Proposals and weddings at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans can host proposals and weddings across formal ballrooms, a hidden garden courtyard, rooftop terraces, and intimate private rooms. On-site event staff, in‑house catering and pastry services, and a range of rooms and suites (including Club Room and Residence Suite) support ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and small elopements.
In this guide
At-a-glance for proposals and weddings
The hotel offers multiple ceremony and reception venues: Grand Ballroom, Lafayette Ballroom, The Courtyard, Crescent View and several smaller salons and private dining rooms. Total event space exceeds 48,000 sq. ft., spread across 34 event rooms.
The property lists specific wedding capacities and venue sizes (sample figures below) and provides an in-house catering team and pastry chef for wedding menus and cakes. The hotel also offers elopement packages for very small celebrations.
- Grand Ballroom: largest indoor ballroom (7,448 sq. ft.), banquet capacities cited up to about 550 and theatre up to 780
- Lafayette Ballroom: ~3,520 sq. ft.; smaller than the Grand Ballroom
- The Courtyard: open-air garden venue with a gazebo (listed reception capacities ~270)
| Venue | Notable capacities or size |
|---|---|
| Grand Ballroom | 7,448 sq. ft.; banquet capacity cited ~550; theatre up to 780 |
| Lafayette Ballroom | 3,520 sq. ft.; banquet capacity listed around 290–370 |
| The Courtyard | ~4,836 sq. ft.; outdoor reception capacity listed ~270 |
Best proposal spots on property
If you want an outdoor or semi-outdoor setting, The Courtyard provides a garden setting with wrought‑iron details and a gazebo that can serve as a ceremony focal point. It’s often used for outdoor ceremonies and can feel private within the hotel footprint.
For skyline views and an evening proposal, the rooftop terraces and rooftop event terrace are options the hotel uses for events; they show city views at dusk and can be set for small receptions or intimate proposals. For quieter indoor proposals, consider the Library Lounge or one of the private dining rooms.
- The Courtyard: garden and gazebo for ceremony focal point
- Rooftop terrace: city-skyline views at dusk; used for smaller events
- Library Lounge or private dining room: low-key, intimate indoor setting
| Spot | When to use |
|---|---|
| The Courtyard | Daytime or late-afternoon garden proposal |
| Rooftop terrace | Sunset or evening proposal with skyline |
| Library Lounge / Private dining | Small, private indoor moment |
Ceremony and reception details to plan for
The hotel publishes venue sizes and capacities; the Grand Ballroom is the largest single indoor event space and the Courtyard is the principal outdoor option. For exact seating layouts and up-to-date maximums (banquet, theatre, classroom), contact the events team to confirm current limits and fire-code requirements.
In-house catering can provide hors d’oeuvres, plated dinners, stations, and specialty dessert options; the pastry chef can prepare wedding cakes. Tables, linens, and standard banquet AV are available through the hotel’s event department, and additional vendor coordination (florists, photographers, DJs) is supported by the events team.
- Ask the event coordinator about ceremony/reception timelines and venue hold times
- Request a sample catering menu and dessert/cake options from the pastry chef
- Confirm whether preferred external vendors require certificates of insurance or hotel-approved vendor status
| Common wedding needs | How the hotel supports them |
|---|---|
| Catering & menus | In-house catering team; pastry chef for cakes |
| Room setups & AV | Hotel provides banquet setup and AV support via events |
| Vendor coordination | Event coordinator manages vendor logistics |
Rooms and suites for the wedding party
The hotel has a range of room types useful for wedding parties, from standard Deluxe Room types to suites and the Residence Suite. The Residence Suite is a two‑bedroom penthouse with a terrace and is described in hotel materials as usable for rehearsal dinners or smaller private gatherings with up to about 100 guests (requires a multi-night minimum for events).
For getting-ready photos and staging, consider booking suites that specifically list living areas and terraces (examples in the room list include Suite, 1 Bedroom; Executive Suite, with Sofa bed; Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony; and the Residence Suite). If you need Club-level access or Club Suite amenities, request Club Room or Club Suite inventory when you book.
- Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed or Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds — standard guestrooms for guests
- Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony — useful for getting ready with balcony access
- Residence Suite — large penthouse-style suite usable as a private event space (two-night minimum may apply)
| Room type (examples) | Best use for wedding stays |
|---|---|
| Club Room, 1 King Bed / Club Room, 2 Queen Beds | Club-level perks and lounge access for wedding-party coordinators |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom / Executive Suite, with Sofa bed | Getting-ready space and photo staging |
| Residence Suite | Rehearsal dinner or private gathering space (venue rules/length-of-stay apply) |
Spa, grooming and pre-wedding services
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New Orleans (also called the French Quarter Spa) is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and includes 20 treatment rooms, a Couples Suite and signature treatments such as the Voodoo Ritual. The spa also lists amenities including saunas, a cold plunge and a relaxation lounge.
In-room spa treatments are available with 24 hours’ notice according to hotel materials; plan hair, makeup, massages and couple treatments in advance with the spa team. Locker rooms and pre-treatment refreshments are part of the spa experience, which can be useful for wedding parties preparing on-site.
- Book spa appointments early—especially couple’s treatments and large-party hair/makeup blocks
- In-room spa services: request at least 24 hours’ notice
- Spa hours: daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Couples Suite treatments | Available; reserve through spa team |
| In-room treatments | Require 24 hours' notice |
| Spa hours | Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
Logistics, accessibility and nearby attractions
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans sits at 921 Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter, about a block from Bourbon Street and within walking distance of Jackson Square and Saenger Theatre. This central location makes it easy for guests to move between ceremony/reception spaces and city attractions.
Practical notes: check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM. The hotel provides on-site valet parking (with published fees and vehicle restrictions). For transport from the airport, the hotel does not run an airport shuttle; the property lists a livery limousine option and guests commonly use rideshare, taxis, or the shared airport shuttle service.
- Address: 921 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check-out: 12:00 PM
- No hotel airport shuttle; limousine service available (reservation required); alternative: taxi, rideshare, or shared airport shuttle
| Guest need | What to arrange with hotel |
|---|---|
| Parking for guests | On-site valet parking available (fees and height restrictions apply) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible pool and accessible paths of travel; confirm room accessibility as needed |
| Airport transfers | Hotel does not provide shuttle; limousine service or local transport alternatives available |
