Top Wedding Photography Spots in New Orleans for Couples
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By: Inside NOLA
New Orleans, a legendary city with a storied past, unparalleled character, and breathtaking scenery, provides an unrivaled backdrop for wedding photography. With charming streets adorned with ornate ironwork, lush parks, and iconic landmarks, the city offers a wealth of awe-inspiring locations to immortalize your special day. In this exploration, we’ll unveil the top wedding photography spots in New Orleans, offering insider tips and suggestions to ensure your wedding photos capture the city’s essence with unmatched elegance.
In This Article
TL;DR
New Orleans boasts a variety of scenic settings for wedding photography, from the historic French Quarter to serene park landscapes.
Optimal lighting, time of day, and seasonal considerations contribute to capturing the most captivating wedding photos.
Collaborating with a local photographer well-versed in New Orleans’ unique locations and cultural significance can infuse depth and meaning into your wedding images.
Historic French Quarter
The French Quarter, the heart of New Orleans, is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities. Its narrow streets, lined with colorful Creole cottages and adorned with intricate ironwork, create a romantic and timeless atmosphere.
Iconic Streets and Alleys
Royal Street: Known for its antique shops, art galleries, and stunning architecture, Royal Street offers a quintessential New Orleans backdrop. The street’s picturesque buildings, with their wrought-iron balconies and hanging plants, create a charming setting for wedding photos.
Pirates Alley: This narrow, historic alley, located between the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo, exudes a mysterious and romantic ambiance. The weathered brick walls and gas lanterns provide a unique and atmospheric backdrop for intimate wedding portraits.
Famous Landmarks
Jackson Square: Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is an iconic New Orleans landmark. With the majestic St. Louis Cathedral as a backdrop, couples can capture stunning photos that showcase the city’s rich history and architecture.
Address: 700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
St. Louis Cathedral: The oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States, St. Louis Cathedral is a breathtaking example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Its towering spires and intricate facade make for a dramatic and unforgettable wedding photo backdrop.
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116
Hours: Open daily, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Lush Parks and Gardens
New Orleans is home to several sprawling parks and gardens that offer a tranquil and picturesque setting for wedding photography. These green spaces provide a refreshing contrast to the city’s urban landscapes, allowing couples to capture a variety of stunning images.
City Park
City Park, a 1,300-acre oasis in the heart of New Orleans, is a popular choice for wedding photography. The park features diverse landscapes, including:
The Peristyle: This iconic structure, with its Grecian columns and expansive lawn, provides a classic and elegant backdrop for wedding photos.
New Orleans Museum of Art: The museum’s neoclassical architecture and surrounding sculpture garden offer a sophisticated setting for artistic and memorable wedding portraits.
Scenic waterways: City Park’s numerous bridges, lagoons, and moss-draped oak trees create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere for wedding photos.
Address: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
Hours: Open daily, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Audubon Park
Audubon Park, located in the Uptown neighborhood, is a 350-acre park that offers a serene and natural setting for wedding photography. The park features:
Historic oak trees: The park’s ancient live oaks, some of which are over 200 years old, provide a majestic and timeless backdrop for wedding photos.
Tranquil lagoons: The park’s lagoons, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, create a peaceful and romantic atmosphere for intimate wedding portraits.
Address: 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118
Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Unique Venues
In addition to its historic streets and lush parks, New Orleans boasts a variety of unique venues that offer one-of-a-kind backdrops for wedding photography.
Historic Homes and Mansions
New Orleans is famous for its stunning historic homes and mansions, many of which are available as wedding photography locations. These architectural gems provide a glimpse into the city’s rich past and offer an elegant and sophisticated setting for wedding photos.
Degas House: Once home to the famous French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas, this historic house features beautifully restored interiors and a charming courtyard, perfect for capturing timeless wedding portraits.
Address: 2306 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Contact: (504) 821-5009
Website: https://degashouse.com/
Beauregard-Keyes House: This historic mansion, built in 1826, boasts a stunning facade and lush gardens, providing a romantic and picturesque setting for wedding photos.
Address: 1113 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Contact: (504) 523-7257
Website: https://www.bkhouse.org/
Modern Spaces
For couples seeking a more contemporary aesthetic, New Orleans offers a selection of modern venues that provide a striking contrast to the city’s historic sites.
The Chicory: This renovated warehouse, located in the Warehouse District, features exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and industrial-chic decor, creating a trendy and stylish backdrop for wedding photos.
Address: 610 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Contact: (504) 521-8055
Website: https://thechicoryvenue.com/
The Jaxson: Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, The Jaxson offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Crescent City Connection bridge. Its sleek, modern design and floor-to-ceiling windows provide a contemporary and sophisticated setting for wedding photography.
