From glitz and glamor to classic grandeur or rustic charm, New Orleans and the surrounding areas have countless historic sites where you can live out your fantasy wedding. Below are 10 of our favorite locations steeped in history.
Stella Plantation
Relaxation is key at Stella, which books just one wedding a day, so there’s no need to rush. The 250-year-old home is one of the oldest working plantations in the state, still harvesting crawfish and satsumas. Couples can choose to be wed inside the carriage house, within the circle of citrus trees, or beneath the shade of the historic oak trees that line the 1,500 acres. While most take advantage of the grounds’ natural beauty, the main house is also available.
Southern Oaks Plantation
Southern Oaks was never a working plantation, however, it definitely has the same grandeur. Southern Oaks has three acres of grounds, an elegant main house with a large front porch, three live oaks, dripping with Spanish moss and plenty of special features. Owner Bobby Asaro makes it his mission to make each wedding stand out as a truly New Orleans experience. Asaro offers home-cooked catering, carriage rides, fireworks shows and even a personal parade, complete with floats. The venue can accommodate up to 400 guests.
The Berry Barn
A working produce farm, the Berry Barn on the North Shore offers a provincial backdrop without slipping into kitsch. The barn can accommodate up to 300 people and offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside, the floors and ceilings are hardwood, with both brick and hardwood on the walls. When paired with the custom wagon wheel chandeliers and the fairy lights and draperies flowing from the rafters, the effect is more rustic elegance than down-home country.
Melrose Plantation
Melrose does not have any room or hall dedicated to weddings or events, so only book here if you’re looking for an outdoor wedding. That being said, the grounds of this historic home are dripping with antebellum beauty. With 200-year-old oak and magnolia trees lining the seven-acre property and the Big House towering in the background, the effect is striking. Between 200 and 250 people can be accommodated and catering is not provided.
Marché
Nestled between the bustling French Market and the quiet Mississippi is Marché. Once a part of the market, it is now a strikingly elegant space for events. Marché is made up of two rooms, the main room and the terrace which is a balcony overlooking the Market, which offers a panoramic view of the river and the streets of the French Quarter. Sit down dinners and reception-style options are available, and the space can fit up to 150 or 250 people.
Louisiana Castle
A replica of an English Keep-style castle, the Louisiana Castle offers a different kind of history. The castle, complete with turrets, would fulfill any aspiring Cinderella’s dreams. There’s even a throne room, with thrones for a king and queen as well as a suit of armor. The 10 acres of land are filled with lush greenery, a pond with lily pads and a large pavilion, where the ceremony can be held if the Grand Ballroom doesn’t suit your taste. Catering, a DJ and custom-designed cakes are included.
St. James Hotel
This historic hotel does not offer event spaces, however they do have beautiful accommodations that provide perfect lodgings for bridal parties looking for a classic New Orleans feel. Once a Union hospital during the Civil War, the hotel is rich with legend and lore. It was refurbished in 2012, with all new wood floors and traditional New Orleans decor. The hotel works with your bridal party to make your stay as comfortable and luxurious as possible.
Cedar Grove Plantation
Built in 1790, this home has been everything from a sugarcane plantation, to a train station, a brothel, a restaurant and now an event space. As the oldest standing building in Jefferson Parish, its history is undeniable. Romance is infused throughout the home, making it an ideal venue for a wedding. Couples have access to the entire plantation, which includes the chapel, ballroom, pavilion and gardens. Anywhere from 50 to 350 guests can be accommodated, in-house catering is provided, as is a DJ.
Annadeles
This 182-year-old, classic plantation-style house now serves as a bed and breakfast, an upscale restaurant and events venue. Couples can rent out the entire home (for a minimum of 150 adults), which includes the grounds, restaurant, bars and all of the suites in the historic mansion. Annadeles is boldly reminiscent of southern class and luxury, without feeling too extravagant. Up to 300 guests can be accommodated and catering is available.
Nottoway Plantation
If you’re searching for the biggest, grandest, most extravagant wedding you can imagine, look no further than Nottoway Plantation. Think “Gone With The Wind” on glamour-steroids. The house was built in the 1850s as a sugarcane plantation and is the largest antebellum mansion in the south. Offering an array of lavish accommodations, pampering is no question at Nottoway. Both indoor and outdoor ceremonies are available, as well as three different ballrooms for the reception.
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