More than 290 years ago, a two-story brick house rose on the corner of Race and Religious Streets in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District. Lovingly renovated by Bill and Granville Semmes beginning in 2003 with carefully curated artwork and vintage treasures, what they intended to be their private residence was simply too spectacular not to share.
Now, nearly 20 years later, it has been the backdrop of an Anthropologie catalog and the location for a Coca-Cola commercial, feature films, famous cookbooks, and even music videos. But beginning in 2010, it became the setting for something even more monumental. Race + Religious officially began hosting weddings, and it has since become one of the most desirable New Orleans destination wedding locations.
Art is Everywhere at Race + Religious
Artwork from Semmes family members displays beautifully alongside one-of-a-kind pieces from Chateau Antiques and items picked up on annual buying adventures in Europe. There’s a swimming pool that feels more like a turn-of-the-century reflecting pond, exposed brick facade and interior walls, vintage French doors, wrap-around balconies on both levels, a glass sunroom, original honeycomb and mosaic tile floors, crystal chandeliers, elegant unvarnished staircases, filigreed iron gates, and a bougainvillea-lined courtyard. From the Peruvian tabernacle and blessed Virgin statue rescued from a bulldozed church to the original moldings, there are portrait-ready settings at every turn. This all comes together to make Race + Religious the perfect New Orleans wedding venue.
New Orleans Wedding Caterers Drool at the Chance to Cater Here
This location, steeped in nearly three centuries of history, is a collection of three historic buildings, including a three-story Greek Revival rowhouse and traditional Creole cottages. Two commercial kitchens give caterers like Messina’s Catering & Events the proper tools to create even the most elaborate wedding fare. Since 1961, we’ve been one of New Orleans’ top wedding caterers and catered events at some of the finest venues throughout the Crescent City. Race + Religious is definitely in our top ten.
Wedding catering at Race + Religious allows caterers to display food stations and stage bars throughout its many nooks and crannies. Most wedding ceremonies take place in the courtyard, with guests seated around the long, lap-style pool. (simonsezit) The venue can accommodate up to 250 guests, with reception break-outs in three courtyards. The whole venue has a “free-flow vibe,” according to Shelly Anderson Photography. Once the ceremony is complete, many wedding parties join in on a second-line parade around the block.
Let Messina’s Help You Plan Your Picture-Perfect Race + Religious Wedding Day
At Messina’s Catering & Events, we can make suggestions that give your wedding an authentic New Orleans accent with menus inspired by Creole history and expertly prepared by New Orleans’ best wedding caterer. Visit MessinasCatering.com to learn more.
