New Orleans Wedding Photographer - Chad Populis
I’m a New Orleans wedding photographer documenting real moments, clean portraits, family photos, and reception coverage across New Orleans and South Louisiana.
From French Quarter ceremonies to City Park portraits, I help keep the day moving with calm direction, timeline support, and clean, natural edits. Coverage can include full wedding-day photography, engagement sessions, second line coverage, albums, and photo booth rentals depending on what you need.
At a glance
Wedding Photography Quick Details
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Style: Documentary moments with guided portraits — natural, clean, and polished without feeling overly staged
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Coverage: 4–10+ hours, with custom coverage options available
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Delivery: Preview images within 72 hours, with the full gallery typically delivered in 2–4 weeks
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What you receive: Edited high-resolution photos, an online gallery, easy downloads, and a print release
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Service area: New Orleans metro, the Westbank, and South Louisiana, with travel available
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Add-ons: Engagement session, second photographer, wedding video, photo booth rental, and second line coverage
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Starting investment: Wedding photography collections begin at $2,500
Want me to check your date?
Send your venue, wedding date, and estimated timeline. I’ll confirm availability and send the next steps.
Testimonials
"Was very professional was on time took his time to make sure all the pictures came out the way we want it to. Went out his way to make sure we had everything that we need pictures came out great."
"Great value, amazing photos!
We worked with Chad for our October wedding. He was professional and supportive, we aren’t people who have professional photos taken. He was also so affordable and made everything so easy and smooth."
New Orleans Wedding Photography Starting at $2,500
Wedding photography is built around the way real wedding days move: getting ready moments, ceremony coverage, family formals, couple portraits, reception details, emotional candids, and the celebration in between.
You’ll get guided posing when you need direction, natural coverage when moments are unfolding, and clean edits that preserve skin tones, venue lighting, and the real feel of your day.
Best for couples who want:
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Full wedding-day coverage
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Calm posing guidance
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Timeline support
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Family formal organization
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Ceremony and reception coverage
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Clean, consistent edits
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Online gallery delivery
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Optional albums, engagement sessions, second photographer, wedding video, photo booth rental, and second line coverage
Wedding photography packages start at $2,500. Custom recommendations are available based on your venue, ceremony time, reception length, second line plans, and portrait priorities.
Wedding Photography That Feels Easy
You want beautiful wedding photos without a stressful process.
A lot of couples feel awkward in front of the camera or unsure about how the timeline should flow. That’s where I help. I’ll guide you through posing, portraits, family photos, and key moments so you feel more relaxed and prepared throughout the day.
My approach is calm, clear, and natural. You’ll get real moments as they happen, guided portraits when you need direction, and clean edits that feel polished without looking forced.
Photo, video, engagement sessions, second line coverage, albums, and photo booth options are also available, so we can build the coverage around your day and your priorities.
If you want strong wedding coverage without feeling overwhelmed, you’re in the right place.
Trusted by New Orleans Couples
Trusted Wedding Photography Experience
10+ years behind the camera • 50+ weddings photographed • Fast, professional delivery
Couples often mention the same things after working with me: patience, professionalism, clear communication, and a smooth process from the wedding day to final gallery delivery.
“Such a great photographer! He’s patient and very professional… turnaround time is fast.”— Asia Young
“Very professional… on time… took his time to make sure the pictures came out the way we wanted.”— Jervis Mcclenton
Why Couples Hire Chad Populis
Couples book me because they want wedding photos that feel real without feeling lost in front of the camera. My approach is calm, efficient, and guided, with enough direction to keep portraits flattering and the timeline moving.
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Candid moments + guided portraits: Natural coverage throughout the day with clear posing direction when it matters
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Timeline support: Efficient family photos, wedding party portraits, and couple portraits without taking over the day
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Consistent edits: Clean color, natural skin tones, and a polished final gallery
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Fast communication: Clear planning, quick answers, and smooth coordination with your planner, venue, and vendors
As a New Orleans wedding photographer, I regularly work with couples across the French Quarter, Garden District, CBD, City Park, the Westbank, and South Louisiana. I’ll help you plan photo coverage around your ceremony time, portrait priorities, second line plans, reception schedule, and the moments that matter most to you.
