As LGBTQ+ wedding photographers, we love New Orleans. There’s nothing we love more than inclusion and an all-out bash. NOLA is undoubtedly one of the friendliest cities in America, so it’s no surprise that this amazing city is filled to the brim with amazing places to take pictures and celebrate your love in style. Now that you’ve found the right place to get married, let’s talk about some of our favorite spots to capture the romance of your big day. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment in the park, or the thrill of a parade, New Orleans is definitely the place to be!
LGBTQ+ Friendly Wards in New Orleans
The Garden District
This historic area is located in the heart of uptown New Orleans, and is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of Old World charm. Tree-lined avenues with Victorian homes and churches make especially awesome backgrounds for your wedding photos. Start on St. Charles Avenue, and wander your way down this wide, overgrown street. Gorgeous homes peep through the trees, leaving you breathless. Then, continue on to Magazine Street, where some of the best action shots are. This 6 block street is chock full of cool cafes and hidden treasures. Have your photographer follow you through the funky little shops as you and your partner discover all that New Orleans has to offer.
Bywater Neighborhood
Not as well-known or as packed with tourists, Bywater is definitely a must-see. Gorgeous murals hide around street corners among old homes and trees. Bring your photograher along while you wander through this neighborhood to capture the essence of the moment. Explore vinyl shops or one of our favorite indoor jungles, Harold’s Plants, for some new foliage and a one-of-a-kind place to share your love. There are some super cool art galleries in this unique part of the 9th Ward, with artists from all over the world sharing their talent. The New Orleans’ Art Center has the largest, and most diverse collection in Bywater. Finish your day in this historic quarter in Crescent Park, which follows the curve of the Mississippi River and has some amazing sunsets.
The French Quarter
Undeniably the most fun in the city, the French Quarter is THE place for LGBTQ+ photo shoots and parties! While all of the French Quarter is welcoming, the Lavender Line is all about inclusion! Stroll through the streets of this amazing part of New Orleans, and stop when you find the perfect doorway or background. Take a break at one of the many cafes and bars along Bourbon Street for a chance to meet the locals, and maybe find out about some hidden gems to visit. Filled with amazing architecture and bright colors, the party never stops in this part of town. Make sure you ask about taking photos in front of homes and businesses so there aren’t any awkward conversations.
Parks in New Orleans for LGBTQ+ Photographers
Fountainbleu State Park
A former plantation and sugar mill, this huge area has since been turned into a state park and has become home to over 400 kinds of wildlife. Nature paths and hiking trails wind throughout the park, with beautiful views everywhere. Bordered on three sides by water, Fontainbleu sees some amazing sunsets that we as New Orleans photographers love to capture. The beach at Lake Pontchartrain is one of our favorite places to take photos. Surrounded by white sands and sparking water, this is definitely a magical place. Wander through ancient mossy oak trees as you capture your day, your way. Rent one of the many campsites or cabins, and take a day or two to explore this awesome place.
City Park
Twice as big as Central Park and older, City Park is definitely more than one day’s adventure. As LGBTQ+ wedding photographers who love New Orleans, this is one of our favorites for tons of reasons. Music? You got it. Wandering paths that lead to nowhere? Check! Ancient trees and gardens? Say no more. Full of artists and local talent, this City Park has something for everyone. Stop and have a caricature done of you and your love by one of the many ponds, then pop into the Cafe du Monde for a cup of coffee and a beignet. Head over to the butterfly garden for one of a kind pictures, or spend the day at the amusement park. We really love the classic carousel for fun wedding pictures.
LGBTQ+ Restaurants in New Orleans
After (or during) a day of running around taking pictures, changing outfits, and exploring, it can be nice to sit back and relax. New Orleans restaurants are some of our favorite locations to shoot as LGBTQ+ photographers. Stop at Lafitte’s in Exile, America’s oldest continually running gay bar, for some amazing history and a great drink. Located on the Lavender Line in the French Quarter, it’s an amazing place. We really just love the whole Line, it’s worth doing a fun pub crawl with your photographer. Cafe Degas is also a one of a kind stop, with classic New Orleans staples and an awesome atmosphere. The Degas House and Museum is right around the corner, and its’ courtyard is a great place for quick photos.
