About The Race and Religious Wedding Venue
Planning a wedding requires choosing the perfect venue. The Race and Religious Wedding Venue in New Orleans offers a unique, romantic setting for couples. As a Jackson, MS-based wedding photographer, I serve all of Mississippi as well as Louisiana! Basically, the state of LA is like a second home because it’s right next door. I love to travel to Louisiana! In addition to my love for the state, New Orleans is also one of my absolute favorite cities in the world.
If you’re thinking about hosting a New Orleans wedding, Race and Religious hands-down is one of the top venues in the city. The venue itself has been the host of countless styled shoots, as well as Anthropologie catalogs, Coca-Cola commercials, music videos and feature films.
Race and Religious is a historic venue in New Orleans. Its name comes from the venue being at the intersection of Race street and Religious street in New Orleans. Moreover, the venue consists of two 19th-century buildings connected by a brick courtyard. The name comes from its location at the intersection of Race and Religious Streets. Markedly, the venue preserves its historic charm with exposed brick, antique decor, and vintage furniture. Over the years, it has hosted countless weddings and special events. In 2010, the property (once a residence) officially became a wedding venue.
For this photo session, Parker wanted to have her bridals taken at this historic and unique venue. She looked like an angel in her Elle James Bride dress, which had detachable wings in place of a veil. Some brides may prefer a moodier aesthetic. In contrast, if you prefer a more true to life look for your wedding photographer, you will love looking at these photos of Parker.
The Bridal Suite at Race and Religious
One of the many things I love about this venue is the large and spacious bridal suite! With naturally exposed brick and tons of natural light filtering through, no wonder it’s a favorite among brides. You can relax with your bridesmaids while getting hair and makeup done. Additionally, there is plenty of seating as well as a large mirror. As a wedding photographer, I adore this space for getting ready photos!
Race and Religious Wedding Accommodations and Overnight Stay Packages
Race and Religious have very flexible rental times and you have the option to stay overnight. Suites include bedrooms and bathrooms in this 3 story historic building. Because every corner of this venue is an aesthetically pleasing space, you have multiple options for gorgeous photos inside!
There are five bedrooms for overnight accommodations. With this in mind, they can sleep up to eleven people. Additionally, the venue has five bathrooms as well. You have the option to stay for one, two or up to three nights for a complete wedding weekend experience. If you’re in need of more space for family, friends, and out of town guests, don’t fret. R + R’s prime location in the lower Garden District have plenty of options for Airbnbs and other bed and breakfast style accommodations.
The Henry Howard Hotel is only a 5 minute drive from the venue and has an amazing interior aesthetic. Located in a quieter neighborhood than the French Quarter, your bridesmaids and you can sip Mimosas in the morning while having your hair and makeup done. The Sully Mansion is another beautiful boutique inn located not far from R + R. Their luxurious rooms are also a great choice for a wedding night stay for the newly married couple!
Ceremony Spaces at The Venue
The most popular space for a ceremony is in the courtyard at the venue. There is a bridge which connects the two buildings. Another beautiful aspect of the courtyard is the small, in ground pool. The light reflecting off of the pool creates a truly stunning look.
The space is truly remarkable for a wedding ceremony set up. Also, the courtyard space can accommodate tables with linens, candles, and florals for a reception. Because the venue actually looks like you stepped into the courtyard of an old world European locale, you don’t even need much in the way of decor to make for a stunning wedding! That being said, a seated, candle-lit reception would be an amazingly opulent evening ambience. The soft, warm peach colors perfectly compliment the shimmering blue of the pool.
As shown above, the courtyard also has large palm trees which flank either side of the pool. It has lush green landscaping within the courtyard, making a nice contrast to the hard brick. You can have up to 200 guests for a cocktail style reception. In contrast, if you prefer a more intimate, seated dinner, you can host up to 90 guests.
Booking Your Wedding at Race and Religious
The booking process for Race and Religious is simple. Couples start by contacting the venue via phone or email. The venue coordinator will provide availability, pricing details, and package options. Additionally, to secure a date, couples must sign a contract and submit a deposit. Popular wedding dates book quickly, so early reservations are recommended. Payment plans are available, making budgeting easier for couples.
