As wedding photographers based in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Alyse and I have had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most enchanting venues across the Big Easy. Today, we want to share with you our thoughts on one of the most captivating wedding venues we’ve had the pleasure of working at: Hotel Peter and Paul.

A Historic Treasure Reborn

Nestled in the heart of the Faubourg Marigny, just a short walk from the French Quarter, Hotel Peter and Paul is a testament to the rich history and enduring charm of New Orleans. This venue isn’t just a hotel; it’s a lovingly restored complex comprising a historic church, school house, rectory, and convent. Each building tells its own story, creating a unique backdrop for the beautiful love stories we’re privileged to capture.

The Church

The crown jewel of Hotel Peter and Paul is undoubtedly the church. Built in 1861, this architectural marvel has been meticulously restored to its former glory. As I step into the great hall, I’m always struck by the soaring 75-foot ceilings and the intricate stained glass windows that bathe the space in a soft, ethereal light. It’s a photographer’s dream, offering countless opportunities for breathtaking shots.

The church can accommodate up to 330 seated guests for a ceremony, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. For receptions, it can comfortably seat 160 for a plated dinner or up to 250 for a more casual, mingling affair.

A Blend of History and Modern Amenities

What sets Hotel Peter and Paul apart is its ability to seamlessly blend historical charm with modern conveniences. The venue provides 95 mahogany Chiavari chairs, ten 60″ round tables, and twelve 30″ tables that can be used as highboys or regular tables. There’s even a baby grand piano for those who want to add a touch of classical elegance to their celebration.

As a photographer, I appreciate the thoughtful lighting. The permanent architectural spotlights highlight the venue’s best features, while still allowing us to play with our own lighting setups to create the perfect ambiance for our shots.

The Piazza

One of my favorite features of Hotel Peter and Paul is the piazza. Nestled between the School House and Rectory, this charming outdoor space is perfect for cocktail hours. It’s bound by lush greenery and historic buildings on either side, creating an intimate atmosphere that’s ideal for candid shots of guests mingling and enjoying themselves.

Recently, they’ve added romantic string lights overhead, which add a magical touch to evening events and create a beautiful bokeh effect in our photos. I always encourage couples to consider having oyster shuckers here – it’s not only a delicious treat for guests but also provides great candid photo opportunities!

Accommodations Fit for a Wedding Party

Hotel Peter and Paul offers 71 unique hotel rooms spread across three historic buildings. This is a huge plus for wedding parties, as it allows the couple’s friends and family to stay on-site, creating a more intimate and cohesive wedding experience.

Each building has its own character:

• The School House houses the majority of the rooms, perfect for a wide range of guests.
• The Rectory offers five plush, romantic rooms ideal for the couple or immediate family.
• The Convent provides seven rooms designed for contemplation and respite.

As photographers, we love the getting-ready shots we can capture in these beautifully appointed rooms. The unique decor in each space provides a stunning backdrop for those precious pre-ceremony moments.

Understanding the Costs

As wedding photographers, we know that budget is a crucial consideration for any couple planning their big day. While Hotel Peter and Paul offers a unique and beautiful setting, it’s important to understand the costs involved. Let’s break down the pricing structure for you:

Site Fees

The site fees at Hotel Peter and Paul vary depending on the day of the week, the time of year, and the number of guests. Here’s a general overview:

For a 3-hour event on Saturdays (and some special event weekends):

• 0-100 guests: $8,000
• 101-150 guests: $9,000
• 151-200 guests: $10,000
• 201-250 guests: $11,000

There are some cost-saving options available:

• Friday events: Subtract $2,000 for under 150 guests, or $2,500 for over 150 guests.
• Sunday to Thursday events: Subtract $3,000 for under 150 guests, or $3,500 for over 150 guests.
• Saturday events between July 1st – September 15th: Subtract $3,000 for under 150 guests, or $3,500 for over 150 guests.

Additional Time and Services

• Ceremony & Cocktail Hour (extra 1.5 hours): $2,000
• Additional Hour (earlier only): $1,000
• Cleaning fee: $100 per hour
• Security fee: $100 per hour

Elopements and Micro-weddings

For smaller, more intimate celebrations, Hotel Peter and Paul offers special rates:

• No guests: $1,500 for a 2-hour event
• 20 guests or fewer: $2,500 for a 2-hour event

These rates include set-up, photography time, and breakdown. Additional photography time can be booked for $500 for up to two hours.

