Outdoor Venue Needed

Re: Outdoor Venue Needed

• meganb1977 member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I'd check out one of the parks.  City Park or Audubon Park have nice oaks but they're pricey to rent their facilities and for their catering.  Not sure if you could just set up a tent/seating/etc. or how much they would charge for that.  There is also Bayou Segnette State Park and Lafreniere Park, which will be more budget friendly, but these are out in the suburbs and not in New Orleans.  I'm sure there are smaller parks in New Orleans...maybe if you Google the Orleans Parish Parks and Recreation they could help you.

  Whoever said it was supposed to be happily ever after is a big fat liar.

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• holdenk90 member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  Thanks, we're looking into Audubon Park. Getting married beneath Lover's Oak would be wonderful, but I'm worried because without reserving a facility you cannot guarantee the space.

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• amyj54 member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I booked my at the Maison Dupuy in the courtyard.  I haven't personally seen it yet but, I'm told it's beautiful and a gem that's off the beaten path (from FQ).  We are having the ceremony and reception there.  If $3000 is just for the ceremony, you should be more than fine.

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• smither89

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I agree, Audubon would be the best choice, if you have visions of Oak trees.  Just send a relative there early in the morning to put out some chairs, and you should have no problems.  I believe they also have other options that involve a small fee.
  
  If you get married under the oaks at Audubon, I would think that the Audubon Clubhouse would be your best option for a nice reception for 50 people, hopefully in your budget.  The problem with the idea for a tented reception is that you are essentially paying a venue fee on top of your food/alcohol costs, which is tough with a small budget, and why you would be better off with a restaurant reception.  The tent is your "venue."  They don't come free and they don't come cheap.  You probably need flooring of some sort, in case it rains and the grounds are unwalkable.  You would have to rent all tables/chairs/linens etc. 
  
  Tented receptions are lovely, and I understand your desire for one.  But I do think you would have to increase your bugdet if that is what you really want.

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• holdenk90 member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I still havent found anywhere in my price range that will allow tented receptions. The $3,000 was just for the venue, I've budgeted more for the actual tent and other rentals and decorations.  THe parks won't allow tents to be set up and most of the other places I've seen with outdoor space won't allow outside caterers and their prices are out of my budget. One wedding planner I spoke with wanted $750 to get a list of possible venues together.... I don't know what to do!

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• smither89

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I'm surprised City Park does not allow tents, since I know I have seen them have many tented events.  Audubon Park as well.
  
  Given that your budget is higher than I originally thought you were saying, I defnitely think you should be able to find some place to host a tented reception.  But the image of the "oaks" - that may be confined to the parks, I'm afraid.  One EXCELLENT option would have been Latter library, because they have BEAUTIFUL trees and grounds for a tented reception, and right on the streetcar line.  BUT the last I heard from them, they were no longer doing private events.  They are in the midst of renovation, though, so perhaps their policy will change when everything is completed.  It's certainly worth asking.
  
  The Elms and the Opera Guild both can accomodate tents and are reasonably priced.
  
  There's also the Pitot House near City Park, which has VERY lovely grounds and very reasonble venue fees (plus no catering of their own, as you prefer).
  
  It's understandable the wedding planner has a steep fee, since their services, outside of day-of-coordination, are primarily rooted in vendor recs.  That being said, I would also not want to pay without some sort of GUARANTEE they could get me a great venue that can accomodate tents in my price range.
  
  IMO, you would be better off calling the tent rental companies.  Get estimates from them, and ask them for recommendations of venues where they have previously placed tents for wedding receptions.  Not only should they be able to give you several leads for venues that will simply accomodate tents, they can also point you to the venues where tents really display the best.
  

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• mariahls member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  There are also some beautiful areas on the northshore - Mandeville and Madisonville - if you're willing to be just outside the city. The Maritime Museum has a beautiful dock area - no oak trees though. They're very affordable. You might check Fontainebleau State Park and Fairview Riverside park as well. I've seen tented events at both.

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