The Best Elopement Parks in New Orleans

Whenever you think of romantic elopement settings, parks are usually up there on the list. After all, what could be more perfect than holding your ceremony outdoors in a beautifully cultivated, natural setting?

Parks are certainly an elopement staple, and couples scour the country looking for possible parks to get eloped in. It’s no wonder then why New Orleans always finds itself at the top of so many couple’s lists!

New Orleans has numerous parks of all shapes and sizes, some of which have become synonymous with settings for elopements. So much so that a few even cater directly to couples looking to get married.

Instead of having to do all the research on these parks yourself, we’ve done it for you! Here is a rundown of everything you need to know about some of New Orleans’ best parks for getting eloped.

City Park

A well-loved landmark of New Orleans, this giant sprawling park is the perfect setting for any couple looking for a place to have an unforgettable ceremony.

Picturesque lakes, majestic oak trees dripping with spanish moss, and even a botanical garden await you in this southern gem. Because of its size and amount of interesting attractions, it’s been a favorite event spot for decades.

The park itself is old, dating back over a hundred years. Its 1300 acres include several bridges, an art museum, and more than enough room for even the biggest wedding or elopement ceremonies.

Perhaps its greatest feature is simply its sheer natural beauty. The grounds are carefully managed and cultivated, making them an exceptional location for photo shoots as well!

Audubon Park

Another expansive park with tons of attractions, Audubon Park features everything from riding stables to an actual zoo, as well as several gardens, monuments, and ancient oak trees.

In other words, everything you could ever want out of a picture-perfect elopement setting!
Just like City Park, Audubon Park enjoys a rich history dating back to the 1800s, and is full of interesting areas to explore. The horticulture staff are tasked with taking care of the numerous oak trees, which date back to this period and before.

You can feel the richness of New Orleans history and culture in the park, which is one of the reasons couples choose it for their entire ceremony. With gorgeous views of the Mississippi, plenty of vistas for photo shoots, high class picnic areas for dining, and even horseback riding available, you really can’t go wrong choosing Audubon for your elopement.

Lafayette Square

Compared to City Park and Audubon Park, this place is rather tiny, but don’t let that fool you. Lafayette Square has been a staple location for ceremonies and entertainment for years, because of its central location in the city and historic backdrop.

This picturesque little park is home to an array of monuments and shade trees, with just enough room to host a cozy little elopement. If you’re looking for something simple with that signature New Orleans touch, this tiny slice of the city is probably what you’re looking for.

Press Street Gardens

You might be shocked to learn that Press Street isn’t a park at all – it’s actually a garden!

Well, it might sound unorthodox to get married in a garden, but this isn’t at all out of the ordinary for New Orleans. This beautiful garden project has just enough space and is aesthetic enough to make for a perfect fit on our list.

Press Street Gardens is a little urban garden project that has a beautifully manicured little spot in the city, and yes they actually grow everything from flowers to vegetables.

Actually, the garden is managed by the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and they crafted the garden with space specifically for meetings and other social events. This is not your typical garden, to say the least.

If you’re looking for a “city elopement” with just a dash of nature, Press Street Gardens can be all that and more.

Louis Armstrong Park

A park dedicated to the famous jazz musician of the same name that sits right off of the French Quarter.

While not as expansive as some of the other parks mentioned here, Louis Armstrong stands out for its beautiful architecture and statues, as well as its picturesque fountains, ponds, and bridges. Actually the result of an urban renewal project from the 60s, it now stands as one of the most iconic and scenic places in the city.

It is to be sure the perfect little place if you are at all interested in experiencing the best of New Orleans’ historic beauty in one package during your special day.

Click HERE to learn the 5 secrets to a successful (and stress-free) elopement and BONUS checklist!