A bride and groom walk away from their ceremony smiling.

A Beautiful New Orleans Elopement at Race and Religious

elopement

May 14, 2025

There are so many ways to have a gorgeous New Orleans elopement. Cheryl and Alex planned an intimate celebration for a small group of family and friends in one of the city’s most beautiful venues. I was so grateful to be there to document their day on film and digital photography.

A bride and groom embrace smiling outside Race and Religious.

A New Orleans Elopement for Cheryl and Alex

Like a lot of people I’ve met photographing New Orleans elopements, Cheryl and Alex aren’t originally from here. At the time of their fall wedding, these Minnesotans had been in New Orleans for about six years. They originally moved here for Alex to go to grad school for creative writing. By the time graduation rolled around, they decided to stay.

Sun shines on Race and Religious before a summer wedding.

A wedding purse and perfume sit on a wood table in a film wedding photo.

This simple but creative elopement is a great illustration of who Cheryl and Alex are. Cheryl is a graphic designer, illustrator, and director for a creative agency. It’s not surprising that she met Alex working at a literary arts magazine. For their elopement, they were really drawn to the aesthetics at Race and Religious.

A bride and groom kiss in a doorway at a New Orleans elopement.

A bride and groom sit on a bed at Race and Religious in New Orleans.

A groom leads a bride through a doorway before their New Orleans elopement.

This New Orleans elopement was my favorite kind – laidback and fun. Cheryl, Alex, and I enjoyed moving around Race and Religious at our own pace for portraits. There are so many beautiful spots for photos here. The antique windows and vintage furniture along with the intentionally-preserved architecture make the most amazing backdrops.

A bride and groom stand in a patch of sun at the bottom of a staircase in a New Orleans wedding venue.

A bride and groom pose for a New Orleans wedding photographer on a bridge.

If you’re considering an elopement in New Orleans, I highly recommend the fall. The spring is beautiful, too. Either way, you avoid the summer temperatures that will melt you into a puddle in your wedding clothes. Cheryl and Alex’s wedding day was comfortable with just enough of a light breeze to keep everyone cheerful.

A groom kisses a bride's shoulder in a New Orleans wedding venue courtyard.

A bride and groom pose for a relative taking a phone photo.

A bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other before their New Orleans elopement.

After taking portraits, we moved to the courtyard where Cheryl and Alex greeted the handful of family and friends who were joining them for the ceremony. They exchanged vows in front of the reflecting pool. It was short, sweet, and meaningful.

Wedding guests smile and take phone photos.

Wedding guests laugh outside a New Orleans wedding venue.

Cheryl and Alex joined their guests for a champagne toast afterward. There wasn’t a ton of formality, just Cheryl and Alex soaking up the joy of the moment with their favorite people.

A bride and groom pose with family members for an elopement photo.

A bride poses with another woman beneath an arch at a New Orleans elopement.

A bride and groom pose for a New Orleans elopement photographer in front of a flowering shrub.

Getting Married at Race and Religious

In a city known for great parties and adventure, there’s no shortage of elopement venues. Cheryl and Alex chose to host their New Orleans elopement at Race and Religious, one of the most in-demand venues in the city. It‘s very beautiful and very New Orleans.

A bride and groom stand in front of guests for a New Orleans elopement ceremony at Race and Religious.

A bride and groom hold hands laughing during an elopement ceremony in the courtyard of Race and Religious.

Race and Religious consists of three brick buildings built as a private estate in the 1830s. Everywhere you look are weathered walls and peachy tones. Stepping through the iron gates at the entrance feels like stepping back in time. Lush plants line the brick courtyard and pool.

A groom puts a ring on a bride in a film photo.

A bride and groom kiss at the end of a New Orleans elopement ceremony outdoors.

If you’re looking for a more traditional wedding experience, Race and Religious offers that too. There are private rooms that serve as getting ready suites. (I photographed Cheryl and Alex in one.) You can also rent out the property for an overnight stay after your wedding.

Wedding guests pour champagne into a glass.

Sun shines through palm trees in the courtyard of Race and Religious.

Are you dreaming of hosting your New Orleans elopement at Race and Religious? Here’s some helpful information to start your planning.

Starting Price: $9,000 (varies depending on guest count and day of the week)

Capacity: 300 guests

Venue type: Outdoor

Wedding guests gather to listen to a toast at a New Orleans elopement.

A bride and groom stand beside an older man giving a wedding toast in a film photo.

Would you like to see a full wedding at Race and Religious? Check out a big summer wedding in this blog post!

A bride leans on a groom to listen to a speech at their New Orleans elopement.

Smiling wedding guests hold champagne glasses.

Pink flowers grow up the side of a building at Race and Religious.

Candid Elopement Photography on Film and Digital

Before their New Orleans elopement, Cheryl and Alex told me, “We’re really drawn to your photography style and the more candid moments you capture.” I took that to heart and documented as much of the sweet in between moments as I could.

A bride and groom pose beside a reflecting pool at their New Orleans elopement at Race and Religious.

Wedding guests stand in a circle talking.

This New Orleans elopement really lent itself to film photography, too. I love photographing elopements on film. It has such an intimate feeling that you don’t get in the same way with digital photography.

A newlywed couple poses with friends for a photo.

Polaroid photos of a New Orleans elopement sit on a table.

Are you interested in having me photograph your New Orleans elopement? I’m a New Orleans wedding photographer. I’ll document your celebration with unscripted candids on film. Reach out to me!

Thanks to the wedding vendors who helped make this elopement magical.
Photographer: Alyssa Fisher Photo
Venue: Race and Religious
Dress: Toteme
Invitations: Cheryl Tronson Design