Planning a wedding in the Big Easy? A wedding in New Orleans is really a one-of-a-kind experience. In a city that’s brimming with rich history and culture, vibrant music scene, flavorful food, and unforgettable charm, it’s easy to see why New Orleans is such a popular wedding destination in the US.

Whether you’re a local couple or you’re from out-of-town and planning a dreamy destination wedding, New Orleans is a special backdrop for your wedding weekend.

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Activities for New Orleans Wedding Guests

Getting married in New Orleans is such a unique and fun experience, especially for your wedding guests if they’re spending the whole weekend there celebrating! In addition to your nuptials, New Orleans has tons to offer like rich, flavorful food and culture, beautiful sights, and (of course) a non-stop party on Bourbon Street. Here are some of the best ways for wedding guests to spend the weekend in New Orleans:

Food & Drink

Known for its iconic food and lively drinking atmosphere, enjoying the local cuisine is probably high up on your to-do list when visiting the city. Enjoy local favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and po’boys, or try some of the more upscale restaurants, or even go on a food tour! Here are some of our favorite dining & drinking options for your guests:

For classic Creole and Cajun cuisine, visit:

1. Commander’s Palace: A legendary fine dining institution in the Garden District, known for its elegant Creole cuisine and impeccable service.
2. Galatoire’s: A French Quarter landmark serving classic Creole dishes in a refined yet lively atmosphere.
3. Antoine’s: One of the oldest restaurants in the city, offering traditional Creole fare and historic charm in the French Quarter.
4. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant: A beloved institution for Creole soul food, with dishes like gumbo, fried chicken, and bread pudding, served in a welcoming setting.
   

For sea food, try:

1. Drago’s Seafood Restaurant: Famous for their charbroiled oysters, this family-owned eatery serves up fresh seafood dishes in a casual yet vibrant atmosphere.
2. GW Fins: A premier seafood restaurant known for its innovative dishes and extensive selection of fresh fish.
3. Peche Seafood Grill: James Beard Award-winning restaurant offering a seafood-centric menu with a focus on Gulf Coast flavors and wood-fired grilling.

For casual eateries and classic po’boys, visit:

1. Parkway Bakery & Tavern: A local favorite for authentic New Orleans po’boys, featuring classics like roast beef and fried shrimp.
2. Domilise’s Po-Boys: Another iconic spot for po’boys, known for its no-frills atmosphere and mouthwatering sandwiches.
3. Cochon Butcher: A butcher shop and sandwich counter serving up creative and delicious sandwiches, charcuterie, and small plates.

For fine dining, you’ll want to try:

1. August: Helmed by award-winning chef John Besh, this upscale restaurant offers modern French cuisine with a Louisiana influence in an elegant setting.
2. Herbsaint: A top-rated restaurant serving refined French-Southern dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors.
3. Coquette: A charming bistro offering inventive, seasonal fare with a Southern twist, complemented by an impressive wine list.

For great happy hours, consider:

French Quarter

1. The Carousel Bar & Lounge: Located in the Hotel Monteleone, this iconic bar features a rotating carousel and offers a sophisticated atmosphere for enjoying classic cocktails during their happy hour.
2. Fulton Alley: A stylish bowling alley with a chic bar area offering daily happy hour specials on cocktails, beer, wine, and small bites.
3. Cane & Table: This rustic-chic cocktail bar offers a Caribbean-inspired happy hour menu featuring discounted drinks and delicious snacks in a cozy setting.

Central Business District

1. Windsor Court Hotel: The Polo Club Lounge at the Windsor Court Hotel offers a classy happy hour with discounted drinks and upscale bar bites in an elegant setting.
2. Barcadia: A fun and lively spot with arcade games and a rooftop patio, Barcadia offers happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers every weekday.
3. Loa Bar: Nestled inside the International House Hotel, Loa Bar offers a unique happy hour experience with artisanal cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.

Uptown

1. The Delachaise: A charming wine bar located in a historic streetcar terminal, The Delachaise offers a daily happy hour featuring discounted wine, beer, and small plates on their cozy outdoor patio.
2. The Columns Hotel: Enjoy stunning views of St. Charles Avenue from the Victorian-era porch of The Columns Hotel during their daily happy hour, which includes discounted drinks and appetizers.
3. Cure: This upscale cocktail bar offers a sophisticated happy hour experience with discounted craft cocktails and small bites in a stylish setting.

