Smaller weddings have become more popular over the past several years, and this shift couldn’t be more welcome in the age of social distancing. Not only do couples reap the benefits of a more cost-effective venue, but they also have the added pleasure of hosting a cozy and relaxed event with only their closest family and friends. While some venues are temporarily closed — or only partially open — thanks to COVID-19, we’ve rounded up a host of small-scale venues to consider upon reopening.
Basin St. Station
For a luxe-yet-intimate venue for 50 to 200 guests, consider Basin St. Station. This indoor-outdoor event space overlooks the French Quarter and occupies a space that was formerly the Norfolk Southern railway station. The first floor New Orleans Museum is perfect for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while the fourth-floor, glass-enclosed salon features lavish decor and modern seating. The furnished outdoor terrace, known as The Rooftop on Basin, features gorgeous skyline views, gas-burning lanterns, stone tile flooring and outdoor seating. Rental starts at $1,500. 501 Basin St., 504-293-2600, basinststation.com, brakemanhotel.com
Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights
A perfect setting for seated dinners (of up to 50 guests), or cocktail receptions and intimate weddings (of up to 100 guests), Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights sparkles with more than 40 handcrafted, gas-burning, copper lanterns and dimmable festoon lighting. The 1,500-square-foot venue features two entrances (from Royal Street and from Exchange Alley); a romantic, interior courtyard; and a workshop filled with antique fixtures, old work tables and vintage memorabilia. Tip: Arrange for Bevolo coppersmiths to be onsite during the event, so guests can watch lanterns being made. Rental starts at $3,000. 316 Royal St., 504-522-9485, bevolo.com
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
A popular wedding venue since the 1800s, Bourbon Orleans Hotel offers a few options for intimate weddings. The wrought-iron balcony overlooks the French Quarter and is perfect for elopements and small weddings of up to 12 guests. Meanwhile, the two-story corner balcony loft suites are ideal for wedding ceremonies of up to 15 guests. Finally, St. Ann Cottage is available for weddings and receptions, featuring two adjoining salons with 12-foot ceilings and French doors that open to a private courtyard. Rental starts at $2,850. 717 Orleans St., 504-523-2222, bourbonorleans.com
Café Amelie
Café Amelie, located in the 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House in the French Quarter, is known for its enchanting courtyard. Available for weddings and receptions, the venue can accommodate 100 to 150 guests. Choose from various dining options — all spotlighting Café Amelie’s traditional Louisiana cuisine. Rental starts at $4,500. 912 Royal St., 504-412-8965, cafeamelie.com
The Conservatory
Located within the New Orleans Botanical Garden at City Park, the Conservatory is distinguished by a spectacular glass dome roof at its center that mimics the nearby Pavilion of the Two Sisters. Perfect for small ceremonies and receptions for up to 40 seated guests, the venue overlooks the garden’s scenic lily pond and also consists of two wings on either side accented with tropical plants. Rental starts at $750. 5 Victory Ave., 504-488-2896, neworleanscitypark.com/botanical-garden
Jackson Square
The iconic Jackson Square makes for a quintessential New Orleans wedding with the gorgeous St. Louis Cathedral as the backdrop. As a public park, weddings here require written permission of the Department of Parks and Parkways. As such, the permit allows for only one wedding in the square at a time. While no food, drink or receptions are allowed in the park, a three- to four-piece ensemble is allowed to play three selections during the ceremony. Rental starts at $250. 701 Decatur St., 504-658-3200, nola.gov/parks-and-parkways
Maison Dupuy Hotel
Located in the heart of the Vieux Carre, the Maison Dupuy is a boutique hotel offering an authentic New Orleans setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The newly renovated and secluded courtyard features a pool and a fountain, and it is perfect for intimate weddings of up to 50 guests. In-house Executive Chef Matthew Regan oversees all catering, but menus can be customized to suit the tastes of the couple. Rental starts at $3,200. 1001 Toulouse St., 504-586-8000, maisondupuy.com
La Maison du Lac
For a chic and modern setting, consider La Maison du Lac overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. The venue features an indoor ballroom and an outdoor deck. In addition to the stunning views of the marina, guests will be wowed by the wide-open spaces and nautical atmosphere. Rental starts at $1,000. 7412 Lakeshore Drive, 504-309-0700, lamaisondulacevents.com
Preservation Hall
Built in 1817, the historic Creole mansion known as Preservation Hall has been home to traditional New Orleans jazz for more than 50 years. The perfect ambiance for small weddings and receptions, the venue features historic wrought-iron gates, distressed walls and a sizable courtyard. The best part, however, might just be the second line led by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Call for pricing. 726 St. Peter St., 504-522-2841, preservationhall.com
Race + Religious
Beautiful wedding photos are guaranteed within the spaces of Race + Religious. The romantic compound consists of three buildings built in the 1830s, connected by a 2,500-square-foot courtyard with lush palms, a pool and flickering gas lanterns. Unvarnished staircases, French tiles, wrought-iron gates and stained-glass doors add to the allure. Rental starts at $7,000. 510 Race St., 504-523-0890, raceandreligious.com
