Located on River Road, minutes away from downtown New Orleans and the Central Business District, sits the charming, 1850s White Hall Plantation. The former sugar plantation is now a part of the Magnolia School, a campus founded in 1935 for those with developmental disabilities. In 2014, the house underwent a major renovation in preparation for hosting weddings, corporate functions and other events. Along with the renovation came the partnership with 12 Seasons Catering and Mr. Mudbugs. The company is responsible for all catering on the property, which includes the cafeteria for the school. The school receives 100 percent of the rental fee from events held at the plantation.
“You’re only limited to your imagination,” says Aaron Shaffer with 12 Seasons Catering, which offers brides and grooms a vast opportunities for their Big Day.
The first floor of the plantation home is currently available for use, allowing for 169 guests. The long center hallway creates an open and inviting floor plan, though the space is technically separated into four different rooms. With large, floor-to-ceiling entryways, the flow continues from room to room. With only a semi-furnished living room area and a few banquet sized tables, the space truly is only limited to your imagination. Furniture can be moved around to different areas and matched with the different antique fixtures throughout the house, making for a distinct experience with each wedding.
The rental of the space includes the expansive front lawn and concrete paved area perfect for a dance floor under the stars. The first floor plus outdoor areas can hold a few hundred guests for any event. Shaffer explained that White Hall is really the ideal spot for a couple on a budget, but still looking to get the complete New Orleans feel.
Shaffer says there are plans in the works to continue the renovations to the space in the coming years and potentially open up the second floor of the building. Meanwhile, couples can still do something good for their neighbors with developmental disabilities by having their Big Day at White Hall Plantation.
White Hall Plantation, 100 Central Ave., New Orleans (corner of Central Ave. and River Road), 465-9770, facebook.com/WhitehallPlantation