27 Hot Rehearsal Dinner Locations
by Jessica Bayard
T
he rehearsal dinner owes its beginnings to ancient
Roman times when wedding celebrations lasted
three days-the day before the wedding, the wedding
day, and the day after the wedding. Today, it is a mostly
North American custom taking place the night before
the wedding. It is typically planned and paid for by the
groom’s parents. Since New Orleans is known universally for having some of the best cuisine, it can be a bit
daunting to decide on a venue. We have narrowed the
list down for you to some of the absolute best places to
have your rehearsal dinner. Bon appetit!
tures a beautiful private balcony overlooking the St. Louis
Cathedral, where you can feel the pulse of the French
Quarter.
Capacity: Up to 200 people
Cost: $40-$85/person
Sample Menu Items: Jumbo Seared Scallop, Tuna Tartar
ANDREA’S RESTAURANT
Andrea Apuzzo, Chef-Proprietor of Andrea’s Restaurant
in Metairie, Louisiana was born and raised on the Isle of
Capri, Italy. He brings a superb variety of Northern Italian
and American entrees with only the freshest ingredients and
the finest European inspired service.
Capacity: Up to 300 people
Cost: $38-$50.75/person
Sample Menu Items: Eggplant Crab Cake, Filet of Beef
Tenderloin with Peppercorn Sauce
BOURBON ORLEANS HOTEL
The iconic Bourbon Orleans Hotel is located in New Orleans’ exciting French Quarter. Located adjacent to two
great New Orleans landmarks, the St. Louis Cathedral and
Jackson Square, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel is in the center of it all. Rehearsal dinners may be held in their St Ann
Cottage, Orleans Ballroom or their Roux restaurant. The
wonderful thing about all of their event spaces is that they
feature natural light and private outdoor space. The St.
Ann Cottage and Courtyard is an amazingly unique venue
featuring a private entrance for guests and its own private
French Quarter courtyard, which is perfect for an authentically local experience. Their historic Orleans Ballroom fea-
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CEDAR GROVE TCHOUPITOULAS PLANTATION
Built in 1790, Cedar Grove Tchoupitoulas Plantation has
a long history of grand events. The original home is 222
years old and rates as the oldest building in Jefferson Parish. The breathtaking grounds span 7 ½ acres with 400
year old trees that line the River Road access to the plantation. The owners of Cedar Grove are all family and treat
their patrons as such. Jill and Joey Mercer, along with their
seven children, (five who actually work at the plantation)
go above and beyond for their clients and strive to achieve
perfection in every event they have.
Capacity: Up to 100 people, 50 people minimum
Cost: $55/person, $65/person with premium bar
Sample Menu Items: Fried Turkey with mashed/stuffed
potatoes, Roast Beef
CHATEAU LEMOYNE HOTEL
ENGLISH TURN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Just one block off of Bourbon Street, in the heart of the
French Quarter, lays an elegant boutique hotel, The Chateau LeMoyne. This creole gem of a hotel is steeped in local history and you will immediately feel the intimacy and
grandeur of a boutique hotel. The grounds are quaint and
charming and the property lends itself to a wonderfully romantic experience.
In a city internationally known for its authenticity, magnificent architecture and outstanding fare, English Turn
Golf and Country Club stands out as a shining example of a
luxurious environment. English Turn’s spectacular 43,000
square foot clubhouse recalls the grace and grandeur of one
of Louisiana’s legendary plantation homes. They take great
care to ensure that all food is artfully prepared and presented with modern flair and style.
Capacity: Up to 75 people
Cost: starting at $48.95/person
Sample Menu Items: Pork Pontchartrain, Fresh Gulf Fish
Pontalba
Capacity: Up to 300 people, seated
Cost: $30-$120/person
Sample Menu Items: Creamy Crab and Asparagus Bisque,
Blackened Petite Filet
FEDERAL BALLROOM
The Federal Ballroom is an historic venue built in 1923.
Celebrate your event in old world Southern charm and elegance. Located on the street car line in the Central Business
District, one block from New Orleans’ famous landmarks
and attractions: Canal Street, Immaculate Conception
Church, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, the Federal
Ballroom is a perfect place to host your rehearsal dinner.
EDGAR DEGAS HOUSE
Capacity: Up to 200 people, seated
Cost: Moderately priced, call for details
Sample Menu Items: Shrimp & Grits, Bananas Foster
Your rehearsal dinner at Degas House will be a private and
intimate affair. Their elegant Southern mansion, the only
remaining home or studio of French Impressionist Master
Edgar Degas, will provide a setting of unparalleled ambiance. You may choose to dine in the parlors in the main
house, or outside in their French Quarter style courtyard.
