NEW ORLEANS
SPECIAL EVENT VENUES
Messina’s is proud to service some of New Orleans’ most prestigious special event venues. Peruse through our database to uncover the perfect venue for your event.
Messina's Preferred and Approved Venues
Venues FAQ's
What should I look for when choosing an event venue?
Start with the basics: guest count, location, layout, and whether the space fits the style of your event. From there, think through practical needs like indoor versus outdoor space, a weather backup plan for outdoor events, on-site parking, accessibility, and whether an on-site hotel would be helpful for out-of-town guests. You’ll also want to consider the level of food and beverage service you want and confirm which caterers are allowed to work at the venue, since many venues have exclusive, approved, or preferred catering lists. The format of your event matters too—a seated dinner will require a different layout than a mingling-style reception, so it’s important to choose a venue that can comfortably support the experience you want to create. In New Orleans, many venues also have a strong sense of character, so it’s worth choosing a space that aligns with the tone and style of your event.
How much does it cost to rent an event venue in New Orleans?
Pricing can vary widely depending on the size of the venue, the day of the week, and what’s included. Some exclusive event venues with in-house catering may include the rental fee as part of the food and beverage minimum, while others charge a separate venue rental fee and require you to hire an outside caterer. Be sure to ask what is included, since added costs like tables, chairs, linens, service fees, and valet parking can add up quickly. For most events, getting a customized quote based on your guest count, setup, and service needs will give you the most accurate picture.
What is considered a unique event venue?
A unique event venue is typically a space that offers more character, atmosphere, or flexibility than a traditional ballroom or banquet hall. This could include a repurposed historic building, rooftop, private airport or hangar, film studio, bed and breakfast, racetrack, cultural center, historic home, opera house, theater, plantation, farm, museum, art gallery, courtyard, garden, brewery, warehouse, or restored industrial space. Some hosts also transform spaces that are not typically used for events, which can create a memorable experience as long as the venue can support the basics like guest flow, catering access, restrooms, parking, permits, and a weather backup plan if needed.
Where can I host a wedding reception in New Orleans?
Wedding receptions in New Orleans can be hosted at hotels, dedicated event venues, historic homes, courtyards, rooftop spaces, cultural centers, and other unique locations. When choosing a reception venue, consider your guest count, whether you want a seated dinner or more of a mingling-style reception, and whether the space can support catering, bar service, music, and dancing. Many couples also look for venues that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception in one location to simplify the experience for guests.
Do event venues usually include catering?
Some venues in New Orleans include in-house catering, while others require you to bring in an outside caterer. Venues with in-house catering can make planning more streamlined since food, service, and coordination are handled by one team. This can also help ensure consistency in quality and timing throughout the event.
What are good places to host corporate events?
Good places to host corporate events include conference centers, hotels, private event venues, rooftop spaces, cultural centers, private homes, museums, restaurants, historic buildings, and other unique venues that create a memorable guest experience. The right venue depends on the purpose of the event, whether it’s a meeting, client reception, team celebration, networking event, or product launch. It’s also helpful to choose a space that aligns with your brand; for example, an aviation company may be well-suited to a small airport venue, while a fashion or creative brand may fit naturally in a film studio or art gallery. Look for a venue where you can incorporate brand colors, signage, lighting, and overall style in a way that feels cohesive but not overdone.
Do event venues require insurance or permits?
Some event venues require event insurance, especially for larger gatherings, events with alcohol service, outside vendors, live entertainment, or rentals. Permits may also be needed for outdoor events, amplified music, street or sidewalk use, tenting, or special setups that go beyond the venue’s standard operations. Requirements vary by venue and event type, so it’s best to ask early what documentation, approvals, or vendor requirements are needed before booking.
What questions should I ask before booking an event venue?
Before booking an event venue, ask what is included in the rental, what restrictions may apply, and which vendors are allowed to work in the space. It’s also important to confirm setup and breakdown times, cancellation policies, and whether there are any additional fees beyond the base price. Getting clear answers to these questions early can help avoid unexpected costs or logistical challenges later on.