Elope To New Orleans French Quarter

 It is simple to get married in a historical setting. Chaplain Jerry Schwehm of Fig Street Weddings with Victoria Broughton of VCB Photography at the spectacular Lamonthe House in the historic French Quarter Courtyard for an elopement for Traci and Kevin. Contact any one of us to schedule your elopement in this beautiful spot.

 Like us on Facebook too. (https://www.facebook.com/ChaplainJKSchwehm)

Wedding and Second Line in French Quarter

Jason and Katherine wedding at the Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter by Dyle films, at Vimeo. They had fun doing a Second Line after the ceremony by Chaplain JK Schwehm.


Katherine and Jason's Wedding Trailer from Dyle Films on Vimeo.

Destination Wedding: New Orleans, LA.

New Orleans, LA is the third choice of most couples for destination weddings. An  average of 10,000 weddings occur in the New Orleans Metro area each year.
The average attendance is 150 people costing about $25,000.

 Chaplain Jerry Schwehm has been performing wedding ceremonies for over 20 years in the New Orleans area. From his experience he has discovered many ways to save money yet have a beautiful marriage.He performs marriage ceremonies in many locations, homes, hotels, halls, and public parks.Historic sites in the French Quarter, beautiful views of the Mississippi River, and the spectacular Lake Pontchartrain shoreline. Some areas like parks have free to use spots for small elopements. Some larger weddings must rent a spot like inside Jackson Square. He can be contact at his e-mail address chaplainschwehm@figstreet.com or his weddings web page at http://www.figstreet.com/weddings. Stop in the page for more details. Links to help you plan your wedding are on his web page.

Fig Street Weddings Video

 A wedding planner in UK made this Fig Street Weddings video.

Weddings Under The Tree of Life, Happiness, and Love

 Best place to elope in the Greater New Orleans area are its beautiful parks and lake front.

City Parks Tree of Life, Happiness and Love are great spots for weddings. For details contact Fig Street Weddings with Chaplain JK Schwehm to arrange an elopement or wedding under the biggest and oldest oak tress in the US. More details can be read at: http://figstreet.com/guesthouse/parks.html

 The oldest oak trees are found along the bayou by City Park Ave. Some of these old oak trees are up to 800 years old. They began a forest along a water way that once connected to the Mississippi River. The bayou now forms part of a beautiful lagoon in the park and is populated by water fowl and moss covered trees. A lovely area for small outdoor weddings. More big trees are located in City Park then any other park in the area. Parking is easy. Food is near by in the Parkview Cafe and at Ralph's At The Park. The beautiful New Orleans Museum of Art is a short walk away. The Red Canal Streetcar runs right in front of the park with a beautiful walk to the trees. The park rents spots for larger weddings but a small elopement is OK under the trees with no rental fee for use of the location.

Chaplain Jerry Schwehm at City Park elopement.

BOOKING CHAPLAIN SCHWEHM

 After years of performing weddings I have found it best to obtain information from the prospective Bride and Groom as soon as possible. There is a form that can be cut and pasted to your word processor or download a copy at http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/serviceagreement.html. A downloadeable  ".doc"  format for you to complete and get to me along with the required deposit to book your wedding date.  Chaplain Schwehm does waivers of delay for out of state couples. If Chaplain Schwehm is not available he has associate Ministers who help

Marriage License Info--NOTICE: Vital Records Central Office will offer walk-in services at Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras St, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA. Vital Records Customer Serivce Call Center can be reached at 504-593-5100 . You can also get a marriage license at  Jefferson Parish Clerk of Courts Office or any Clerk of Court in Louisiana.

City Park area has several covered spots.

Elopement under tress Scott Myers Photography

Elopement by Scott Myers Photography

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MAP OF CITY PARK:  Tree of Life, Love, and Happiness

View Larger Map ___________________________________________________________ Video of one of the many big trees in City Park. http://youtu.be/HaYUiIaZWDk _______________________________________________________

The Morning Call Coffee Stand has food and large rest rooms. We can meet there to complete the paperwork, it is a covered area with easy parking. Map link below:
https://plus.google.com/106745417835638918906/about?hl=en -------------------------------------------------------------   Video of Wedding in City Park:

Inexpensive Weddings in Greater New Orleans Area Jerry Schwehm Officiant

 Contact former Justice of the Peace,  Jerry Schwehm. It is possible to get married in New Orleans area for just over $250. The wedding license runs about $30 and you can meet a former Justice of the Peace for as little as $199 on week days at his office or a nice spot in a park.  Just read over the information on this blog. Contact by e-mail ask about the special weekday rates at special spots and make an appointment to elope. This rate is limited on certain days and in parks close to his office and must be arranged ahead.  Meet a Minister at a local park on days made by appointment ahead of time. Limited days and hours for this rate. Must be arranged ahead of time and must have license before arranged. Special rate does not apply if he has to travel away from his office. Two witnesses and license  needed, not provided by officiant. Contact Chaplain Jerry Schwehm, former Justice of the Peace and wedding minister in New Orleans at Fig Street Weddings, 504/302-8711  or at his e-mail jerryschwehm@yahoo.com. be sure to know date, time, and selected location for your elopement to convey in the e-mail.
 Regular weddings run about $250, depends on date, time, and location. Reduced rate is for weekdays in a park close by my office when available. The park is prettier then an office wedding and same fee usually. Must be scheduled in advance. How to get license in New Orleans on State of Louisiana marriage license page. A booking fee deposit is required to hold date and time. There is a delay of 24 hours after getting license before ceremony but can be waived for out of state couples married in New Orleans.


 Weddings in New Orleans at other locations also. Fees based on date, time, location, and if travel is required. Most weddings in the French Quarter are $250 plus parking. E-mail for detailed information. Officiant licensed for Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. By appointment only. No drop ins. Marriage license must be gotten  before wedding date. Louisiana marriage license is needed to be married in Louisiana. Be sure to know what documents to bring and both parties must be present to sign for a license. Read this blog entry: http://frenchquarterweddings.blogspot.com/2016/01/requirements-for-new-orleans-wedding.html

 Vow Renewals  are just like weddings or elopements in the same manner and same locations you pick.  No license is required.



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Get Married in Pirates Alley New Orleans

Weddings In New Orleans

You can elope to New Orleans and get married in a famous spot in the French Quarter as easy as showing up with a proper marriage license. Pirate's Alley, as many call it, was originally named Orleans Alley but locals always called it Pirate Alley as Pirates were always ending up there. The St. Louis Cathedral is to the right. On the left, is the Cabildo (the Old Spanish Governor's Mansion), and directly behind the Cabildo was the Spanish Jail. The alley is one block long, and extends from Chartres St. at Jackson Square to Royal St. Halfway down the alley, a lamppost marks its intersection by Cabildo Alley, which extends (the width of the Cabildo) to St. Peter St. near the Gumbo Shop. This is likely one of the most famous lampposts of the French Quarter, as it has been photographed and painted many times. Read about the first wedding and Ghost in Pirates Alley here: Pirates Alley Wedding History

You will meet Dr. Schwehm at Pirates Alley Cafe where we can secure 2 witnesses if necessary and proceed to the famous Pirates Alley Lamp Post and then conduct a simple wedding ceremony.

Pirates Alley Elopement Package with Dr. Schwehm Officiating is $295.00

Additional locations are available for simple elopements just ask.

MAP to Pirates Alley, French Quarter, New Orleans---



View Larger Map


New Orleans Marriage License Information

It is possible to get married in New Orleans in one day as long as all of the State Offices are open. Either the bride or groom before may obtain the license from the State Office of Vital Records or other Parish Clerks of Court offices before the ceremony is conducted. The New Orleans Office is no longer open on Saturday. Identification is required along with authentic copies of birth certificates and any divorce judgments. An application for marriage license form is found on the web. In some cities there is a three-day waiting period. In New Orleans a Minister or Judge can waive the waiting period in writing for non-residents when good reasons exist. No medical tests are necessary. The license is good for 30 days. You must present the license to the person doing the ceremony in advance as it requires the officiant to complete some portions in black ink only. A ceremony must be conducted before 2 adult witnesses who also sign the certificates. The cost of the license is just under $30.00 paid to the State. For further information contact the office located near the New Orleans City Hall:

1450 Poydras St.
Benson Towers
New Orleans, LA

Hours: Mon.- Fri 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

NOTICE: Vital Records Central Office will offer walk-in services at Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras St, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA. Vital Records Customer Serivce Call Center can be reached at 504-593-5100 . You can also get a marriage license at Second City Court, Algiers or the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Courts Office or any Clerk of Court in Louisiana.

New Orleans City Parks and Weddings

Weddings In New Orleans
Easy To Elope

Many little park like spots to have an elopement in New Orleans.