Soft, period music or the
music of your choice will accompany the meal in
either location.
Capacity: up to 80 people inside, 100 outside
Cost $95/person
Sample Menu Items: Pepper & Pecan Crusted Pork Loin w/
Roasted Garlic Au Jus, Chicken Alfredo Florentine Penne
THE FOUR COLUMNS
The food at the Four Columns has been a big reason for
their success. All food is prepared fresh in their kitchen,
with an assortment wide enough to satisfy even the pickiest
eater. No frozen food here! For over 36 years, the Four Columns has given tremendous service to their brides. They
are as relevant today as they were when they first started.
Experience, great food, and a convenient locale all make
the Four Columns a winner for brides on the West Bank
and beyond.
Capacity: Up to 500 people
Cost: $17.50-$25/person
Sample Menu Items: Shrimp Italienne, Chicken
Clemenceau
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Four Columns
with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction
FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON N.O. AIRPORT
The Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport is located in close proximity to many of New Orleans’ prime tourist attractions - only three miles from New Orleans Airport
and a mere 8.87 miles from the French Quarter and downtown New Orleans. Situated in suburban Metairie, the gateway to New Orleans and the world famous French Quarter,
Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport is setting the
standard by becoming one of the first smoke-free hotels in
New Orleans.
HOTEL INDIGO
Capacity: Up to 200 people
Cost: $20-$50/person
Sample Menu Items: Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Rings, Roasted Turkey Breast with Fresh Herbs
Capacity: Up to 55 people, seated
Cost: starting at $29/person
Sample Menu Items: Bacon Jalapeno Duck Skewers,
Streetcar Lump Crab Cakes
GALVEZ RESTAURANT
HOTEL MAZARIN
The outstanding panoramic views of the Mississippi River,
lower French Quarter and lovely architecture of Dutch Alley, make Galvez one of the most romantic dining rooms
in the city. Galvez also has three dining rooms from which
to choose. Obviously, being a restaurant, one would expect
the food at Galvez to be one of its strengths and it most
certainly is. Although normally a Spanish restaurant, when
it comes to weddings and rehearsal dinners, Galvez can accommodate any type of food choices.
The Hotel Mazarin and its adjacent event and catering
venue, La Louisiane, offer one of the most unique settings
for special events. Whether you are staging an intimate
dinner for twenty guests, or a ceremony and reception for
hundreds, their flexible indoor and outdoor banquet facilities insure that space and style, are never an issue. Their
banquet rooms open onto the beautiful weather protected
courtyard for meals and breaks.
Capacity: Up to 275 people
Cost: $60-$120/person
Sample Menu Items: Pan Seared Red Snapper served with
Avocado and White Beans, Grilled Pork Chop drizzled
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The Hotel Indigo New Orleans Garden District is one of
the premier upscale hotels in New Orleans. This St. Charles
Avenue hotel is on the Mardi Gras parade route. Step outside our front door to take the St. Charles Avenue streetcar
from the hotel to the French Quarter. The Hotel Indigo New
Orleans Garden District has meeting space to host meetings, banquets, receptions, and rehearsal dinners.
Capacity: Up to 132 people, seated
Cost: $85-$100/person
Sample Menu Items: Gulf Fish Amandine, Sautéed Filet of
Beef topped with Mushrooms in a Madeira Sauce
HOUSE OF BLUES
PAT O’S ON THE RIVER
House of Blues is your one stop to host unique and memorable events. They offer a richly unique entertainment
experience and their private events team is dedicated to
designing a special event that is perfect for you. With its
eclectic, ethnic décor and dark, sensuous atmosphere, the
Foundation Room, inside the House of Blues, is the perfect
backdrop for your rehearsal dinner.
The Grande Terrace opened in October 1999 on the third
floor of the Jax Brewery Millhouse. This 3,800 square foot
facility features elegant 17th century charm with textured
walls, exquisite antiques, ornate chandeliers, and a coppertopped grand piano. The brick carriageway and intricate
wrought iron gates capture the appeal of the original world
famous Pat O’Brien’s bar. A spacious terrace overlooking
the majestic Mississippi River promises a spectacular view
for any celebration.
