As wedding photographers based in New Orleans, Alyse and I have had the immense pleasure of capturing countless couples’ magical moments at some of the city’s most iconic venues. Among them, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans stands out as a true jewel – a crown jewel, if you will. From the moment you step through the doors of this historic 1908 Beaux Arts edifice, you’re enveloped in an aura of timeless elegance and warm Southern hospitality that makes it an utterly enchanting setting for a wedding celebration.

A Feast for the Senses

What first strikes you about The Ritz-Carlton is its utterly transporting ambiance. The sights, the sounds, the scents…it’s a veritable feast for the senses that captures the very essence of New Orleans. The entryway’s opulent chandeliers and furnishings whisk you back to the graciousness of the city’s famous Garden District mansions. The sweet trill of a jazz trio livens the lobby. And the mouthwatering aroma of gumbo and other Creole delicacies wafts from the hotel’s restaurants, awakening your appetite.

Perfect Indoor & Outdoor Venues

The Ritz boasts an incredible array of event spaces that allow you to craft your dream wedding, whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand soirée. For ceremonies and receptions, few backdrops can match the splendor of the Grand Ballroom with its glistening Czech crystal chandeliers, French silk draperies, and paneled walls adorned in regal hues of gold and crimson. The adjacent and slightly smaller Lafayette Ballroom provides equal opulence.

Event Spaces

The Courtyard

• Lush outdoor setting reminiscent of French Quarter mansion courtyards
• Features a wrought iron gazebo, elegant fountain, and open-air space
• Capacity of 170 people
• Popular for outdoor wedding ceremonies

The Grand Ballroom

• Magnificent and opulent ballroom space
• French silk draperies, Czech crystal chandeliers
• Rich paneling and carpets in gold tones
• Capacity of 770 people
• The hotel’s largest event space

The French Quarter Balcony (FQB)

• Intimate and dazzling space capturing New Orleans style
• Capacity of 200 people

The Residence

• Rooftop suite and patio with panoramic city views
• Capacity of 100 people
• Ideal for smaller, private events

The Lafayette Ballroom

• Equally stunning decor as the Grand Ballroom
• Custom wallcoverings, carpets, crystal chandeliers
• Capacity of 370 people

Crescent View

• Located on the 12th floor with river and French Quarter views
• Capacity of 125 people

Mercier Terrace and Courtyard

• Sophisticated neutral grey decor
• Adjoining courtyard for indoor/outdoor flow
• Capacity of 100 people

Check out our other favorite venues in Covington and New Orleans!

Garden Ceremony Possibilities

For couples dreaming of an outdoor garden ceremony, The Ritz’s lushly landscaped courtyard sets an impossibly romantic scene. Picturing you exchanging vows beneath the courtyard’s wrought iron gazebo, surrounded by loved ones under the warm New Orleans sun or twinkling evening sky, gives me goosebumps every time. The courtyard’s elegant fountain provides a perfect focal point and lovely photo backdrop.

After an enchanted courtyard ceremony, you can proceed just steps away into one of the Ritz’s stately ballrooms for an unforgettable reception fêted with the finest New Orleans cuisine and libations. Your guests will be wowed from beginning to end.

Sip and Celebrate in Intimate Spaces

In addition to the ballrooms and courtyard, The Ritz offers several unique spaces ideal for more intimate weddings or events within your wedding weekend celebration. The Crescent View room provides a breathtaking panorama of the Mississippi River’s fabled crescent bend, while the chic Library Lounge and the rooftop Residence suite with its open-air patio present private and stylish locales for an engagement party, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid’s luncheon or morning-after breakfast.

Make sure to use my checklist when planning your wedding!

Experience the Epitome of Southern Hospitality

What also sets The Ritz-Carlton apart is its peerless service and hospitality. The hotel’s renowned “Ladies and Gentlemen” attend to your every need, striving to create a seamless and stress-free experience from your initial planning meeting to final farewell. As you celebrate amid the splendor, you’ll be treated with that fabled Southern graciousness that always leaves you feeling like honored guests.

An Address in the Heart of It All

Lastly, yet importantly, The Ritz’s French Quarter address positions your wedding literally steps from New Orleans’ iconic sights, sounds and flavors. Your guests can stroll to Jackson Square, revel on Bourbon Street, tour St. Louis Cathedral, and sample po’boys, beignets and other NOLA delicacies mere blocks away. It’s an unbeatable and quintessential New Orleans experience!

So for couples seeking to savor the celebration of a lifetime immersed in timeless elegance, vibrant culture and warm hospitality, there are few locales as enchanting as The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans. Alyse and I look forward to capturing many more cherished love stories amid its majesty and charm.