A Unique New Orleans Wedding Rehearsal on a Riverboat
If there’s one city that feels like a second heartbeat to me, it’s New Orleans. The color. The noise. The way joy spills into the streets without asking permission. It’s a place where weddings don’t feel staged; they feel lived in. When M + A asked me to photograph their New Orleans wedding weekend, starting at the rehearsal, I knew immediately this wasn’t going to be just one day. It was going to be a story that unfolded slowly, on porches, on the river, in the moments before anything “official” even began.
Here’s the thing: if you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels full of soul, overflowing with joy, and unapologetically you, New Orleans might just be your city. And this blog is a little peek into why, plus what you need to know to make it happen.
Why Couples Choose a New Orleans Wedding
Couples choose a New Orleans wedding because the city already knows how to celebrate. It doesn’t rush you. It doesn’t expect perfection. It invites you in and says, stay awhile.
A New Orleans wedding weekend naturally stretches beyond one day; rehearsals that turn into dinners, dinners that turn into stories, and mornings after that feel just as meaningful as the vows themselves.
Whether you're local or planning a destination wedding, NOLA is perfect for multi-day weekends that include welcome dinners, riverboat rides, late-night dancing, and brunch the next morning. The rhythm of the city mirrors the rhythm of a wedding weekend: chaotic, beautiful, soulful, and totally unforgettable.
From Instagram Reel to Creole Queen Riverboat in New Orleans
Instagram is wild. M + A found me through a reel, caught the vibe, and slid into my inbox. We didn’t meet in person until the day before their wedding, but the second Mallory saw me walk through the church doors at their rehearsal, she ran to hug me like we’d known each other forever. That hug said everything: this weekend was going to feel like home.
And honestly, it was. Their rehearsal dinner was held on the Creole Queen Riverboat, cruising down the Mississippi River with live jazz echoing through the decks and the city glowing in the distance. It was such a fun and personal way to welcome everyone, intimate, lively, and completely unforgettable. Not a stiff dinner or a going-through-the-motions kind of night, but a full-on experience.
That’s what I loved most. M + A didn’t just follow tradition; they made the night feel like them. If you’re planning a wedding weekend, this is your reminder: the rehearsal doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. It can be whatever feels right. A riverboat ride, a backyard dinner, or a beach bonfire. Whatever brings your people together in a way that feels relaxed, real, and full of connection.
The Rehearsal Before Their New Orleans Wedding
Their rehearsal was the first time I pulled out my camera, and even though the ceremony was the next day, there was so much giddy joy in those "pretend" moments. I brought my digital camera just for fun, and I’m so glad I did. The rehearsal wasn’t polished. It wasn’t meant to be. People laughed mid-vows, forgot where to stand, and kept touching each other’s arms without realizing it. That’s the stuff I want to remember. There’s something tender and candid about rehearsals: the laughter, the nervous energy, the way everyone softens just a little. For a New Orleans wedding, the rehearsal often holds just as much heart as the ceremony itself.
Pro tip: Include your photographer in more than just the wedding day. These quieter, in-between moments tell such a big part of the story.
Why I Love to Shoot New Orleans Weddings on Film
Film works in New Orleans because the city already has texture. The shadows are deeper. The colors are louder. Nothing needs to be cleaned up or perfected; it already feels like a memory while it’s happening. Film doesn’t rush. And neither does this city.
For M + A, we shot their entire wedding day on film. For the rehearsal, I mixed in a little digital. Because sometimes, you just want to play.
If you’re planning a wedding in a place with this much texture, soul, and color, film photography just makes sense.
Why you’ll love it:
Film captures light + color in a way that feels dreamy and timeless
It brings a soft, romantic, documentary energy to your images
The imperfections make it feel like a memory, not just a moment frozen in time
Perfect for emotional, vibrant cities like New Orleans
A Cinematic Wedding Weekend in New Orleans
After the rehearsal, we all carpooled to the Mississippi River to board the Creole Queen Riverboat. It was, honestly, a dream come true for me. Mallory showed up in a bright pink dress that screamed joy, and Anthony couldn’t stop smiling at her like she hung the stars. The speeches had us all in tears, and I spent that time learning who was who, because knowing your cousin’s name and your grandma’s laugh helps me tell your story better.
We floated down the river under the stars. By the time we boarded the Creole Queen, I wasn’t just the photographer anymore. I knew who cried during speeches, who told the best stories, and whose laugh carried across the room. That changes how a wedding is photographed. Some guests headed to Bourbon Street after. But I went to bed with a full heart!
Their New Orleans Wedding Day, As It Actually Felt
Their New Orleans wedding day was soaked in emotion. From the first look to the last dance, every moment felt true to them and alive. I always say speeches are one of my favorite parts, not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real. That’s when the stories come out, and the love between everyone in the room gets to shine.
Want a deeper look at M + A’s actual wedding day? You can read their full wedding blog here: How to Make Your Destination Wedding Feel Like You – Weddings in NOLA
Planning Your Own New Orleans Wedding
If you want your New Orleans wedding to feel like it belongs here, not dropped in from somewhere else, this is where I’d start:
Plan a full weekend. Friday: welcome dinner; Saturday: wedding; Sunday: brunch. It gives you space to breathe and be with your people.
Choose a venue with soul. Think historic mansions, courtyard gardens, or yes, a riverboat.
Incorporate local traditions. Second lines, brass bands, and king cake. Do NOLA your way.
Think about lighting. Natural light is everything for film photography, and sunset ceremonies are always a good time.
Hire vendors you trust. Especially your travel wedding photographer. You want someone who’ll cry during speeches and dance barefoot at the reception. (Hi, it’s me!)
Incredible New Orleans Wedding Venues to Bookmark
The best New Orleans wedding venues don’t just look good; they hold stories:
Il Mercato: Spanish colonial-style with dreamy arches, market lights, and an indoor-outdoor vibe that feels effortlessly romantic.
Race & Religious: A lived-in love story of a venue, moody, artsy, overflowing with character. Exposed brick, candlelight, and a courtyard from your dreams.
The Pharmacy Museum: For the vintage souls. Intimate, quirky, and full of old-world charm in the middle of the French Quarter.
The Marigny Opera House: Ethereal, dramatic, and a little haunting, in the best way. It feels like walking into a gothic poem.
The Creole Queen: A literal boat party on the Mississippi. Iconic views, New Orleans breeze, and the feeling of floating through a love story.
FAQ: New Orleans Wedding Edition
What’s the best time of year to get married in New Orleans? - Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are incredible, with mild weather, gorgeous light, and fewer hurricane-season worries.
Can I book a wedding on a riverboat like M + A? - Absolutely. The Creole Queen is a popular choice, and it’s even better at sunset.
Do I need to meet my travel wedding photographer before the wedding? - Not necessarily. M + A didn’t, and we clicked instantly. Trust and connection matter more than anything else!
Why shoot film over digital? - Film feels timeless. It’s softer, grittier, more nostalgic. It captures mood and memory in a way that digital sometimes can’t.
Is New Orleans good for a destination wedding weekend? - One million times yes. It’s a city that wants you to celebrate. Your guests will love the food, the music, the late nights, and the joy that spills into every street.
Book Me As Your Travel Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a New Orleans wedding and want it documented the way it actually unfolds, from rehearsal laughter to riverboat speeches to whatever happens next, I’d love to be there for all of it. I don’t just show up for the ceremony. I stay for the story.
If you’re planning your destination wedding and looking for more inspiration and tips, keep scrolling!
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