Planning Your Dream Micro Wedding in the Heart of New Orleans French Quarter
- loveinbloommaine
- May 21
- 4 min read
Planning a Micro Wedding in New Orleans
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s romantic, adventurous, and full of character, New Orleans might be the perfect match for your big day. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or planning an intimate micro wedding with your closest friends and family, The Big Easy offers everything you need to create a once-in-a-lifetime celebration — no passport required.
From the vibrant streets filled with music to the rich blend of French, African, Spanish, and European culture, New Orleans brings soul, spirit, and celebration to every corner. Picture strolling hand-in-hand down cobblestone streets, dining in historic cafés as live jazz floats through the air, or exchanging vows in a courtyard tucked behind a centuries-old brick building. There’s magic here — and your love story deserves to be part of it.
Is a New Orleans Micro Wedding Right for You?
This type of wedding is ideal for couples who:
Value experiences over extravagance
Love to travel and explore new places
Want a laid-back, non-traditional celebration
Prefer intentional time with their guests (or just each other!)
Are foodies at heart
Want a destination wedding without international travel
Love the idea of combining their wedding and honeymoon into one unforgettable trip
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements & Micro Weddings
We’re spotlighting the stunning Swoop-Duggins venue — a historic three-story brick house with Greek Revival and Italianate architecture. It’s centrally located and perfect for:
Elopements: 2–10 people
Micro weddings: Up to 30 guests
Indoor Options:
Second floor available for all events
First floor and the downstairs bar available for private rental
Outdoor Options:
Gorgeous courtyard and patio for a dreamy ceremony or reception
Swoop-Duggins offers built-in perks that make destination planning easy, including:
In-house catering and bar packages
Event website creation
Entertainment options
Florist referrals
Transportation (including carriages!)
A curated local vendor list for everything else you need
Hotels Near the Venue
There are tons of options within walking distance, but here are a few standouts:
The Eliza Jane – Stylish, high-end option
Approx. $400+ per night | 3-min drive, 9-min walk
Hyatt Regency New Orleans – Modern comfort at mid-range pricing
Approx. $180+ per night | 4-min drive, 8-min walk
Le Pavillon New Orleans – Elegant and affordable
Approx. $128+ per night | 2-min drive, 3-min walk
No matter your style or budget, there’s a great stay within blocks of your venue.
Things to Do in New Orleans
Planning a micro wedding means more time for exploring! Here are a few must-do experiences:
Jazz Brunch
Classic New Orleans brunch with live jazz. Top picks:
A two-hour walking tour of historic antebellum homes and oak-lined streets. Approx. $35/person
Steamboat Tour on the Mississippi River
A 3-hour cruise with live jazz, scenic views, and an optional Creole-style dinner. Approx. $58/person
Cocktail Crawl + Food Tasting Tour
2-hour walking tour with 4 signature drinks and 6 food tastings (including gumbo + pralines!)
Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour
A spooky 1.5–2-hour French Quarter experience. Approx. $33/person — book early, it’s a hot ticket!
P.S. — The venue is just an 11-minute drive or a 23-minute walk to the heart of the French Quarter!
Getting Legally Married in New Orleans
For out-of-state couples, it’s pretty straightforward:
Apply for a marriage license at the New Orleans Marriage License Office, located at 1450 Poydras Street — just minutes from the Swoop-Duggins venue.
Bring:
Valid photo IDs (both parties)
Birth certificates (or certified copies)
Social Security numbers
The current waiting period is 24 hours from the time of application to when the ceremony can be performed. (Tip: You can apply ahead of time to waive this.)
How I Can Help You Plan from Afar
Even though I’m based in Maine, I specialize in planning weddings all across the U.S. — including dreamy destination weddings like this one in New Orleans!
Here’s how I make planning from afar feel easy and personal:
Virtual coordination with local vendors and venues
Creating custom timelines and to-do lists
Sourcing décor and crafting visual mood boards
Handling all logistics through video calls + shared planning tools
Helping you build in authentic New Orleans moments
And as a certified travel agent, I can:
Book your honeymoon
Coordinate guest accommodations
Recommend and reserve tours, excursions, and experiences
You’re never alone in the process — I’ll be with you every step of the way, making it seamless, fun, and uniquely you.
Final Tips for a Magical New Orleans Wedding
Dress for the weather. Pack breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes — especially for walking tours or second line parades.
Build in time to explore. This may be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so don’t forget to enjoy it!
Consider a second line parade. A New Orleans tradition — a brass band-led mini parade celebrating your marriage in the streets. It’s unforgettable.
Hire a local jazz band. Great for ceremony or dinner music — they’re everywhere, and many are super affordable.
Create welcome bags. Add local touches like pralines, mini hot sauce bottles, or walking maps.
Plan a photo stroll. The French Quarter and Garden District are perfect for romantic, candid photos.
Keep the decor minimal. New Orleans is already dripping in charm — let the city be your backdrop.
Follow me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes inspo and real weddings: @love_inbloomweddings
Ready to Plan Your Dreamy New Orleans Wedding?
Let’s turn your wedding into the romantic, one-of-a-kind celebration you’ve been dreaming of — whether you’re planning an elopement, a micro wedding, or something sweetly in-between.
Message me here or reach out via Instagram — I’d love to chat all things NOLA + weddings!
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