Have you decided to tie the knot in Crescent City? A New Orleans wedding venue is sure to bring a rich history, a vibrant atmosphere, and a whole lot of flavor to your special day.
From an outdoor wedding in a heritage garden to a snazzy afterparty in a musical lounge, our selection of intimate Louisiana event spaces is full of elegance and intrigue that will make your reception stand apart from the rest.
Even better, we offer these incredible spaces at affordable prices, so you can save towards the start of your new life together.
Ready to begin your search for a one-of-a-kind New Orleans wedding venue? Not only is Giggster about to be your new best friend, but we're also the ultimate planning hack.
New Orleans Wedding Reception Venues Curated by Giggster
You deserve the perfect end to your special day. Here’s what New Orleans wedding venues can contribute to your once-in-a-lifetime, fairytale wedding experience:
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From private estates to full-service courtyard venues, a poolside oasis could be the perfect opportunity to do something summery and unexpected at your wedding reception. Full of sparkling waters and string lights, these paradises will take you from cocktail hour and dinner on the lawn to a party under the stars.
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Alternatively, why not go green with a lush garden/greenhouse venue? Ranging from a fairytale to a tropical feel, this is your chance to host an elegant garden party with a modern twist, surrounded by beautiful blooms.
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Unconventional microweddings love to see Gothic Victorians coming. Full of ornate carvings, heavy drapery, and antique charm, the darker facade is perfect for any alternative couple. Don’t forget the live pianist to complete the gothic atmosphere.
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We’ve got the inside scoop on exclusive party lounges across the city. Choose from speakeasies and whiskey bars for that elite, classy feel or laid-back pubs and breweries for a younger, hipper vibe. Either way, good times and good drinks will be the focus of a reception at these boozy venues.
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The New Orleans culinary scene is one of its major claims to fame, so don’t settle for a boring wedding dinner. Skip the caterers and head straight to a local restaurant for good grub. Not only are these spaces drop-dead gorgeous, but they will serve up a meal that’s fit for royalty.
Incredible Wedding Reception Venues in New Orleans Start at $25/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: The Giggster app is bursting with amazing wedding venues to choose from; 108 to be exact!
Hassle-Free Booking: We make wedding planning extra simple. Browse our platform with ease and book with confidence, knowing that rates starting at $25/hour will show your budget some love.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Did you just find out that your third cousin chose the same wedding date as you? Or your dream photographer is already booked? As long as you booked at least 48 hours before your rental, you have 24 hours from booking confirmation to cancel for free.
Platform Protections: Your wedding is the last place you want damage and liability issues showing up! Be sure you add a protection plan to your rental of reception spaces like Historic New Orleans Estate w/ Ballroom & Gardens so you can focus on saying “I do” to the love of your life.
Things to Consider for a Wedding Reception in New Orleans
From the historic French Quarter to the Garden District, New Orleans has a unique personality, and with it, its own quirks and perks. Here’s some local knowledge that will help you navigate planning your big day in the city, especially if this is a destination event and you haven’t been before.
Advantages
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The culinary scene is off the charts with stick-to-the-ribs soul food around every corner!
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Dreaming of live musicians delighting your guests on the dance floor? As the birthplace of jazz, you’ll certainly have your pick of talented entertainers in New Orleans.
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Believe it or not, it’s legal to drink on the streets in New Orleans. While this wouldn’t otherwise be a dealbreaker, it is nice to know that your guests can step out for some fresh air without having to set their drinks down and get a new one when they return.
Disadvantages
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Festivals, especially Mardi Gras, are a big deal around here. Unfortunately, they do take over the city, though, making getting around and finding deals a big challenge, so you may want to double-check some event calendars before settling on the special day.
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The heat and humidity in the summer months is sweltering. You’re going to want a venue with good AC if you’re braving a summer wedding.
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Sales tax in New Orleans is pretty high so be sure to factor this into your purchases and calculations or you might end up over budget without realizing it!
What Kind of Venue Can I Rent for Wedding Receptions in New Orleans?
