Destination: New Orleans

image courtesy of Southern Weddings

What’s to love: Romantic architecture, fabulous food, cozy B&B’s, jazz music everywhere, and the chance of getting caught in an oh-so-dramatically romantic downpour in the middle of the day.

What you’ll need and what you need to know:

• You will need to pick up your license here: Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras St. Suite 407, New Orleans, LA.  They are open Mon-Fri 8:30a-3:00p except on legal holidays.
• In order to get a license you both must be 18 years of age, you both must have a certified copy of your birth certificate, a form of picture ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.), you will need to know your parent’s names, mom’s maiden name, your social security numbers, and your birth location.  If you were married before, you will need the original or certified copy of your divorce decree or death certificate.
• The fee is $30 and is payable by cash only.
• Non-residents can get married in New Orleans as soon as they receive their marriage license.  Non-residents and those who choose to wed outside the city of New Orleans must wait 72-hours.  Though you can appeal to a judge to have this waiting period waived.
• You will need two witnesses to sign your license at your ceremony in addition to your officiant.

Helpful Links:
A few officiants: Chaplain Jerry Kenneth Schwehm, Rev. Charles Cross, and  Marilyn Dennis.  I do not endorse any of these folks (though I’m sure they’re all quite lovely people) and there are others out there.
Location ideas: French Quarter, City Park, Audubon Park, Pirate’s Alley, Jackson Square, or one of the many romantic B&B’s in the city.
As always, please check with the city or the hotel you book your accommodations with for further resources for your New Orleans elopement.

And I almost forgot! A totally romantical way to end your wedding day would be a carriage ride through the French Quarter or maybe even a Second Line parade through the streets!  If parading your way through town with your honey sounds like an adventure you’d like to take on, go here for more information.