Multiple Wedding Packages Offered
If you decide to host a Race and Religious wedding, you can choose between multiple packages. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and during their off season on Thursdays, Race and Religious offers full access to their property for up to 12 guests for their “Elopement” packages. If you want to have a little bit more than a dozen people attend, you also have the option to choose their “Petite” package, which includes up to 50 people. In any event, you have access to the full venue for up to two hours.
Scheduling a Tour of the Venue
A tour is the best way to experience Race and Religious. Scheduling a tour is easy and can be done online or by phone. During the visit, couples explore the stunning courtyards, elegant rooms, and picturesque balconies. The venue staff provides insight into layout options and design possibilities. Tours help couples visualize their dream wedding in this breathtaking space.
Amenities and Features of the Venue
Race and Religious offers exclusive use of the entire property. The venue includes indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless flow for events. The courtyard features a pool, lush greenery, and string lights for a magical atmosphere. Indoor spaces include vintage furniture, chandeliers, and exposed brick walls. The venue provides tables and chairs but allows couples to bring their preferred vendors. A bridal suite and groom’s lounge offer comfortable, private spaces for preparation.
The venue also allows for any outside caterer and bar service instead of a preferred list. Since food is at the heart of any New Orleans event, this allows for amazing favorite restaurant catering services to be a part of your epic day. If you love seafood, check out Chez Nous for catering your main faire. Messina’s Catering is another award winning New Orleans catering service. Their menu includes such New Orleans staples creole shrimp, crawfish mac and cheese, and Louisiana BBQ shrimp.
Photographic Opportunities
Race and Religious provides incredible photo opportunities. The venue’s architecture features rustic doors, wrought iron balconies, and ivy-covered walls. The candlelit ambiance creates a romantic backdrop for wedding portraits. The courtyard pool reflects the lights, adding a dreamy touch to evening photos. Indoor spaces offer cozy corners with antique furniture, perfect for intimate shots. As I have said, every area of the venue offers a stunning background for capturing memories.
You can also schedule your engagement and/or bridal session on the property between the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Pricing and Package Options
Race and Religious offers flexible wedding packages. Pricing depends on the season, guest count, and event duration. Weekend weddings tend to be more expensive than weekday celebrations. Packages typically include venue rental, tables, chairs, and access to the entire property. Additional services like catering and decor are available through preferred vendors. Customizable packages allow couples to tailor the experience to their vision and budget.
Prices start at $8,800 for a full wedding day and include round and rectangular tables, linens, and folding chairs. The venue books out well in advance, so it’s recommended that you schedule a tour ASAP if you’re considering getting married here.
Why Choose Race and Religious for Your Wedding?
Race and Religious is a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. The blend of history, charm, and elegance makes it an unforgettable setting. Exclusive venue access ensures a private, intimate experience. The venue’s flexibility allows couples to design a wedding that reflects their unique style. Guests will be enchanted by the romantic ambiance and timeless beauty.
Previous couples who were married at R + R rave over the unique venue space and have only great things to say about the management and staff at the venue. You can customize your event any way you want it – from food trucks to more formal seated dinners, there are endless possibilities in store!
What makes a New Orleans wedding so fun?! Add a second line parade with a brass band after the ceremony. Check out Kinfolk Brass Band to see if they’re available for your date!
Final Thoughts on Booking a Race and Religious Wedding
To summarize, planning a Race and Religious Wedding is a magical experience. From booking to the big day, the process is smooth and enjoyable. Couples looking for a historic, picturesque venue in New Orleans will love this location. With stunning photo opportunities, flexible packages, and unique charm, Race and Religious is a dream wedding destination.
Also, if you’re looking for the right wedding photographer to capture your perfect day, let’s connect. I strive to authentically capture your wedding day as the day itself unfolds. You can visit my website to see if we are a good fit! I’d love to talk to you about your wedding day, so reach out!
Parker’s Wedding Dress: Elle James Bridal
For more amazing Louisiana wedding venues, check out these blogs:
- Milićević Farm: A Stunning Wedding Venue in Abita Springs
- Beau Chene Country Club Wedding: A Venue in Covington
- The Chapel at First Baptist Covington
