Louisiana law allows out-of-state residents to get married in New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA), without a waiting period! Below is information about weddings in the New Orleans area and my wedding officiant services. Please consider timing your wedding with any of our wonderful festivals and other events such as Mardi Gras, JazzFest, and Celebration in the Oaks. Visit the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitor’s Bureau for tourism, activities, festival information, and discount offers.

A Special Note: New Orleans Needs You!

Before Katrina, New Orleans was second only to Las Vegas for American destination weddings. With your help, it can return to its former glory. New Orleans still boasts world-class restaurants, hotels, museums, theater, and the most unique and exciting music scene you’ll ever find. The French Quarter escaped largely intact. The Canal Street Streetcar line is up and running and the historic St. Charles line is due to return in late autumn. The Audubon Zoo is open, and the Aquarium of the Americas will be back May 26th. We just had one of the most successful and memorable JazzFests ever, and I personally performed two weddings there!

We are still rebuilding, and things will never be the same. We’re determined to make them better. Before the storm, you could go to City Hall Monday through Saturday, get your marriage license, and be married the same day. Unfortunately, Saturday is no longer an option. The office at City Hall is closed indefinitely, but you can take a short ferry ride across the Mississippi River to the Algiers Courthouse and get one there. The ferry is free to pedestrians, the courthouse is right next to the ferry landing, and there are some great local restaurants and bars for lunch. If you’re coming in from Louis Armstrong Airport, you can get an Orleans Parish license at 111 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie.

As long as you get a marriage license from any Lousiana Parish, the ceremony takes place in New Orleans, and one of you is a non-resident, the officiate can waive the 72-hour waiting period. New Orleans still offers many beautiful and unique venues for your wedding. From grand ballrooms to romantic courtyards, our hotels and B&B;’s have a wide variety for you to choose from. For outdoor weddings, Audubon Park is in great shape, and City Park is making a remarkable recovery. By having your wedding in “The Crescent City” you’ll be part of the re-birth of one of the world’s most romantic places. There’s always a festival, a concert, a play, or a gallery opening. You’ll never want something to do, or you can relax and do nothing at all.