Capacity: Up to 60 people, seated
Cost: $75- $120/person
Sample Menu Items: Voodoo Shrimp, Jumbo Gulf Shrimp
sautéed in a Beer Reduction served over Homemade Cornbread
JACKSON BREWERY BISTRO BAR
Jackson Brewery Bistro Bar is in the oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, known as the Vieux
Carre or French Quarter. Bordered by the majestic Mississippi River and historic Decatur Street, the interior reflects
the beautiful New Orleans architecture complete with ironwork balconies (mezzanines) and Victorian industrial style
furnishings. They have hosted many types of rehearsal dinners, ranging from casual crawfish boils to more casual elegant sit down dinners.
Capacity: Varies within venue
Cost: $1500 flat rental, entrée packages starting at $50/person, beverage $18/person
Sample Menu Items: Catfish Acadian, Smothered Pork
Chop
Capacity: 40-110 people
Cost: $82.00/person
Sample Menu Items: Lemon Vodka Shrimp Pasta, Filet
Mignon and Stuffed Shrimp
PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Conveniently located right outside of New Orleans in Kenner, the Presidential Palace has a majestic ambiance with a
lavish décor meant to pamper. The Presidential Palace offers two-hour rehearsal dinners with over 40 appetizers to
choose from, as well as many delectable entrees that will
surely tingle your guests’ taste buds. Each item is freshly
prepared by LA. certified chefs in their in-house kitchen.
Capacity: 50 people or more
Cost: Varies, call for more details
Sample Menu Items: Lobster bacon and mushroom
flatbread, “Old Country” Baked Ziti a La Sicilia
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Cost: $100-$129/person
Sample Menu Items: Customizable with a variety of
traditional, local and ethnic options available
Presidential Palace
REPUBLIC NEW ORLEANS
With its eclectic vintage-meets-contemporary décor and
state of the art lighting and sound production, Republic
New Orleans embraces their status as a non-traditional
venue, offering clients the ability to customize their event.
Republic New Orleans can accommodate everything from
a traditional seated rehearsal dinner to the ever-popular
“Welcome Party” cocktail reception with a full band.
Capacity: Up to 200 people, seated
Cost: Starting at $7000
Sample Menu Items: Mango Roasted Pork Loin with Gouda Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Duck Quesadillas
THE RIVERVIEW ROOM
The Riverview Room provides the perfect romantic French
Quarter setting for your rehearsal dinner. Floor to ceiling
windows and five terraces provide breathtaking views of
the Mississippi River and the Vieux Carre. Inside, the soft
colored carpet and mahogany-paneled walls provide an appropriately elegant setting for a very special occasion. The
ambiance of the Riverview Room is hard to match anywhere else in the city of New Orleans.
Capacity: Up to 250 people, 70 people minimum
Cost: $75-$89/person, including bar
Sample Menu Items: Fried Green Tomatoes Topped with
Plump Boiled Shrimp & White Remolaude Sauce, Grilled
Petite Filet topped with Wild Mushroom Demi-Glace
THE RITZ-CARLTON, NEW ORLEANS
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans has elegant venues featuring enchanting spaces designed for unforgettable events.
Their innovative and dynamic special events department
will custom-design each experience, insuring that their
signature attention to detail and refined hospitality provide
you with a memorable event. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans’ award-winning cuisine, by Executive Chef, Vinny
Russo, will delight your attendees.
Whether you are planning a grand event for hundreds, or a
small, intimate celebration, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
has the perfect venue for your wedding celebrations. The
Grand Ballroom, the Lafayette Ballroom, and the Mercier
Terrace each offer uniquely distinctive features and are all
magically elegant settings.
Capacity: Up to 475 People, seated
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ROCK N BOWL
Rock N Bowl has been a New Orleans staple since 1993.
With a brand new location, Rock N Bowl is one of premier
spots for great music, food and of course, bowling. They
are also becoming one of the most popular venues for those
seeking a more unique wedding reception venue or rehearsal dinner venue. Their Executive Chef, Brad McGehee, can
customize a menu to your liking. They use only the freshest
ingredients from local purveyors and their own farm next
door. With it’s fun, laid back atmosphere, Rock n Bowl can
provide a great place to get together, enjoy some New Or-
leans cuisine and listen to some of the best local bands.
Capacity: Up to 50 people, seated
Cost: $20-$60/person
Sample Menu Items: Braised Beef Short Ribs, Bronzed
Redfish with Steamed Vegetables
vibrant hotel, while keeping the old bank vault intact. They
have 2,160 square feet of newly designed event space that
will be perfect for any type of event.
