Sure, NOLA is a world-class city.
But it hasn’t lost its funky side.
For weddings, that means that
adding creative twists — feathered Mardi
Gras masks, zydeco bands — is part of
the fun. Traditional or creative, special
settings abound, such as historic hotels,
atmospheric dining venues (Galatoire’s,
Latrobe’s, Calcasieu) and Jackson Square
with its majestic cathedral. Local treats like
Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Cocktail Mix are
appreciated additions to the welcome bags,
and groups can even sample the famous
cocktail at the source — the pub has been
an institution since 1933.
The Big Easy is aptly nicknamed: It’s a
cinch to tie the knot. The marriage license
is just $27.50, and it’s good for 30 days. To
simplify the process even further, the New
Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau
has created a one-stop shop, myweddingin
neworleans.com, that provides couples
direct Web links for permits, marriagelicense
requirements and how-to’s. — KM
New Orleans Hotel Collection
For an authentic experience in
New Orleans, book your wedding
and honeymoon at a member of
the New Orleans Hotel Collection —
“splendidly original hotels in America’s
favorite city.”
This exclusive group of independent,
one-of-a-kind properties boasts brick-lined
courtyards, ironwork balconies, and funky
bars and lounges.
Your wedding will be like none your
friends have seen. Exchange vows in a
charming courtyard at St. Anne Cottage,
Hermann House or the Hotel Mazarin.
Celebrate in a distinctive 1800s ballroom
— the oldest in the city — at the Bourbon
Orleans Hotel. Or choose La Louisiane, a
catering venue where cozy salons are aglow
with gaslight and the food is prepared by a
French chef.
Degas House
Your wedding will be a masterpiece
at the celebrated landmark home
of the French Impressionist master,
Edgar Degas. Distinguished by the French
Ministry of Culture, Degas House is the only
home or studio of the artist anywhere in the
world open to the public. On the eve of the
Impressionist Movement, Degas created 18
of his greatest paintings here in his maternal
family home circa 1872- 1873, surrounded
by family. Today, this international cultural
gem hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners
and corporate functions within its elegant
parlors, in the gallery or a romantic
courtyard with a timeless, natural backdrop.
Your guests will certainly boast about the
unique experience they’ve enjoyed from
their New Orleans sojourn with a French
Creole accent, and sharing your special day
with you.