The perfect backdrop for your wedding day goes a long way in setting the tone and contributing to a memorable guest experience. What can your New Orleans reception look like? Here are some of the most plentiful venue options across the city that are dressed to impress:
Art Galleries – For the Creatives. Whether you’re an artist yourself or just looking for a unique venue that’s sure to stun, your guests will certainly find your showroom venue inspiring and memorable. Bright and spacious with a sophisticated style, getting married alongside an exclusive collection of contemporary artworks is utterly timeless. We can see the simple wedding dresses, classic black tuxedos, and champagne toasts now, can you?
Urban Event Studios – Trendy and Daring. Want to go a step above the traditional event hall? These industry gems are full of urban designs, classy furniture, and pop-up lounge spaces. The floor-to-ceiling curated decor means you can get a higher-end feel for less, and their professional experience offers easy collaboration with high-end florists, planners, and catering services.
Historic Mansions – Old World Splendor. Magazine-worthy weddings and historic estates are the perfect pairing. Full of jaw-dropping photo opportunities, meticulous landscaping, and stunning architectural features, the only thing needed to make this venue more impressive is the sound of live music drifting throughout the property. Start with a grand entrance from the verandah, say “I do” amongst the gardens, and then move inside to the great room for dinner and dancing.
Clubs and Music Venues – Embrace New Orleans Talent. Maybe you chose New Orleans for its party atmosphere—after all, the good times are always flowing around here. If so, you may want to celebrate your big day with an all-out rager. Choosing a local club or concert venue is a surefire way to make the party the point of your event, with light shows, bumping DJ booths, and expert bartenders. Pair with a hearty buffet before the show starts or a visit from local food trucks to ensure everyone is well-fueled for a night of all-out fun.
How to Plan a Wedding Reception in New Orleans
Entertainment, food, seating charts, and transportation…a lot goes into hosting a beautiful wedding. Don’t let the stress of it all get in the way of living your bridal dream. Instead, rely on some of our pro-planning tips and celebrate with ease.
Choose Between Indoor, Outdoor, or Hybrid Receptions – Each has its own benefits. When making this decision and hunting for the right reception venue, whether or not you have your heart set on a certain season is a good place to start. Spring and fall will be most comfortable for fully (or mostly) outdoor events in New Orleans. Summer humidity and bugs can be a nuisance, and you’ll also want to consider dangerous weather events, which might make an indoor reception (or at least an indoor backup plan) a better course of action.
Provide Guest Comfort Kits – Bring along baskets of bathroom essentials including mints, stain removers, mini sewing kits, feminine hygiene products, and even some over-the-counter medications like antacids and ibuprofen.
Create Your Dream Menu – Once you start shopping around for catering services, you’ll want to consider what to serve your guests. Will you go the traditional route? Serve your favorite date night dish? Remember that catering doesn’t have to come with strict rules; it’s okay to be true to your own tastes.
Obtain Your Marriage License – It may sound obvious, but make sure you’re on the same page as the government! In most cases, your paperwork will need to be acquired and filed in the city you actually get married in (so keep this in mind if you live outside of New Orleans) and every jurisdiction has its own rules about how early/late you can get one.
How to Save Money on Your Wedding Reception in New Orleans
Building a budget is also its own beast, not to mention trying to stick to it. Fear not, we’ve got some great suggestions for saving money without sacrificing style or experience.
Shop around for better prices.
Shopping for wedding vendors can be overwhelming, especially when you start getting astronomical quotes back, and typically a tight timeline to sign the contract, make a deposit, and secure your date. But remember that price shopping is totally okay, and it’s okay not to jump into making a huge investment.
Opt for beer and wine only.
It’s no secret that alcohol bills eat up a TON of the catering budget, and frankly, the overall wedding budget. If you’re not big drinkers yourselves, you may want to consider serving beer and wine only. You could also opt for wine on the tables followed by a cash bar, just be sure this expectation is clearly communicated so you don’t wind up with disappointed wedding guests.
Skip the fancy transportation.
There’s no rule that says you need to leave in a limo at the end of the night! If you’re okay with an Uber, save yourself the money. You likely won’t remember much about the ride home anyway and plenty of guests will have already departed before your “grand exit”.
New Orleans Wedding Reception Venues with Giggster
So what are you waiting for? Browse our selection of New Orleans wedding venues today and fall in love with your one-of-a-kind reception space!
