Top Luxury Event Venues in New Orleans: Where Elegance Meets NOLA Spirit
We've explored how to bring authentic New Orleans energy to events anywhere in the world, channeling that distinctive Mardi Gras spirit regardless of location or season. But there's something undeniably special about hosting your celebration in the city that perfected the art of the party: New Orleans itself.
The Crescent City offers an unmatched backdrop for luxury events, with venues that blend historic charm, sophisticated elegance, and that unmistakable NOLA character. From historic mansions to contemporary spaces with Mississippi River views, New Orleans provides settings that simply can't be replicated elsewhere.
Here's our curated guide to the most exceptional event spaces in a city that knows how to celebrate like no other.
Historic Elegance: Mansions and Heritage Venues
Where the past meets luxury in spectacular fashion.
The Elms Mansion
This 1869 Italianate masterpiece at 3029 St. Charles Avenue stands as a crown jewel of Garden District architecture.
Built by Watson Van Benthuysen and family-operated since 1969, The Elms features hand-carved marble mantels, 24-karat gold sconces, and a spectacular 48-foot grand ballroom with jeweled windows.
The surrounding gardens, showcasing one of the city's largest magnolia trees and a classic white gazebo, provide a romantic setting for ceremonies and receptions. With a capacity for up to 300 guests and an exclusive one-event-per-day policy, The Elms delivers both historical grandeur and dedicated service.
"The amenities and decorations inside are true to the period," notes one reviewer, an authentic historical ambiance impossible to replicate in modern venues.
Marigny Opera House
This "Church of the Arts" began life in 1853 as Holy Trinity Catholic Church, designed by Theodore Giraud for the German immigrant community. After deconsecration in 1997, it was transformed into a non-denominational arts venue in 2011, now serving as a cultural cornerstone of the vibrant Faubourg Marigny neighborhood.
The Opera House hosts an impressive range of performances—dance, theater, opera, jazz, and classical music—and serves as home to the acclaimed Marigny Opera Ballet founded in 2014. Its distinctive architectural features and historic ambiance have made it a magnet for high-profile events, including celebrity weddings featured in Vogue and music video productions.
With soaring 25-foot ceilings, original architectural details, and exceptional acoustics, this venue creates an unforgettable backdrop for luxury events accommodating up to 200 seated guests. Its location places attendees just steps from Frenchmen Street's legendary music scene—perfect for after-parties or weekend-long celebrations.
Contemporary Luxury: Modern Spaces with NOLA Character
Sophisticated settings with distinctive New Orleans flair.
The Chicory
This transformed 1852 coffee warehouse at 610 South Peters Street perfectly captures the industrial elegance of the Warehouse District. With over 20,000 square feet of versatile space, The Chicory preserves original architectural elements, exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and gas lanterns, while offering modern amenities for luxury events.
The venue accommodates gatherings from intimate affairs to grand receptions for up to 1,200 guests, with a standout rooftop deck providing spectacular city views. Comprehensive services include in-house catering, event planning, and essential furnishings.
Its strategic location near downtown hotels and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center adds convenience for out-of-town guests.
"The Chicory is absolutely stunning... the perfect place to say, 'I do,'" notes one client, highlighting why this venue has become a premier choice for those seeking historic character with contemporary sophistication.
The Barnett (Formerly Ace Hotel New Orleans)
Recently rebranded from its former identity as the Ace Hotel, The Barnett at 600 Carondelet Street honors a historic tenant of this Warehouse District landmark. The property maintains its reputation for style-forward spaces perfect for design-conscious celebrations.
The hotel features multiple distinctive event areas: a lush garden courtyard ideal for intimate gatherings, the dramatic Barnett Hall with its industrial-chic aesthetic and spectacular chandeliers, and a rooftop space with pool and skyline views. Five exceptional dining options provide versatile catering possibilities for events.
The Barnett's central location offers guests convenient access to art galleries, shopping districts, museums, and the French Quarter, making it ideal for multi-day celebrations where guests can easily explore the city between events.
Plantation Elegance Beyond the City
Grand estates that capture old-world Louisiana glamour.
