New Orleans has a reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the United States. Exquisite French and Creole cuisine, quaint atmosphere, and its mystical culture combine to create a cobble-stoned city drunk on romance. Your destination wedding New Orleans guests will have a choice of restaurants, museums, private gardens, plantations, mansions, and steamboats to explore during their stay in New Orleans.
Consider having a steamboat wedding with a brunch buffet reception, or say your vows as you chug down the street in the 150-year-old St. Charles Avenue streetcar. Get married on the corner of Pirate's Alley after arriving at your New Orleans wedding in a horse drawn carriage. Spend your first night as man and wife sipping wine on a wrought iron balcony and watching a jazz trio perform on the corner.
If you would like to get married in a public park within the boundaries of the City of New Orleans, it is easy enough to acquire permission to hold your wedding there. Contact The City of New Orleans about the park you are interested in using for your wedding site.
The French Quarter is one of the top spots to hold a New Orleans destination wedding. Small weddings work best in any one of its many popular spots. One of them is Jackson Square. Originally called The Place D'Armes, this place is located in the heart of the French Quarter and named after Andrew Jackson, a hero of the battle of New Orleans in 1812.
Jazz Fest is a popular time of year. In fact, it has become a tradition for some who come back annually to renew their vows after getting married in New Orleans during this time. However, be sure to avoid the craziness of Mardi Gras, and opt for April, May, October or November when the weather is the nicest.
You can legally marry in New Orleans if you are 18 years old. There are no blood test or residency requirements. Bring your driver licenses and birth certificates to the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, divorce papers if either one is divorced or death certificate if widowed, as well as $27.50, payable by cash, check, or money order. Both of you do not have to be present to apply but both have to sign the application. There is a 72-hour waiting period to receive a license. The marriage license is valid for use throughout the state of Louisiana for up to 30 days.
For more information about New Orleans and options for your destination wedding New Orleans, contact The New Orleans Metropolitan and Visitors Bureau.
