Elope in New Orleans: Playful Inspiration for Your Romantic Celebration
I met Alayna and Nick a couple of years back when I reached out to them to model for some photos for me. I was just starting to seriously dive into film and I wanted to practice with some new cameras. I found Alayna on instagram (I don’t even remember how) and asked if she was willing to spend the afternoon with me so I could practice. Needless to say, we hit it off and had the best time traipsing around New Orleans together. You can check out that session here if you’re interested!
Alayna and Nick Elope in New Orleans
Fast forward a year or so and Alayna reached out to me about photographing their wedding morning. I didn’t hesitate to say yes. Their joy is infectious and I couldn’t wait to spend another day with them. Alayna and Nick decided to elope in New Orleans even though they’re not originally from the city. They’re the kind of people that really embody the New Orleans spirit. You’ll find them at just about every festival and function. Their photos show how they celebrated their relationship and the city they love in a day that was authentic to them.
Nick loves New Orleans so much that he became a member of the 610 Stompers, an all-male dance group in the city. He actually proposed to Alayna on Thoth Sunday in 2023. He was dancing in the parade with the Stompers, and he orchestrated the proposal to happen as the parade still rolled. Only in New Orleans!
On the day of their elopement, I met up with Alayna and Nick at their newly purchased home. They got ready together along with their pup, Otto. Otto is their baby, so it was only fitting that he played a part in the pictures. He followed them around their house in his little puppy tux like the devoted dog he is.
A Carefree Afternoon in the French Quarter
When Alayna and Nick decided to elope in New Orleans, they knew they had to head to the French Quarter on Nick’s moped. This whimsical turquoise vehicle is their main form of traveling around the city. They’ve had many adventures on the moped so it felt natural to incorporate it into their wedding day.
Alayna and Nick decked out the moped for elopement photos. They hung a “just married” sign on the back. Four electric green hand grenade cups trailed from the back, clinking as they drove.
If you elope in New Orleans, there are so many beautiful places to take photos. I documented Alayna and Nick riding past the charming shops on Royal Street and taking in the sights (with a lot of laughs) at Jackson Square.
In one of the sweetest moments of the day, we headed to the Bourbon Orleans Hotel for a quick break. Little did Nick know that Alayna had a surprise for him. She’d flown his mom in from out of town so that she could witness the ceremony. Nick’s mom was waiting for us right as we headed out of the hotel. Their shared joy was incredible. She joined us in walking around for a few more photos before heading back to their house.
Later that afternoon, Alayna and Nick’s friend officiated their ceremony in their backyard. Their elopement day had everything they wanted – adventures around their favorite city, belly laughs, and tender moments. I’m so glad I got to document it!
How to Elope in New Orleans
Are you planning to elope in New Orleans? This city is pure magic for a swept away celebration. I’ve been a New Orleans wedding photographer for a while now, and I’m excited to share what I know to make your experience easier. Here are some tips for planning your New Orleans elopement.
Your marriage license is the most important thing you need to elope in New Orleans. You and your partner should bring all supporting documentation and fees to the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office. Check out the full list of documents and fees you’ll need here. If you’re traveling in from out of town, build an extra day or two onto the front of your trip to accommodate the 24-hour waiting period.
Even though elopements can be more low key than a full formal wedding, I recommend getting a few pieces in place before the day. That includes any vendors you want to work with.
- Officiant: You need someone licensed to officiate weddings in the State of Louisiana, whether it’s a friend or professional. Very few judges in Orleans Parish are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, so make your appointment as soon as you pick a date.
- Venue: Backyard weddings are charming, but maybe you have your heart set on exchanging vows in your favorite park. A few, including City Park and Jackson Square, require photography permits.
- Photographer: Your elopement may have fewer frills than a black tie wedding, but it deserves to be documented with as much intention. Choose a photographer whose style will freeze these fleeting moments in time for you to experience again and again. Think that might be me? Inquire here!
Would you like more New Orleans elopement inspiration? Check out these blog posts!
A Beautiful New Orleans Elopement at Race and Religious
