Free-Spirited Musical Extravaganza in NOLA | PartySlate
The Best of | New Orleans | Weddings

12 Most Unique New Orleans Wedding Venues for 2023

Free-Spirited Musical Extravaganza in NOLA | PartySlate

We cannot imagine a more romantic backdrop for your nuptials than a New Orleans wedding venue. Lovers of architecture and history will cherish the landscape of historic mansions and creole cottages. With picture-perfect venues and charming location, you may find yourself smitten with more than just your spouse.

In a city famous for its picturesque French and Spanish-Creole designs, these venues stand out for their style and charm. PartySlate talked to some of the top event planners in the area to discover the best unique wedding venues in New Orleans. Make sure to also check out 11 wedding venues with luxury ballrooms in New Orleans for even more inspiration. Keep reading to find your ideal venue.

*In no particular order…

For a grand downtown spot…

We love the eye-catching architecture and details throughout this spectacular venue.

Civic Theatre New Orleans can host up to 450 guests. 

Civic Theatre New Orleans

Civic Theatre New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana
Brick backdrop venue
photo courtesy of: The Eliza Jane

For a charming, yet historical celebration…

We love the exposed brick and Southern feel throughout this unique hotel venue.

The Eliza Jane can host up to 100 guests. 

The Eliza Jane

The Eliza Jane

New Orleans, Louisiana
Il Mercato new orleans wedding venue | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Il Mercato

For a European-style venue…

Vicki Evans, Founder and Lead Planner of Vicki Evans Events, says “I love Il Mercato because it provides beautiful indoor and outdoor space in the heart of the city without being in the French Quarter.”

Il Mercato can host up to 450 guests. 

Il Mercato

Il Mercato

New Orleans, Louisiana
The Marigny Opera House new orleans wedding venue | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: The Marigny Opera House

For a beloved venue in the Bywater neighborhood…

Vicki Evans comments, “The Marigny Opera House is one of my favorite venues because it is a working arts and cultural venue, and they provide a stunning palate to create a beautiful party.”

The Marigny Opera House can host up to 200 guests. 

The Marigny Opera House

The Marigny Opera House

New Orleans, Louisiana

For a venue with character…

Kelley Troia, Chief Astonishment Officer at Clandestine Events & Experiences, says, “Located in the heart of the French Quarter, this venue’s courtyard is magical.”

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum can host up to 150 guests. 
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

New Orleans, Louisiana
Kingsway intimate Wedding venue in new orleans | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Kingsway

For a mansion on Esplanade…

Kelley Troia says, “This venue includes a terrific courtyard for the ceremony and a chef’s kitchen that’s perfect for superlative catering services.”

Kingsway can host up to 200 guests. 
Kingsway

Kingsway

New Orleans, Louisiana
unique wedding venue in new orleans Etoile Polaire | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: Etoile Polaire

For a historic event space…

Kelley Troia says, “This is a quirky venue, but it’s really a blank slate with a side yard, a big, open hall downstairs, and an upstairs that is more intimate. The possibilities are endless here.”

Contact Etoile Polaire for capacity details. 
Etoile Polaire

Etoile Polaire

New Orleans, Louisiana
The Music Box Village outdoor wedding venue in new orleans | PartySlate
photo courtesy of: The Music Box Village

For a music-lovers haven…

Kelley Troia comments, “This is a venue you just can’t ignore. It won’t be for everyone, because it’s quite rustic. However, every hand-built structure also functions as an instrument, so you and your guests can interact with every inch of the space.”

The Music Box Village can host up to 300 guests. 
The Music Box Village

The Music Box Village

New Orleans, Louisiana

For a well-respected and cherished venue in the heart of the city…

Michelle Norwood, Principal Designer & Planner at Michelle Norwood Events, comments, This venue is an exquisite way to display your love. Saying your nuptials at the oldest fine art museum in ‘The Big Easy,’ among 5,000 years of work, is a tasteful and creative way to say ‘I do.’ I love the versatility of the indoor and outdoor spaces, the history, and how every event feels magical.”

New Orleans Museum of Art can host up to 220 guests. 
New Orleans Museum of Art

New Orleans Museum of Art

New Orleans, Louisiana
Ariana + Mike's outdoor new orleans wedding at The Elms Mansion | PartySlate
photographer: Arte De Vie | venue: The Elms Mansion

For a historic home…

We love the period furnishings and ornate architecture of this space. Maria Maginnis, Founder & Creative Director of InNOLA Events & Design recommends this venue to her clients.

The Elms Mansion can host up to 400 guests. 

The Elms Mansion

The Elms Mansion

New Orleans, Louisiana
Intimate Destination Wedding in New Orleans at Race & Religious | PartySlate
photographer: Allen Tsai Photography | venue: Race & Religious

For a riverfront venue with chic spaces…

We love the courtyard space of this venue, surrounded by exposed brick walls. Maria Maginnis of InNOLA Events & Design recommends this venue to her clients.

Race & Religious can host up to 275 guests. 

Race & Religious

Race & Religious

New Orleans, Louisiana
Kaufman Palan Wedding planned by Z Event Company at Brennan's unique new orleans wedding venue | PartySlate
photographer: Chaz Cruz Photographers | venue: Brennan’s

For a beloved restaurant venue…

We love how the outside space of the venue can be tented for a weather-safe celebration. Maria Maginnis of InNOLA Events & Design recommends this venue to her clients.

Brennan’s can host up to 160 guests. 

Brennan's

Brennan’s

New Orleans, Louisiana

Meet the Contributors

Kelley Troia, Chief Astonishment Officer

Kelley Troia
Chief Astonishment Officer
Clandestine Events & Experiences

Michelle Norwood, Principal Designer & Planner

Michelle Norwood
Principal Designer & Planner
Michelle Norwood Events

Vicki Evans, Founder & Lead Planner

Vicki Evans
Founder & Lead Planner
Vicki Evans Events

Maria Maginnis, Founder & Creative Director

Maria Maginnis
Founder & Creative Director
InNOLA Events & Design

People Also Ask…

Where can I find unique wedding venues in New Orleans?

Use PartySlate to book your venue and all of your vendors for your wedding. Find unique wedding venues in New Orleans in our curated venue directory. Filter your search by, city, guest count, and more. From raw event spaces to historic landmarks, find it all on PartySlate.

Why should I get married in New Orleans?

Kelley Troia of Clandestine Events and Experiences says, “What makes New Orleans special is that it’s not like anywhere else, certainly not like anywhere else in the U.S. It draws on all the senses and you just feel different here; it tastes better; it sounds better. Nola is also extremely accessible — it’s a great mid point for East Coast and West Coast. This city is more affordable than many of the larger cities, and a visit to New Orleans enables couples and their guests to have a robust vacation inter-mingled with wedding festivities.

“Many of our clients have asked that we also organize local tours; museums, galleries, restaurants, live music venues, etc. The city takes some of the heavy lifting off couples to host everything, by giving guests just enough extracurricular experiences that they can explore on their own. Not to mention, the architecture and the greenery are so unique to New Orleans. Lastly, where else can you have your own second line parade to dazzle your family & friends?”

Michelle Norwood of Michelle Norwood Events comments saying, “Near and far, everyone loves New Orleans. It’s the spirit and soul of the city. A wedding is more than a one day event, it’s a celebration. From Sip and See to Stag and Hens down Bourbon St., your wedding weekend kick-off is filled with music, world-famous cuisine, cultural experience, and endless to-go cocktails. 

“New Orleans has put a spell on many, making it the destination limitless couples choose as their wedding destination.”