There will only be exceptions for the bride and the wedding party procession, after ceremony photos. When family are requested for photos by wedding couple face mask may be removed then replaced after photos.

Please keep toddlers seated with parents and family members at all times. Children are not permitted to run or be unattended in the chapel. We know small children don’t typically don’t  realize the importance of the day and tire easily. We appreciate your cooperation during the Pandemic. Our goal is to make your wedding day unforgettable and keep you and your family as safe as possible.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

Sincerely,
Lou Ann
Owner

Ask about LIVE Streaming when booking your wedding. Call today!

Rev. Tony Talavera
(504) 598-6808

For his many years of dedication and service to the Louisiana Wedding Association and for all his work promoting Louisiana in hopes of helping our state attract more couples to choose Louisiana as their wedding destination. This passion has led Reverend Talavera to be nicknamed “The Ambassador of Romance”,

Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor for the State of Louisiana

If you grew up in Northern territory as I did, you may not be familiar with the absolutely wonderful tradition that is the New Orleans Second-Line Parade. People in New Orleans love their parades. They parade for weddings. They parade for funerals. They have massive parades for nearly two months leading up to Mardi Gras (Click here to learn about Carnival). For all of you Yankees out there, here’s a brief history/explanation of the Second-Line parade:

A Very Brief Explanation of The Second Line

The Second-Line parade has a deep history within the city of New Orleans. The Second-Line parade may be performed for a number of celebrations; when performed for weddings, we Second-Line in celebration of the new life the couple is about to embark on. The parade itself is composed of two parts: the “First-Line” and the “Second-Line”. The “First-Line” consists of the traditional New Orleans Brass Band as well as the Bride and Groom. The “Second-Line” consists of family, friends, wedding guests, and any passerby who would like to join in to follow behind the couple. Parade participants walk, dance, wave a handkerchief, or twirl decorative parasols in rhythm to the sound of the brass band as they make their way down the parade route. This, in a small nutshell, is “Second-Lining”.

Click here for a variety of videos showing Wedding Second-Lines in New Orleans

Doesn’t this sound fantastic? We don’t do anything like this in the cornfields of Ohio where I’m from. If this seems like something that you may be interested in, I encourage you to contact the French Quarter Wedding Chapel to arrange your parade for you. There are many steps to take when organizing a Second-Line which can be overwhelming, especially if you are coming from out of town. Permits must be obtained, police escorts need to be arranged, routes laid out, etc. Let the chapel act as your personal concierge to handle every detail. They will take care of everything, from organizing your parade route, obtaining your permits, hiring a brass band, and even provide the many parade essentials such as handkerchiefs, parasols, cups, and beads. You may find the details of the FQWC Second-Line package here.

In addition to handling all of the above-mentioned, the FQWC offers a unique service for Second-Lines: The Traveling Bartender. What does this mean? Essentially, someone from the FQWC travels beside your parade entourage with a rolling train of tubs carrying ice and any alcohol you desire. When your drink is empty, they replace it. Simple as that. They keep the party going and the drinks flowing. For those who may not be familiar with New Orleans, it IS legal to walk through the French Quarter with open containers of alcohol.

Keep in mind that any significant event can inspire a Second-Line Parade. I myself plan on Second-Lining a few years from now when my group of lifelong girlfriends and I turn 40 (gasp!). I mean why not? I’m kind of surprised we made it this far- and that is definitely something to celebrate!

Also, I’m probably going to lie about the age thing when people ask.

Until Next Time,

Brooke Michelle | Contributing Editor for the French Quarter Wedding Chapel

For a Fine-Art Watercolor Print of the French Quarter Wedding Chapel by the Author, Click Here.

Let’s face it- not everyone is a long white gown type of bride (me). For others, the thought of a venue full of their relatives may be too much to handle (also me). Then, there are the ones who are artistic; the ones who walk to their own beat, forever searching for something slightly different that no one else has worn out yet (OMG: ME AGAIN). For those of us who suffered through the many weddings of the last fifteen years that boasted over-done trends that we just could not escape, I completely understand. Repeating said horrible trends is the last thing you would want. People like us long for something different…something original. We want something unique that describes our personal style and personality that seem to be missing from standard wedding venues. If any of the above mentioned describes you, I’ve got the perfect place for your upcoming ceremony. Hello, New Orleans!