Address: 620 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Contact: (504) 571-6333
Website: https://thejaxson.com/
Riverfront Romance
The Mississippi River, which flows through the heart of New Orleans, offers a romantic and picturesque setting for wedding photography. Couples can capture stunning images along the riverfront, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and the river’s majestic beauty.
Moon Walk and Woldenberg Park
The Moon Walk, a pedestrian promenade along the Mississippi River, and the adjacent Woldenberg Park offer breathtaking views of the river and the city skyline. These locations provide a perfect backdrop for romantic wedding photos, especially during sunset when the sky is painted with vibrant colors.
Address: 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Steamboat Natchez
Incorporating the iconic Steamboat Natchez into your wedding photography can add a touch of New Orleans’ riverfront charm to your images. The steamboat, which offers daily cruises along the Mississippi River, features a classic red paddle wheel and elegant decor, creating a unique and memorable backdrop for wedding photos.
The French Quarter comes alive at night, with its vibrant nightlife, live music, and neon-lit streets. Capturing wedding photos in this lively atmosphere can result in stunning and unique images that showcase the city’s energy and romance.
Capturing the Nightlife
To capture the essence of New Orleans’ nightlife in your wedding photos, consider the following tips:
Utilize the neon signs and streetlights to create a colorful and dynamic backdrop for your photos.
Incorporate the lively crowds and street performers into your images to capture the city’s vibrant energy.
Use a shallow depth of field to create a romantic, bokeh effect with the city lights in the background.
Safety and Permissions
When taking wedding photos in public spaces at night, it’s essential to prioritize safety and respect for the community. Be aware of your surroundings, and avoid photographing in areas that may be unsafe or disruptive to local residents and businesses. Always obtain necessary permits and permissions when photographing on private property or during special events.
Seasonal and Time Considerations
New Orleans’ weather and seasonal changes can greatly impact the look and feel of your wedding photos. To capture the most picturesque images, consider the following factors:
Best Times of Year
Spring (March to May): Spring in New Orleans offers mild temperatures, lush greenery, and the iconic blooming of the city’s magnolia trees, creating a romantic and picturesque setting for wedding photos.
Fall (October to November): Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for outdoor wedding photography. The city’s historic oak trees display beautiful autumn colors, adding a warm and inviting touch to your images.
Time of Day
Early Morning: Capturing wedding photos during the early morning hours, just after sunrise, can result in stunning images with soft, golden light and fewer crowds in popular locations.
Late Afternoon: The hour before sunset, known as the “golden hour,” offers a warm and flattering light that can enhance the romance and beauty of your wedding photos.
Expertise and Professional Insights
Hiring a Local Photographer
Hiring a local photographer who knows the ins and outs of New Orleans can greatly benefit your wedding photography experience. Local photographers have intimate knowledge of the city’s best locations, hidden gems, and optimal times for capturing the perfect light and ambiance. They can also provide valuable insights into the city’s history, culture, and traditions, helping you create meaningful and authentic wedding photos.
Historical and Cultural Significance
New Orleans’ rich history and diverse cultural influences can add depth and meaning to your wedding photos. A skilled photographer can incorporate the city’s unique architectural styles, such as Creole cottages and shotgun houses, into your images, showcasing the city’s distinct character. They can also guide you in incorporating local traditions, such as second line parades or jazz performances, into your wedding photography, creating a true New Orleans experience.
Practical Tips for Couples
Preparing for the Day
To ensure a smooth and successful wedding photography experience in New Orleans, consider the following tips:
Schedule an engagement or pre-wedding photo session with your photographer to familiarize yourself with the city’s locations and get comfortable in front of the camera.
Create a detailed timeline for your wedding day, allocating sufficient time for photography at each location and accounting for travel time between venues.
Choose comfortable and appropriate attire for the weather and locations, considering factors such as humidity, uneven surfaces, and potential outdoor elements.
Legal Considerations
When photographing in certain locations, such as parks or historic properties, it’s essential to obtain any necessary permits or permissions. Your local photographer should be familiar with these requirements and can guide you through the process. Additionally, be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines when photographing in public spaces, such as not obstructing sidewalks or interfering with local businesses.
By exploring the diverse range of wedding photography locations in New Orleans, from the historic French Quarter to the lush parks and unique venues, couples can create stunning and memorable images that capture the essence of their special day. With the guidance of a skilled local photographer and careful consideration of seasonal and logistical factors, your New Orleans wedding photos will be a timeless treasure, showcasing the romance, beauty, and vibrant spirit of this incredible city.
