Top 5 Unique Wedding Venues in New Orleans, LA
From classic Creole townhouses to restored Catholic churches, New Orleans is home to some of the most fabulous & unique wedding venues in the South. It’s no surprise that a city known for its vibrant music scene, rich cultural history, and iconic celebrations would have such incredible places to host your special day—but it is surprisingly difficult to pick just one!
Whether you’re dreaming of getting married among the French/Spanish colonial architecture of the French Quarter, or on the charming old streets of the Lower Garden District, I just know you’re about to fall in love with these 5 unique New Orleans wedding venues. Cannot wait to see which one you end up choosing!
Top 5 Unique NOLA Wedding Venues
The Pharmacy Museum
Best for couples seeking a one-of-a-kind New Orleans wedding venue in the heart of the French Quarter
Venue Type: Historic Museum
Guest Capacity: 150
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
For the couple craving a classic New Orleans courtyard wedding with a bit of a twist, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a wedding venue truly like no other. Dating back to the early 1800s, the classic Creole townhouse embodies the historic charm of New Orleans that you know and love—sprinkled with a touch of decadence that transforms the museum into something entirely different: an elegant space to celebrate romance, love, and the spirit of NOLA.
Trust me when I say that the Pharmacy Museum’s tropical courtyard is absolutely divine, and such a delight of a locale to tie the knot! This 2,200-square-foot courtyard is lush as can be, enveloped by exposed brick walls and towering palm trees that sway beneath the bistro lights in the breeze. Exchanging your vows amidst this delightfully rustic-yet-sophisticated courtyard is a dream come true, as is dining under the stars when day morphs into night. With space for up to 130 guests for a ceremony, 150 guests for a cocktail reception, or 70 guests for a seated dinner, you’ll have plenty of room to enjoy this enchanting French Quarter oasis with your closest people.
Oh, and I mustn’t forget to mention one final thing: during your wedding at the Pharmacy Museum, the first floor will be open to you and your guests to explore. Peruse the hallways, enjoy the exhibits, and, of course, take plenty of portraits amidst the 19th-century ambiance!
Wedding fees at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum start at $1500 per hour, and include the following:
- Private courtyard access
- Private access to the first floor of the museum
- Venue use for 1-4 hours
- Additional time for setup & breakdown
- Ceremony rehearsal
Photo Credit: Party Slate
Hotel Peter & Paul
Best for couples who want a magnificent centuries-old space to tie the knot just a short walk from the French Quarter
Venue Type: Boutique Hotel
Guest Capacity: 330
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Once a 19th-century Catholic church and schoolhouse, now one of the most beautifully designed stays in New Orleans. Hotel Peter & Paul was built in 1861 and maintains a certain level of historic charm that brings together eras past and present, featuring original (150+-year-old) stained-glass windows, abundant natural light, and spectacular architecture throughout. Weddings at Hotel Peter & Paul take place inside the Church Hall, a 5,000+ square-foot grand hall that is every bit as eclectic as it is elegant. Whether you’re exchanging vows beneath the 7soaring 75-foot ceilings or enjoying appetizers in the greenery-filled Piazza, the romance and allure of this hotel are entirely unparalleled!
Not only is this an astonishing wedding venue; it’s also a fabulous place to stay and spend your time in the city. Each and every guest room at Hotel Peter & Paul offers a completely distinct experience, from the vibrant red canopied beds, marble bathrooms, and custom limestone bathtubs of the Rectory rooms to the secluded rooms of the Convent, where you’ll find gorgeous canopied beds, spacious bathrooms, and dusty blue decor paired with beautiful bronze & wooden details. Included in your stay at the Peter & Paul is access to their award-winning bar & restaurant, The Elysian Bar, as well as an on-site pool, antique art and furniture collections, and a concierge to help you & your guests make the most of your time in NOLA.
Wedding packages at Hotel Peter & Paul start at $14,000 for a Saturday event, and include the following:
- Use of the Church Hall for ceremony & reception
- Cocktail hour in the Piazza
- Option to book on-site accommodations
- Getting ready spaces
- In-house catering and bar
Hotel Saint Vincent
Best for couples who want a variety of indoor and outdoor options & a classic NOLA Grotto
Venue Type: Luxury Hotel
Guest Capacity: 200
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Nestled in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District, Hotel Saint Vincent is housed in a landmark building built in 1861, since restored into a swanky, modern hotel featuring 70s-era Italian-inspired design elements, lush greenery, romantic courtyards, and outdoor verandas. Events can be held in nearly every space available at Hotel Saint Vincent, but my personal favorites include the open-air verandas, the Grotto, and the Chapel Club for late-night drinks and sultry portraits with those classic hotel salon vibes. From the hot pink velvet bar siding of the Chapel Club, to the breezy verandas overlooking the pool, to the more modern features of the indoor Evangeline Hall… there’s a space for every couple at Hotel Saint Vincent.
Reach out to Hotel Saint Vincent here for detailed package and pricing information.
Race + Religious
Best for couples who want a distinct blend of historic beauty, modern romance, & European-inspired ambiance
Venue Type: European Venue
Guest Capacity: 250
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Also located in the Lower Garden District is a venue I myself adore shooting at, Race + Religious: a whimsical New Orleans wedding venue packed with rich history, natural beauty, and plenty of local culture. R + R is all about embracing the unexpected, challenging the status quo, and really encouraging couples to infuse their personality into the property—whether that be through the food you serve, the furniture arrangements you curate, or the decor you set up to accentuate these already gorgeous spaces. It’s meant to feel like you’ve just stumbled upon a European estate hidden in the streets of NOLA, with picturesque courtyards, vintage Château antiques, and eclectic character in every corner.
Wedding packages at Race + Religious include the following:
- 4,000 square feet of indoor & outdoor space
- Three outdoor courtyards
- Indoor living rooms and gathering areas
- Exclusive control of the entire space
- Option to book overnight accommodations
- Option to host a welcome party and/or rehearsal dinner
Marigny Opera House
Best for couples who want to embrace the arts & culture scene of NOLA in a sacred sanctuary
Venue Type: Historic Opera House
Guest Capacity: 200
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Previously a church and now a renowned performing arts center, the Marigny Opera House offers a wedding venue that blends the charm of Old NOLA with the contemporary arts scene—and it does so beautifully. The Opera House boasts various indoor and outdoor spaces, including the main sanctuary and an expansive lawn, both of which are easily customizable to fit your vision and welcome your guests for an extraordinary celebration.
Reach out to Marigny Opera House here for detailed package and pricing information.
New Orleans Wedding Photography Packages
Sometimes I wonder if I had a past life in New Orleans; it’s one of those places that feels too familiar, too much like home to be otherwise. There is simply no city that lights my soul up like NOLA does. And as a wedding photographer who thrives in destinations with vibrant art scenes, rich culture, and historic beauty at legitimately every corner, something about wedding venues in New Orleans speaks to me creatively in such a magical way. What a gift!
If we haven’t been acquainted yet, I’m Allie—a New Orleans wedding photographerwith a loose editorial style that feels like high-fashion at its finest. I create a space where you feel free to express your unique essence, and know just how special it is to capture not only your love but the place that holds it on your wedding day.
Your venue sets the tone for your experience, and I hope that one of these NOLA wedding venues speaks to you as the city does to me—whether you tie the knot among the grand halls of Hotel Peter & Paul or in the enchanting French Quarter courtyard at the Pharmacy Museum.
Inquire about your NOLA wedding here, and we’ll craft a bespoke collection to bring your celebration to life 🥂
Need a bit of fashion inspiration for your New Orleans wedding? Ask & you shall receive!
