else.That's also one of the reasons I would like to just go to a restaurant.

Food: Just laidback, down to earth southern cooking. A crawfish boil would be great. There's a few allergies among the guests, so I need someone who can handle that.

Hair: Are you familiar with any retro hairdressers in the area? I need someone who can do a fifties updo.

All help is greatly appreciated!

Re: Planning a wedding from abroad

  • edited December 2011
    I just recently got married at the Audubon Golf Club with 65 guests.  The place felt like  a great size and mosquitos weren't a problem at all. However they have a 4500 dollar food and beverage minimum to rent the place which might be difficult to achieve for 15 people. Even if you served EVERYTHING their caterer offers you might not be able to get up to 4500.

    I'd suggest an outdoor ceremony on the Moonwalk overlooking the Mississippi River and reserving a large room at a restaurant like Antoine's for a crowd your size. You're less likely to have to reach a FB minimum if you're not renting out an entire venue.   The Twelfth Night Room seems like it would be perfect (with balconies overlooking the gorgeous French Quarter....) if you still wanted space for a dance floor.  The Rex Room would be gorgeous for a non-dancing reception  http://www.antoines.com/gallery.html


  • edited December 2011
    Thank you for your reply. I can imagine you had a great wedding at the clubhouse, it looks like a cool venue., I've looked into Antoine's, and several of the rooms seems fitting for a small wedding. Do you think they allow kids? I was a bit baffled that the cornstalk did not want anyone under 18, not even when you rented the whole house. But maybe that's common in the old homes?
  • edited December 2011
    Oh, gosh, of COURSE Antoine's will allow kids. I've never even heard of a NOLA venue that didn't except for the one you mentioned and, I think, the House of Broel. 

    Good luck! I am sure your wedding will be gorgeous. 
  • edited December 2011
    Thank you!
    I've always felt that americans accept kids at social gatherings like this to a much greater extent than what's common in Northern Europe.
  • edited December 2011
    You might try Cafe Amelie.  They have a beautiful couryard that is suited to small weddings.  The only drawback is they are not too quick in responding to e-mails.  

    The Pharmacy Museum has a lovely courtyard and is within walking distance to many restaurants in the quarter.

    The Royal Sonesta would fit your size.  You might try the St. Louis Hotel although I don't know if they have a minimum.  They have the ability to cover their patio so that weather is a non issue.

    One other note, if you are flexible about the day - anything other than Friday night or Saturday, you will find that most venues will be more accomodating.

    good luck 
  • eamcardleeamcardle member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I agree with all the suggestions above. You might try Maison Dupuy and Court of Two Sisters -- they both have lovely courtyards and are in the French Quarter. The Napolean House has some outside space.

    You could also look at Layfette Park (don't know if they allow weddings) or Jackson Square for your ceremony if the bigger parks don't work out.

    Good luck!!
     
  • edited December 2011
    I would suggest the Omni Royal Orleans. They have a beautiful courtyard that holds about 75 guests. The ceremony is usually taken place in the courtyard and there is space for either a seated dinner or buffet style inside next to the courtyard. This property is in the heart of the French Quarter so it is about two blocks from St. Louis Cathedral and very convinient to have the second line parade right outside this venue.
    Any more questions, please let me know.

    Best wishes in planning your wedding :)
    NOLA VIE LLC
  • edited December 2011
    I would suggest the Omni Royal Orleans. They have a beautiful courtyard that holds about 75 guests. The ceremony is usually taken place in the courtyard and there is space for either a seated dinner or buffet style inside next to the courtyard. This property is in the heart of the French Quarter so it is about two blocks from St. Louis Cathedral and very convinient to have the second line parade right outside this venue.
    Any more questions, please let me know.

    Best wishes in planning your wedding :)
    NOLA VIE LLC
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards