The Barnett and Maison Métier
Now part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, the hotel formerly known as the Ace Hotel New Orleans has been rebranded as The Barnett. The Barnett offers more than 16,000 square feet of flexible event space, from intimate weddings in the Barnett Green Room to grand celebrations in the 4,000-square-foot ballroom, Barnett Hall. Meanwhile, Maison de la Luz also has been rebranded as Maison Métier and is now part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio. Maison Métier provides an elegant backdrop for weddings and private events with several distinctive spaces, including intimate cocktail receptions in Bar Métier to bridal events in the Breakfast Room or receptions on the spacious mezzanine. The luxurious accommodations and tailored event menus also ensure a memorable and customized experience. Bar Marilou — now named Bar Métier (a name that will soon change) — is a great spot for afternoon tea with the bridal party or even sophisticated bachelor and bachelorette parties. The Barnett and Maison Métier, 600 Carondelet St., 504-900-1180, 546 Carondelet St., 504-814-7720, hyatt.com.
Common House
The newly opened Common House features multiple spaces for private events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners and cocktail receptions. The modern social club, located in the heart of the Warehouse District, is in the space formerly occupied by the Louisiana Children’s Museum and flaunts thoughtful design by Joshua Charles of Joshua Joseph Interiors. The 20,000-square-foot space features the iconic blue exterior double doors, exposed brick, concrete floors, arched portals and murals commissioned by local artists (such as Brandan “BMIKE” Odums and Tyrell Shaw). Wedding spaces include a restaurant and bar helmed by Chef de Cuisine Sean Rajo; Lilli Hall (which can accommodate up to 200 guests standing); the Remy Room (perfect for a brunch or bridal shower, accommodating 70 seated guests and up to 90 standing); and a long inner courtyard (for up to 250 guests standing). The event venues are open to members and non-members alike and provide all-inclusive services, including in-house catering, full bar services, furniture, audio/visual equipment and a professional waitstaff. Common House, 420 Julia St., 504-315-2030, commonhouse.com/neworleans.
Copper Vine Wine Pub & Inn
Copper Vine Wine Pub & Inn has opened its highly anticipated boutique inn as an extension of the restaurant, and it’s the perfect place for bridal parties to stay during the wedding festivities. Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans on Poydras Street, the inn features 10 lofty guest rooms and a sweeping Terrace Suite (that would also make for an amazing bridal suite). Designed in collaboration with Studio West, which also designed the restaurant, Copper Vine Inn flaunts custom-designed, locally made fabrics and handcrafted furniture from New Orleans-based millworkers as well as bespoke art pieces. Guest rooms also boast floor-to-ceiling windows adorned with locally made blackout curtains from Pavy, plush linens and spacious bathrooms with a rainfall shower (some rooms also have an enormous soaking tub that’s suitable for two). Meanwhile, the Terrace Suite — located in what was formerly the attic space of the original 1800s-era building — flaunts exposed brick chimneys, dormer windows transformed into cozy reading nooks, a romantic wet room, a well-stocked kitchenette and a rooftop terrace with gorgeous views of downtown. Of course, Copper Vine Wine Pub also is great spot for bridal luncheons and rehearsal dinners. Copper Vine, 1001 Poydras St., 504-208-9535, coppervine.com.
Easy Virtue
Easy Virtue, a new restaurant and bar on Fulton Street in the Warehouse District, offers daily brunch, lunch and dinner, plus an extensive whiskey selection. The large private dining room can seat up to 50 guests (so it’s perfect for bridal brunches or rehearsal dinners). Easy Virtue also boasts a large 36-seat central bar that acts as an evening cocktail destination with more than 100 of the most refined bourbons and whiskeys in the city (so bachelor and bachelorette parties also can rejoice). Meanwhile, the bubbly menu offers a selection of Champagne, sparkling wines and Champagne cocktails. When guests are ready to kick it up a notch, they can indulge in the EV Mimosa Party, which includes a bottle of bubbly, assorted juices and fresh berries. And for the coup de grâce, The Room with a Veuve package includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne with a hotel room on the side at the adjacent New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel. Easy Virtue, 878 Fulton St., 504-613-2844, easyvirtue.com.
