6 Stylish Wedding Locales for Celebrating Your Acadiana Nuptials
Weddings are held year-round these days, and while couples can certainly get engaged any time, Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day ‘tis the season for saying “I do” to – well, saying “I do.” Once the question has been popped and answered, don’t waste a second before booking your dream venue. Experts agree this should be the first item on your wedding planning to-do list because popular venues often book a year or more in advance. If you don’t yet have a location in mind for your Acadiana wedding, we’ve rounded up a list of venues across the region with beauty, visual variety, loads of amenities and – of course – romance.
Grand Opera House of the South
Historic Grandeur | Grand Opera House of the South
Crowley
The circa-1901 Grand Opera House of the South is a no-brainer for the history- or theater-loving couple. Located in charming and historic downtown Crowley, couples can choose from three separate areas at the Grand Opera House or secure them all. Book the Grand Theater and exchange vows right on the performance stage for a truly dramatic entrance into marriage. For smaller, more intimate weddings, the third-floor Grand Ballroom can accommodate 75 guests and is also perfect for a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. The ballroom is defined by exposed brick walls, wood floors and ceilings, plus a wealth of windows offering a bird’s-eye view and a flood of natural light. For larger weddings, the first floor’s Grand Hall — awash in a mix of white walls and columns, tongue-and-groove wood and exposed brick — can accommodate up to 500 guests. Le Grand Hall’s amenities include a full kitchen, two seating areas, a bride’s room, entertainment space and a full bar. thegrandoperahouse.org
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Outdoor Wow-Factor | Rip Van Winkle Gardens
New Iberia
If you’ve always dreamed of an outdoor wedding amid moss-draped, 350-year-old oak trees in a lush, approximately 15-acre, semi-tropical garden, add Rip Van Winkle Gardens to your wish list. Originally the site of a hunting lodge built by actor Joseph Jefferson in 1870, couples can book the Bayless Center or the Orangerie Facility at Rip Van Winkle Gardens for a one-stop shop indoor, outdoor or combination event, complete with bar services (packages include a wine and beer bar or an open bar option). On-site tables, chairs, linens, parquet floors, chandeliers, lighting and other décor are also available for rent. Three pet-friendly, traditionally furnished cottages on the grounds can provide overnight accommodations and a continental breakfast, creating an even more seamless experience for the couple and a few of their family members, bridal party or guests. ripvanwinklegardens.com
Expert Advice
If you’ve never rented a venue or worked with onsite staff, we consulted with Lafayette-based wedding and event coordinator Kerri Clark at Threaux Events on things to know when booking and planning your wedding.
What do you recommend couples look for when deciding on a venue?
Kerri Clark: One of the main things that couples don’t necessarily think about is how a venue will photograph. Honestly, why would they? That’s not something I learned until I started planning weddings. Things like dark walls and ceilings, lots of random colors, anything with a red or orange tone and LED lights will make things more difficult for your photographer. Another huge thing to think about is their rain plan. Often couples will choose a space that has beautiful landscaping and plenty of space for a tent, or a venue that allows for an indoor/ outdoor reception, without thinking of what may happen if the weather is less than desirable. Couples need to be sure that if they do have to move things indoors, they still love that plan as well.
What’s the biggest mistake many couples make when choosing a venue?
I think the biggest mistake is probably not being clear on all the fees associated. As I mentioned before, sometimes venues will offer items like tables and chairs, but it costs extra to rent them. If your estimated guest count is 150, but 175 people show up, will that cost you per head and when will that be due? One of my least favorite things to do is to tell someone they need to get their checkbook out at 11 p.m. to pay for something they didn’t expect.
L’Eglise
Non-Denominational Church Vibes | L’Eglise
Abbeville
Couples who love the look and feel of a sweet little rural chapel will want to “swipe right” on the restored European-style church L’Eglise in Abbeville. Surrounded by verdant grounds, L’Eglise can accommodate up to 400. The exterior is painted white, with the bell tower adding architectural interest to the otherwise simple architecture of the structure. The 6,000-square-foot courtyard brings the words enchanted garden to mind and can be transformed to fit a variety of decorative styles and themes. L’Eglise’s house wedding planners and event coordinators can provide complete or day-of services and couples can choose from a variety of decorations, food and beverage and entertainment options for a complete package. bookthechapels.com/about-leglise
Big Bash Ballin’ | L’Auberge Casino Resort
Lake Charles
If your motto as a couple is go big or go home and the high roller lifestyle is the only one for you, consider L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles. Host a destination wedding weekend without leaving the region and let the L’Auberge staff do all the work. Meeting and event rooms abound with 13 contemporarily designed spaces accommodating from 53 to more than 1,400 guests. With eight restaurants and bars, concerts, shopping, resort pool and lazy river, arcade, golf club, spa and barber shop, and the casino — of course — you and your guests won’t have (or even want) to leave the property. Book the apartment-sized ground-floor suites near the pool which include a private patio, spacious bathroom with ceiling mount faucet and butler service upon request. llakecharles.com
Expert Advice
What questions should couples ask when touring venues and meeting with venue managers?
Clark: Piggybacking on my previous answer, when discussing a plan B with a venue, the couple should confirm whether or not there will be additional costs involving moving things due to weather. Another big question is how long they allow for set up and break down. You don’t want to assume you can come back the next day to clean up, and then find out after a day full of celebrating that you have to clean up immediately after the reception. It’s always a good idea to ask if the venue provides items like tables, chairs, linens [and so forth], and if they are included in the fee or if there is a separate rental fee. As a couple, before entering into a contract with a venue, you should just be very clear on what you want for your day, make a list and be sure the venue can provide or will allow for those things.
Warehouse 535
Rustic Cool | Warehouse 535
Lafayette
This World War II-era warehouse is a veritable party palace. With six distinct party spaces to choose from in over 25,000 square feet, you and your guests can party indoors or out in the gazebo, yard or on the front porch, and in large, open or smaller, more intimate rooms with hardwood floors and exposed brick. Ambient lighting runs throughout the venue, which has an event coordinator, catering and three full-service bars. The space is prime for live music due to its state-of-the-art sound system, so couples who were born to boogie will not want to sleep on this one. warehouse535.com
Expert Advice
What are some of your favorite, more recent venue trends that couples might want to consider?
Clark: Something I’ve noticed lately is venues including functional prep spaces and overnight accommodations. It makes the day run so much more smoothly if you’re not jumping from place to place. If the bridal party can be in one spot, getting their hair and makeup done, already where they’re going to take photos, all their belongings can stay where they are, that makes my job exponentially easier.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Elegant Sophistication | UL Alumni House
Lafayette
From its ornate wrought iron gates to the classic gardens and interior, the UL Alumni House in Lafayette is a top pick for traditional couples. Book the entire circa-1937, French provincial style Maurice Heymann House — designed by A. Hays Town — with boardroom addition and garden (for three days and more than 100 guests); the house and gardens (for eight hours and a maximum of 100 guests); or simply choose from the gazebo (for up to 30 guests) or the fountain and rose gardens space (a maximum of 100 guests). The formal, light-flooded living room space with a grand piano and expansive window is one of countless areas with picture-perfect appeal. alumni.louisiana.edu/weddings
