The pandemic encouraged events to move outdoors, and as it turns out, this has become a preferred way to celebrate even as Covid restrictions ease. Hosting an outdoor event or celebration can be an exceptional experience that offers endless possibilities. While outdoor events have many advantages, a venue that provides alternative indoor event space is also a bonus in case of unexpected weather. Finding that perfect picturesque venue that incorporates the theme of your event will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests for years to come.
Choosing the right venue for your outdoor event is critical, and New Orleans has numerous options, from historic courtyards to lush parks and scenic rooftops. Here is a sampling of some of the most unique New Orleans special event venues that feature outdoor spaces.
We’re happy to say that Messina’s Catering & Events is an approved New Orleans caterer at these unique event venues you’re about to discover.
Head Uptown and To the Garden District
Uptown and the Garden District are shaded by centuries-old live oaks and magnolia trees, narrow lanes with multi-story homes, and the air alive with the heady scent of jasmine.
Soulet Muse, one of Messina’s newest venues, is at the heart of the Garden District. Located on historic Magazine Street, it beckons back to when things were slower and grander. (treehouselodge.com) This venue offers history, charm, and soul in a cozy 1850s guest house and event space to accommodate parties up to 120 if seated outside. Whether hosting a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, the lush courtyard offers an iconic New Orleans setting. Photographers and guests love Soulet Muse because of its exposed brick exteriors, antique hardware, and large French windows. Are you ready for your close-up?
Race + Religious, also located in the Lower Garden District, is a historic converted home filled with the spirit of New Orleans. This European estate-inspired venue has uniqueness, charm, and character and is artfully arranged with artifacts and vignettes around every corner. The venue’s outdoor space offers a central brick courtyard filled with natural greenery. The newly added pool can be utilized as an elegant water feature for floating florals and candles or a celebratory splash for those with more of an adventurous spirit. Race + Religious welcomes dogs and cats so that four-legged friends can join in the festivities.
The French Quarter Offers Some of Crescent City’s Most Popular Outdoor Venue Options
The French Quarter is one of NOLA’s most historic neighborhoods and is often referred to as the crown jewel of New Orleans. Messina’s caters at many French Quarter architectural gems.
Batture Bistro + Bar is a restaurant located in the newest hotel in the French Quarter, ONE11Hotel. The property, 111 Iberville, was originally built in 1884 as the center of all manufacturing for the once-massive New Orleans Sugar District. The building has been fully restored, including original brick walls, columns, and wood beams. Batture Bistro + Bar offers unique indoor and outdoor catering spaces not found in other French Quarter venues.
Batture’s outdoor event spaces contain a mix of “rooftop with unobstructed river views” to “alfresco in the French Quarter” to “private poolside.” In the warmer months, guests can dine alfresco in Batture’s “Loading Dock,” which features a fully retractable wall that opens up to a stunning view of the French Quarter. In any season, the closed wall offers climate-controlled comfort and floor-to-ceiling views.
Rooftop on Basin is perched on top of the historic Basin St. Stations, which is home to the New Orleans Museum. This chic and elegant Big Easy venue is adorned with a large furnished outdoor terrace with gas-burning lanterns, stone tile flooring, and stunning panoramic views of the French Quarter and the downtown New Orleans skyline.
Chateau LeMoyne is a grand Antebellum-era Southern mansion that dates back to the mid-1800s. Located at the center of the French Quarter, it is a nostalgic blend of wrought iron railings on white wood balconies and arched brick alcoves built around an old French-style courtyard. The venue’s outdoor features include brick archways, statuary, a turtle pond, an original brick deck, and a covered garden patio. There are two brick-paved courtyards on the property. For an indoor/outdoor combined event, the newly-remodeled Conti Parlor and Patio opens to the courtyard pool area.
Not far from the French Quarter, The Sugar Mill is located in the Warehouse District, a neighborhood in downtown New Orleans filled with old industrial warehouses that have been transformed into modern museums, art galleries, and restaurants. This venue offers 22,000 square feet of inside space that opens onto an adjoining 15,000-square-foot courtyard. The lushly landscaped courtyard is laid in brick pavers and encased in high brick walls lined with confederate jasmine and greenery. This venue is a perfect option for receptions, crawfish boils, and wedding ceremonies. The event space has the flexibility to be utilized for an intimate gathering or can host up to 1500 guests.
The Beauregard-Keyes Historic House & Garden is another exquisite French Quarter venue for an outdoor soiree. Guests can enjoy an elegant dinner party or dance the night away under the stars in the courtyard at this French Quarter gem. The Beauregard-Keyes House is a National Historic Landmark filled with intrigue and ambiance that barely any additional décor is needed. Boasting a beautiful outdoor garden, courtyard, and indoor space, this venue can accommodate your event needs should your gathering move inside due to unforeseen weather.
There Is No Better Outdoor Space Than A Park Or the Grounds of a Plantation
In Brathwaite, Louisiana, Stella Plantation is surrounded by 1500 acres of natural landscape that provides a backdrop waiting to be embellished to bring your vision for your event to life. There are several sites on the grounds for receptions. Included is a covered pavilion with removable side panels to create open-air celebrations or can be climate-controlled to help keep guests cool on hot days. Alternatively, interior barn-style facilities are also available.
Make Any Outdoor Event Even More Memorable by Hosting It In a Museum
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is just what the doctor ordered for your perfect wedding ceremony, reception, meeting, or corporate party. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Pharmacy Museum’s 19th-century courtyard is the ideal backdrop for a memorable event. The tropical courtyard provides a profuse “Big Easy” party ambiance. Be sure to have an unforgettable experience with your guests, surrounded by the history of New Orleans.
Head Out To The Art Deco Airport for a Lakeside Gathering
Other historic venues Messina’s serves include The Atrium at The Terminal, a spacious Art-Deco, two-story space encased in marble and granite that can accommodate up to 750 guests in a reception-style event. The Walnut Room is a more intimate setting nestled in rich woodwork and warm hues that can host from 30 to 175 guests depending upon the service format. The Terrace at The Terminal overlooks Lake Pontchartrain and the runway and is the ideal setting for weddings, corporate events, and other receptions. The Huey P. Long Room, named for the former Governor of Louisiana, also overlooks the Lake and is the Airport’s prime meeting space that can accommodate up to 75 guests. Messina’s Catering & Events is the exclusive New Orleans caterer for the Lakefront Airport Terminal.
If You Are Looking For The Perfect New Orleans Outdoor Event Venue, We Can Help
Our top-notch team at Messina’s can make your next NOLA outdoor event unforgettable. From outdoor-ready menu options, table settings, and food staging to lively spirits bars and inventive chef stations, we can tailor the catering menu to fit your unique tastes and budget while still giving your event distinctive New Orleans flavor in some of the city’s finest outdoor venues. Learn more by visiting MessinasCatering.com.