What’s included in wedding coverage
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Timeline guidance and a family photo plan before the wedding day
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Guided portraits that feel natural, not stiff
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A full online gallery with easy downloads and print options
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A second photographer included in select collections
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Clean, consistent edits with natural skin tones
How Wedding Coverage Works
Wedding coverage is built around your timeline, priorities, and how your day actually moves. Before the wedding, we’ll talk through your must-have moments, portrait preferences, family photo needs, and any venue or location logistics so the coverage feels organized without being rushed.
What to Expect
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Coverage planned around your timeline, not a rigid shot count
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Most galleries average 50–100 edited images per hour, depending on the pace of the day
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Family photos organized ahead of time and completed efficiently
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Guided, relaxed portraits so you look natural without guessing what to do
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Clean, consistent edits with natural skin tones
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Final delivery through an online gallery where you can download, share, and order prints
Sample Timeline: 8 Hours
Best for most wedding days with getting ready coverage, ceremony, portraits, and reception highlights.
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Getting ready details and key moments
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First look, if planned
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Wedding party portraits
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Ceremony coverage
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Family photos with a planned list
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Couple portraits, with golden hour if possible
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Reception highlights, including entrances, toasts, dances, and open dancing
Sample Timeline: 10 Hours
Best for couples who want a fuller view of the day, more breathing room, or multiple locations.
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Extended getting ready coverage for both partners
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First look and extra portrait time, or multiple photo locations
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Ceremony coverage and full family photo plan
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Cocktail hour details and guest candids
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Full reception coverage, including toasts, dancing, and exit moments
How to Choose Your Wedding Photography Package
Choosing the right wedding package usually comes down to your timeline, coverage needs, and final deliverables.
You can compare the Standard, Premium, Luxury, and Elite collections on the Wedding Packages page, including coverage hours, engagement session options, albums, prints, and what’s included with each collection
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Full wedding-day coverage available, from getting ready through the reception
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Engagement sessions available
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Custom albums and heirloom prints offered
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Package recommendations based on your venue, timeline, and portrait priorities
Meet Chad
I’ve worked with people most of my life.
Before photography, I spent 25 years in customer service and hospitality. That experience shaped the way I communicate, prepare, and guide clients through the process.
I’ve now spent 10 years behind the camera, including 50+ weddings photographed and 20+ weddings filmed. I’ve also photographed hundreds of portrait and boudoir sessions and delivered more than 1,000 corporate headshots.
A lot of couples tell me the same thing before booking: they want beautiful wedding photos, but they feel nervous in front of the camera.
That’s where I help. I guide you through posing, portraits, family photos, timeline planning, and the key parts of the day so you are not left guessing what to do or where to be. My goal is to keep the experience calm, organized, and comfortable while still capturing the real moments as they happen.
Clients often mention the same things after working with me: the process felt easy, communication was clear, delivery was fast, and the final images were better than expected.
If you want a photographer who can guide you through the day and keep the experience smooth, I’d love to help.
Recent New Orleans Weddings
Featured coverage across NOPSI Hotel, Hilton Riverside, French Quarter, City Park, and the Greater New Orleans area.
For couples looking for pricing details and coverage options, view our wedding photography packages.
New Orleans Wedding Photography Locations and Venue Experience
If you want wedding photos that feel real without looking stiff, my approach blends candid moments with simple direction so you look comfortable and confident without spending the whole day posing.
From getting ready through the reception, I focus on clean light, flattering angles, natural skin tones, and the moments your family and friends will care about most. You can expect a clear timeline, fast communication, calm guidance, and a final gallery that feels clean and consistent from start to finish.
