If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels unmistakably New Orleans, not just a wedding in New Orleans, but one that is New Orleans, there is one itinerary that rises above the rest: a ceremony at the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, a traditional second line parade through Jackson Square, and a reception at The Jaxson, one of the city’s most beloved riverfront wedding venues.
The best part?
These three experiences connect almost seamlessly.
The Jaxson sits just 1-2 blocks from St. Louis Cathedral at 620 Decatur Street, making the journey between ceremony and celebration one of the most memorable parts of the entire day.
Why St. Louis Cathedral Is the Ultimate New Orleans Wedding Ceremony Venue
Standing at the heart of Jackson Square in the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States.
For couples who want their ceremony to carry genuine history, grandeur, and spiritual weight, there is simply no equal in the city.
A ceremony here places you beneath soaring ceilings, surrounded by centuries of New Orleans tradition. Photographs taken inside or on the steps overlooking Jackson Square, are instantly iconic.
What to Know Before You Book
- Donation requirement: The Cathedral currently requires a donation of $2,275 to host a wedding ceremony.
- Specific guidelines apply regarding decorations, music, and ceremony times, couples should review these carefully before planning.
- Renovations: The Cathedral has noted that renovation work is underway or upcoming, so it’s worth confirming availability and any temporary restrictions when you inquire.
- Start here: The official wedding guidelines can be found at stlouiscathedral.org/matrimony.
The Second Line: From Jackson Square to the Riverfront
This is where a St. Louis Cathedral wedding becomes a New Orleans wedding.
After the ceremony, rather than slipping quietly into cars or shuttles, your wedding party and guests step outside into Jackson Square and join a traditional New Orleans second line parade.
Led by a brass band, with handkerchiefs and parasols waving, your guests dance and celebrate through the streets of the French Quarter — a living, breathing expression of joy that you simply cannot recreate anywhere else in the world.
The walk from the Cathedral steps to The Jaxson is just 1–2 blocks, short enough to feel effortless, long enough to be a genuine, memorable procession.
The route winds through some of the most photographed streets in America, with the Mississippi River coming into view as you arrive.
It is worth noting: you will need to coordinate with the City of New Orleans for any street permits and hire a licensed second line band.
Your wedding planner or The Jaxson’s event team can help facilitate this.
Your New Orleans Wedding Day
Weddings
Start your ceremony at St. Louis Cathedral, dance through the French Quarter on a second line, and celebrate in style at The Jaxson on the River, New Orleans’ premier riverfront wedding venue, just steps away.
The Jaxson: Your Riverfront Reception Awaits
At the end of the second line, your guests arrive at The Jaxson, a stunning event venue housed inside the historic building at 620 Decatur Street on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Venue Highlights
- Capacity: Up to 425 guests for cocktail receptions
- Views: Waterfront views of the Mississippi River
- Indoor + outdoor spaces: Flexibility for the New Orleans weather and your vision
- Full bar and on-site catering: no outside vendor juggling required
- Bride’s dressing area on-site
- Event planning services included
- Location: Steps from the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and all major hotels
After the energy of a second line, The Jaxson is the ideal landing spot: spacious, atmospheric, and built for celebration.
Guests arriving from the parade step directly into a venue that feels as distinctly New Orleans as the Cathedral they just left.
Why This Combination Works So Well
This isn’t just three separate bookings happening on the same day. The St. Louis Cathedral → second line → The Jaxson itinerary works because of proximity and flow:
| Element | Detail |
|---|
| Ceremony | St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square |
| Distance to venue | ~1–2 blocks on foot |
| Second line route | French Quarter streets to Decatur St. |
| Reception | The Jaxson, 620 Decatur Street |
| Total travel time | 15–20 minutes of pure celebration |
For out of town guests and most New Orleans weddings have many, this day requires no rental cars, no confusing directions, and no gaps in the celebration.
Everything unfolds within one of the most walkable, vibrant neighborhoods in the country.
How to Start Planning
For the Cathedral ceremony: Visit St. Louis Cathedral to review current guidelines, available dates, and requirements. Reach out to the Cathedral office early, as dates fill quickly and renovation schedules may affect availability.
For The Jaxson reception: Explore availability and request information at here or The Jaxson on Wedding Spot.
Their event planning team is experienced with second line arrivals and can help coordinate the timing between your ceremony and reception.
For the second line: A licensed brass band and proper street permits are required.
Ask The Jaxson’s event team for recommendations, they’ve seen this done beautifully and can point you toward trusted local vendors.
A Wedding Only New Orleans Can Give You
There are beautiful weddings, and then there are weddings that become stories people tell for decades.
A ceremony at St. Louis Cathedral, a second line through the French Quarter, and a reception at The Jaxson on the riverfront, that is the latter.
If you’re planning a New Orleans wedding and want a day that feels genuinely, irreversibly rooted in this city’s soul, this is the blueprint.
FAQ
Can anyone get married at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans?
St. Louis Cathedral is an active Roman Catholic parish, so at least one partner must be a baptized Catholic to hold a sacramental wedding ceremony there. Couples must also complete standard Catholic pre-marriage preparation, which typically begins 6–12 months before the wedding date. A donation of $2,275 is currently required to reserve the Cathedral, and specific rules apply regarding decorations, music, and ceremony times. It’s also worth noting that the Cathedral has renovation work underway or upcoming, which may affect available dates, so reaching out to the Cathedral office early is strongly recommended.
How far is The Jaxson from St. Louis Cathedral?
The Jaxson is approximately 1–2 blocks from St. Louis Cathedral, making it one of the closest full-service reception venues to the Cathedral in the entire French Quarter. Located at 620 Decatur Street in the historic building on the Mississippi riverfront, the venue can be reached on foot in just a few minutes, which is exactly what makes a second line parade between the two so natural and celebratory.
How do you organize a second line parade for a New Orleans wedding?
A traditional New Orleans second line requires three things: a licensed brass band, a city permit for street use, and a planned route. The permit is issued by the City of New Orleans and should be applied for well in advance of your wedding date. Most couples work with their wedding planner or directly with The Jaxson’s event team to coordinate logistics, as both are experienced with second line arrivals and can recommend trusted local brass bands. The route from St. Louis Cathedral to The Jaxson is short, lively, and winds through some of the most photographed streets in the French Quarter.
How much does it cost to get married at St. Louis Cathedral?
The Cathedral currently requires a donation of $2,275 to host a wedding ceremony. This does not include any additional costs for music, flowers, or other ceremony elements, all of which are subject to the Cathedral’s specific guidelines around decorations and vendors. Couples should budget for these separately and confirm current policies directly with the Cathedral office, particularly given that renovation work may affect what is currently available or permitted.
How many guests does The Jaxson accommodate?
The Jaxson can accommodate up to 425 guests for a cocktail-style reception, making it one of the larger event spaces in the French Quarter. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, giving couples flexibility based on guest count, event style, and weather. For seated dinner configurations capacity will vary, and The Jaxson’s event planning team can provide detailed layout options based on your specific needs.
Do you need a permit for a second line parade in New Orleans?
Yes. Any second line parade moving through public streets in New Orleans requires a permit from the City of New Orleans. The process involves a fee, a planned route submission, and in some cases coordination with the New Orleans Police Department for an escort. Applications should be submitted well ahead of your wedding date as processing times vary and popular dates fill quickly. The Jaxson’s events team can help guide you through this process and connect you with vendors who handle second line logistics on a regular basis.
