40 Small Wedding Venues New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most romantic cities in America and one of the best places for a Small wedding Venues. After a year of canceled travel plans, New Orleans is a perfect little escape that feels part European, part Caribbean, and always full of joy and music. New Orleans Small wedding Venues are magical and its one of the best cities to have your small wedding!

New Orleans is a mystical city of parties, jazz, nightlife, and romance. Some people may think it’s not worth visiting, but believe me, once you’ve been there, you will love the vibe! In this post, we will be talking about places to consider for your small wedding. The city has a lot of really cool locations that can be great for your event.

p.s. If you want a locals insight into what month is the best month for a wedding in New Orleans, here is my guide! Best months to get married in New Orleans 

1. French Quarter Wedding Chapel 

The French Quarter Wedding Chapel is the perfect place to have a small wedding in New Orleans. The quirky charm and Las Vegas vibes are something that will add to your wedding experience to make it a day you will never forget. The aesthetic is kitschy and comedic. It’s perfect for couples who don’t take themselves too seriously. The French Quarter Wedding Chapel offers short and long ceremonies and is walking distance to many restaurants and bars in the French Quarter.

 

2. Colorful houses in The French Quarter

New Orleans is full of colorful houses and architectural charm. Every block is adorned with a rainbow of color. Why not have a quick pop up wedding with one of your favorite houses as the backdrop? If you’re doing this, just be sure to check in with the owners and make sure to not fully block the sidewalk! 

 

3. Audubon Park Oaks

Audubon Park is the perfect place for a small wedding in New Orleans. As you walk the mile-long path along the lagoon, there are many beautiful oaks to wed under. This picture is taken right over the Hurst Street Bridge and is a perfect tucked-away spot to tie the knot. Audubon Park is extremely popular on nice days, so make sure to find yourself a spot safely off the path. 

 

4. Audon Park Hurst Street Path Bridge 

This iconic bridge would be a beautiful backdrop for any small wedding in New Orleans. The Hurst Street Path Bridge is lined with vines growing giving the bridge a warm and very lush look. If you’re getting married here, make sure to have your photographer take a photo from the side of the lagoon. It’s one of the lushest spots in New Orleans!

5. Our Lady of the Rosary

Our Lady of the Rosary on Esplanade Avenue is a beautiful old church with white arched interiors. It’s the perfect spot for any Catholic couples looking to have a more traditional small wedding in New Orleans. After the ceremony, it’s a quick drive up Esplanade to some of the best New Orleans restaurants!

6. City Park Oaks

The historic grove of oaks at City Park is one of the most beautiful locations to get married in New Orleans. The oaks create a breathtaking backdrop, and the serene peacefulness it provides away from the hustle and bustle of the city can’t be beat. City Park is the largest urban park in America and has over 20,000 acres of green spaces and picnic areas in which to get married. Walking into a small wedding under the oaks of New Orleans’ City Park is like stepping back in time. The trees are hundreds of years old and provide an elegant backdrop for an amazing ceremony. City Park is both beautiful and affordable.

 

7. The Balconies of Napoleon House

The best wedding venues in New Orleans are the ones that offer something different. If you’re looking to get married on a balcony overlooking the historic French Quarter streets, there are few locations better in all of New Orleans than the Napoleon House. While you’re there, try their famous Pimm’s Cup!

See this full wedding here. 

 

8. Starlight Lounge 

The perfect little lounge for a New Orleans small wedding reception, the Starlight Lounge is just the place to tie the knot. The first floor of the Starlight Lounge is jam-packed with natural wood and quirky character including vintage couches and an expertly restored bar. The second floor offers an exciting atmosphere with vintage wooden tables and comfortable seats paired with gorgeous lighting fixtures. This space would be ideal for small weddings held within a group of 20 and up. The bar is situated in a historical building that sits a few blocks back from Bourbon Street. 

 

9. Armstrong Park Arches

 

Located in the midst of the historic Armstrong Park, this venue provides a lovely backdrop for small weddings. It offers shaded walkways, winding waterways, bright arches, and plenty of lush greenspace, perfect for an outdoor picnic or reception. With stunning historic arches and natural beauty, the park is a great location for photos and to host your intimate ceremony. The oak trees offer year round greenery, and the pond provides a romantic backdrop as your guests listen to the speeches.