Wedding Photography in Key New Orleans Venues
NOPSI Hotel – cinematic editorial coverage
Sully Mansion – intimate courtyard portraits
City Park – green light and engagement moments
NOPSI Hotel Wedding Photography (CBD)
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NOPSI is one of the best venues for clean, bright wedding portraits in the CBD—especially if you want a modern, polished look without visual clutter. The outdoor courtyard gives you negative space and even light, while the interior window areas and brick textures add warmth and depth. We typically plan portraits around late afternoon for the best natural light, then transition into reception coverage without pulling you away from guests for long.
Treme Market Branch Wedding Photography (Historic Treme)
Treme Market Branch photographs beautifully for couples who want character and atmosphere—elegant backdrops with vintage texture. The stage and piano create a refined focal point, and the chandelier, staircase, and balcony lines add depth for wide establishing shots and intimate moments. We’ll build a portrait flow that uses the strongest indoor angles quickly, then step outside nearby for New Orleans energy (Treme streets or Louis Armstrong Park) if your timeline allows.
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Sully Mansion Wedding Photography (Garden District)
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Sully Mansion is a Garden District favorite for couples who want classic New Orleans charm. The checkerboard courtyard and pergola provide a clean, editorial backdrop, while the covered porch and detailed trim photograph beautifully for quiet, timeless portraits. Indoors, the winding staircase and furnished rooms are perfect for getting-ready and first-look moments. We usually recommend golden hour portraits in the courtyard or nearby ivy-covered streets to keep the gallery cohesive and romantic.
Algiers Auditorium Wedding Photography (West Bank / Algiers)
Algiers Auditorium works well for couples who want a contemporary venue with space to breathe—tall ceilings, a stage, and a bright interior with large windows. The private outdoor courtyard is a strong option for greenery-forward portraits without crowds, and the nearby river trail gives you levee views for quick sunset photos. If you’re doing a larger guest count, the layout supports an efficient family-photo flow and clean ceremony coverage.
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NOLA Skyline Event Center Wedding Photography (New Orleans East)
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NOLA Skyline is a modern venue with two distinct looks—one room with downtown views and another facing the lake—so your gallery can feel varied without leaving the property. The marble-style floors and floor-to-ceiling tinted windows create clean, high-end images, and the connected bridal suite/makeup area is excellent for getting-ready coverage. For couples portraits, we can also step out to Joe Brown Park nearby for natural backdrops and water features if timing allows.
Best New Orleans Photo Locations for Wedding Portraits
New Orleans has a wide range of looks within a short drive—classic, modern, and nature-forward. I’ll help you choose locations based on timing, crowds, and the style you want.
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French Quarter: iconic architecture, courtyards, old-world texture
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Garden District: clean, timeless streets, greenery, and classic homes
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CBD / Downtown: modern lines, city energy, clean backgrounds
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City Park: spacious natural portraits with variety and privacy
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Lakefront: open sky + sunset-driven romance (wind can be a factor)
Churches & Chapel Wedding Ceremonies in New Orleans
New Orleans is home to a wide range of historic churches and intimate chapels that offer meaningful settings for wedding ceremonies. From traditional Catholic churches to smaller chapels ideal for intimate weddings and elopements, these venues play an important role in many wedding days.
If you’re planning a church or chapel ceremony, it’s helpful to understand lighting conditions, ceremony flow, and photography guidelines unique to each location.
View New Orleans Churches & Chapels for Wedding Ceremonies →
Getting Ready Locations
New Orleans Wedding Photography FAQ
Q: How long do family photos take?
A. Most family photo blocks take 15–30 minutes depending on the number of combinations. We’ll plan a simple list ahead of time to keep it fast and stress-free.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A. No problem—we’ll pivot to covered spaces, indoor window light, and venue-friendly portrait spots. I also build timeline buffer so weather changes don’t derail the day.
Q: Can we do portraits in more than one location?
A. Yes. If locations are close and the timeline supports it, we can plan a two-location portrait flow (for example, venue + nearby neighborhood).
Q: Do you photograph outside of New Orleans?
A. Yes. I cover the New Orleans metro and South Louisiana, and travel is available for destination weddings.
Q: When will we receive our photos?
