Race + Religious Wedding Photographer

Courtyard ceremony setup beside the pool at Race + Religious in New Orleans

Race + Religious is one of those places that could only exist in New Orleans. The rooms are layered with art, antiques and decades of character. Outside, the courtyards, balconies and pool give the entire wedding room to move without losing its intimacy.

We’ve photographed everything here from quiet mornings and courtyard ceremonies to second lines and crowded dance floors. It’s a venue built for weddings that feel personal, a little unconventional and completely alive.

 Weddings at Race + Religious

Ceremony seating and floral details in the Race + Religious courtyard
night.jpg Candlelit interior room at Race + Religious during a New Orleans wedding
Historic brick exterior and balcony at Race + Religious
Antique bar and shelves inside Race + Religious
setup.jpg Long dinner tables arranged in the courtyard at Race + Religious

What to Know About Having Your Wedding at Race + Religious

Race + Religious is less like a traditional venue and more like taking over an old New Orleans home. Guests move between rooms, courtyards and balconies throughout the night, giving the wedding a relaxed, lived-in feeling.

A little planning goes a long way, especially when it comes to the timeline, weather and keeping everyone together for the important moments.

Keep the Day Connected

Getting ready onsite cuts down on transportation and gives you access to some of the property’s most interesting rooms before guests arrive.

There’s also plenty of variety for portraits without leaving the venue. The courtyards, balconies, interiors, pool and nearby streets give us more than enough to work with without pulling you away from the wedding for an hour.

religious.jpg Bride getting ready inside one of the rooms at Race + Religious
Groom and groomsmen gathered together before the wedding
Bride and Groom having a moment alone at Race + Religious
Bride sharing a hug with a family member while getting ready
Bride standing in her wedding dress beside a sunlit window
Wedding couple together beside the pool at Race + Religious
Wedding couple holding drinks beside the pool and illuminated NOLA sign

Ceremony timing matters

The courtyards change throughout the day. Earlier ceremonies are brighter, while ceremonies closer to sunset usually have softer light and a more atmospheric feel.

Sunset time, weather and your reception schedule should all be considered before locking in the ceremony time. New Orleans weather does whatever it wants, so having a clear rain plan matters too.

ceremony.jpg Couple exchanging vows during a courtyard ceremony at Race + Religious
Couple surrounded by guests during their Race + Religious wedding ceremony
Newlyweds walking back up the aisle as their guests celebrate

A Second Line Fits Naturally Here

Race + Religious is well positioned for a second line through the surrounding neighborhood. It creates a natural transition between the ceremony and reception while giving everyone a chance to experience the city together.

Build some breathing room into the schedule. Moving an entire wedding onto the street rarely happens at the exact minute written on the timeline.

Newlyweds walking with drinks during their New Orleans second line
Wedding couple dancing in the street with their second-line band
Newlyweds celebrating with Mardi Gras Indians and musicians at Race + Religious
Brass band leading wedding guests during a Race + Religious second line
Wedding guests dancing through the street during a New Orleans second line

Let the Night Take Over

Because guests naturally spread throughout the property, entrances, speeches and first dances should be announced clearly.

After that, loosen the schedule and let the night happen. Race + Religious is at its best when people can move between the dance floor, courtyards and quieter corners without feeling managed.

Guests seated for an evening reception in the Race + Religious courtyard
Newlyweds dancing beneath string lights during their wedding reception
Friends celebrating together on a packed wedding dance floor
Groom giving a speech during a Race + Religious wedding reception
Wedding guests dancing inside Race + Religious
Wedding guests dancing beside the pool at Race + Religious

Planning a Race + Religious Wedding?

If Race + Religious is on your list, we’d love to hear what you’re planning. Tell us your date and what you want the day to feel like, and we’ll help you figure out the right amount of coverage.