Race and Religious is a stunning wedding venue in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District. Walking in, you feel like you’re in a world of your very own. Mallory and Jeremy held their wedding in the courtyard. I left their Race and Religious wedding thinking that this is how a wedding day should be: relaxed, fun, and joyful. Their wedding photos are full of candid smiles and genuine connections.

A Race and Religious Wedding

There’s something downright magical about a Race and Religious wedding. When you walk through the iron gates, you enter a bright brick courtyard with a long reflecting pool. (Yes, you can jump in if you’re looking for that kind of party!) Most ceremonies take place in the courtyard.

Even though Race and Religious has some indoor rooms where you can get ready or set up lounge areas, it’s very much an outdoor venue. Your reception will take place under the lights strung between patina buildings.

You can bring your own aesthetic to Race and Religious. It’s definitely a venue where lavish flowers, lace, and candles look right at home.

Capacity for a Race and Religious wedding really varies depending if you want a seated or cocktail-style reception. For a seated dinner, it can accommodate up to 90 guests. With a cocktail-style reception, you can include up to 200 guests. Rental fees range between $8,000 and $11,000.

A Race and Religious wedding is a truly New Orleans experience. The 1836 building’s bricks were made with actual mud from the Mississippi River. The venue started hosting weddings in 2010. Since then, it has become a favorite Garden District venue.

Fun Photos around the Wedding Venue

Mallory and Jeremy held their Race and Religious wedding on their tenth anniversary. As a wedding photographer, that really stood out to me. They showed up to their wedding with so much joy and enthusiasm that you would think they had just started dating. It was amazing knowing that they had ten years under their belts together and still respected and loved each other so much. 

You can feel that strong connection between Mallory and Jeremy in these wedding photos. They smiled and cuddled nonstop! It definitely made my life easy as their photographer.

Race and Religious is a dream for taking beautiful wedding photos. Vintage furniture decorates the interiors of the buildings. The ornate sofas, worn woodwork, and lace curtains make you feel like you’re stepping back in time in the best way. 

I loved photographing Mallory and Jeremy on the bridge connecting the buildings. The soft peachy pink of the buildings make a warm backdrop for these portraits. 

Once evening fell, the strings of lights over the courtyard cast everything in cozy tones. The floral installation on the bridge looked like an absolute dream. Throughout the reception, the lighting on the dance floor was perfection, too.

Mallory and Jeremy’s Relaxed Wedding Day

Like I said, Mallory and Jeremy’s Race and Religious wedding was as laid back as you could hope. All of their guests and family members were so excited for them! After a decade of being together, their families already felt so comfortable with each other, too.

This wedding day included personal touches that made it unique to Mallory and Jeremy. First, they couldn’t bring their dogs to their weddings, so they included lots of photos of their pups around the reception space. We love a proud pet parent!

After their first look, Mallory also surprised Jeremy with a painting by one of his favorite artists. He was totally surprised and amazed! I love that they expressed their feelings in such creative ways.

Before the ceremony, they read private vows in the courtyard of Race and Religious. I dare you to look at those photos without smiling! Mallory and Jeremy’s love is tangible.

Are you interested in having me photograph your wedding? I’m a New Orleans wedding photographer, and I specialize in colorful, creative wedding photos. Inquire with me here!

Thank you to all the vendors who made Mallory and Jeremy’s wedding such a blast!

Photography: Ashley Biltz Photography

Wedding Planning: Three Little Words

Getting Ready Venue: Sully Mansion

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Race and Religious

Florist: Blooms Botanica

Catering: Premier Catering and Events

Hair and Makeup: Flawless Bride and Beauty

Officiant: David Franklin (friend)

Ceremony Music: Hannah Yim

Reception Music and Ceremony PA: DJ G Cue