Melrose Mansion, located on Esplanade in a rather residential area, has a storied past. This Second Empire Victorian mansion was designed by famed New Orleans architect James A. Freret and was completed in 1885. It was rumored to have operated as a low-key bordello from the 1920s to the early 1960s. Now, the mansion lives a new life as a luxury hotel and events venue in the heart of New Orleans. Cool, right?

With bones dating back to 1833, The Tigermen Den used to be Ms. Turner’s Soul Food Restaurant, serving dock workers stationed on the Mississippi River from 1964 to 1992. Today, this Bywater community arts and events space and former corner store hosts jazz porch concerts and events of all sizes for the cool artsy set. If you know, you know.

The Seraphim House is a spot you have to experience in person to fully appreciate. Built in the 1860s by free woman of color Seraphim Maspereau, the Treme home was in disrepair and was occupied by “all manner of circus folk” until it was purchased and renovated in 2012. The owners were intentional about “preserving the uniquely decaying history and sumptuously embellishing what couldn’t be repaired.” The unique walls and ceilings tell a story, featuring exposed lathe and crumbling plaster juxtaposed with fine chandeliers, an unexpected combination of old and new, just like the city itself. 

All of these venues speak to New Orleans’ fascinating and multi-layered history and culture, and are beautiful places to say, “I do,” to boot! 

Love this list? Other unique wedding venues to check out when booking your destination New Orleans wedding include The Starlight Lounge, Paradigm Gardens, Mosquito Supper Club and Livaudais Hall.