 

10. Seraphim House 

The Seraphim House is an old-world beauty that was renovated into an elegant, modern event facility. Originally built in the late 1800s, this historical gem has been restored to reflect its former glory while keeping a comfortable, colorful aesthetic. Located just outside of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Seraphim House has been well preserved and restored, with its original wood floors, plaster walls, historic furnishings, and charming decor all left intact. Guests will feel like they are stepping back in time to the 1920s when they visit this venue. The Seraphim House has two separate party spaces: the ballroom for dancing and the outdoor patio for mingling. This venue can hold up to 85 people, making it ideal for smaller weddings near the French Quarter that need an intimate space to host.

 

11. Pharmacy Museum Courtyard 

 

Located in the bustling French Quarter, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is truly a slice of history. This venue is perfect for any couple who would like to have a very unique wedding. The Pharmacy Museum provides an interesting backdrop which will make your guests remember your celebration for years to come. With many hotels located nearby and close access to transportation, your guests will be able to enjoy some of the best food New Orleans has to offer and never be too far away from your celebration. The Pharmacy Museum is a dark, old, creaky building. With high ceilings and tangled history, this venue brings New Orleans to your wedding. 

 

12. Elms Mansion

The Elms Mansion is restored to its original beauty and is the perfect place to hold your small wedding in New Orleans. The mansion has many bedrooms upstairs for dressing, large rooms, a parlor, and a bar on the first floor. Outside the courtyard is lined with historic oaks and a gazebo in the middle which is the perfect setting for any ceremony. Built in 1853, the beautiful New Orleans Elms Mansion is located on St. Charles Avenue in the heart of all the fun and excitement of the historic Garden District. A classic New Orleans landmark, the Elms mansion is a genuine piece of Louisiana history.

 

13. New Orleans Marriage Office

The New Orleans Marriage Office  is a space designed to help you easily and quickly get married. It’s perfect for those looking to get married without any fuss. The no-frills office avoids common wedding faux-pas. It offers a simple altar and in-house officiants, and streamlines your process. This space is small and meant for ceremonies of weddings under 5 people.

 

14. The Tree of Life in Audubon Park

Tie the knot in one of New Orleans’ most beautiful and historical settings! Looking to host a small wedding in a grand location with gorgeous views? Look no further than this ceremony site in Audubon Park under the beautiful Tree of Life. The Tree of Life is a living symbol of growth, strength, and knowledge. It is also an essential stopping-spot in the Tropical Trail, a 1.1 kilometer self-guided tour located on the beautiful 5500 acre Audubon Park. Whether you are getting married or renewing your vows, this beautiful location with its abundance of lush greenery framing the sanctuary made from cypress, magnolias, and oaks is simply picturesque.

 

15. Washington Artillery Park

Washington Artillery Park is a popular park in New Orleans. The spot has an iconic view of St Louis Cathedral and is easily one of the most picturesque places for a small wedding in New Orleans. Washington Artillery Park is a gorgeous spot that is both classy and quintessentially New Orleans. It’s perfect for a small ceremony or quiet time in nature.  If you want to get married here, just make sure you pick an off day, early morning, or off season as it can get extremely loud and busy! I recommend sunrise weddings or mid-week weddings to have a more intimate experience. 

 

16. Bourbon Street

Will you marry your lover on Bourbon Street? This location is not for the faint of heart but could be a fun spot for the right couple. It’s a popular street in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it attracts all types of people from those celebrating Mardi Gras to others just looking for a good time. Bourbon Street with its flashing lights and giant neon signs is a popular place where you can find many clubs, bars, and casinos! This is the perfect wedding spot for couples who love to party. You’ll definitely have a blast on this street!

 

17. Capulet Dining Room

If great food is what you want out of your small wedding venue, Capulet’s Dining Room is sure to deliver! Beloved by locals for its fresh lunch fare, Capulet Dining Room is a great small wedding venue for foodies. The decor is simple and modern, so some florals or other decorations will go a long way to transforming the space. If you’re aiming for a modern aesthetic, Capulet is a good choice. There’s plenty of space for a dance floor too!

18. Capulet Rooftop

Do you want a golden hour ceremony? Love the idea of cocktails at sunset? Capulet’s rooftop is ideal for anyone who wants to be out of the fray of the business district but still get that incredible cityscape as a ceremony backdrop. Market lights and wooden flooring give the rooftop a sense of inviting warmth. This space is great for ceremonies with an arch or similar arrangement. If you’re thinking of doing your reception on the rooftop, you’ll want to keep the guest list smaller so there’s room for dancing.

