A newlywed couple laughing as they walk across a street in front of a cable car
A newlywed with their arm wrapped around their partner's as they smile at each other

New Orleans elopement photographer for the lovers keeping it small, sweet, & theirs

Newlyweds smiling at each other as they stand next to a tree

Big family reunion?
Hard pass.

You want a small and sweet day that’s exactly how you dreamed it, not one that feels like a family reunion.

Maybe you want me there for the full day or just an hour or two. Whatever it is, I’m flexible. I’ll bring support, tips, local New Orleans insider knowledge, and light direction you need so the whole experience feels easy and comfortable.

Even if you don’t have a planner, I’ll be your designated keep-things-moving person. You get to focus on celebrating your love and having fun. I gotchu on the rest.

If your plans need a little extra hands-on help, we can talk about that, too.

A newlywed couple sitting on a staircase as one leans back into the other

New Orleans Elopement Photography

As much (or as little) coverage as you want

With Nola Darlings Photography, your coverage can fit the elopement you’re actually planning.

What’s included:

  • High-resolution, hand-edited digital images

  • No limit on the number of images you’ll receive

  • Sneak peeks

  • Planning support + tips

  • Help keeping things moving if there’s no planner

  • Print release

  • Flexible coverage

Pricing: $625/hour
Additional coverage available in 30-minute increments after the first hour

A 20% retainer is required to hold your date, but payment plan options are always available.

Let’s do it!

Cool, so how do we make this happen?

You don’t need to have your whole New Orleans elopement mapped out before you reach out (though it’s cool if you do)! Tell me what you know so far, and I’ll help with the photo side of things.

01

Tell me what you’re planning:

Fill out my inquiry form with your date and whatever you know so far. Don’t worry if you’re coming to New Orleans from afar; I work with couples planning from all over.

02

Let’s chat
about it:

We’ll set up a call to get to know each other, talk through what you’re planning, and make sure we’re a good match.

03

Lock it in:

You’ll get access to your client portal, where you can take care of your contract, deposit, and questionnaire. From there, I’m by your side with check-ins, collaborative planning, and help whenever you need it.

And just like that, we’re doing this damn thing.

Let’s talk elopements

Rad Reviews from Real Couples

⟡

Rad Reviews from Real Couples ⟡

We had an elopement with no guests and the only proof of our nuptials was the photos afterwards - these pictures were so very important to us (did I mention my now husband was a photographer??!!?!)! I’m perhaps one of the least photogenic folks you’ll meet and Ash’s magical combination of expertise, skill & kindness captured our day perfectly!”

—Ruth J.

“Ash is AMAZING! Seriously, absolutely spectacular from start to finish. Easy to work with, knowledgable, thoughtful and responsive.

100+ couples later, small & sweet still hits different.

After 15+ years of photographing couples, I’ve seen just how much fun getting hitched can be when you make the day exactly what you want it to be. A couple of hours, a full day, just you two… it’s alllll fair game.

Newlyweds sitting at a small table together laughing

Megan & Geoff

Napoleon House

Newlyweds during their first kiss in front of a large tree

Izzy & Caitlin

Tree of life

Newlyweds kissing with pink smoke behind them

K & Randy

Queer Armstrong Park

Newlyweds holding hands and laughing as they walk across a street

Abby & Kelsey

French Quarter

Newlyweds leaning in to kiss with tree branches flowing in front of them
Newlyweds with their arms around each other as they lean into each other
A couple sitting on a bench together as one leans back into the other
Newlyweds leaning in to kiss while one holds the other's chin

At Nola Darlings, you can show up exactly as you are.

This is a proudly queer-affirming, inclusive space. Your identity won’t be something you need to explain, your body isn’t something that needs to change, and your love isn’t something that needs to fit into a box.

Newlyweds smiling with their arms around each other as they lean in to kiss
Ash smiling and looking off to the side while holding a camera

Good news: I know NOLA pretty well.

I’ve gotten damn good at knowing what works, like finding the right light and keeping colors rich and true. Plus, I give you just enough direction to forget you were ever worried about what to do in front of the camera. Wherever your elopement adventure takes us, I gotchu!

If you’re coming to New Orleans from somewhere else, I gotchu there, too. I know the French Quarter and the city’s most-loved photo spots inside and out, so you don’t have to spend hours trying to figure out where the hell to go.

You don’t need to know which location will photograph best, where to stand, or how to pose. That’s my job. Yours is to get to New Orleans and get married!

Newlyweds laughing with their arms around each other while standing in front of a pond
Newlyweds standing side by side smiling with their friends behind them

Love the work, but worried about the numbers?

I get it. Your wedding has a budget, and photography is a big part of it.

My rates reflect my years of experience and the care that goes into your photos before, during, and long after I put the camera down. But I also don’t want you to assume that being a little outside your budget means the conversation is over.