Greenhouse Workspace
Greenhouse Workspace is a new venue that offers space for 150 to 200 guests, and it’s a lovely spot for weddings and receptions. Located along the Lafitte Greenway, the coworking and event space is designed to connect occupants to the natural environment thanks to the interior decor by the Inhab Group and live plants provided by Luna Botanicals. The renovated warehouse features more than 10,000 square feet of space with original wooden roof trusses, large steel windows and garage doors retrofitted with glass to allow the sunlight in — all providing a lovely backdrop for wedding photos. Greenhouse Workspace, 4157 St. Louis St., 504-434-2210, greenhouseworkspace.com.
GW Fins
Interior designer Christine Diggs recently redesigned the interiors for local beloved restaurant GW Fins, and the gorgeous new space (with a separate private dining room that seats 32) is perfect for bridal luncheons and smaller rehearsal dinners. The new design features wall finishes and textured fabrics in a deep color palette of silver, dark blue and charcoal. Meanwhile, every surface — from chairs and banquettes to walls, ceiling and floors — have been updated to imbue an air of sophistication. A dramatic floor-to-ceiling mural with an image of Louisiana trees and marsh also changes colors as the light reflects through the windows. GW Fins, 808 Bienville St., 504-581-3467, gwfins.com.
New Orleans Marriott
Located on Canal Street at the entrance to the French Quarter, New Orleans Marriott boasts event spaces for bridal showers to large receptions. For example, The Grand Ballroom is the hotel’s largest event space and can accommodate up to 3,100 guests. It can also be broken down into three smaller spaces: Acadia; Bissonet; and Carondelet. Meanwhile, Preservation Hall features 16,000 square feet of versatile space (with room for up to 1,600 guests in reception style), including 10 adaptable studios with a central foyer. The Mardi Gras Ballroom, located on third floor next to the Grand Ballroom, features 10,300 square feet of event space with room for up to 1,100 guests. And with its Marriott Certified Wedding Planners, who each complete demanding coursework, each detail will be exquisitely planned. The new executive chef, Thorsten Leighty, hails from Germany and spent the first 10 years of his career at Michelin-starred restaurants abroad. New Orleans Marriot, 555 Canal St., 504-581-1000, marriott.com.
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
For large weddings, consider the Napoleon Room at Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, located on Canal Street. The Napoleon Room is one of the largest New Orleans wedding venues available with seating for up to 2,255 guests. The hotel also features the Armstrong Ballroom, which offers a romantic French Quarter backdrop. The hotel also has Marriott Certified Wedding Planners, so you can be sure to get hitched without a hitch. In addition to New Orleans-style celebrations, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is experienced in hosting multicultural weddings. The new executive chef, Chandra Swamy, also brings an international flair to wedding cuisine. Sheraton Hotel New Orleans, 500 Canal St., 504-525-2500, marriott.com.
Vue Orleans
Vue Orleans — located at the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans — is a one-of-a-kind venue offering a Nola-centric setting for private events like weddings and receptions. Whether you’re inviting 10 or 200 guests, this indoor and outdoor venue offers a multi-level interactive cultural experience (including nine original films and seven interactive exhibits), stunning views from the city’s only rooftop 360-degree panoramic observation deck and personalized service. Vue Orleans, 2 Canal St., 504-285-3600, vueorleans.com.
W New Orleans – French Quarter
Wedding parties looking for an authentic New Orleans experience can book rooms at the newly redesigned W New Orleans – French Quarter. The hotel, located on Chartres Street in the heart of the French Quarter, has unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation to its 97 guest rooms and carriage houses with an eye on sophisticated, detail-driven design. Led by Canadian design firm Chapi Chapo Design, the renovation spotlights New Orleans’ world-famous bayous through intricate textures and soothing tones. For example, the guest rooms feature a bold navy backdrop with French-style wall moldings that distinguish the bedroom from the seating area. Meanwhile, touches of Sazerac orange (the official spirit of New Orleans) are present throughout. The rooms also boast Spanish moss-inspired light sconces; custom-made floor lamps that project a backlit visual of a bayou canopy onto the ceiling; marble coffee tables; gold hardware; framed black-and-white line drawings of jazz singers; and mini bars reminiscent of a treasure chest (as an homage to the French pirate, Jean Lafitte). Meanwhile, the gorgeous courtyard presents a lovely backdrop for wedding ceremonies, and the hotel’s restaurant, 3rd Block Depot, is available for bridal luncheons and rehearsal dinners. W New Orleans – French Quarter, 316 Chartres St., 504-581-1200, marriott.com.