 19. Tigermens Den

Tigermens Den is all about ambiance! Reclaimed wood walls and flooring give the intimate space a rustic touch. Tall windows let the revelry spill into the street if that’s where your night takes you. The interior details are so beautiful that minimum decorations are needed to make the rooms feel festive, although floral arrangements definitely add to the magic of the space. If your guests need fresh air, the small courtyard’s secret garden vibes will charm anyone. Tigermens Den is a great small wedding venue because you can make it as formal or casual as you please. Set up formal dining or use cocktail tables to encourage guests onto the dance floor. 

 

21. Cabildo Alley

Another small street in the French Quarter, Cabildo Alley is lined by brick buildings. Balconies and potted plants create the feeling of wandering into another time. The Cabildo, a colonial government building, is visible at the end of the block. Jackson Square and all its excitement lie just around the corner. Cabildo Alley is a great small wedding venue for folks who want to be off the beaten path but still within reach of all the French Quarter fun!

 

21. Exchange Place 

Exchange Place is one of the better known pedestrian-only streets in the French Quarter. All the old world charm of the French Quarter comes to life here. The narrow street houses brightly colored buildings with balconies and lush plants. Cafes put tables out on the paving stones. If you’re considering this space for a nighttime ceremony or reception, market lights strung across the road add to the magic.

 

22. St Charles Streetcar

The St. Charles Streetcar looks like a postcard come to life! The charming green trolleys run the length of St. Charles Avenue through the Central Business District and Garden District. Take a ride and catch majestic views of the city’s historic homes. Wedding photos with the St. Charles Streetcar are classic and whimsical in the refined Garden District.

 

23. Race and Religious 

Race and Religious is one of New Orleans’ most in-demand wedding venues. It works especially well as a small wedding venue if you’re hoping to do everything from getting ready to the reception in one place. Originally built in the 1930s, this Lower Garden District property transports visitors. The brick, woodwork, and courtyard with its reflecting pool have a sense of timeless romance. Lace curtains and antique furniture add to the beauty without being pretentious. If Race and Religious appeals to you, don’t wait! This venue books up well in advance.

 

24. Upstairs at Coquette

Another great option for foodies is upstairs at Coquette. The space itself is beautiful brick, woodwork, and natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. At night, romantic chandeliers add to the ambience. This restaurant on Magazine Street serves fresh takes on Southern food. If you or anyone in your party has food allergies, Coquette is very accommodating. Coquette is a great small wedding venue for marriers aiming for an intimate vibe.

 

25. On the Water in Audubon Park

Audubon Park is one of the gems of Uptown New Orleans. This large park is full of scenic waterways, including incredible views of the Mississippi River. If you’re looking for a small wedding venue with great views of the river and large green spaces, Audubon Park is a great option. 

 

26. Crescent Park Piety Wharf

For those looking for a funkier vibe Downtown, check out Crescent Park’s Piety Wharf. Crescent Park opened along the Mississippi riverfront in 2014. It’s a mix of the river’s industrial past and lush landscaping. In just 7 years, the park’s bridge, known as the Iron Rainbow, has become iconic. Piety Wharf has been renovated as part of Crescent Park. Although it’s a minimalist span of benches and open space, the views of the Mississippi and New Orleans’ skyline can’t be beat. If you plan to have a brass band, there’s also a special magic in hearing music carried on those river breezes.

 

27. The Garden District 

While the French Quarter’s character is determined by its colonial architecture, the Garden District’s grandeur is decidedly different. Think Greek revival mansions with pillars, porches, and sweeping oaks in the yard. There are lots of options for renting homes as small wedding venues. Many have beautifully decorated interiors and neatly landscaped lawns for indoor or outdoor ceremony options. In this subtropical climate, it’s always good to have a rain plan!

  

28. The Gates of Jackson Square 

There’s no question that Jackson Square is an iconic New Orleans location. During the day, the area around the square is full of street performers, artists, and fortune tellers. Consider a ceremony at the beautiful ironwork gates surrounded by tropical foliage and majestic buildings such as St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo.  As a venue, Jackson Square is best for marriers who don’t mind the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter’s quirky characters during their ceremony. It will be quietest in early mornings and mid week.

 

29. Fulton Street

Fulton Street is a charming pedestrian mall in New Orleans’ Central Business District. It’s lined with brick buildings housing restaurants and bars. At Christmas, elaborate light displays fill the street! As a small wedding venue, Fulton Street is conveniently located near many hotels and restaurants. It has plenty of New Orleans personality with a bit more big city appeal since it’s in the business district. 

