Latrobe’s on Royal is a beautiful French Quarter wedding venue. It embraces that nineteenth century aesthetic. Walking around, you might turn a corner and come upon an elegant vampire. It was the perfect spot for Michele and James’ candlelit wedding.

A French Quarter Wedding at Latrobe’s on Royal

Latrobe’s on Royal feels like the French Quarter. The ceremony space is an enclosed courtyard lined by shuttered windows. It’s very romantic and cozy. Receptions typically take place in a domed room that’s big enough for dinner and dancing.

Latrobe’s on Royal can accommodate up to 300 guests, but I think a party that big would start to feel a little crowded. The base cost for a Saturday wedding is around $18,500 for a 150-guest wedding. 

Situated just a few blocks from Jackson Square, Latrobe’s gives you easy access to all the coolest parts of the French Quarter. The neighborhood is full of hotels, restaurants, clubs, and shops. Your guests will never run out of things to do on your wedding weekend. It’s even on the same block as Brennan’s, a favorite restaurant for wedding brunches.

Latrobe’s on Royal has a very New Orleans history. Designed by famous architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, it served as a bank in the 1820s. Latrobe’s has some cool features that you don’t get in most venues, including a bank vault and whisper dome.

An Atmospheric Wedding with a Candlelit Ceremony

Michele and James came all the way from the Bay Area for their wedding at Latrobe’s on Royal. I met them the year before when they flew in for their engagement photos. That session had a similar aesthetic to their wedding. You can see highlights from those Seraphim House engagement photos in this blog post. 

For their wedding ceremony, Michele and James wanted a dark and moody aesthetic. Latrobe’s delivered! Candles lined the aisle and lit the ceremony space. The patina of the walls and chandeliers hanging overhead gave the space a romantic witchy feeling. Even the guests’ black chairs contributed to the atmosphere.

This Latrobe’s on Royal wedding had lots of personal touches. Michele’s brother officiated. Having someone you know so well officiate your ceremony can make a big difference in how intimate and fun your ceremony is. I love how much Michele and James laughed during theirs.

Michele and James brought a lot of personality to their wedding with their attire. Some fun choices they made included:

• Vans for the whole bridal party

• A custom leather jacket for Michele

• A fringed, beaded reception dress with a matching hat

Michele and James’ Dancey Reception

Their reception at Latrobe’s on Royal felt just as unique as their ceremony. The venue created custom uplighting in red and pink. Everyone loved getting down, including Michele’s 90-year-old grandmother!

Family and friends played a big role in the reception. It’s obvious that Michele and James are well-loved. Michele’s parents gave a heartfelt toast. Afterward, the couple did a photo dash. They put down chairs, and for the length of one song, any guest could come up and snag a photo with them. It was so much fun! 

And what would be a New Orleans wedding without a second line? Kinfolk Brass Band arrived at Latrobe’s to escort Michele and James’ party to Pat O'Brien's. This bar is an iconic French Quarter spot. In addition to hosting after parties, they also host full wedding receptions. You can check out a Pat O’Brien’s wedding reception here.

Michele and James’ wedding was such a blast! They brought their vision to life while showing their guests the best of New Orleans.

Would you like me to document your wedding with photos as vibrant as your love? I’m a New Orleans wedding photographer who specializes in colorful, genuine photos. Inquire with me here.

Thank you to the vendors who helped make this wedding so special!

Wedding Planner: Michele + James with coordination assistance from Latrobe’s in-house planning team 

Photographer: Ashley Biltz Photography

Venue and Caterer: Latrobe’s on Royal 

Florist: Cry Baby Floral 

Baker: La Louisiane Bakery

Makeup Artist: Jacq of All Trades Beauty (aka Jacqueline Reynolds)

Hair and Makeup: Iris Smith, Stevie Diaz and Alexandria McLean 

Wedding Dress: Martina Liana from J’aime Bridal in Pleasanton, CA

DJ: Brice Nice 

Brass Band: Kinfolk Brass Brand 

Officiant: John Bird (Michele’s brother)

Leather jacket customization: Krista Mancuso