Catering and Beverages

All food and beverage must be organized through the hotel and Bacchanal Catering. While we can’t provide exact pricing (as it varies based on your menu choices), here are some important points to note:

• A 20% service charge is applied to all food and beverage.
• The tax rate for food and beverage is 10.25%.
• If you bring your own beverages, there’s a $20 corkage fee per 750ml bottle.
• Cake cutting fee is $2 per slice, with a maximum charge of $200.

Check out some of our other favorite venues in New Orleans:

Maison Lafitte
Elms Mansion
The Southern Hotel
The Ritz
Marche

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for your wedding at Hotel Peter and Paul, keep these additional potential costs in mind:

Parking

If you need to rent the nearby Doerr Furniture parking lot, it costs $650 and includes a parking attendant.

Insurance

You’ll need to provide event insurance listing “Peter and Paul LLC” and “Peter and Paul MT” as additionally insured.

Wedding Planner

At minimum, a month-of coordinator is required. While this is an extra cost, in our experience, it’s invaluable for ensuring your day runs smoothly.

Hotel Rooms

If you’re booking rooms for your wedding party or guests, remember that room taxes are 16.2% plus a $1.00 occupancy fee per night.

Rentals

While the venue provides some basics (chairs, tables, sound system), you may need to rent additional items depending on your vision for the day.

As photographers, we always advise our couples to carefully review their contract and discuss all potential costs with the venue coordinator. This ensures there are no surprises and allows you to budget accurately for your dream wedding.

Remember, while costs are important, the value of a venue like Hotel Peter and Paul goes beyond just the numbers. The unique atmosphere, the stunning photo opportunities, and the seamless blend of history and modern amenities create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. In our professional opinion, it’s an investment that pays off in timeless memories and breathtaking photographs that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Practical Considerations for Your Big Day

While Hotel Peter and Paul is undoubtedly beautiful, it’s important to note some practical considerations to ensure your day goes smoothly:

Noise Limitations

Due to the fragile nature of the stained glass windows, noise levels in the church must not exceed 85 decibels. Don’t worry, though – the excellent acoustics still allow for a fantastic party atmosphere!

Decoration Guidelines

To preserve the historic beauty of the space, nothing can be tacked or affixed to the walls, ceilings, or columns. Candles are welcome but must be encased in glass.

Timing

Events must end by 10:00 PM due to noise ordinances in the residential neighborhood. Load-in typically starts at noon on the day of the event.

Parking

Street parking isn’t permitted for event attendees. For weddings with 10 or more drive-in guests, you’ll need to arrange a parking solution. The hotel can help with this, and we strongly recommend using a Lyft or rideshare code for guests.

Catering

All food and beverage must be organized through the hotel and Bacchanal Catering. Their offerings are excellent, which ensures a high-quality experience for your guests.

Capturing Your Day

From a photography standpoint, Hotel Peter and Paul is a dream venue. The variety of spaces – from the grand church to the intimate piazza, from the characterful hotel rooms to the historic exteriors – provides an incredible range of backdrops for your wedding photos.

The natural light that filters through the stained glass windows creates a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for ceremony shots. The high ceilings and spacious interior of the church allow us to capture wide, dramatic shots as well as intimate close-ups.

For couples’ portraits, the various nooks and crannies of the historic buildings offer countless opportunities for creative, romantic shots. The piazza, with its string lights and greenery, is particularly beautiful for golden hour photos.

Final Thoughts

As New Orleans-based wedding photographers, Alyse and I have seen our fair share of beautiful venues. But Hotel Peter and Paul stands out for its unique blend of history, beauty, and modern amenities. It’s a place where the past and present dance together, creating a timeless backdrop for your love story.

If you’re considering Hotel Peter and Paul for your wedding, we wholeheartedly recommend it. Not only will it provide a stunning setting for your celebration, but it will also give us, as your photographers, an incredible canvas on which to capture your special day.

Remember, every couple’s needs are unique, so we always recommend visiting the venue in person if possible. The wonderful staff at Hotel Peter and Paul offer site visits Monday through Friday, from 10am to 5pm.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and as your photographers, we’re committed to capturing every magical moment. At a venue like Hotel Peter and Paul, those moments are sure to be plentiful and beautiful. We can’t wait to help you tell your love story in this enchanting New Orleans gem.