New Orleans has many City Parks with many beautiful acres to offer wedding couples a taste of the city’s historical past in its natural settings with old oak trees, bayous, bridges, walk ways, gardens, and art. City Park once the site of Allard Plantation facing Bayou St. John, located at the intersection of Carrollton and City Park Avenues in the Mid-City area of New Orleans is the largest park.. Hurricane Katrina has damaged some areas of the Park and some places have not re-opened. It is best to see the location you want to use in person to determine if it meets your needs. Many intimate spots in City Park are available to do weddings. There are also beautiful places in the Park to rent for a large wedding like Pops Fountain and the Botanical Gardens. The City Park Commission should be contacted for rental fees. For a small weekend elopement or before a cruise departing from New Orleans there are other little out of the way places where a small wedding can take place, lovely walkways, large oak trees, fountains, small bridges, and statues. Most open public places can be used for a small simple elopement. If you desire a larger wedding and a reserved spot you can contact City Park at their web page or call them. New Orleans has many little parks and places that are free to use for a small wedding. Parks along the lake front, spots in the French Quarter, along the river, and small parks throughout the city. Just e-mail me for a list of nice places for a small elopement.

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New Orleans Marriage License Information

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It is possible to be married on the same day you get your license. Either the bride or groom before may obtain the license from the State Office of Vital Records at 1450 Poydras St, New Orleans, or other Parish Clerks of Court offices before the ceremony is conducted.  Identification is required along with authentic copies of birth certificates and any divorce judgments. In some cities there is a three-day waiting period. In New Orleans a Minister or Judge can waive the waiting period in writing for non-residents when good reasons exist. No medical tests are necessary. The license is good for 30 days. You must present the license to the person doing the ceremony in advance as it requires the officiant to complete some portions in black ink only. A ceremony must be conducted before 2 adult witnesses who also sign the certificates. The cost of the license is just under $30.00 paid to the State. For further information contact the office located near the City Hall:



ORLEANS PARISH MARRIAGE LICENSE OFFICE

The Orleans Parish Marriage License Office is 1450 Poydras St at Super Dome. -- just a short drive from the French Quarter, Uptown, Garden District and the CBD. The phone number is

504-539-5116

Another close to the French Quarter the Second City Court at 225 Morgan Street on the west bank in New Orleans. It is a nice ferry ride across the Mississippi River (pedestrians ride for free, automobiles only $1.00) from the Canal Street Ferry Landing,by River Wall MAll. It is a half city block to the court building with a clock tower. This office closes at 3:00PM, so arrive no later than 2:15PM. Phone number is (504) 368-4099 to verify times.

World Largest Stand Of Oak Trees

City Park has over 14,000 trees that are greater than 4 inches in diameter.  The oldest between 600 -800 years old.

 Along with the largest stand of Live Oak tress in the USA City Park has the Dueling Oaks where men fought duels. For details see http://www.duellingoaks.com/

"    " The Duelling Oaks in City Park have seen some of the most colorful scenes in New Orleans' history. For years sword clanged against sword and bullets streaked between the ancient trees.

     An article in the Times-Democrat, March 13, 1892, said, "Blood has been shed under the old cathedral aisles of nature. Between 1834 and 1844 scarcely a day passed without duels being fought at the Oaks. Why, it would not be strange if the very violets blossomed red of this soaked grass! The lover for his mistress, the gentleman for his honor, the courtier for his King; what loyalty has not cried out in pistol shot and scratch of steel! Sometimes two or three hundred people hurried from the city to witness these human baitings. On the occasion of one duel the spectators could stand no more, drew their swords, and there was a general melee."

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Marriage licenses will not be issued on Saturdays, but you can obtain your marriage license in any Louisiana Parish as you drive into New Orleans.

Visitors can go to the Algiers Court House to get a license using the Canal St. Ferry.

504-368-4099
Hours: 9 am - 3 pm Mon.- Fri


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The 'Peristyle' at City Park.

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New Orleans Wedding Minister Information

Jerry Kenneth Schwehm served as as Justice of the Peace in 1990 to 1994 in Slidell, La. and was ordained in 1989 as a Lay Minister after serving as Elder and Deacon in his church for many years. He has a BA and JD from Louisiana State University (1972) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from a local Bible Church in 1990. He has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and is available in the Greater New Orleans area to perform your personalized marriage ceremony. He will go to your location or at his office in Fig House. He may be contacted at the below e-mail.