Marigny/Bywater

1. Bacchanal Wine: A unique wine shop and music venue with a relaxed outdoor courtyard, Bacchanal Wine offers daily happy hour specials on select wines and gourmet snacks.
2. The Country Club: Known for its poolside bar and laid-back atmosphere, The Country Club offers happy hour specials on drinks and small plates, making it the perfect spot for a casual afternoon hangout.
3. Bar Tonique: A cozy neighborhood bar with a focus on craft cocktails, Bar Tonique offers a daily happy hour featuring discounted drinks and a relaxed ambiance.

Garden District

1. The Avenue Pub: A popular local haunt with an extensive beer selection, The Avenue Pub offers daily happy hour specials on draft beers and cocktails, as well as discounted appetizers.
2. The Bulldog: Known for its relaxed vibe and dog-friendly patio, The Bulldog offers daily happy hour specials on draft beers and pub fare, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
3. Treo: This stylish wine bar and cocktail lounge offers a daily happy hour featuring discounted drinks and small plates, as well as a cozy outdoor courtyard for alfresco dining.

Shopping

Looking for some retail therapy? Head over to Magazine St. for 6 miles of shopping & dining. This Main Street features a few national brands, but you’ll mostly find locally owned shops and boutiques full of unique finds. Be sure to check out the hours of shops you want to visit ahead of time as some family-owned stores are closed on Sundays.

Sightseeing

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a ride on the St. Charles streetcar! It’s affordable and a great way to see some of the most beautiful mansions and oak tree-lined streets in New Orleans. If you have a car, you may also consider taking a drive out to the Jean Lafitte wildlife preserve to take a swamp tour or walk through the nature preserve. Additionally, visiting the beautiful areas of the French Quarter and the Garden District is the perfect way to soak up all of New Orleans’ architecture and historic charm.

Music & Nightlife

In New Orleans, there’s not shortage of a nightlife – you’ll be hard pressed to find areas that aren’t buzzing at all hours! Try visiting Fritzel’s if you’re looking for a Jazz show, or enjoy a brass band show at Le Bon Temps or Howlin’ Wolf – just check the schedules before you visit to make sure there are shows while you’re in town.

Explore Beyond the City Limits

While New Orleans offers endless entertainment within its city limits, there’s also plenty to see and do just a short drive away. Take a scenic swamp tour and encounter Louisiana’s unique wildlife, including alligators, herons, and turtles. Or make a trip to nearby plantations like Oak Alley, Whitney or Laura, where you can step back in time and learn about the region’s antebellum history. You can also take a day trip to the picturesque bayous and wetlands of the surrounding area for a quintessential Louisiana experience!

Where to Get Married in New Orleans

New Orleans boasts a ton of stunning wedding venues for you to choose from. From historic mansions and elegant ballrooms to picturesque courtyards and lush gardens, or iconic locations like the French Quarter with its charming architecture and lively atmosphere, or the enchanting Garden District, known for its stately homes and oak-lined streets, there really is a venue for every wedding style. 

How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in New Orleans?

The average cost of a wedding in New Orleans can obviously vary a lot depending on factors such as the venue, number of guests, and decor & entertainment choices. However, typically the average cost of a wedding in New Orleans ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. Keep in mind that this is just an average, and costs can be higher or lower depending on individual preferences and circumstances. It’s always a good idea to research current prices and consult with local vendors for more accurate estimates that reflect your preferences and the wedding vision you have for your special day!

Why Get Married in New Orleans?

New Orleans is one of those cities in the US that is just so rich with history and culture, it’s no wonder it’s a popular wedding destination. The city’s French, Spanish, and African influences are present just about everywhere you look: the architecture, the food, the music… all combining to create a truly unique wedding experience for both the happy couple and their guests! 

New Orleans Wedding Traditions

Incorporate some of the unique and fun wedding traditions of New Orleans into your wedding day celebrations to create a truly unforgettable experience! Here are a few you may want to include:

Second-Line Parade

One of the top things New Orleans is known for is their musical heritage and lively atmosphere, including this parade is one idea that’s truly one for the books! Accompanied by a brass band, lead your guests through the city while singing, dancing, and waving umbrellas and handkerchiefs to symbolize the couple’s journey into their new life together. It’s an amazing celebration! Just note this might add quite a bit to your budget if you choose to include it – but we’d imagine it’d be super worth it!

Cake Pull

Popular across the south, the cake pull is a more simple but fun wedding tradition in New Orleans. Have your baker help you with this one, as it will need to be baked into the cake ahead of time! Invite guests to select a ribbon from the wedding cake, each holding a charm that symbolizes their future fortunes in life and love.

Customized To-Go Cups

New Orleans tends to be a non-stop party, and is one of the few cities in the US that allows open containers anywhere you go. Consider offering customize to-go cups to your wedding guests as party favors so they can use them all weekend long as they hit Bourbon street before or after your big day.