A. You’ll receive a preview gallery within 72 hours. Full wedding galleries are typically delivered within 2–4 weeks, depending on the season, wedding size, and final image count. If you have a specific deadline, let me know and we’ll plan accordingly.
Q: Do you offer wedding videography too?
A. Yes—wedding videography coverage is available, including highlight films and full ceremony/reception edits depending on the package.
Q: Can we add a photo booth or cold sparks?
A. Yes. Photo booth rentals and event upgrades are available for weddings and receptions, and I’ll recommend options based on space and timeline.
Q: How much does wedding photography cost in New Orleans?
A. Wedding photography collections begin at $2,500. Final pricing depends on coverage hours, second photographer needs, engagement session, album options, and whether you add video or photo booth coverage.
Q: Do you help with the wedding photo timeline?
A. Yes. I help build a photo timeline around your ceremony time, family list, portrait locations, and reception flow so the day feels organized without taking you away from guests for too long.
Q: Do you carry backup equipment?
A. Yes. I bring backup camera gear and plan for common wedding-day changes, including weather, timeline shifts, and lighting conditions.
Quick Tip Guides for Wedding Photography
Master Posing: Discover techniques to create natural, dynamic poses, capturing authentic emotions against New Orleans' vibrant backdrop.
Explore a NOLA Wedding Blog: Dive into stories and insights from local weddings, incorporating the city's unique culture into your narratives.
Wedding Shots Checklist: Use this comprehensive checklist to capture all key moments, from pre-ceremony details to lively receptions, showcasing the essence of a New Orleans wedding.
Wedding Videography Coverage
Considering Wedding Video Too?
For couples who want more than still images, I also offer wedding videography coverage. Video helps preserve the movement, sound, vows, speeches, and reception energy that photos cannot always show on their own.
Wedding video can be booked by itself or bundled with photography for a smoother planning and coverage experience.
Explore how wedding films are structured, what’s included, and whether video is the right fit for your day.
👉 New Orleans Wedding Videographer
Ready to plan your photo and video coverage? Start here:
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Wedding Photography Packages — compare coverage hours and print options
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Wedding Videography Packages — highlight film + add-ons
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Engagement Sessions — relaxed, modern portraits before the wedding day
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Bridal Boudoir — an elevated pre-wedding experience and gift option
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Venues & Locations — recommended spots that photograph clean and consistently
Elevate Your Reception with a Wedding Photo Booth
Add a photo booth or cold sparks to elevate the guest experience—ideal for receptions and corporate weddings.
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Booth options: 360 booth, iPad booth, selfie mirror (availability varies by date/venue)
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Sharing + prints: instant sharing via text/email/QR, with optional print upgrades through the gallery
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Footprint + timing: typically 6'×6'–10'×10' space, standard outlet power, ~30–45 min setup and ~15–30 min breakdown
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Bridal sessions are available for clients who want portraits before the wedding day. These sessions can include gown portraits, editorial-style bridal images, or private boudoir coverage when requested.
Each session is planned with calm direction, flattering posing, clean edits, natural skin tones, and private gallery delivery, just like your wedding coverage.
A bridal session is included with the Elite Wedding Package and can also be added to select collections.
I’m based in the New Orleans metro area and regularly serve clients throughout New Orleans, including the French Quarter, Garden District, Uptown, Bywater, Marigny, Mid-City, City Park, Lakeview, and the Warehouse District.
I also serve Gretna, Metairie, Kenner, Algiers, Marrero, Harvey, Westwego, the Westbank, the Northshore, Baton Rouge, and South Louisiana, with travel available for weddings, events, and destination coverage.
Second Photographer Coverage Available
For weddings with larger guest counts, multiple locations, or overlapping moments, a second photographer can help provide more complete coverage of the day.
This allows us to photograph key moments happening at the same time, capture additional angles during the ceremony and reception, and cover more guest reactions, details, and candid moments without slowing down the timeline.
Second photographer coverage is a good fit for larger weddings, separate getting-ready locations, full ceremony coverage, busy receptions, and couples who want a fuller final gallery.