Choosing wedding venues – for everything from bridal parties and rehearsal dinners to the ceremony, reception and farewell brunches – is one of the most important aspects of wedding planning. Not only does the venue set the tone for the event and its theme, but it also serves as the backdrop for wedding photographs that will remain long after the big day. Here are some local hotels that fit the bill for all types of wedding events.
The Eliza Jane
The Eliza Jane, a historic hotel in the Central Business District, is perfect for intimate receptions for 20 to 150 guests. The open-air courtyard (spot-on for cocktail hours) features lush greenery, original brick walls, gaslight lanterns, a fountain and an original Venus-inspired sculpture by local artist Brent Barnidge. Meanwhile, The Library (a library-style space with original brick and masonry arches, heritage rugs and a marble fireplace) can accommodate up to 75 guests. The Holbrook, with space for up to 150 guests, features oversized windows, exposed brick walls, decorative moldings and a private courtyard. 315 Magazine St., 504-882-1234, theelizajane.com
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
The Four Seasons New Orleans is the epitome of a luxury wedding venue. With modern design and bespoke service, the hotel boasts indoor and outdoor spaces at street level and high above the skyline with beautiful views of the city. For example, the hotel features two ballrooms with capacity for up to 850 guests, The Garden with capacity for 200 guests and Vue Orleans (a 360-degree observation deck) with capacity for 100 guests. 2 Canal St., 504-434-5100, fourseasons.com/neworleans
InterContinental New Orleans
This chic hotel, conveniently located in the Central Business District, boasts 33,000 square feet of recently renovated, adaptable event space. Bathed in natural light, the spaces also come with state-of-the-art equipment and Louisiana-inspired catering options. For example, the 8,330-square-foot Grand Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking historic St. Charles Avenue. 444 St. Charles Ave., 504-525-5566, ihg.com/intercontinental
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
Offering options for both indoor and outdoor events for up to 400 guests, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is a classic yet contemporary hotel with a romantic ambience. The breezy King Rooftop Terrace, with gorgeous views overlooking Tchoupitoulas Street, can accommodate up to 170 guests for alfresco weddings and receptions. Meanwhile, the elegant Canray Ballroom, named after musician Canray Fontenot, can host up to 375 guests for grand wedding receptions. The Peacock Room, with its vibrant jewel-box color scheme, is a vibrant space for bridal luncheons, cocktail hours and rehearsal dinners. Finally, King Brasserie, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is a lovely option for intimate receptions, lavish rehearsal dinners or farewell brunches of up to 50 guests. 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-571-1818, hotelfontenot.com
Le Pavillon New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
This award-winning historic hotel features early 20th-century charm blended with modern amenities. Located in the Central Business District on Poydras Street, Le Pavillon features 9,660Â square feet of private event space, a full-service catering staff, audio/visual services, wedding packages and more. One of the prettiest spaces is the Bijoux Room, with its crystal chandeliers suspended from 14-foot ceilings, that can accommodate up to 125 guests. 833 Poydras St., 504-581-3111, lepavillon.com
NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans
NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans – constructed during the Roaring Twenties and serving as the former headquarters for New Orleans Public Service, Inc. – features luxe, modern-day design and amenities. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America, NOPSI Hotel has a bevy of indoor and outdoor spaces for intimate celebrations, chic cocktail gatherings and large wedding receptions. The Dryades Ballroom, with its 30-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls and large arched windows, can accommodate up to 350 guests. Meanwhile, Henry’s Gin Yard is a great choice for bridal showers and luncheons or cocktail hours and intimate ceremonies for up to 200 guests. Or, book PS Reserve – a loft-like venue with floor-to-ceiling windows that can accommodate up to 80 guests. 317 Baronne St., 504-962-6500, nopsihotel.com
Omni Royal Orleans
Omni Royal Orleans offers an array of romantic spaces for all types of wedding events. The Royal Garden Terrace Complex and Courtyard – featuring space for as little as 50 guests or as many as 250 guests – is fitting for intimate ceremonies. Or, book the stunning Grand Salon, which can accommodate up to 400 guests for larger weddings. The Rib Room, meanwhile, has four private dining rooms for rehearsal dinners or bridal luncheons. 621 St. Louis St., 504-529-5333, omnihotels.com
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Occupying a gorgeous historic Beaux Arts building in the French Quarter, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans offers more than 48,000 square feet of event space. The Grand Ballroom, with its French silk draperies and Czech crystal chandeliers, sets the tone for an opulent reception. Meanwhile, the Mercier Terrace and Courtyard are perfect for cocktail hours and wedding receptions. 921 Canal St., 504-524-1331, ritzcarlton.com
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Located in the Central Business District, The Roosevelt New Orleans offers a unique selection of naturally lit, historic spaces that are ideal for intimate gatherings or lavish ceremonies for up to 1,750 guests. The two-level Blue Room, for example, flaunts elegant chandeliers and a 1930s vibe with capacity for up to 250 guests. The hotel also features enough accommodation space for the entire wedding party with 504 guest rooms. 130 Roosevelt Way, 504-648-1200, therooseveltneworleans.com
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Situated in the heart of the French Quarter, The Royal Sonesta New Orleans offers a fantastic location, sophisticated style and top-notch hospitality. The hotel features more than 20,000 square feet of event space, with the largest venue – the newly renovated 5,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which can be divided into two spaces – sporting magnificent chandeliers. Meanwhile, with its lush subtropical plants, flower beds and central fountain, the courtyard is a gorgeous space for receptions. 300 Bourbon St., 504-586-0300, sonesta.com/royal-sonestaÂ
