Elope in New Orleans

What makes a city romantic? It's history? Charm? Food? Night life? If you answered, "all of the above," then you are probably looking at New Orleans as the perfect place to elope. Full of history, and known for its Southern charm and incredible food, New Orleans is still one of the most sought-after destinations for an elopement wedding.

New Orleans is loaded with great venues for weddings. But, for those seeking establishments and venues which cater specifically to eloping couples, we've searched and have found a few fabulous venues in New Orleans which offer elopement packages.

Magnolia Mansion

While there are plenty of bed and breakfasts from which to choose in New Orleans, Magnolia Mansion stands apart as an upscale, intimate and adults-only establishment. Convenient located in the famed Garden District of New Orleans, the Magnolia Mansion features a wrap-around veranda, two courtyards, and 9 uniquely-themed rooms, including the popular "Gone with the Wind" room with hand carved mahogany four poster bed, and the "Vampire Lover's Lair" room with a wooden canopy Vampire bed.

Magnolia Mansion offers their "Rendezvous Elopement" package for bride and groom which includes, among other things:

• A nondenominational officiate/minister
• Champagne
• 8" wedding cake
• Ceremonial music
• Photographer and CD of a minimum of 100 photo selections
• 2 witnesses
• 2-night accommodations in a luxury king bridal suite of your choice

As of May, 2011, their elopement package started from $999. Go to their website at magnoliamansion.com for current pricing.

Maison Dupuy Hotel

Located inside the historic Vieux Carré (French Quarter) district, and just two blocks from Bourbon Street, the Maison Dupuy Hotel has earned numerous accolades, including being awarded Fodor’s "Gold Choice Award for Best Urban Escapes” in February 2011. What sets the Maison Dupuy apart from other New Orleans venues for your elopement ceremony? That would have to be its courtyard, which offers New Orleans only outdoor wedding chapel, perfect for small, intimate wedding ceremonies of 2 - 50 people. This outdoor wedding chapel consists of a rustic Cajun Cabin and a quaint French Quarter Cottage, complete with waterfalls, a fountain, and tropical foliage.

For more details on having your elopement at the Maison Dupuy, you can go to their wedding website at neworleanscourtyardweddings.com.

Rathbone Mansions

Rathbone Mansions is actually two different mansions on Esplanade Avenue, located where the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny and the Treme Historical District meet. Most people are familiar with the French Quarter, but Faubourg Marigny and the Treme Historical District have a lot of history and flavor as well. Originally a Creole neighborhood, Faubourg Marigny is home to Frenchmen Street, where you'll find lots of music clubs and restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines, such as Soul, Creole, Lebanese and Jamaican. The Treme Historical District is the oldest Black neighborhood in the U.S., as well as the birthplace of jazz.

For couples seeking to elope in New Orleans, Rathbone Mansions offers their "Elopement Special" for bride and groom. As of May, 2011, this elopement package starts at $850 for a weekday ceremony; $950 for a Fri., Sat. or Sun. ceremony. The package includes such things as:

• A 2-night stay for 2 in a deluxe suite with private bathroom
• Nondenominational officiant/minister for 30 minute ceremony
• Bouquet
• Champagne
• 8" wedding cake
• Music
• Photographer and CD of a minimum of 50 photos
• 2 witnesses

For more info, go to rathbonemansions.com

French Quarter Wedding Chapel

For an elopement package that includes a romantic carriage ride, you may want to check out the French Quarter Wedding Chapel, which bills itself as the only wedding chapel in the French Quarter. Their elopement package includes the following:

• Wedding officiant
• Violinist
• Photos
• Bouquet and boutonniere
• Bottle of champagne for toast
• 2 witnesses if needed
• 6" wedding cake
• A 1/2 hour carriage ride through the historic French Quarter, to be taken either after your ceremony, or anytime during your stay in the French Quarter

You can call their toll-free number at 1-504-598-6808 for more details.

House of Broel

And then, there's the House of Broel's Victorian Mansion, Wedding Chapel and Dollhouse Museum, located in the Garden District along the St. Charles streetcar line. The House of Broel boats giant oak trees, crystal chandeliers, marble fireplaces, and lush gardens, just perfect for a Victorian wedding. Couples opting for the "It Just Takes Two Victorian Romance Package" can opt to say "I do" in their intimate ballroom, or take their vows outdoors in their garden pavilion, which includes a pond with a waterfall. This package also includes:

• An interfaith pastor to officiate
• Bridal dressing suite
• Silk bouquets for the bride
• 24 photographs
• Wedding cake with roses
• Champagne for wedding toast

Best of all, their elopement package appears to be pretty affordable. As of this writing (May, 2011) the price is $495.00 weekdays and $695.00 for evening and weekends. For more details go to their website at houseofbroel.com.

Synonyms:  Elopin, elpoing, elopnig, and loping are all popular typos for eloping.  Elopeent, elopmnt, elopemet, eopement and elopemen are all popular typos for elopement.