Houmas House Plantation
Known as the "Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road," this historic estate near Darrow offers unparalleled grandeur less than an hour from New Orleans.
Built in the late 1700s and rising to prominence under sugar baron John Burnside, Houmas House showcases striking Greek Revival architecture amid 38 acres of meticulously maintained gardens.
The mansion features a grand spiral staircase, elegant parlors, period furnishings, and museum-quality artwork that transport guests to the height of antebellum luxury. Outside, centuries-old oak trees draped with Spanish moss provide a quintessentially Southern backdrop for celebrations.
The plantation offers multiple event spaces, from intimate garden settings to grand ballrooms, with luxury accommodations at the Inn at Houmas House.
Award-winning on-site restaurants provide exceptional catering options, making this venue ideal for destination weekend celebrations that immerse guests in authentic Southern hospitality with contemporary luxury.
Southern Oaks Plantation
This purpose-built event venue at 7816 Hayne Boulevard delivers plantation elegance with modern convenience.
Originally established in 1965, Southern Oaks has evolved into one of New Orleans' most sought-after celebration destinations, known for its exceptional service and comprehensive event packages.
The property showcases classic Southern architectural elements: grand Greek Revival columns, an oak-lined entrance drive, and meticulously landscaped gardens. It creates a timeless backdrop for celebrations. Inside, the sophisticated ballroom features crystal chandeliers and polished hardwood floors that require minimal additional décor.
Southern Oaks distinguishes itself through unique offerings like horse-drawn carriage arrivals, fireworks displays, and gourmet catering executed with precision.
Located just minutes from downtown New Orleans, the venue combines the feeling of a countryside estate with convenient access to city accommodations and attractions.
Uniquely New Orleans: Only-in-NOLA Venues
Spaces that couldn't exist anywhere else.
Mardi Gras World
For an event that embraces New Orleans' carnival heritage, this working studio along the Mississippi River offers an extraordinary setting unlike any other venue in the city. Founded by the Kern family, legendary float builders since 1947, Mardi Gras World opened to the public in 1984 and now serves as both a tourist attraction and an exceptional event space.
The venue surrounds guests with actual Mardi Gras floats and props in various stages of creation, providing built-in décor that captures the essence of the city's most famous celebration. Its riverside location offers breathtaking Mississippi views as a backdrop to the colorful, fantastical elements inside.
With a capacity for large-scale events of up to 1,500 guests, Mardi Gras World provides both indoor and outdoor spaces that can transform from whimsical to elegant based on client vision. Corporate events gain particular energy from this setting, with the creative atmosphere inspiring connection and celebration in equal measure.
The Presbytere on Jackson Square
This historic building flanking St. Louis Cathedral provides one of the most iconic New Orleans locations possible for exceptional events. Built between 1791 and 1813 and originally intended as a residence for Capuchin monks, the Spanish Colonial structure now operates as part of the Louisiana State Museum.
The Presbytere features elegant second-floor galleries overlooking Jackson Square, offering guests stunning views of one of America's most famous urban spaces. Inside, museum-quality surroundings include exhibits on Mardi Gras traditions and Hurricane Katrina, providing built-in conversation pieces during events.
What makes this venue truly special is the unmistakable French Quarter ambiance and the ability to incorporate the iconic square into event photography. For celebrations seeking authentic New Orleans character in a setting recognized worldwide, The Presbytere delivers unmatched historical significance and cultural immersion.
Caesars Superdome
For events of truly spectacular scale, the iconic Caesars Superdome stands as New Orleans' most recognizable modern landmark.
Opened in 1975 and distinguished by its unique domed architecture, this venue recently showcased its world-class capabilities by hosting Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Beyond sporting events, the Superdome offers extraordinary spaces for:
Gala dinners and receptions for up to 5,000 guests
Corporate events with exceptional production capabilities
Product launches requiring dramatic scale
Conferences and exhibitions needing flexible configurations
The venue features premium spaces, including luxury suites, club lounges, and field-level areas that can be transformed for high-end experiences. Its downtown location provides convenient access to hotels, restaurants, and the French Quarter, making it ideal for multi-day events requiring various venues.
