New Orleans Weddings at Public Parks

New Orleans has many parks and lovely spots for simple elopements or for a big wedding.Several large parks in New Orleans rent areas for medium to large weddings. Some parks have designated spots for small elopements of 10 or less people that can be used for free.
New Orleans City Park’s many acres offer wedding couples a taste of the city’s history in its natural setting with old oak trees, bayous, bridges, and art. Once the site of Allard Plantation facing Bayou St. John, located at the intersection of Carrollton and City Park Avenues in the Mid-City area of New Orleans. Couples can reach City Park in the Red Streetcar on Canal St. that says "Canal to City Park". It may take 30 minutes from the French Quarter to City Park by streetcar so taxi cab is another option. It is best to visit the location you want to use in person to determine if it meets your needs. There are also many pictures on the web of the beautiful parks. The City Park Commission should be contacted for rental fees for large weddings that are held in beautiful pavilions in the park.
For a small weekend elopement or before a cruise departing from New Orleans there are other little out of the way places where a small wedding can take place. Lovely walkways, large oak trees, fountains, small bridges, gardens, and statues in public areas can be used if walk ways are not blocked and the ceremony is quick and simple. Most open public places are free for a small simple wedding but are first come first serve, therefore selecting alternate spot in the parks is recommended. By arriving early and walking through the area the couple and a small wedding party can choose a nice location to do a short ceremony in one of several park areas. Near Jackson Square, in Pirates Alley, at City Park, or along the river by Spanish Plaza are small spots for elopements. After 10 years of doing elopements in the various parks Chaplain JK Schwehm can assist by recommending a nice spot. If you desire a larger wedding and a reserved spot you can contact many places that rent out for weddings.

Google Map: Parkview Cafe, Dreyfous Dr, City Park
Parkview Cafe

Cafe
Meeting at Parkview Cafe is easy with parking, rest room, and light food available at a snack bar. The many oak trees and bayou is right behind this building.
MAP To City Park

New Orleans Marriage License Information
It is possible to be married on the same day you get your license. Either the bride or groom before may obtain the license from the State Office of Vital Records at 1450 Poydras, New Orleans, or other Parish Clerks of Court offices before the ceremony is conducted. Identification is required along with authentic copies of birth certificates and any divorce judgments. In some cities there is a three-day waiting period. In New Orleans a Minister or Judge can waive the waiting period in writing for non-residents when good reasons exist. No medical tests are necessary. The license is good for 30 days. You must present the license to the person doing the ceremony in advance as it requires the officiant to complete some portions in black ink only. A ceremony must be conducted before 2 adult witnesses who also sign the certificates. The cost of the license is just under $30.00 paid to the State. For further information contact the office located near the City Hall: ORLEANS PARISH MARRIAGE LICENSE OFFICE The Orleans Parish Marriage License Office is at the Benson Towers near the Super Dome-- just a short drive from the French Quarter, Uptown, Garden District and the CBD. The phone number is
504-539-5116
Another close to the French Quarter the Second City Court at 225 Morgan Street on the west bank in New Orleans. It is a nice ferry ride across the Mississippi River (pedestrians ride for free, automobiles only $1.00) from the Canal Street Ferry Landing,by River Wall MAll. It is a half city block to the court building with a clock tower. This office closes at 3:00PM, so arrive no later than 2:15PM. Phone number is (504) 368-4099 to verify times.Couples enjoy using this office as the ride on the ferry is fun and this office has waivers to correct any birth certificate or other issues.
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  • Marriage licenses will not be issued on Saturdays, but you can obtain your marriage license in any Louisiana Parish as you drive into New Orleans.
  • Visitors can go to the Algiers Court House to get a license using the Canal St. Ferry.
  • 504-368-4099
  • Hours: 9 am - 3 pm Mon.- Fri
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elopement at City Park.
New Orleans Wedding Minister Information Jerry Kenneth Schwehm served as as Justice of the Peace in 1990 to 1994 in Slidell, La. and was ordained in 1989 as a Lay Minister after serving as Elder and Deacon in his church for many years. He has a BA and JD from Louisiana State University (1972) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from a local Bible Church in 1990. He has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and is available in the Greater New Orleans area to perform your personalized marriage ceremony. He will go to your location or at his office in Fig House. He may be contacted at the below e-mail.
  • Fig Street Weddings
  • Fig Street Ministry, 117 No Solomon #D, New Orleans, La. 70119
  • 504/617-6359
Elopement at Jackson Square.
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  • Art Studio mailing address: 65115 Highway 41, Pearl River, La. 70452
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  • More info at www.figstreet.com/weddings
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Helpful Links
  2. New Orleans Marriage License
  4. Elope To Pirates Alley
  6. More Information On City Park
  8. Fig Street Art Studio Prints