If you’ve made it so far thinking, yep, this is my photographer (hiiii!), but the numbers aren’t quite lining up, reach out anyway. Tell me what you’re working with and what matters most to you, and we can see what makes sense.

I’d rather have the conversation than have you count yourself out.

Let’s plan something fun

Your NOLA elopement questions, answered

  • I charge based on the hours of coverage you’d like. My hourly rate is $625, and after the first hour you can add time by half-hour increments. We can build the coverage around what you actually have planned. 

  • Heck yeah, we can! We can go wherever love takes you. Just please note that travel time is part of the billed time. 

  • Nope! I’m here for whatever your kind of elopement looks like. Keeping it short and sweet with a quick ceremony and photos around New Orleans? I’m so in. Planning a small-but-mighty celebration that takes us through the whole day? I’m there for that, too. Tell me what you have in mind, and we’ll figure out how much coverage makes sense for the day you want.

  • You’ll receive your images in a personalized online gallery. It’s super easy to share your gallery with guests, download images, and even order prints if that’s your thing. 

  • Up to 6 weeks, depending on my editing queue, but usually much less. 

  • Absolutely! If I’m available, I’ll make it happen.

  • By default, I send clients invoices payable by debit or credit card. I can also accept PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, cash, or Zelle on request. 

    Any cash payments are eligible for a 5% discount.

  • I'm a plane ticket and a hotel away from documenting your love story anywhere!


    Where are the best places to elope in New Orleans?

    🌿 Romantic Outdoor & Garden Locations

    • City Park

      • Best For: Nature lovers and fairy-tale vibes.

      • Highlights: Ancient oak trees, bridges, and the iconic Langles Bridge.

      • Bonus: You can elope under the centuries-old McDonogh Oak, Anseman Oak, or near the sculpture garden.

    • Audubon Park

      • Best For: More wide open spaces.

      • Highlights: Gorgeous live oaks draped in Spanish moss.

    • New Orleans Botanical Garden

      • Best For: Colorful and floral settings.

      • Highlights: Gorgeous seasonal blooms, fountains, and an art deco glasshouse, with a more intimate feel than City Park.

    • Armstrong Park
      Best For      : A quiet, intimate ceremony.
      Highlights: One of the most underrated locations on the edge of the French Quarter, with oaks, seasonal blooms, bridges, and a peaceful charm.

    🏛️ Historic & Iconic Spots

    • Jackson Square

      • Best For: Those who want a French Quarter backdrop.

      • Highlights: St. Louis Cathedral, street musicians, and ironwork balconies.

      • Note: It’s public and often busy—consider a weekday sunrise elopement.

    • Pirate’s Alley

      • Best For: A secret, moody vibe.

      • Highlights: Hidden between the Cathedral and the Cabildo, this alley exudes old-world romance.

      • Note: Expect groups to pass through on ghost tours around sunset.

    • Hotel Rooftops (e.g., The Roosevelt, Pontchartrain Hotel, or The Eliza Jane)

      • Best For: Private ceremonies with skyline or river views.

      • Bonus: You can often have a mini reception there too.

    • A French Quarter Courtyard (e.g., B.K. House, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Maison Dupuy Hotel, The Court of Two Sisters, Hotel Mazarin)
      Best For:       A French Quarter elopement without the streets' hustle and bustle.
      Bonus: Some offer receptions too!

    🎺 Quirky & Culturally Unique Venues

    • The Tree of Life in Audubon Park

      • Best For: A one-of-a-kind, nature-rooted ceremony.

      • Highlights: Massive oak tree with a storybook feel.

    • A Steamboat Cruise on the Mississippi (like the Steamboat Natchez)

      • Best For: Vintage river vibes.

      • Highlights: Say your vows on the deck as the sun sets over the river.

    • Frenchmen Street (or an intimate jazz club)

      • Best For: Music lovers and night owls.

      • Bonus: Incorporate a live brass band second line after your vows.

    🖤 Moody & Gothic Options

    • Cemeteries

      • Best For: Gothic or mysterious elopements.

      • Note: You can’t get married inside, but nearby streets offer a hauntingly romantic backdrop.

    • Hotel Peter and Paul

      • Best For: Artful couples.

      • Highlights: An old church turned into a hotel, with jaw-dropping interiors perfect for photos.

    • The Pharmacy Museum

      • Best for: Unique couples.

      • Highlights: A dreamy courtyard and a creepy cool collection of items.

  • Absolutely. Just let me know if you prefer Polaroids or 35mm, and we can add it on. Or it's included if you book at least 5 hours with me.

So, are we doing this or what?

If a fun, laid-back New Orleans elopement sounds like your kind of day, I’m so ready to hear what you’re planning.

Tell me everything