Getting Ready Locations

There are so many options in New Orleans and many we may not have been listed because we are not familiar with the location.  Just because I don’t list it doesn’t mean we wouldn’t recommend it.  Just email and ask if you have any questions.  I will always try to add to this list as I come across new getting ready locations.

Below are some of our favorites based on several factors.  Light is very important to us, we love big windows and lots of natural light pouring into the rooms. Please take that into consideration when booking your getting ready hotel.  Does the hotel have an outside area for pictures?  What is nearby to serve as the backdrop for your pictures?  Do you like the inside spaces of the hotel for pictures in case of poor weather?  If the hotel has a very small and corporate-looking lobby, are you going to like that if it has to be where we take your pictures?  Does the hotel allow pictures around the inside spaces of the hotel?  For example, the Roosevelt and the Ritz do not allow pictures around the hotel.  The Saint Hotel charges a fee to take pictures in their lobby, even if you have a room.

Please, always, always, always get a suite and not a regular hotel room to get ready in. 

Roosevelt – I am listing this first to inform brides of the rules so they can make an informed decision about booking this hotel. We love the Roosevelt, the hotel is stunning and has lots of New Orleans charm, however the Roosevelt DOES NOT allow photography in the lobby.  Please don’t consider this hotel if you are not having your wedding reception or ceremony taking place at the hotel.  There is the pool area if it is not raining, but that area may be reserved for weddings. 
We do love the Roosevelt, don’t get me wrong, but they have rules and we need to respect them.  We will be asked to stop photographing in the lobby if we try to start formal portraits there.
There is a staircase but it is small and not good for groups larger than 4 people.
New Orleans Pere Marquette Renaissance  Hotel 
This is one of my personal favorites.  This hotel has nice big suites with lots of amazing light. We love this hotel for its gorgeous white rooms, large windows, and chandeliers.  The lobby is an interesting space but is kind of dark.  But that is OK because in the larger suites we can move the furniture and photograph with the large windows and white walls.  This hotel is within walking distance from Canal (only a block) and if you want pictures on Canal Street or with the street cars we can walk down there.

Loews Hotel
We can do pictures on the 8th or 9th floor and  the lobby in event of rain. There are outside areas to photograph as well.  In the front, there are some trees and greenery.  There is the large fountain in the back.  The hotel is also very close to Fulton Street where we can walk for pictures.

Harrahs
Indoor and outdoor spots for pictures. Harrahs is located right on Fulton Street so we have quick and easy access to Fulton Street for pictures.  If it’s raining the lobby is still pretty for pictures. Make sure to get a big suite and not a regular room.

The Hilton Riverfront
They have a very busy lobby as lots of convention people stay here but they do have space for indoor pictures in the event it rains.  The rooms usually have large windows and lots of good lighting. The back suites along the river that attach to the courtyard are nice for easy access to outdoor portraits.
https://studiotran.com/blog/arbor-room-sugar-shaker-wedding-photography-kelly-tyler/

Omni Riverfront
This hotel is on Fulton Street so quick and easy access to outside portraits.  The lobby is small but manageable for pictures.

The Westin
Has indoor portrait areas on the gorgeous staircase. Also, a short elevator ride brings you to Canal Street if you want to go outside.
https://studiotran.com/blog/new-orleans-riverview-room-wedding-photography-callan-tim/
https://studiotran.com/blog/holy-name-of-jesus-city-park-pavilion-of-two-sisters-wedding-photography-andrea-david/

Windsor Court –
Has indoor and outdoor picture locations.
https://studiotran.com/blog/st-john-lutheran-church-wedding-photographer-isabella-carl/

Parkview Guest House
This adorable guesthouse has a nice inside lobby area.  Also,  Audubon park is right across the street for outside park portraits.  This is perfect if you are getting married at Holy Name of Jesus, St. Francis Assisi or any other church uptown.
http://studiotran.com/aaron-kelsey-new-orleans-christ-cathedral-and-city-park-wedding/

https://studiotran.com/blog/audubon-tea-room-wedding-photographer-caroline-ryan/

Hampton Convention Center
https://studiotran.com/blog/new-orleans-notre-dame-chapel-wedding-photography-amanda-julio/


In the French Quarter

Bourbon Orleans
Inside and outside picture locations

Omni
Has a nice lobby space as well as outside spaces
https://studiotran.com/blog/st-louis-cathedral-omni-royal-orleans-wedding-emma-tommy/

Kelly & Dalton

Hyatt Regenct – the staircase may not be allowed for pictures
https://studiotran.com/blog/super-saints-fan-club-xliv-encore-champions-square-wedding-jesse-robert/

Sully Mansion (uptown) – Gorgeous inside areas for pictures as well as outside
https://studiotran.com/blog/audubon-tea-room-new-orleans-wedding-photography-katie-michael/


Terrell House (uptown) – Gorgeous inside areas for pictures as well as outside

Degas House  (Esplanade) – Gorgeous inside areas for pictures as well as outside
https://studiotran.com/blog/degas-house-new-orleans-wedding-photographer-alexa-mel/

Melrose Mansion (Esplanade) – Gorgeous inside areas for pictures as well as outside


AirBnB – Think outside the box, find a neat house to get ready at

This below AirBNB was rented by a bride of ours and was great!
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17889063?location=New%20Orleans%2C%20LA%2C%20United%20States&s=lmnM7LT2

https://studiotran.com/blog/our-lady-of-good-counsel-il-mercato-wedding-photographer-caroline-taylor/