Capacity: Up to 120 people, seated with dance floor; 160,
seated w/o dance floor
Cost: $40-$60/person, starting at $28/person bar
Sample Menu Items: Crawfish Beignets, Seafood Paella
with Wild Rice Pilaf
ROYAL PALM
The Royal Palm is the epitome of romance and luxury, with
ivory, antique gold and deep brick tones, Italian marble
and hardwood floors throughout the venue. The Venetian
statues, large gold columns and crystal chandeliers provide
a truly old-world feel. All of their indoor banquet rooms
have outstanding views of the lush gardens and soaring
fountains, which surround the venue. Royal Palm’s soaring
public spaces and stunning private ballrooms are a magical
blend of the very best and the most luxurious appointments
– from the exquisite crystal chandeliers and luxurious linens to the fine china and rich carpets.
Savor the beauty and romance of the New Orleans skyline
aboard the last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River, the Steamboat Natchez. The Magnolia Suite is a private
room located on the first deck. It is available for rental during any of the Natchez’s regular public sailings and is just
the right size for your rehearsal dinner. It is appointed with
“steamboat gothic” chandeliers, Victorian interior décor,
large windows and a built-in bar.
Capacity: Up to 300 people, minimum of 30
Cost: $36-$48/person
Sample Menu Items: Roast Pork Tenderloin with House
Made Pepper Jelly, Fresh Gulf Fish Meuniere
Capacity: Up to 54 people, seated
Cost: Evening rental fee $750, starting at $65/person
Sample Menu Items: Coq au Vin, Truffled Fontina Puree,
Chicken Katsu
ROYAL ST CHARLES
TARAVELLA MANOR
The building, which now houses the Royal St. Charles Hotel, was once known as the Southern Federal Savings Bank.
The conversion of the property from commercial office
space to a modern boutique hotel took place in 2000. Today the building is completely transformed and thrives as a
Taravella Manor is a family owned venue that was built in
2004. It was passed down to Kyle P. Winkler II and is currently operated by Kyle and his two brothers. Their family
has been in the reception business since 1999. Kyle studied
hospitality at the University of New Orleans and has been
THE STEAMBOAT NATCHEZ
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professionally coordinating weddings and social events for
over 12 years. The décor of the venue reflects the ambiance
of a traditional southern manor but with contemporary innovations.
Capacity: 30-150 people, seated
Cost: starting at $24/person
Sample Menu Items: Broiled chicken breast w/ sautéed
mushrooms, Trout Pontchartrain topped with crawfish
sauce
TOMAS BISTRO
Carved out of an old factory in the Warehouse District and
made to house a French Creole style bistro, Tomas Bistro
is an outstanding venue to host your next occasion. The interior is unusual in its simplicity, heavy use of mahogany
wood, French décor and music create a feeling and look of
Paris. A romantic and cozy warm feeling attracts locals for
a small bite, or a full dinner. The menu is made to please
many palates and the French Creole style of old-world food
brings the love of cooking to your table.
W HOTEL NEW ORLEANS- FRENCH QUARTER
From the perfect proposal to the dreamiest honeymoon, W
Hotels always provides a brilliant backdrop for a wedding
or commitment ceremony that reflects who you are as a
couple. Sensationally styled spaces are just the beginning.
Over 735 square feet of meeting space overlooking their
beautiful French courtyard provokes the mind. W Hotel
French Quarter also houses the restaurant SoBou. This
modern Creole saloon is a Louisiana-centric and street food
inspired restaurant with a beverage focus.
Capacity: Up to 26 in SoBou Pool Room, up to 30 in the
Studio and up to 66 in the SoBou Main Dining Room
Cost: Price will vary depending on the number of attendees
and the menu
Sample Menu Items: Butternut Squash Beignets, Shrimp &
Tasso Pinchos
Capacity: up to 200 people, seated
Cost: $45-$100/person
Sample Menu Items: Lamb Osso Bucco, Crawfish Goat
Cheese Crepes
TRINTY BANQUETS & RECEPTIONS
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Upon entering Trinity Banquets and Receptions, you and
your guests will experience the beauty of their fully decorated reception hall, while receiving courteous service from
their professional staff. The décor reflects the beautiful
ambiance of the day, including white linens, chair covers
and crystal candle centerpieces, while sparkling with the
contemporary innovations of what Trinity Banquets and
Receptions has come to embody.
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Capacity: 30-60 people, seated in chapel room; 75-400,
seated in main ballroom
Cost: Starting at $24/person
Sample Menu Items: Seared Duck Breasts with Bing cherry
reduction, Trout Pontchartrain topped with crawfish sauc
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