Fig Street Weddings
 New Orleans, La. 70125

504/617-6359

weddings@figstreet.com

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Mailing address: 65115 Highway 41, Pearl River, La. 70452
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More info at www.figstreet.com/weddings


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Helpful Links


New Orleans Marriage License

Elope To Pirates Alley

More Information On City Park

Fig Street Art Studio Prints

How To Get A Marriage License In New Orleans, LA.

The New Orleans Marriage License Office is now conveniently located in Downtown New Orleans. The Louisiana Office of Vital Records, New Orleans Marriage License Office opened at 1450 Poydras St., Suite 400, New Orleans, La 70112.  Parking is also nearby on street with meters or in a paid parking lot for those with local transportation.. Office hours are posted as 8 AM to 3 PM weekdays only, but licenses are not issued after 3 PM due to the time it takes to complete the paper work. The office is closed weekends and holidays. Couples must bring with them proper identification, a drivers license, Passport, or suitable picture id with certified copies of a birth certificate and divorce. One person can apply if they bring the others documents and information. The Marriage License Office has on its web page details of their policy and forms. Sample information and forms can also be found on this web page- New Orleans Marriage License Information

Couples from out of state can get the license and also get married on the same day in New Orleans if they also obtain a waiver of delay from a judge or Minister registered in New Orleans. This makes New Orleans an easy place to elope to with plenty of pretty places to have a wedding. Some couples book the honeymoon at a French Quarter Hotel or cruise out of New Orleans and get married the day they arrive in the city.
Well over 5,000 marriage licenses were issued in 2003 in New Orleans, and many couples visit New Orleans in the spring to get married from other states.

Helpful Info To Plan An Elopement In New Orleans

Here is a list of the people and services who help plan weddings. Fig Street Weddings, New Orleans, La. and the American Association of Wedding Officiants, www.aawo.org.

1. Fig Street Weddings
(504) 617-6359
Category: Elope to New Orleans

Web page with lots of helpful info to plan a wedding in New Orleans. Former Justice of the Peace and retired Minister who does weddings in New Orleans.
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Places to have elopements in New Orleans.


2. Pirates Alley Cafe
622 Pirates Aly
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 524-9332
Categories: Restaurants, Bars



9/7/2009
Walk down, take pictures, drink a glass of wine, buy a book, sit and talk. You can get married here too. The merchants keep the area clean and are friendly stop in and say hello to Tony and Joe.

3. City Park
1 Palm Dr
New Orleans, LA 70124
(504) 482-4888
Categories: Parks, Stadiums & Arenas

9/7/2009
Large, beautiful park with many aspects from large stand of Oak trees, to plants and flowers, art, small train. Much to do, even get married here.

4. Jackson Square
506 C Saint Peter St
New Orleans, LA 70116

Category: Parks

9/7/2009
Sit, stroll, elope, get married, eat lunch, meet friends in the best spot in the Quarter.
No bikes, no dogs, no drugs, well policed park.

5. Audubon Zoological Gardens
6500 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 581-4629
Categories: Cinema, Aquariums, Zoos, Tours


9/7/2009
Zoo, park, golf course, restaurant, jogging trail, river front park, many things to see and do here even get married.

6. Maison Dupuy Hotel
1001 Toulouse St
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 586-8000
Category: Hotels

9/7/2009
Beautiful hotel in the Quarter, good food and a nice place for a wedding.


7. Bourbon Orleans Wyndham Hotel
717 Orleans Ave
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 527-0408
Category: Hotels



9/7/2009
Comfortable, Friendly are two words that describe this hotel in the heart of the Quarter. Great for weddings too.



8. Place D'armes Hotel
625 Saint Ann St
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 524-4531
Category: Hotels



9/7/2009
Older centrally located small hotel with great rates. Courtyard is nice especially for an elopement.

The Ghost In Pirates Alley: Elope To New Orleans

The First Wedding In Pirates Alley New Orleans

The tradition of being married in Pirates Alley in the French Quarter is clouded in secrecy and varies as who tells the tale. One is never sure who was actually the first to get married there but this tale as told to me often during my life is a sure as any tale of pirates, ghosts, and love. Back in the days of the Pirates of Barataria many young men from many places joined in to make a fortune. Called “smugglers” by some, hated by Spain, used by France but admired by Americans as an independent lot who at times would help the poor and ill treated.

