City Park New Orleans is an insanely popular space for all things photography. For good reason too. Its lush with deep, dark greens, stone bridges, low hanging spanish moss and so much more. It really is hard to take a bad photo here.

Weddings have the option to take place at several different locations within the park. Some of my favorites include:

The Peristyle - an open air pavilion that overlooks Bayou Metairie. Can fit up to 300 guests. Definitely one of the park’s more popular selections.
McDonough Oak - The largest and oldest living Oak in the park. Having this as your background for your ceremony is absolutely breathtaking.
Pavilion of the Two Sisters - Indoor, outdoor venue connected to City Park’s Botanical Gardens. Floor to ceiling arched windows overlooking the gardens. Stunning and great option for a New Orleans wedding in the summer!

But, one of my absolute favorite spots for weddings in City Park is actually a secret. Upon my research, I was surprised to find that the space technically does not even have a name. It is hidden and nestled along the reeds of Big Lake, across from the New Orleans Museum of Art. Couples in love can rent swan paddleboats next door. There is a walkway between lines of Cypress Trees for you to make an unforgettable entrance, and plenty of benches for your guests to sit. There is also a “stage” for the ceremony to take place so everyone in attendance has an amazing view. Shelters are available nearby for you and your guests to escape the heat or rain if necessary!

Athena and Jordan wanted an intimate, colorful New Orleans wedding. They asked their guests to arrive in decades attire, encouraging wild patterns and vibrant colors. The atmosphere was fun from the beginning, and you could tell these two lived and breathed New Orleans.

Coming from New Orleans, I was taught you don’t need much to have a good time. I preach this to the wedding couples I work with endlessly, and I actually prefer clients who believe it. When you approach planning a wedding like this, magic happens. Expectations are lowered and living in the moment takes priority. And, that’s what Athena & Jordan’s afternoon was all about.

Athena’s brother played guitar for the procession.

The flower girl took her job very seriously.

The ceremony was short and sweet.

We wrapped things up with family and couple portraits by the water.

In typical New Orleans fashion, the crew took a bus to Madame Vic’s, a neighborhood bar that features lots of local art and live music. It did not take long for the party to get started.