Getting Married in New Orleans? A Photographer’s Guide to Iconic Wedding and Boudoir Photos
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels equal parts timeless, soulful, and a little bit wild, New Orleans is your place. I’m a New Orleans wedding and boudoir photographer, and I’ve spent years chasing light through live oaks, winding along wrought-iron balconies, and dancing behind brass bands at second lines. This guide brings together my best tips for planning photo-forward celebrations in the city—plus everything you need to know about a chic, confidence-boosting bridal boudoir session.
Why New Orleans is perfect for weddings
The look: Pastel facades, gas lanterns, artful decay, and golden light bouncing off the Mississippi—there’s nothing quite like it.
The vibe: Celebrations here don’t just happen; they take over the street. From courtyard vows to a midnight second line, the city applauds romance.
The convenience: So many locations within a short ride—ceremony, portraits, and after-party can all be a skip apart.
Favorite wedding photo locations and venues
French Quarter: Secret courtyards, textured walls, balconies draped in greenery. Early mornings here are magic for portraits before the crowds.
City Park: Spanish moss, sculpture garden paths, and wide-open oaks. Perfect for first looks and family photos; permits are typically required.
Audubon Park and The Fly: Sunset over the levee and tree-lined paths for quiet, romantic frames.
Warehouse District: Brick, light-filled rooftops, and modern-industrial backdrops for an editorial edge.
Classic venues: Race + Religious (moody and cinematic), Marigny Opera House (ethereal), Il Mercato (clean lines and courtyard glow), Hotel Peter & Paul (color and charm), Pharmacy Museum (intimate French Quarter courtyard), Latrobe’s, Brennan’s, and the Hermann-Grima House. Tip: Many parks and historic sites require photography permits. I’ll help you confirm what’s needed and secure permits in advance.
Second line wedding photos (and how to plan one)
What it is: A brass-band parade where you and your guests take to the streets with parasols and handkerchiefs. It’s as New Orleans as it gets—and wildly photogenic.
Logistics: You’ll need a parade permit and a police escort through NOPD Special Events, plus a brass band. Apply at least a month in advance and budget for permit and escort fees. Most bands will help with logistics.
Photo tips: Plan your route for light—sunset streets glow, and narrow, shaded blocks work best midday. Assign a friend to carry waters and handkerchiefs; I’ll scout corners where we can pause for quick couple’s portraits as the band plays.
The best wedding photo timeline for NOLA light
Golden hour portraits: Aim for 30–45 minutes before sunset for couple’s photos. If your ceremony is at that time, consider a first look earlier in the day.
Midday heat plan: From May to September, schedule outdoor portraits in the morning or late afternoon. Build in hydration, blotting papers, and a quick cooldown stop (hello, hotel lobby AC).
Rain plan: Summer showers pass quickly. Clear umbrellas photograph beautifully; courtyards with covered galleries and wraparound porches keep the magic going.
How I photograph weddings in New Orleans
Style: Documentary moments with editorial portraits. Real color, timeless black-and-white, and a mix of digital with the option for 35mm/120 film.
Approach: I’ll step back for candids, step in to gently guide flattering, natural poses, and keep family photos efficient so you can get to the party.
Deliverables: Sneak peeks within a week, full gallery in 6–8 weeks, and handcrafted album design if you’d like a tangible heirloom.
Bridal boudoir in New Orleans: modern, tasteful, and completely you
Boudoir is a love letter to yourself (and a gorgeous wedding-day gift). My sessions are body-positive, consent-forward, and tailored to your comfort.
When to schedule
6–8 weeks before the wedding if you’d like an album ready for gifting.
Day-before or week-of for a minimal, intimate set or a few Polaroids—just note delivery timelines.
Where to shoot
Studio or in-home: Soft window light, clean backdrops, and privacy. My studio in the Warehouse District is curated for a relaxed, editorial look.
Boutique hotels: The Pontchartrain Hotel, The Chloe, Maison de la Luz, The Eliza Jane, and Hotel Peter & Paul offer beautiful interiors and luminous windows. I’ll help you choose a room with great light.
What to wear (and what photographs beautifully)
A mix of looks: one structured (corset or bodysuit), one soft (silk slip or robe), and one playful (partner’s shirt, veil, or favorite tee).
Fabrics: Silk, mesh, lace, and tulle catch light and add dimension. Neutrals, black, or a pop of your wedding color palette all work.
Accessories: Veil, heirloom jewelry, fragrance bottle, hand-tied ribbon, your wedding shoes, a chic robe, or opera gloves for drama.
Fit and comfort: Choose pieces that move with you and feel good when you sit, stretch, and breathe. We’ll style as we go.
How we make you feel comfortable
Guided posing: I’ll demonstrate poses, direct gently, and keep everything collaborative and affirming.
Music and mood: We’ll build a playlist together; sessions feel like getting ready with a friend, not a high-pressure shoot.
Privacy and consent: Your images are yours. Galleries are password-protected, and nothing is shared publicly without explicit written permission. Retouching keeps your skin texture intact and celebrates your real self.
Hair, makeup, and florals
Hair and makeup: Professional HMU elevates the entire look and helps your style last in our climate. I’m happy to recommend artists who know NOLA’s humidity.
Florals: A small bouquet or loose stems are perfect props. Ask your florist to set aside a few extra blooms matching your wedding palette.
Bundling wedding and boudoir
If you’re booking both, we’ll:
Align styling so your boudoir images feel like a chic prelude to your wedding story.
Plan album design, print finishes, and delivery timing.
Offer a keepsake print or album to gift your partner on the morning of your wedding.
Seasonal notes for NOLA weddings
Spring (March–May): Ideal weather, azaleas and jasmine, high demand—book early.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid with quick storms. Embrace indoor portraits and late-day light; parasols and hand fans photograph beautifully.
Fall (September–November): Crisp evenings, golden color, and festival energy.
Winter (December–February): Mild, moody light and cozy hotel interiors. Holiday decor adds sparkle.
Small details that photograph big
Customized second line handkerchiefs or parasols
A late-night beignet run or king cake cutting
Streetcar cameos and riverfront twinkle lights
Handwritten vows and meaningful heirlooms
Candlelit courtyards and gas lantern glow
Accessibility and inclusivity
Love is love here. I welcome all bodies, identities, and traditions, and I’m happy to chat through accessibility considerations for venues, routes, and timelines.
What it’s like to work together
Discovery: We talk vision, venues, wardrobe, and priorities—plus any must-have shots or family dynamics to consider.
Planning: I scout light, craft timelines, and coordinate with your planner and band. Permit guidance included.
Wedding day: Calm direction when you need it, unobtrusive coverage when you don’t.
After: Thoughtful curation, quick sneak peeks, and heirloom options you’ll treasure long after the last song.
Ready to plan your New Orleans wedding or boudoir session?
If the soul of this city calls to you, I’d love to tell your story in it. Get in touch to check your date, share your vision, and start designing photos that feel like you—alive, artful, and unmistakably New Orleans.