We're particularly proud that Dennis Smith Entertainment has performed at this legendary venue, with our premium bands delivering unforgettable entertainment experiences for major corporate functions and gala events within these iconic walls.
More than just a stadium, the Superdome symbolizes New Orleans' resilience and reinvention. After sheltering thousands during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, its restoration and continued evolution represent the city's indomitable spirit, a powerful backdrop for events celebrating achievement and aspiration.
Extraordinary Entertainment Pairings
The perfect New Orleans venues deserve exceptional entertainment.
While exploring these remarkable spaces, consider how the right entertainment enhances their inherent character. Dennis Smith Entertainment specializes in providing performers who understand New Orleans' musical traditions while delivering the sophistication luxury events demand.
For historic mansions, consider jazz trios that echo the sounds that might have filled these spaces in their heyday. In converted industrial spaces, our brass ensembles like Funk Cake bring contemporary energy while honoring New Orleans traditions. For plantation settings, string quartets playing modern arrangements create a perfect blend of refinement and accessibility.
Funk Cake: Bringing Authentic NOLA Brass to Your Celebration
The ultimate musical complement to your New Orleans event.
When hosting a celebration in the birthplace of jazz and second line traditions, your entertainment should honor those roots while delivering contemporary appeal. Funk Cake, Dennis Smith Entertainment's premier New Orleans-style brass band, provides exactly that perfect balance.
Fresh from electrifying crowds at exclusive events, including IHG Hotels' Mardi Gras celebration, Funk Cake brings authentic NOLA energy with polish and professionalism that discerning clients demand.
Led by virtuoso trumpeter Alex Rodiek, the ensemble delivers powerful brass-centered performances that capture the essence of New Orleans street parades while maintaining the sophistication luxury events require.
Perfect for New Orleans Venue Pairings:
Courtyard Entrances: Create dramatic guest arrivals with a traditional second line leading into venues like The Elms Mansion or Houmas House
Gallery Transitions: Move guests between spaces at venues like The Presbytere with musical processions that turn logistics into memorable moments
Industrial Space Activation: Fill restored warehouses like The Chicory with powerful brass sounds that complement the architectural character
Garden Celebrations: Add sophisticated jazz stylings during outdoor cocktail hours at plantation venues
Customizable for Your Event
Funk Cake offers flexible configurations to match your specific venue and vision:
Full 8-9 piece ensemble for show-stopping main performances
6-piece band for sophisticated yet energetic entertainment
Quartet for intimate gatherings and sophisticated background music
Traditional second line configurations for parades and transitions
The band's versatile repertoire spans traditional New Orleans jazz, contemporary brass band styles, and innovative arrangements of popular hits—all delivered with authentic NOLA flavor and world-class musicianship.
The Ultimate New Orleans Experience
There's something magical about experiencing a brass band in the city where the tradition was born.
When you book Funk Cake through Dennis Smith Entertainment for your New Orleans event, you're not just getting exceptional musicians; you're getting cultural ambassadors who understand how to deliver authentic local traditions with the highest level of professional execution.
Planning Your New Orleans Luxury Event
Insider tips for exceptional NOLA celebrations.
Optimal Timing Considerations
While Mardi Gras season brings undeniable energy to the city, it also brings crowds and premium pricing. Consider these alternative peak periods for New Orleans at its best:
October-November: Perfect weather, fall festival season
March-April (post-Mardi Gras): Spring blooms, Jazz Fest energy
December: Holiday decorations add additional magic to historic venues
Logistical Considerations
When planning a New Orleans event, remember:
Many historic venues have preservation restrictions on décor
The city's unique layout makes transportation planning essential
Weather contingency plans are important year-round
Local entertainment should be booked well in advance
Experience the Original Celebration City with Dennis Smith Entertainment
While bringing New Orleans energy to events anywhere creates memorable experiences, hosting your celebration in the Crescent City itself adds an additional layer of authenticity and magic. These exceptional venues provide the perfect backdrop for milestone celebrations worthy of this singular American city.
Contact Dennis Smith Entertainment to discuss how we can help pair the perfect entertainment with your chosen New Orleans venue, creating a celebration that captures both the sophisticated luxury and the joyful spirit that makes the Big Easy an eternal celebration destination.
