Are you thinking of marrying in a romantic setting such as New Orleans’ City Park?

If you have been following Best Elope Ideas for some time, you will know that we LOVE City Park elopements and micro weddings.  There is just something magical about the park that only people who have visited have experienced.  Getting married in City Park provides a fairy tale wedding many couples dream of.

City Park – New Orleans is full of wonders and beauty, making it one of the most fanciful and prolific locations in New Orleans.  It boasts abundant natural wonders, including an exquisite botanical garden, unique sculpture garden, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Many other natural and manmade wonders lie throughout the Park, such as the famous “Dueling Oak” tree and beautiful stone footbridges. 

What could be more romantic than an intimate elopement or wedding surrounded by the natural beauty and easily accessible hotspot in New Orleans?

Not only is City Park ideal for so many couples, but the location is a photographer’s dream! The endless photo opportunities provide unique, not to mention gorgeous, images. It is easy to understand why countless couples choose to not only have their elopement photos taken here, but also hold their ceremony in the Park as well!

Surely, among the many natural features including the vast variety of trees and bushes, sprawling vistas, copious pathways, and ample lakes and streams, there are a plethora of places within the Park that make it a whimsical location, not only for couples looking to elope, but a treat for photographers as well. 

First and Foremost…Where can I have my ceremony in City Park?

McDonough Tree – Imagine saying I do to your forever partner under a canopy of oak trees in the heart of the Historic Oak Grove in City Park. Oak trees as old as 800 years old with spanish moss dripping from the trees represent the longevity of your future together.

Butler Fountain– Listening to the serene sounds of the fountain where the water goddess is overlooking the beautiful oak trees.  Water representing unity for a lifetime of happiness is the perfect spot to say your vows.

Big Lake/La. Trail– The sunset here will take your breath away! City Park’s Big Lake is a beautiful intimate wedding destination. Your guests will enjoy watching you commit to your forever as they sit along the lake and enjoy the sunset too.

Peristyle– This open air grecian style pavilion with columns overlooks a beautiful bayou. The majestic peristyle lions offer a magical setting for your special wedding day.  

Popps Bandstand– As a replica of the temple of love in Versaille,  need we say more…

Parkview Terrace– This Spanish style building offers a 2nd floor terrace overlooking bayous and oak tree gardens.  It is a beautiful option for both your ceremony and reception.  As the night concludes a quick walk to the first floor to treat your guest to the world famous Cafe du Monde is definitely on the menu.

Pavillion of Two Sisters– This european style venue located in the Botanical Gardens of city Park offers some of the most picturesque views of the lush gardens sprinkled with beautiful sculptures.

Botanical Gardens– Ten acres of gardens and parks that have been cultivated since the early 1900’s will encompass you and your partner offering a truly botanical wonderment.

Sculpture Gardens– These gardens are nestled between several bayous of City Park. If you love art, this is home to over 90 artist’s sculptures.  Their LOVE sculptures say it all as to why this location would be perfect to say “I Do!”

Couturie Forest– If you love adventure and mysterious trails among lush forest, this is the perfect setting to say yes.  It is a nature lover’s dream come true with bridges over beautiful water passageways. A perfect ceremony spot is on a pier over the lake with the sunset and forest as your backdrop.

Filmore in the Oaks– Located on the beautiful golf course of city park , you can have both your ceremony and reception on the grand porches of their colonial style club house. The views of the bayous, lush greenery of the golf course and ranges of oak trees are a perfect retreat for your wedding day.

Pop Fountain/Arbor Room– A majestic fountain with a 30 foot spray of water and two leaping dolphins offers a true breathtakingly unforgettable wedding.  This fountain is surrounded by Corinthian Columns and overlaid with beautiful lavender wisteria.  The arbor room is an added destination of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the fountain and majestic oak trees for the perfect reception.

Who will officiate my wedding?

City Park does not have officiants on staff to assist with your ceremony.  Hiring your own licensed officiant to perform your ceremony is required. The Best Elope Ideas team can help you secure an officiant to match the type of ceremony you desire (civil, spiritual, religious interfaith, etc), who is licensed in Orleans Parish. Also, the packages we offer include officiants’ services.

What will marrying at City Park cost me?

Certain areas of the park may be rented for large or private events. These rentals will allow you to bring chairs for your guests. Any public spaces of the park do not allow chair set ups. At the time this article was written, rates start at $250 (please confirm as changes may have been implemented). Please contact your wedding planner, or City Park Sales at (504) 488-2896 for information on required permits.

Your wedding or elopement planner will be more than happy to handle all these details, so you can enjoy the process without worry. If you are looking for other services, including onsite catering, City park will work alongside your wedding planner to coordinate these details. Of course, this will add to the total cost. Your planner will gladly put together a unique package for you that ensures you enjoy your day, save money, and have the ceremony of a lifetime.

Are there any special requirements or rules for weddings in City Park?

Besides an excellent destination wedding planner, all you’re really going to need is any required permit (for public spaces) and depending on which ceremony location you choose, rental fees (for private spaces). Your experienced planner will help you take care of all the details since they have existing relationships with the City Park sales team.

Will our ceremony have a guest limit?

You are allowed up to 20 guests. If your ceremony has more than 20 guests, City Park requires a larger ceremony space to be rented. Rates vary depending on location.

There are copious spacious areas in City Park that are idyllic for photography scenery. Amazing locations for additional photography opportunities include beautiful fountain areas, cobblestone bridges, and gorgeous oak trees.

How is transportation to City Park handled?

With City Park being in the heart of New Orleans, along with its expansive size (even larger than Central Park!); it is pretty hard to miss. Still, it might be difficult to maneuver for anyone not familiar with the area and may need just a little guidance arriving. 

The easiest way, no doubt, to get to City Park from the French Quarter is by private transportation like a limo or party bus. Uber and Lyft services are also easily accessible in the City.

We hope this information was helpful for your upcoming nuptials. If you want additional information on City Park elopements or weddings, please contact us anytime. Let us talk about a package deal just for your unique wedding so you can have the magical experience of City Park’s beauty for yourself. View Done-For-You all inclusive Packages for City Park New Orleans.

We look forward to speaking with you and Congratulations on your engagement!

Article by Ibay Photography – also available for engagement sessions in City Park