The Ten Best Places to Propose in New Orleans
The Best Surprise Proposal Photography Locations in New Orleans
New Orleans is known as one of the top cities in America for destination weddings. But it has also become a very popular destination for Surprise Proposals! With its sweeping oaks and romantic gas lanterns it is easy to see why. As an expert New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photographer and Planner, I have the good fortune of getting to guide my clients through planning their moment in front of many gorgeous backdrops. Here are some of the best places to propose in New Orleans.
Jackson Square
There is no backdrop in New Orleans more iconic than the St. Louis Cathedral. It gives off that Disney castle fairytale vibe plopped right in the middle of the French Quarter. It’s the most requested location for proposals for obvious reasons. There are a few tricks to pulling off a proposal here that I guide my clients through. But if you’re looking for surprise proposal images that scream “New Orleans”, this is the spot.
2. Langles Bridge
Most people (including New Orleans locals!) don’t know that this beautiful stone bridge has a name. But even without knowing what it is called, it has made a name for itself as a popular surprise proposal location. In fact, the very first proposal I ever photographed was right next to this bridge! Having a skilled photographer on hand really helps with this location because it is frequently a very, very busy photography spot.
3. French Quarter Streets
Everybody planning a trip to New Orleans plans to spend a lot of time in the French Quarter. It has the best restaurants, 24 hour bars, ghost tours, and stunning, historic architecture. But people rarely stray from Jackson Square for their surprise proposal. The Quarter boasts many beautiful locations mere blocks from the bustle of Decatur and Bourbon streets. You only need to know a local to know where to go (oh, hi, it me!).
4. Felicity Church
This 135+ year old church-turned-event venue was called “one of the finest edifices in the city” at it’s dedication in 1888. A hidden gem on the edge of the Garden District, Felicity Church offers a breathtaking canvas for the most elaborate of Surprise Proposals. It’s perfect for cold and hot weather months when you don’t want to chance staging your proposal outside- or anytime you want to dial the romance all the way up and propose by candlelight. The acoustics are incredible for creating ambiance with a harpist, string quartet, or anything your heart desires.
5. In front of a Fountain
There are gorgeous fountains hidden all throughout New Orleans’ parks. Audubon Park, City Park, The Lower Garden District, and the French Quarter all have beautiful fountains. I don’t know what it is about fountains but they are perfect proposal backdrops that keep the romantic vibes flowing freely.
6. On a Carriage Ride
Take your love on a ride through the French Quarter in a mule-drawn carriage then make a special stop along the way to hop off and propose! I’ve been working with one particular New Orleans carriage company for years and their drivers are the best at helping me pull off surprise proposals in New Orleans. We can even make sure there’s champagne on board for a toast after the “yes”!
7. The Riverfront
The Moon Walk Riverfront park will get you a view of the city skyline and bright red streetcars. Plus the breeze coming off of the Mississippi is truly delightful for a Summer surprise proposal. At the right time of day, you’ll see the sun setting behind the city too! While there are a few logistical challenges with this location, bringing a proposal expert along for the ride will make this location run smoothly (wink, wink, I’m a proposal expert!).
8. The Tree of Life
City Park doesn’t have the market cornered on scenic trees to propose in front of! Audubon Park’s Tree of Life is a solid choice if your special someone is into epic Oak trees. It is a bit further out from the city than many popular surprise proposal locations. But you could couple it with a streetcar ride. Speaking of streetcar rides…
9. The StreetCar Tracks
Taking a ride on a streetcar in New Orleans feels like going back in time. They’ve been around in New Orleans since 1835! It takes a bit of finesse to get this location right but with a surprise proposal expert in your pocket, you’ll pull it off with no stress.
10. Armstrong Park
Louis Armstrong Park is (somehow!) one of New Orleans’ lesser visited parks. With an intense origin story, this park has a huge cultural significance to Black History. Congo Square is also arguably the birthplace of America’s music and the park’s name is in honor of one of New Orleans’ most famous jazz musicians. The park itself is beautiful with vine-covered bridges winding through cypress-lined ponds. And it’s right outside of the French Quarter so it’s an easy walk if you’d like to add French Quarter engagement photos to your proposal.
No matter where you decide to propose in New Orleans, one thing is certain: you are going to want some amazing photos of the moment to share with friends and fam back home. With an Expert Surprise Proposal Photographer to guide the way, you are certain to have a magical proposal with stunning images to freeze the moment forever. For more info, to book your Surprise Proposal Photography, or to get help planning your proposal, click below!