It’s no wonder that some of America’s most unique wedding venues can be found in one of its most colorful cities–New Orleans.  A city at the edge of a rich river delta with a myriad of rivers, lakes, bays and bayous, water views are just a small part of the city’s alluring charm.

With a rich history steeped in tradition and a Mardis Gras festival tradition that first held in March of 1699, New Orleans offers a smorgasbord of unique wedding venues–from the modern to the Antebellum, the mid-century to the turn of the century, brick-paved courtyards to modern rooftops.  That’s why so many couples choose to exchange their vows in The Crescent City.  No matter what type of wedding you dream of, New Orleans can deliver it.

Your Dream Wedding Awaits

Even though we’ve been a top New Orleans caterer for 60 years and chosen as 2021 pick for Best of Weddings for Caterers buy The Knot New Orleans destination wedding caterers, we never cease to be amazed with the variety New Orleans offers.  With its stunning architecture, horse-drawn carriages, grandfather oaks, European roots, lush courtyards, and an undisputed history of knowing how to have a good time, it’s not surprising New Orleans has often been referred to as the most romantic city in America and a top wedding destination. (theclickreader)

The Variety is Endless

From historic, to modern….from indoor to outdoor…possibilities abound.  Following are just a few of the unique venues Messina’s caters throughout the city:

Cheateau LeMoyne

The Quarter-Chateau LeMoyne is full of New Orleans’ historical charm and boutique ambiance. This venue’s coveted New Orleans location places you in the center of it all. It is an easy walking distance to both Canal Street and the French Market, and is only a 10-minute walk to Jackson Square and Bourbon Street.  It is located adjacent to the Central Business District and one mile from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Mercedes Benz Superdome, making it the perfect location for an authentic French Quarter experience.  This venue features more than 2,000 square feet of private event space.  All event spaces feature natural lighting with double doors opening to the venue’s garden courtyard.

Batture Bistro & Bar at ONE11Hotel

Situated on the Mississippi Riverfront, by Woldenberg Park and the Audubon Aquarium, the brand new ONE11 Hotel offers a sleek and sophisticated ambiance with evocative design, while paying homage to New Orleans’ rich sugar history. Once the epicenter of the city’s thriving Sugar District in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this venue has been meticulously restored from its industrial roots to the newest Vieux Carré hotel to open in half a century.  This venue features several unique small event spaces including “The Loading Dock” which features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the French Quarter.  The venue also features a pool-front “Sugar Sweet” as well as two rooftop suites with oversized balconies featuring unrivaled views of the Mississippi River.

The Rooftop on Basin

Located less than a half of a mile from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, The Rooftop on Basin features panoramic views of the New Orleans city skyline. Perched atop the historic Basin St. Station, The Rooftop on Basin offers endless options and formats for special events.  The first floor of Basin St. Station is home to the New Orleans Museum.  The second and third floors are home to New Orleans’ most exciting new boutique hotel, The Brakeman Hotel.  The Rooftop on Basin special event space encompasses the fourth floor of the historic building.

New Orleans Lakefront Airport

Constructed in the 1930s, the Lakefront Airport served as New Orleans major airport until 1946 when Louis Armstrong New Orleans National Airport opened.  It was used by the U.S. Air Force during WWII and a Cold War-era bomb shelter.  The Airport suffered major damage during Hurricanes Katrina in 2005 and Isaac in 2012, but was carefully restored to original Art Deco grandeur in 2013.  All the original marble walls and columns, terrazzo floors and the coveted murals by world known artist Xavier Ganzales were restored, making the Lakefront Airport one of New Orleans most dramatic and applauded event spaces.  The Lakefront Airport was recently named the “Most Beautiful Place to get Married” by Curbed New Orleans.

The Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center

The Pontchartrain Center is a 4,600-seat multi-purpose arena in Kenner, Louisiana, USA. The facility opened in 1991. It hosts concerts and local sporting events. It is also used for conventions and trade shows, with 46,080 square feet of exhibit space and 14,681 square feet of meeting rooms.

Jefferson Performing Arts Center

The Jefferson Performing Arts Center is a 1,041-seat live event venue located in the heart of Jefferson Parish in Metairie, Louisiana. It is a modern, state-of-the-art theater that hosts grand operas, musicals, symphonies, choral concerts, ballets, and private or corporate events.

The Alario Center

The Alario Center is part of the Segnette Sports Complex, and is located only minutes from downtown New Orleans and the historic French Quarter in Westwego, Louisiana.  The venue opened its doors in the spring of 1999 and has become the hub of social and cultural activity on the west bank of the mighty Mississippi River.

Edward A. Dufresne Community Center

The Edward A. Dufresne Community Center is a 30,000-square foot multi-functional facility.

  It includes a 13,900-square foot gym space and a 2,055-square foot meeting room space, which can be rented for private events.  Venue amenities include a full-service commercial kitchen and a concession stand.

Incorporate Hot New Orleans Trends in Your NOLA Wedding

Once you pick your perfect New Orleans wedding venue, consider adding some distinct New Orleans flare to your special day.  Some new and some old, these traditions are the hallmark of why so many choose New Orleans for their destination wedding.

Unique jewelry.  While you might want to wear a string of pearls for the something borrowed or a sapphire necklace for the something blue, brightly colored gemstones are making their way down the aisle more and more.  Unconventional wedding bands are also a trend, with some made from wood and titanium rather than platinum and gold.

Second-line wedding parades. Pass out umbrellas to guests and invite them to follow along a second-line wedding parade– a staple of many New Orleans events, ranging from Mardi Gras pre-parties to funerals.  These types of parades date as far back as the Civil War, and are becoming more and more common in New Orleans destination wedding planning as a fun way to punctuate a perfect day or night.