When a lot of people plan a New Orleans wedding, they don’t count on the tropical rains. Morgan and Sean got all the details in place so that they could embrace where the day took them. The rain couldn’t dampen Morgan and Sean’s energy! Their wedding at the Royal Frenchmen Hotel featured a lush courtyard ceremony and a raucous second line.

A Royal Frenchmen Hotel Wedding

The Royal Frenchmen Hotel is a great wedding venue for people who love that uniquely New Orleans ambiance. This New Orleans wedding venue is typical of mid-nineteenth century architecture. The Creole mansion was built and 1860 and restored in 2017. 

The hotel is all about historic charm and a relaxed atmosphere. Marble tiles, chandeliers, and elaborate moulding set the aesthetic tone inside. The rooms are inviting with warm colors and a mix of modern and classical art.

The courtyard, where wedding ceremonies typically take place, is exemplary of the whimsical and elegant aspects of this time period. A beautiful stone fountain against a wall. Many marriers choose to say their vows in front of it. It’s the perfect place for a floral installation, too.

If you’re thinking about getting married at the Royal Frenchmen Hotel, here are some helpful details for your planning.

• Starting Price: $13,000
• Capacity: 200 guests
• Venue Type: Outdoor

Although the hotel does have a beautiful lobby and bar inside, the majority of your celebration will take place outdoors. That means you’ll want to arrange for a tent if there’s a chance of rain. Morgan and Sean did that and, even with the rain, everyone had an amazing time.

A lot of people love the Royal Frenchmen Hotel partly for its location. It sits at Frenchmen and Royal right across from Washington Square Park. Just across Royal Street, Frenchmen’s world famous stretch of nightclubs begins. You can see the best of New Orleans’ music here. Locals love it even more than the French Quarter, which is only three blocks away. For your after party, you and your guests can just walk across the street and find some dance-worthy jazz and funk.

A Wedding with Undeniable Energy

Morgan and Sean both brought big energy to their wedding day from the very beginning. I met up with Morgan for a first look with her bridesmaids on the picturesque staircase connecting the second floor to the lobby. With her dress and sheer gloves, she looked like a modern queen. I love her bridesmaids’ reactions to her entrance. You can tell just how excited they are for her.

Then Sean met us in the Royal Frenchmen Hotel for his first look with Morgan. His reaction was just as joyful. You can tell that he got a bit overwhelmed with emotion. It made for some really sweet candid photos.

Before the ceremony, I whisked Morgan and Sean away for some portraits. Most of the photos from this wedding are organic and unposed. We did do a few posed portraits at this point, though. Standing in front of the green shutters of the Royal Frenchmen Hotel, Morgan and Sean looked magazine worthy.

The Royal Frenchmen Hotel has a cozy bar inside. Morgan and Sean popped in for preceremony cocktails. I love the photo of Morgan holding a cocktail and smiling. You get a sense of her uncontainable joy.

Photos that Preserve the Experience  

The rest of Morgan and Sean‘s wedding had the same energy. Their ceremony was full of belly laughs. I loved documenting everyone’s reactions to their intentional, witty vows. 

After the ceremony, everyone hit the streets for a second line around the neighborhood. Guests went all in dancing to the music of Knockaz Brass Band. It was. The gray skies made the neighborhood’s colors seem even more vibrant.

Back at the Royal Frenchmen Hotel, moving first dances preceded a bumping dance floor. Morgan and Sean stole as many kisses as they could. Their messy cake cutting is definitely one of the most memorable that I’ve photographed!

Are you looking for a New Orleans wedding photographer? I’m Ali, a film wedding photographer. I would love to document your day with fun photos! Reach out to me! 

Thank you to the vendors who helped make this wedding amazing.
Photography: Alyssa Fisher Photography
Venue: Royal Frenchmen Hotel
Hair & Makeup: Virgo Beauty Studios
Dress Designer and Bridal Boutique: SAINT Bridal Couture from Unbridaled
Suit: Men’s Warehouse
Cake: Pretty Funky Treats
Caterer: 2 Brothers 1 Love
Band: After Party