 

30. Degas House

The Degas House offers a beautiful historic home experience with a tropical courtyard for your small wedding ceremony. Located right on Esplanade Avenue, the property is surrounded by lush trees and foliage. The interior of the home is impeccably decorated and able to accommodate everything from getting ready to meals. Most couples choose to hold their ceremony in the beautiful brick courtyard, which is elegant and inviting.

 

31. New Orleans Botanical Garden

The New Orleans Botanical Garden has a number of spots that work as small wedding venues. Want to get married in front of a majestic fountain? Under a sweeping oak? Under a fairytale floral arch? New Orleans Botanical Garden has you covered. If you’re there, don’t miss a chance to take iconic photos in the cactus house! This is a great option for marriers looking to celebrate the lush biodiversity of the region. 

 

32. The Hotel Provincial 

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Hotel Provincial has a few features that make it a fun small wedding venue. Aside from a pool to please anyone in post-wedding recovery, it has stately rooms and a sweet courtyard. Stepping into the brick courtyard is like being transported to the Caribbean. Lush palms shade a bubbling fountain. A Hotel Provincial wedding is a good option if you want to stay at your venue. It’s also in the middle of the French Quarter, so it’s easy to enjoy the nightlife after your ceremony.  

 

33. Coliseum Park

Coliseum Park is Uptown just on the other side of the Central Business District from the French Quarter. It’s a simple space full of trees and fountains. Locals love taking evening strolls and gathering with friends here. Perhaps because it’s slightly off the beaten path for tourists, not many people get married here. The simple but romantic landscape of Coliseum Park is perfect for a ceremony and photos! It’s also close to St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street. Heading to a post-ceremony dinner at a nearby restaurant would be easy!

 

34. Crescent Park Mandeville Wharf

Like Piety Wharf, Mandeville Wharf is a former industrial site that has been renovated as part of Crescent Park. Unlike Piety Wharf, Mandeville Wharf has a large covered area, a big perk when the weather is unpredictable. This small wedding venue has an urban feel with the skyline in the backdrop and the large steel overhang. The views of the Mississippi River and the Algiers neighborhood are charming. You might even see an old-fashioned steamboat go by! 

 

35. Felicity Church

Felicity Church is relatively new to the scene as a new orleans small wedding venue. This historic church was stunningly renovated and reopened several years ago as an event venue. Felicity Church has all the glamour of polished wood pews and towering stained glass windows and is easily flipped for a reception with plenty of room for dancing. Some marriers choose to second line as a transition from the ceremony to cocktail hour. Felicity Church is a unique combination of historic architecture and a sense of fun. 

 

36. Backyards

Don’t underestimate a backyard as a small New Orleans wedding Venue! There are plenty of houses that can be rented out for small events, and many have backyards with tropical foliage that lends whimsy to any ceremony and reception. Backyard weddings are definitely more hands-on than many other venues. Are you a Pinterest fanatic? The DIY marrier will enjoy making their backyard wedding as funky and personal as they like! If you’re getting married in the spring, why not go all in on the New Orleans experience and make it a seafood boil?

37. Livaudais Hall

Livaudais Hall is a small wedding venue in New Orleans that used to be a church. It was vacant for years before being meticulously restored. The beautiful wood pillars, tall windows, and domed ceiling make the space warm and inviting. This wedding venue also looks beautiful lit for a nighttime reception.

38. Music Box Village 

Music Box Village is a magical outdoor venue. It consists of musical structures – buildings that you can push, bang, and pull to make music. Guests get to explore and play for an unforgettable experience. This whimsical venue is located near the levee in the Bywater neighborhood. There’s plenty for guests to do in the area, but they’ll be so enchanted by this interactive venue that they’ll probably want to come back after your wedding!

39. Grow Dat 

Grow Dat is a non-profit based in City Park New Orleans. It’s perfect for marriers who want a lush Louisiana vibe. In addition to an outdoor space under the trees, there is a covered wood structure. Its architecture gives it a continuous indoor/outdoor feel. If you’re looking to book a small wedding venue, this is a great choice. Grow Dat uses proceeds to teach youth how to grow food for the community.

40. Marigny Opera House

There’s no doubt about it. The Marigny Opera House is one of the most in demand small wedding venues in New Orleans. It has been featured everywhere from Vogue to Vanity Fair, and it’s easy to see why. The historic building’s interior has a stunning palette of earthy pink, blue, orange, and green tile between cream pillars. I love when marriers make the most of the grounds too! You can set up a tent for a plein air reception.

 

Do you want to learn more about small wedding venues in New Orleans? Check out this intimate Race and Religious wedding, this Garden District wedding at Coquette, and this Pharmacy Museum wedding.