The Ultimate 3-Day New Orleans Wedding Itinerary for Guests

Having recently tied the knot with my French husband in New Orleans, Louisiana, I can confidently say the Big Easy is one of the best cities in the U.S. to celebrate love. With its blend of history, live music, Creole cuisine, and French influence, New Orleans is an unforgettable backdrop for weddings.

If you’re attending a destination wedding in NOLA—or just want to experience the city like a local—this 3-day New Orleans itinerary is the perfect mix of iconic sites, hidden gems, and incredible food. Whether you’re an English or French speaker, this guide will help you make the most of a wedding weekend in the Crescent City.

Day 1 – Exploring the French Quarter: Food, Drinks & Culture

No trip to New Orleans is complete without time in the French Quarter. From lively jazz clubs to cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, the Quarter sets the tone for a wedding weekend full of energy and charm.

• Morning pick-me-up: Start with a frozen Irish coffee at Erin Rose or indulge in the famous jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters, complete with courtyard dining and live music.

• Walking tour: Grab a hurricane from Pat O’Brien’s or a purple drink at Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and set out on a guided walking tour. For French speakers, Tours by Marguerite is fantastic for learning about Creole culture. For English speakers, check out Tours by Locals or a spooky ghost tour.

• Lunch in the Warehouse District: Break from the Quarter and try Herbsaint for refined Creole cuisine or St. James Cheese Company for sandwiches, salads, and mac & cheese.

• Afternoon activities:

  • Stroll Bourbon Street and enjoy people-watching.

  • Visit Bottom of The Cup for a psychic reading.

  • Explore the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, America’s first licensed apothecary.

  • Browse art galleries and antique shops along Royal Street.

• Evening: End the day at Bacchanal Wine, where locals gather over bottles of wine, live music, and a cheese and charcuterie board. Afterward, head to Frenchmen Street for some of the best jazz clubs in New Orleans. Don’t leave without grabbing a gourmet hot dog at Dat Dog.

Day 2 – Uptown New Orleans Adventure Before the Wedding

If your wedding events are in the afternoon or evening, spend the day exploring Uptown New Orleans.

• Breakfast & brunch:

  • Bearcat Café has a menu full of healthy and indulgent options plus standout brunch cocktails.

  • Molly’s Rise and Shine is another favorite, known for its breakfast sandwich, roasted carrot yogurt, and DIY mimosas (it’s BYOB—bring champagne and order OJ!).

• Ride the streetcar: Take the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar past oak-lined streets and elegant homes—an iconic New Orleans experience.

• Audubon Park: Stroll beneath centuries-old oak trees, visit the Tree of Life, and watch swans gliding across the ponds.

• Lunch before the wedding:

  • Jacques-Imo’s for creative Creole cuisine.

  • Commander’s Palace for an upscale classic—plus their famous 25-cent martinis at lunch (yes, really).

  
  

Day 3 – Bayou Adventure & Creole Farewell

No New Orleans wedding trip is complete without a taste of Louisiana’s wild side.

• Morning activity: Book a Bayou swamp tour with Cajun Encounters. They offer private tours, intimate sunset cruises, and group excursions where you’ll spot alligators, learn about Cajun and Creole history, and explore the wetlands.

• Farewell meal: End your trip with a true Creole feast.

  • If it’s crawfish season (March–May), head to Clesi’s for a traditional crawfish boil.

  • If not, grab a po-boy sandwich. Favorites include fried shrimp, oyster, or roast beef with gravy. Domilise’s Po-Boys & Bar and Zara’s Little Giant Supermarket & Po-Boys are legendary spots.