When couples reach out wanting a high-end, editorial style wedding, I immediately know that we’re going to be a great fit, but then when they want to add in the element of creating a gothic and moody atmosphere (specifically in New Orleans), I know their day will be unforgettable.
E + Z are from San Francisco, and they knew from the beginning that they wanted their wedding to have a high-end editorial feel. Still, they were also intrigued by the idea of having a moody/ gothic New Orleans-style celebration. Marginy Opera House offered them everything they wanted (and so much more) – it’s a dream venue for a quintessential gothic New Orleans style wedding.
Read on the discover what planning a Marginy Opera House wedding entails.
Planning a Gothic New Orleans Wedding at Marigny Opera House
Marigny Opera House is far from your typical wedding venue – in fact, for many years, the building was abandoned, unused, and left to decay. The building was originally constructed in 1853 by the Holy Trinity Parish. It used to be a Catholic parish church known as the Holy Trinity Catholic church. Then, it wasn’t until 2011 that the building was purchased and transformed into a beautiful performing arts venue.
The Opera House is only six blocks away from the iconic French Quarter, but that’s not even one of the best features of this venue, as the venue itself is breathtakingly beautiful, from the architecture to its historic charm that is infused throughout the building.
I’d be amiss if I also didn’t mention the stunning stained glass windows and charming antique furniture. It’s truly a photographer’s dream venue to capture. There’s so much to explore here with a multitude of backdrops to work with and creative directions to take. Futhermore, the building itself has so much character!
Features of the venue
This venue has a capacity for 150-200 guests, and it’s both an indoor and outdoor space. Another incredible feature to love about this location is that you can make it feel uniquely yours. While you’ll have the building itself to work with and the foundation, from there, you can bring your wedding vision to life here while still admiring the vintage patina that includes weathered walls and exposed brick.
For your ceremony, you can choose to exchange your vows on their gorgeous (and private) manicured lawn, or my personal preference, inside the interior of the building. Another noteworthy feature of this venue is that your wedding actually helps sustain the Marigny Opera House Foundation, which hosts a variety of programs and performances each year and brings the local community together. You can also choose to have either an elopement or a grand wedding, as there are options available for both types of celebrations.
Something important to note at this venue is that they do have busy and off-season periods, which affect the overall price. Peak season runs March–May and September-November, and off-peak season runs from June–August and December–February.
How to create a gothic-style wedding at Marigny Opera House
Marigny Opera House is a versatile wedding venue, so you could have any type of wedding you want here. With that being said, it would be hard to find a better venue that’s the perfect backdrop specifically for a gothic-style wedding. If you do want to center your day around a gothic theme, here are my top tips on creating a spooky and moody atmosphere at this venue:
Choose a monochromatic color palette
A monochromatic color palette creates a mysterious and sophisticated atmosphere that is one of the crucial elements to evoking a gothic ambiance. The Marigny Opera House already has an alluring and mystifying atmosphere – a monochromatic color palette enhances it.
Focus on mood lighting
Candles are one of the first things I’d recommend having at the Marigny Opera House to play into your gothic theme. Try also dimming the lights to create a moody and edgy affair. Lighting is definitely something that can’t be overlooked when it comes to creating a gothic wedding.
The importance of florals
Another way to enhance your gothic ambiance? Your florals, and I’m not just referring to a bouquet or boutonniere. Flowers completely transform a venue and draw attention. Rich, deep colors paired with dried florals and foliage are a home run when it comes to capturing the essence of a gothic theme.
E + Z’s Gothic, Editorial-Inspired Wedding at Marigny Opera House
Everything about E + Z’s wedding was one for the books, but one of the most memorable aspects of their day for me was that they chose a beautiful monochromatic color palette, and their wedding was infused with enchanting deep reds that perfectly embodied the moody, gothic ambiance the couple was looking for.
Another part of their day that I loved was that E + Z chose to read private vows to each other that were so incredibly poetic that it felt like a movie.
All of E + Z’s friends and family traveled across the country to be here for their celebration, and it wasn’t a day to be missed! The details of their day really created the dark and moody flair that encapsulates the gothic theme from the candles in glass vases that adorned the table and ceremony site, mood lighting, to the venue itself, both inside and out. It’s not always easy to pull off a spooky, gothic feel, as it requires thoughtful attention to detail, but these two created an unforgettable experience for everyone who was a part of their day.
Another highlight of their day was definitely the second line band to the after-party location on Frenchman Street – which is always alive, but becomes particularly alive after the sun sets!
This day had so many noteworthy moments, and it was truly so much fun to be a part of E + Z’s celebration!
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at Marginy Opera House?
I hope you found all of this info on planning a Marigny Opera House wedding helpful. This venue has an intimate, slightly otherworldly atmosphere. It is truly perfect for creating a spooky and moody atmosphere that matches the gothic atmosphere of New Orleans, if that’s what you’re searching for, or for creating a classy and elegant ambiance if that’s more your style.
Can you tell that I love photographing heartfelt weddings and elopements? I’m a New Orleans wedding photographer specializing in documenting intimate celebrations on film. Inquire with me about your wedding date here, or go here to learn more about my wedding photography services!
Read these next:
A Unique Orpheum Theater and Marigny Opera House Wedding
Editorial Wedding Photography at Hotel Peter and Paul with a Second Line Parade
What You Need to Know About Planning a New Orleans Museum of Art Wedding
