Getting That Pesky Marriage License

There are two locations here in New Orleans for your wedding license. Either City Hall, which is only a few blocks from the French Quarter, and a very quick transaction. Or a short ferry ride across the Mississippi River to Old Algiers and the historical Algiers Point Courthouse. Whichever you choose, call first, because they are closed on holidays and sometimes the day after. Remember, we celebrate our own holidays also so definitely call. And bring cash. They don't accept credit cards or checks. Only green cash money. For further details ask your officiant. They have the inside line to all the details.

Booking Your Officiant

I have three wedding officiants that I seem to regularly work with who are professional, warm and genuine. Go to their websites and either call or send an email. They will want the date and location. These are very important to include. Each are very much in demand with hundreds of calls and emails each day. Their sites list their pricing and options. I recently wrote a blog post about the officiants I use. Check it out.

Florals

Some brides have brooch bouquets made and others craft their own. A permanent reminder of that big day. While others call florists such as Fat Cat Flowers for a custom bouquet filled with their favorite colors and flowers. If you are on a budget or don't want something traditional, check out Rouse's Grocery, Sam's Club or Costco to DIY. There is a Rouses in the Central Business District a short distance from the French Quarter and one in the French Quarter. Rent a pedicab for the trip. It's only $1.25 per block/person. What better way to see the city?

Cakes and Desserts

If it's just the two of you, forgo the cake and go for special sweets. Sucre is located on Magazine Street; they also have a website for shipping. Or one of the many local pastry shops. A beignet and cocktail might fit the bill too.

Masks and Other Goodies

Get your funk on! Pick up a mask that fits your personality. There are several shops that are within a quick walk in the French Quarter. The standard mass-produced are everywhere. But, if you want something really special and unique look for the custom shops and one-of-a-kind artist-made. There's a shop in the Quarter and an Artists Market on Frenchman. 

Where To Take Photographs

Anywhere! Book with me and we will find unique spots that fit your individual personalities.

Some Little Things to Know

Traffic here is awful. If you drive, park and leave your car, unless you are traveling outside the city where the streetcar doesn't run. Parking at hotels is very expensive - up to $40/day. But, there are places in the Central Business District that are under $10/day. Of course you will have to drop off your bags, drive to one of those garages and walk or cab back but the savings is a nice dinner. Pedicabs and the Streetcar are my favorite forms of transit. But don't forget there are several bicycle rentalcompanies. Locals travel a lot by bicycle! Anything to avoid the traffic.

When traveling to a big city, especially a tourist destination use good common sense. Some who come here tend to drop all their inhibitions and definitely some of their common sense. If you are going to party and drink and its 3:00am, have the bartender call a cab or pedicab. Don't walk alone, especially if you are buzzed. Would you do it in any other big city? No. There has been a lot of media negative reports about the crime here. I don't pay much attention to it because if you aren't where you shouldn't be and doing what you shouldn't be doing you most likely will not become a victim. Be smart, just like anywhere else. Oh, and keep your phone in your pocket. They are the prime target for thieves. 

Before securing your date, check what events are going on in the city. Large events will dictate hotel room rates and lots of other things such as availability of ceremony locations. Especially if you are planning a flash vows in any of the cool areas within the French Quarter. 

St. Charles Avenue has many amazing B&Bs so check there too. Its only a short streetcar ride. Lots of great restaurants, unique shops and nightclubs. On the other hand there are some great events here, many free that can add to your celebration. Mardi Gras of course. The French Quarter Fest. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest (Jazz Fest.) Running of the Bulls, Red Dress Run and free concerts in the parks. Armstrong Park hosts a couple of series usually on Thursdays. Lafayette Square also has a few concert series that are on Wednesdays. Algiers Point does a series of free concerts in the summer. And then outside the city are a gazillion more. The Seafood and Petroleum Fest to name one. Yes, you read that correctly. I haven't found one source that lists everything so take the time one night with a glass of wine and do a comprehensive search. If you are more into fringe events suscribe online to INVADE. They list events you won't find listed anywhere else. 

Also check out the Joy Theatre, The Saenger, Mahalia Jackson Theatre in Armstrong Park and the recently re-opened Carver Theater. Each has a great lineup of unique events. We recently had a Mardi Gras Indian tribute to the recently passed Chief Bo Dollis Sr. featuring three Chiefs. There was lots of music!!

This should get you started! Hopefully it will help a bit with alleviating planning stress.

Call me for your Wedding or Elopement Photography Needs. 504-920-8703