10 Outdoor Wedding Venues in New Orleans: Gardens, Courtyards, and Rooftops
- Chad Populis
- Jul 11, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 22
New Orleans offers a wide range of outdoor wedding venues, from historic courtyards and botanical gardens to riverfront parks and rooftop ceremony spaces.
Outdoor weddings can provide strong natural light, room for a second line, and several options for couple and wedding-party portraits. The right venue should also fit your guest count, transportation plan, seasonal weather, and indoor rain backup.
I photograph weddings throughout New Orleans and help couples plan portrait timing, ceremony coverage, and reception photography around the venue and wedding-day schedule. Learn more about my New Orleans wedding photography services.
Here are 10 outdoor New Orleans wedding venues to consider.
Race + Religious
Race + Religious is located in the Lower Garden District and combines three historic buildings with brick courtyards, greenery, and distinctive indoor spaces.
The courtyards can be used for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. From a photography perspective, the connected rooms and outdoor areas provide several backgrounds without requiring the couple to travel to another location. The venue currently lists capacity for up to 250 guests for a cocktail-style reception or 100 for a seated dinner.
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life in Audubon Park is a practical option for an outdoor ceremony, elopement, or smaller wedding surrounded by one of the city’s most recognizable live oak trees.
The open landscape works well for ceremony photographs, family portraits, and couple portraits under the tree. Because the site is a public park, couples should consider guest seating, weather, sound, parking, and the logistics of moving to the reception afterward.
Audubon Nature Institute currently requires a private-rental permit, with pricing based on the number of guests. Vendor permits may also be required for professional services operating inside Audubon Park.
The Columns Hotel
Columns is an 1883 hotel located along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line. Its large front porch, historic interiors, and outdoor areas provide a relaxed Garden District setting for smaller wedding celebrations.
The location also gives couples access to St. Charles Avenue and nearby neighborhood architecture for portraits. Ask the venue which spaces are included in the rental and how guest access, dining, and the rain plan will be handled.
Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park offers open green space along the Mississippi River near the French Quarter and downtown New Orleans.
The waterfront, city buildings, public art, and river traffic provide several portrait options. Because it is a large public park, event plans should account for permits, pedestrian activity, sound, weather, and access for vendors and guests.
Audubon Nature Institute manages event rentals for the park and recommends contacting its event team for layout and policy information.
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Longue Vue House and Gardens offers landscaped grounds, historic architecture, fountains, and several outdoor areas for portraits and wedding-related events.
The gardens work especially well for couples who want a formal outdoor setting with greenery and architectural variety. Confirm which areas are included in your event rental, as Longue Vue also offers separate photography packages with access to available outdoor spaces.
Pavilion of the Two Sisters
Located inside the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the Pavilion of the Two Sisters combines an indoor reception space with two adjacent outdoor terraces and views of the surrounding gardens.
This gives couples an outdoor setting for the ceremony or portraits while keeping an indoor space nearby for dinner and dancing. The venue currently lists space for up to 400 guests for a standing reception, 350 for a seated dinner, or 275 with dancing.
The Chicory
The Chicory is a Warehouse District wedding venue with exposed brick, beams, gas lanterns, and more than 20,000 square feet of event space.
Couples can use the rooftop for an outdoor ceremony before moving inside for the reception. The venue states that its primary wedding space can accommodate up to 400 guests, making it a practical option for larger celebrations.
Pitot House
Pitot House is a historic property on Bayou St. John with a large lawn, gardens, galleries, and views of the water.
The 10,000-square-foot meadow can be used for ceremonies, receptions, dinners, and cocktail events for up to 150 guests. The house and grounds create a quieter setting that still feels connected to New Orleans history and architecture.
Historic BK House & Gardens
Historic BK House & Gardens is an 1826 French Quarter property with a formal garden, courtyard, historic interiors, and additional event spaces.
Couples can use different parts of the property for the ceremony, dinner, and dancing. The courtyard and garden also provide an outdoor French Quarter setting without requiring portraits in crowded public streets.
Capulet
Capulet is located in the Bywater inside a restored 1800s warehouse. The venue includes exposed brick, high wooden ceilings, a mezzanine, and a rooftop deck with views across the neighborhood.
The rooftop can be used for wedding ceremonies and outdoor portions of the reception, while the indoor space provides a built-in backup if the weather changes.
Choosing an Outdoor Wedding Venue in New Orleans
Before booking an outdoor venue, ask about:
Guest capacity and seating layouts
Indoor rain and heat backup options
Ceremony and reception transition time
Parking and transportation
Vendor access and setup
Sound restrictions
Photography permits
Second line routes
Seasonal landscaping
Sunset and available lighting
New Orleans weather can change quickly, especially during the warmer months. A clear backup plan protects the timeline and gives the photography, video, catering, and entertainment teams enough time to adjust.
I provide New Orleans wedding photography with timeline support, guided posing, professional lighting, clean edits, natural skin tones, and a private final gallery.
Send me your wedding date, venue, estimated coverage time, and any outdoor ceremony or second line plans. I’ll follow up with availability and the wedding photography packages that fit your schedule.
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If you're planning a wedding with guests traveling from out of town, choosing an overnight lodge wedding venue Texas can make the entire experience much more relaxed. Having accommodations on-site means less driving after the reception, more time with family and friends, and easier setup before the big day. Fort Worth Country Memories offers overnight lodging as part of its wedding packages, including a fully furnished lodge with one- and two-night stay options for couples and their guests.
Planning your dream wedding starts with choosing the right venue, but the next step is just as important reaching out to discuss your vision, availability, and event details. Whether you're scheduling a private tour, requesting additional information, contact wedding venue or speaking with an event specialist, taking the time to contact a wedding venue helps ensure every detail is carefully planned. The Merion's experienced team is available to answer questions and guide couples through every stage of the planning process.
This was a great read highlighting some underrated outdoor venues for a New Orleans wedding. I really enjoyed how the article showcases unique locations and the charm that outdoor settings bring to such special occasions. Finding the right venue truly makes all the difference in creating unforgettable memories.
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Great list of underrated outdoor wedding venues in New Orleans! Unique locations can add so much character and charm to a celebration. Couples looking for another distinctive historic event space with timeless appeal can learn more about venues that blend architectural beauty, flexibility, and unforgettable atmosphere. Thanks for sharing these wonderful venue ideas!