Elope to New Orleans: Jackson Square French Quarter Wedding Plan

Elope to New Orleans

French Quarter Wedding

Jackson Square Wedding at the Gates or in Pirates Alley

(Photo by Scott Meyers)
Simple Ceremony inside or right outside the gates of Jackson Square on a weekend by registered minister and former Justice of the Peace: Starting at $295.00, depending on time and location.

Must reserve officiant in advance via e-mail.

Tel: (504) 617-6359 Answer Service

Home: 504-302-8711

jerryschwehm@yahoo.com

Jackson Square was called the Place d'Armes by the French and Plaza de Armas by the Spanish. Jackson Square today is in the heart of the French Quarter or Vieux Carre, surrounded by the Mississippi River, St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo and Presbytere, and the Pontalba Apartments. This was the park where the soldiers drilled and the citizens met. The Place d'Armes was renamed Jackson Square in the 1850's in honor of President Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. Today Jackson Square is a beautiful daytime park available for weddings. The New Orleans Department Parkway and Parks must be contacted to reserve the inside of the park. One must apply in writing with the following information included: date, time, and approximate number of guests. A fee is charged by the City for use of the parks. Call the below number for details on how to reserve the inside of the Square for your wedding or contact Dr. Schwehm about doing a small wedding outside the gates or near by at Pirates Alley. Some spots in the French Quarter do not charge for a small wedding. Some historic homes rent out for weddings along with many restaurants. You must also complete this form and mail it or e-mail it to Dr. Schwehm:

http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/serviceagreement.html

New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways

You must contact the City of New Orleans to reserve the Jackson Square. Since the storm the numbers have changed several times so you may want to check the City of New Orleans web page at www.cityofno.com

504/286-2100

New Orleans Marriage License Information

It is possible to get married in New Orleans in one day as long as all of the State Offices are open. Either the bride or groom before may obtain the license from the State Office of Vital Records or other Parish Clerks of Court offices before the ceremony is conducted. The New Orleans Office is open on Saturday. Identification is required along with authentic copies of birth certificates and any divorce judgments. An application for marriage license form is found on the web. In some cities there is a three-day waiting period. In New Orleans a Minister or Judge can waive the waiting period in writing for non-residents when good reasons exist. No medical tests are necessary. The license is good for 30 days. You must present the license to the person doing the ceremony in advance as it requires the officiant to complete some portions in black ink only. A ceremony must be conducted before 2 adult witnesses who also sign the certificates. The cost of the license is just under $30.00 paid to the State. For further information contact the office located near the New Orleans City Hall:

1010 Common St.
New Orleans, LA
(504) 568-3620
Hours: Mon.- Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Since the storm the numbers and office location has changed several times call them to confirm locations and times open.

There are links here for music, photography ,florist, and other wedding services.

http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/weddinglinks.html

New Orleans Weddings

Dr. Jerry Kenneth Schwehm served as as Justice of the Peace in 1990 to 1994 in Slidell, Louisiana and was ordained in 1989 as a Lay Minister after serving as Elder and Deacon in his church for many years. He has a BA and JD from Louisiana State University (1972) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from a local Bible Church in 1990. He has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and is available in the Greater New Orleans area to perform your personalized marriage ceremony. He will go to your location or at his office in Fig House. He may be contacted at the above e-mail.

www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/weddings.html

More French Quarter History:

St. Louis Cathedral originally begun in1794, was named for the French king, it is the oldest active cathedral in the United States. It is is well worth a visit, with dramatic murals, sculpture, stained glass and marble tombs of early prominent citizens. The cathedral is open to the public. Worshipers are welcome, and tours of the buildings are given daily.

The Presbytere originally built in 1797 to the right of St. Louis Cathedral, was first built as the priests house, it then used as as a courthouse under the Spanish. Today, the Presbytere is part of the Louisiana State Museum Complex, housing some permanent and changing exhibitions on the history and culture of Louisiana.

The Cabildo begun in 1799, on the left of the Cathedral was named for the Spanish Government that was housed there. In 1803 in the front room on the second floor the Louisiana Purchase took place. Later the Cabildo served as the City Hall, then the Supreme Court of Louisiana. Today, the Cabildo, is a museum and houses various exhibits on Louisiana.

The Pontalba Apartments, are two sets of large red brick buildings built in the 1840's by the Baroness Micaela Pontalba., on each side of Jackson Square. She was the daughter of a very wealthy Spaniard, Don Almonester y Rojas. The baroness married her cousin Baron Celestin de Pontalba in France. She caused a scandal when she had a fight with her father-in-law, left her husband, and returned to New Orleans to live in these lovely apartments. Today there are many shops on the ground floors.

Helpful Planning Links:

All photos copyright Jennifer Bishop Photography

Jennifer Bishop Photography Link