New Orleans is a romantic city full of quirky and classically beautiful spots. From the charming French Quarter to the rugged lakefront, the city has so many amazing engagement photo locations. I’ve rounded up my favorites in this post. Some of these engagement photo locations are quintessentially New Orleans while others are more intimate and unexpected. You’re bound to find one that’s just right for you.
8 Engagement Photo Locations in New Orleans
1. City Park
City Park is grand with huge stone pavilions, landscaped lawns, and ponds that make you feel like you’re in the middle of the bayou instead of Midcity. It’s also really busy. All the people enjoying the beautiful park can make it tricky to photograph here, so I’ve had to reimagine how I capture sessions.
When I photograph at City Park, I try to find places that are minimalistic. It makes for cleaner images. Often this means finding private corners of the park away from the most popular engagement photo locations, such as the stone footbridge. These more intimate spots might be less iconic, but the experience is much better. Finding these spots off the beaten path helped me fall in love with photographing here! There’s so much more variety than people often realize.
2. New Orleans Lakefront
This lesser-known spot might be one of my favorite engagement photo locations in New Orleans. It’s private and quiet with access to the water. If you’re looking for photos that feature more nature than city life, this is the perfect place. I love the wildflowers and big boulders around Bonnabel Boat Launch.
3. Fontainebleau Beachfront
Fontainebleau is another lakefront park with beautiful views of Lake Pontchartrain. If you’re coming from the city, you just hop over the Causeway. It feels like you’re in a different world when you arrive at this state park. There are endless spots in this park for people who love to be in nature. The cypress knees in the sand make it feel like Louisiana as much as the iron balconies of the French Quarter.
4. Your House
I love photographing couples in their homes because there are few places that they feel more comfortable. Engagement photos at home feel intimate because they’re a window into the life you share together. In New Orleans, they usually include some sweet moments on a bright front porch.
5. Your Favorite Bar
New Orleans is serious about its local bars. If one is important to you, let’s include it in your engagement photo locations! Matt and Steph met at downtown favorite R Bar. These portraits show them in their element.
6. The French Quarter
The French Quarter is the most iconic neighborhood in New Orleans. It’s surprisingly different by day as opposed to night.
By Day
During the day, the French Quarter offers a colorful vintage vibe. It’s lighthearted and fun! If you want to cuddle in front of brightly shuttered cottages and dance down the sidewalk, the daytime is the right time for you.
By Night
At night, the French Quarter transforms. The neon signs and historic architecture take on a more mysterious atmosphere.Even keeping to the edges of French Quarter nightlife, it’s easy to get that “drunk in love” energy. It’s all about deciding what is best suited to you and your relationship.
7. The Garden District
If you’re eying more refined engagement photo locations, try the Garden District. This neighborhood is known for Southern mansions and fine dining. You can dress up and get a bit fancier with your photos in the Garden District.
8. Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is New Orleans’ favorite place to grab beignets. It’s also one of the most fun engagement photo locations in the French Quarter! Cafe Du Monde gets busy, so I suggest an early morning engagement photo session to get a more private experience.
I met Katie and JP for their engagement photos at Cafe Du Monde after the initial lockdown in 2020. I’ve never seen the French Quarter so empty as the day we did this session. It was special to get photos at such a popular New Orleans destination with so few people in the background.
Are you looking for a photographer to capture your engagement photos? I would love to document this incredible time in your relationship. Reach out to me today!
