Whether you are looking for a place to hold your reception; an all inclusive venue for rehearsals, I-do’s and dancing the night away; or a luxurious room to get ready for the wedding, we’ve got you covered with our handy list of a few of New Orleans’ luxe locales.
Chateau LeMoyne
Fresh off a massive renovation that concluded in January, the Chateau LeMoyne pairs an 1847 exterior with modern luxuries. Ideal for weddings of up to 125, the upscale boutique hotel offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces. “A majority of our couples will have their ceremony in the courtyard,” says director of sales, Adrienne Breaux. “It’s a gorgeous private space adorned with brick that features a pond in the back.” The adjacent ballroom and royal room create a seamless transition from ceremony to reception. Brides should be sure to book the Bienville Suite — one of 11 suites on the property, the 740-square-foot space comes complete with a balcony overlooking the courtyard, which is perfect for photos.
Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
Are you looking to hold your ceremony or reception at The Chicory or Race & Religious? The Old No. 77 Hotel and Chandlery partners with the two iconic venues for larger weddings and provides an ideal spot to call home. A celebration of New Orleans’ timeless style, the 167-room hotel features three suites, all with separate seating areas, and rooms featuring exposed brick, wood floors and local artwork. There’s even an extensive pets welcome policy that provides everything from pet beds and toys to pet room service. Signature amenities for humans include a range of specialty pillow typesand Spotify menu.
Stella Plantation
For those looking for a more bucolic setting, Stella Plantation is a real, family-run working plantation (fruit and pecans) located 20 miles southeast of New Orleans. Here, 1,500 acres of countryside beckons couples to craft their own version of a perfect day under 250-year-old oak trees. “We’re all about personalized attention,” says event manager Caroline Parrone. “That’s why we only host one event per day. There is no limit to what you can do out here — host a S’mores and hot chocolate bar near the fire pit, have a second line, enjoy welcome cocktails in the carriage house — we have the space for anything you want.” And if you’re looking for something faster and simpler, Stella Plantation just began offering an elopement package designed for weddings from 10 to 50 people hosted within three months.
Rosy’s Jazz Hall
“It’s really all about our history,” says Steve Zweibaum, owner of Rosy’s Jazz Hall. “We were this incredible music club back in the ’70s [welcoming greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald] and we try to keep some of that spirit alive. Strictly a private event venue, Rosy’s has been hosting weddings for 16 years. Ceremonies here take place in the breathtaking two-story glass atrium beneath two giant live Ficus trees reaching 30 feet high and can accommodate up to 200. Receptions of up to 300 commandeer the entire main floor, from the jazz hall to the atrium and patio. Highlights include a large elevated stage in the main room and an elevated stained glass bar.
Chateau LeMoyne, Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
Juliana’s Wedding and Event Center
The newest wedding destination on the Northshore, Juliana’s Wedding and Event Center opened in Ponchatoula in October 2015. Offering an ultra romantic backdrop of oak groves dripping in Spanish moss (lit with an outdoor chandelier and twinkle lights if you desire), the 8,000 square feet of event space can be tailored to fit any style of event. Where Juliana’s really shines, however, is in their stress-free custom wedding packages and all-inclusive rates. “We have everything here,” says o wner Don Jones, “from a kitchen with fulltime staff to cake tables and stands.” Juliana’s also features a spacious bridal suite complete with a side room with lighted vanity.
La Maison Du Lac
For couples dreaming of a wedding on the water, La Maison Du Lac is the best, and only, option in town. “The Lake House” sits on Lakeshore drive on the South Shore overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. Spanning 8,000-square-feet, the venue recently completed extensive renovations in January that include a new outdoor garden area and stunning porcelain-like white floors that extend across the wide open floorplan. Weddings are typically held on the side deck, which can accommodate 250 to 300 people. “The bridal suite is actually a 4,000 square-foot condo on top of the venue that features three bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and a balcony that overlooks the marina,” says property manager and event planner, Deedee Cohen. “It’s great for getting ready and can also serve as a very convenient honeymoon suite.”
Brennan’s Restaurant
Boasting one of the French Quarter’s only large and accessible courtyards, the Royal Street’s iconic pink building, Brennan’s Restaurant, reemerged November 2014 following 17 months of extensive renovations. The result is not only a spruced up courtyard — home to 10 resident turtles and up to 150 seated guests — but eight additional unique private spaces that may be combined as needed. Oenophiles will want to book Brennan’s private wine room as a VIP space or bridal suite. It is anchored by an 18-foot table milled from a single cypress tree. “We don’t have packages,” says social events sales manager, Ashley Brodie. “Everything is customizable and unique for every event.”
Henry Howard Hotel
Imagine being handed the keys to a gorgeous boutique hotel from the late 1800s right in the heart of the Garden District. That’s essentially what happens when you have your wedding at the Henry Howard Hotel, named after the architect of the elegant building. “This is a small property which lends itself well to groups because it allows them to take over the entire space,” says co-owner, Maggie Kaatz. “There are so many little gathering places throughout the hotel, along with 18 rooms.” Greet guests with a welcome drink under the 12-foot ceilings of the grand parlor. Revel in the spacious, light-filled three-room bridal suite. Enjoy a real New Orleans courtyard wedding. The Henry Howard is filled with possibilities. “Each room is different,” Kaatz says. “One may have an exposed brick fireplace, while another features a large stove original to the property.”