I am told one Reginald Hicks, who began as a mere cabin boy on an English ship was taken by some pirates and raised by them. Only a lad in his early teens when captured ultimately raised himself to a first mate of a pirate ship by the time of the War of 1812. He was trusted by all his pirate brethren and their leader Jean Lafitte. He was known to go along with several other men to met with General Jackson to aid the Americans in the Battle of New Orleans, mostly as “cannoneers” as they were very good shots.
Of course Master Hicks was a good looking young man having many a lass looking at him but in his heart was none other but a beautiful Creole French girl, Marie Angel Beauchamp. She too had only thoughts of him and whenever he came into the City they would steal off into the night, keeping their love a secret as it was not permissible for a young Creole Catholic girl to be seeing a Pirate of English extraction.

As things would happen on Master Hicks’ visit to meet with General Jackson he learned that his Marie was expecting their child. He being raised as an English gentleman his first decade of life did not want to leave the city without getting married. His child would have a father and his love would not be scorned for having a child without a husband. All evening they searched in vain for a priest to marry them but most required that they both be Catholic, others would not think of doing a ceremony on such short notice. Eventually they had two options, simply jumping a broom down in Barataria or seeking out a German born baker in the jail who was also an ordained Protestant minister. Master Hicks did not want to take Marie to Barataria which meant she would have to stay and may never see her family and friends in the city again. So they very early in the morning made their way to the Cabildo and asked the jail’s warden if they could speak with the German Minister. He would only allow them to see him through the iron gate facing Orleans Alley. But right there and then they were married. Soon gathered many early arriving workers and some visitors who witnessed the first wedding in Pirates Alley. Documents drawn and signed by a Notary on his way to file others for record at the Cabildo and all present signed making the marriage both Civil and Religious.
Here again the story varies as exactly what happened. What happened to Master Reginald Hicks remains a mystery, some say he was killed in the Battle of New Orleans and seeks out his lovely Marie nightly in Pirates Alley today as a spirit. Others say he and Marie left for Galveston with Pirate Lafitte after Louisiana was sold to America. But if you go to Pirates Alley early in the morning on the right day of the right month you can hear laughter and celebration and wedding bells and a cold breeze passes you by. Could it be the ghost of Master Hicks seeking his bride?

Believe as you may.

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JK Schwehm at Fig Street.

Copyright 2003 [Fig Street, LLC]. All rights reserved.

Revised: March 25,2009 by the author

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New Orleans Marriage License Information:

   It is possible in New Orleans to get a marriage license and be married in the same day. Brides and Grooms are responsible for obtaining the marriage license from the State of Louisiana  before the wedding ceremony. Either person may obtain the license from the State Office of Vital Records or other Parish Clerks of Court offices. Any valid Louisiana license can allow a ceremony in any Louisiana location. A Louisiana License obtained in Lafayette, Lake Charles, or Baton Rouge, La. is good in New Orleans. The New Orleans Wedding License Office is now open on weekdays from 10:00 to 2:00 but closed Holidays.  Identification is required along with authentic copies of birth certificates and any divorce judgments. In some cities there is a three-day waiting period from the time the license is issued, it can be waived by a judge. In New Orleans the wait can be waived by the minister. Dr. Schwehm can issue waivers when needed for visitors to New Orleans. No medical tests are necessary. The license is good for 30 days. You must present the license to the person doing the ceremony in advance as it requires the officiant to complete some portions.  A ceremony must be conducted before 2 adult witnesses  who also sign the certificates. The cost of the license is  just under $30.00 paid to the State. For further information contact the State Marriage License Office address and phone below. Make New Orleans your wedding destination and get married then enjoy your New Orleans Honeymoon.


MAP OF PIRATES ALLEY

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ORLEANS PARISH MARRIAGE LICENSE OFFICE

1010 Common St
New Orleans, LA
(504) 568-3620
Hours: 8 am - 4 pm Mon.- Call to confirm office hours.

New Orleans French Quarter Weddings

Chaplain Jerry Kenneth Schwehm   served as as Justice of the Peace in 1990 to 1994 in  Slidell, Louisiana and was ordained in 1989 as a Lay Minister after serving as Elder and Deacon in his church for many years. He has a BA and JD from Louisiana State University (1974) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from a  local Bible Church in 1990. He has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and is available in the Greater New Orleans area to perform your personalized marriage ceremony. He will go to your location or at his office in Fig House. He may be contacted through his web page. 
www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/weddings.html