How Much Is a New Orleans Wedding? Costs, Venues & Scores

Regions › New Orleans

Why it stands out

Scenery9.6Venues9.0Vendors8.8

New Orleans offers one of the most culturally distinctive wedding experiences in America, with second line parades, courtyard venues, and a food culture that turns receptions into events guests genuinely remember. Hurricane season requires flexibility. Best for couples who want unforgettable cultural character and joyful celebration.

Avg. wedding cost

$29,000

Weddings / year

9,000+

Annual rainfall

60 in / year

Read our blog entry on New Orleans

How New Orleans scores

Overall affordability5.8/10

Mid-range pricing with strong value relative to the cultural depth offered.

Guest travel convenience7.6/10

MSY has growing direct service to most major US cities.

Weather and seasonality5.4/10

Hot humid summers and mild winters; spring and fall best, with hurricane risk.

Scenery and overall vibe9.6/10

French Quarter, Garden District, and bayou aesthetics create wholly unique American wedding settings.

Venue options nearby9.0/10

Iconic mansions, historic hotels, courtyard venues, and second-line parade routes.

Lodging availability8.0/10

Strong hotel inventory; events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest tighten availability.

Legal and logistical simplicity7.6/10

Louisiana has standard rules with 24-hour waiting period.

Accessibility and inclusivity8.4/10

Deeply diverse and welcoming city culture.

Vendor ecosystem8.8/10

Specialized vendor scene built around the city's unique wedding traditions like second lines.

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Featured venue

Felicity Church

New Orleans, Louisiana

Once an 1880s Gothic church in the Lower Garden District, Felicity Church retains its soaring ceilings, stained glass windows and warm wood floors while offering modern amenities for eclectic New Orleans celebrations.

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Editorially Curated

From the venue shortlist

4 of the 12 hand picked New Orleans venues our editors keep coming back to.

01
Hotel Monteleone
The carousel-bar grande dame of Royal Street.
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02
The Elms Mansion
An 1869 Garden District mansion with oak-shaded grounds.
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03
Race + Religious
A photogenic trio of 1830s Creole buildings and courtyards.
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04
Il Mercato
A 1930s Spanish-revival market hall with fountain courtyard.
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