If your someone special popped the question on Valentine’s Day last month, then you’re probably on the hunt for the best New Orleans wedding venue! Luckily for you, New Orleans hosts a number of beautiful and historic wedding venues with gorgeous architecture and courtyards. In this blog, we’ll cover four of the best New Orleans wedding venues located in the Garden District.

And, if you fall in love with one of these venues, check out our gallery of New Orleans venue illustrations! Our custom illustrated wedding invitations will give your guests a first glimpse of the gorgeous venue where they’ll spend the day of your wedding.

Located along St. Charles Avenue, Elms Mansion is a beautiful and opulent estate that will make any couple feel like royalty. Built 154 years ago, the mansion is now owned and operated by the third generation of the Elms family (while the fourth, ages 18-21, learn the ropes serving and bartending). With its Grecian columns, cast iron railings, and Victorian-style interior, Elms Mansion is one of the finest, upscale wedding venues that New Orleans has to offer. If you’re looking for the elegance and refinement of the past, then Elms Mansion is the venue for you!

Couples also love Elms Mansion for the romantic, columned gazebo in the courtyard. Talented florists will adorn this gazebo with incredible floral displays that will wow both you and your guests. Check out Elms Mansion’s Instagram for all the inspo!

Fun Facts:

• Mr. Elms owned TAC Amusement. He had jukeboxes and pinball machines all over the city. It was the largest coin-operated machine business in the SE United States.

• Many famous artists have performed on the ballroom stage, including Liberace, Dion Warwick, & Jerry Lee Lewis.

• Elms Mansion has a basement, which is almost unheard of in NOLA.

• Elms Mansion been hosting weddings and social events since 1969.

• You can rent private street cars to transport you to and from the mansion.

Known for its grand, arched windows and mesmerizing staircases, Felicity Church prides itself as a “nondenominational sanctuary of truth and acceptance.” It’s a beautiful space that marries historic and spiritual vibes with renewal and inclusiveness. 

Formerly a Methodist church built in the mid-1800s, the old church’s history is one of rebirth itself. Over its 170 years, it has experienced devastation from both fires and hurricanes, but each time has been rebuilt with new life. Its last revival occurred in 2013, and it is now owned and cared for by couple Chris Jones and Jessica Walker, who restored it after severe damage from Hurricane Katrina.

Felicity Church is truly a unique place. Take advantage of its old stairwells for bridal portraits and its sacred space for a quaint ceremony. Then watch Felicity’s staff change it up for a reception worthy of a New Orleans party! This transition is always an exciting moment for guests because the sanctuary feels like a brand new space. And the best part? Your fur babies are welcome to accompany you down the aisle!

Fun Facts:

• When it was built in 1850, Felicity was the largest Methodist Church in the city. Upon being rebuilt after a fire in 1887, it was one of (if not the first) church to have electricity in the city. 

If any venue embodies the eclectic New Orleans experience, it’s Race and Religious. Featuring a mix of several historic homes, whimsically decorated interiors, and a connecting courtyard with a pool, this New Orleans wedding venue is great for offbeat and modern couples who want a unique NOLA party. Filled with antiques and surprises in every nook, Race and Religious is sure to charm your entire wedding krewe!

Once you enter Race and Religious, you set foot into another world. The rooms on the upper floors offer space for your bridal party to get ready and a romantic setting for your wedding night. Charming, hand-painted images of birds and foliage decorate the walls. The spacious courtyard is filled with palm trees and other tropicals that lend an exotic vibe to your ceremony and reception. And if you want to finish with a bang, end the night with a splash in the pool!

 Right around the corner from Felicity Church and Race and Religious, Il Mercato is another luxury venue that offers several striking spaces. Its courtyard with a grand, outdoor fireplace is one of its most iconic views where couples say their vows. Add a lush floral arrangement and candles for a wedding ceremony that’s chic, modern, and romantic!

 Il Mercato also offers an interior ballroom that can be decked out with long tables for a sit down meal. Its gorgeous chandeliers and herringbone wood floors set the stage for a luxurious event. If you’re going for a chic and timeless look, then Il Mercato is definitely a venue to visit!

So, which venue sounds most like you? Let us know so we can help you create beautifully illustrated wedding invitations to go with your dream New Orleans wedding venue!