How to Elope in City Park
Are you wondering how to elope in City Park? City Park has a variety of options for elopements, from more formal venues such as Popp Fountain to the swaths of greenery beneath the oaks on City Park Avenue.
Eloping in City Park is easier than you might think! Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1 – Secure an Officiant
In New Orleans, you will need to have an ordained and registered officiant to conduct your elopement. Your best bet is to book someone local who knows the legal requirements to make sure you don’t miss anything. Officiants usually run $250-$600 depending on the level of customization for your ceremony.
Step 2 – Get a Permit to Elope in City Park
In 2020, as elopements and micro weddings became more popular, City Park began requiring permits for all ceremonies. Permits for a ceremony of up to 10 people costs $250. Simply fill out the form and email it to the staff member listed on the site. You may need to follow up with a phone call if you don’t hear back promptly.
City Park used to require that you purchase a permit for wedding photography. Photography is included in the permit for the elopement now, so you don’t have to worry about that extra step.
Step 3 – Marriage Licences in New Orleans
For a marriage license, both of you will need to head to a local marriage office. The most popular location is ay 1450 Poydras Street on the 4th Floor. You will need to gather all of these official documents to apply. There is a 24 hour waiting period (that can be waived) so plan to get your licenses a day or two before your ceremony
Gather these documents:
- A government-issued ID (like a passport or divers license)
- Both partners bit certificates
- SSN
- Any applicable divorce decrees
- Death certificates in cases of a lost spouse
- $27.50 non-refundable fee (must be cash or money order)
- Both people have to apply in person
Step 4 – Book your photographer and get married!
Next, you will need to secure a photographer and get married! Check out #NewOrleansWeddingPhotographer on Instagram to get a sense of whose style you connect with. Some photographers (myself included) offer officiant/photographer bundle packages that can simplify the process.
Where to Get Married in City Park
By far the most popular spot to elope is under the grand oaks along City Park Avenue. The ancient oaks drape dramatically over the lawn. Silvery Spanish moss spills out of the branches. Sunlight filtering through haloes the oaks with a feeling of timelessness as if you’ve just stepped into a Southern fairytale.
Across the lawn and through the oaks from the avenue, turtles and ducks fill a length of waterways. Egrets and herons flock to the cypress trees to spy fish. Occasionally, a blue heron stands statuesque in the shallows. Storybook-worthy stone bridges connect the mainland to wild little islands.
This section of City Park truly marries the most beautiful parts of Louisiana’s land and water life. The sprawling nature of the space allows for elopements without being on top of the other parties of people picnicking and enjoying the shade.
Because City Park provides plenty of natural beauty, no set up is necessary for an elopement. Some people prefer to bring an arch to enhance the fairytale feel. Flower arrangements also can help define the space whether you’re under the oaks for the ceremony or in front of one of the bridges spanning the water for photographs. A small table comes in handy for signing the marriage certificate and setting things down. At the end of the day, you really just need your boo and an officiant for a beautiful City Park elopement.
It’s worth remembering that the backdrop for your City Park elopement will look different depending on the season. Flowers of some sort bloom most of the year, and oaks have leaves through most seasons. In the winter, though, the oaks look browner and can lose some leaves. If lush greenery is important to you, winter might not be ideal for your City Park elopement. Spring and fall bring brighter greens and the most temperate weather.
An Intimate City Park Elopement
Devin and Matt’s intimate ceremony proves that eloping in City Park doesn’t require you to sacrifice romance or meaningful details. For them, it was just the opposite!
Devin and Matt moved to New Orleans a little over a year ago when Devin landed her dream job. As avid travellers, they’d aimed to visit all 50 states within 5 years. Then came Covid. No longer able to travel, they purchased a home and started setting down roots in New Orleans. Devin and Matt spend their time exploring New Orleans with their adorable Dog of Honor, Pico.
As with their travel plans, Covid derailed Devin and Matt’s plans for a big wedding in 2020. They opted to postpone the reception but have an intimate elopement in City Park on their original date. A family member officiated. The couple shared stories about their relationship while loved ones watched via live streaming.The ceremony was short and heartfelt.
Devin and Matt’s romantic elopement took place under a moss-filled oak. It was all about the details from start to finish! The fringe layered on Devin’s skirt echoed the Spanish moss hanging from the oaks above. Combined with the florals, the dress gave the sense that the couple was embracing the natural beauty of City Park.
Choosing to elope in City Park also drew focus to the details that helped keep certain loved ones close. Pictures of family members in gold frames adorned Devin’s bouquet. Since the ceremony was small, Pico got to enjoy the celebrations too!
Looking for more ideas on eloping in New Orleans? Check out the Best New Orleans Elopement Ideas and Locations.