Located in the iconic French Quarter of New Orleans, The French Quarter Wedding Chapel is a unique venue full of history, art and personality. The chapel is full of beautiful pews, ornate decorative pieces, and even a piano from wood dating back to the civil war. The owners have collected beautiful chandeliers and Tiffany-style lighting from various homes and establishments all throughout the South, giving the chapel a taste of Southern charm and elegance that you won’t find up North. A gorgeous mural depicting a Creole Townhouse was commissioned by a local New Orleans artist and adorns the East wall. Being an artist myself, I fell in love with this space in the instant I walked in. The ceiling beams are adorned with thousands of dollar bills, signed by each couple after their ceremony and pinned to the ceiling for eternity. Remember how I promised you “unique”? Here, you can have $10,000 in singles make their way into your wedding photos.

Reverend Tony Talavera is the owner of this special chapel, and he welcomes everyone. Gay, Straight, Pirate, Voodoo, Vampire (this is New Orleans after all), he’s seen it all. They offer a full-service chapel in which you can choose standard packages; you can also add on extras from their Ala Carte offerings. They can handle the cake, champagne (or hand-grenades, if you wish), photography, flowers, New Orleans-style parade umbrellas and so much more at an extremely affordable rate. This is especially helpful if you’re coming from out of town. You simply choose what you want, and they take care of it! They can even arrange a second-line parade, handling all of the permits and getting the band for you. Reverend Tony’s “Traveling Bartender” motorcade travels beside you and your guests as you second-line through the quarter, on hand to take your empties and hand you a new one without disruption. If it sounds as if I have an affinity for this chapel, it’s because I do. I was married here in 2016, and it was the most fun I think I have ever had at a wedding- and it was mine. Who can honestly say that? As soon as we were done with our champagne and cake at the Chapel we walked two blocks to Bourbon Street and partied the night away. Turns out you get a lot of attention (drinks) if you head out in your wedding dress.

I encourage you to spend some time on their website to see if this is the fit you are looking for. https://frenchquarterweddingchapel.com/ Here you’ll find all sorts of information pertaining to weddings at the chapel, setting up a second line parade, carriages, traveling bartender, obtaining a marriage license in Louisiana, etc. If you are leaning towards a second-line parade, it is absolutely worth it to have the Chapel handle it for you. Getting the permits and band lined up can be a complete pain, especially coming from out of state. Leave it to the pros! Have questions about my experience? Comment below and I’ll be happy to get back with you, or reach out at Inomniatravel@yahoo.com.

Until Next Time,

Brooke Michelle Contributing Editor for The French Quarter Wedding Chapel

Check out the Author’s Etsy Store for a Fine Art Watercolor Print of the French Quarter Wedding Chapel. https://www.etsy.com/listing/736668760/french-quarter-fine-art-photography-new?ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=1&sca=1

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — The waiting period to get a marriage in Louisiana will be shortened, under a bill headed to the governor.

The proposal is by Rep. Julie Emerson, a Republican from Carencro. It drops the wait from the issuance of the marriage license to the ceremony from 72 hours to 24 hours.

A judge, justice of the peace or retired justice of the peace can waive the waiting period under current law. The wait also doesn’t apply to out-of-state residents who want to get married in New Orleans.

The Senate voted 33-0 Tuesday for the proposed change , giving it final legislative passage. The House previously had supported the measure with an 86-2 vote.

The change, if upheld by the governor, will begin Aug. 1.
___
House Bill 747: www.legis.la.gov

Source:
Biz New Orleans.com

Las Vegas may be known for mayhem, but another city is just as wild: New Orleans. Anything goes in this town and at the French Quarter Wedding Chapel, the only 24/7 wedding chapel around, outrageous is their forte. With a chapel staff that boasts their own larger-than-life personalities, they are ready to satisfy every wedding wish. Whether it’s a bodybuilder groom and his bikini-clad bride, streakers celebrating their vows, or body-painted wedding attire, this staff is willing to take it on.

Rev. Tony and Louann Talavera

Courtesy of Britta Marie Photography

It’s hard not to get swept up in the romance of a Valentine’s Day wedding. And why would you even try? The lovers’ holiday is the perfect occasion to embrace your romantic side with a feminine lace dress and a crimson lip. Your guests can enjoy romantic cocktails and sweet treats. And when it comes to decor, think red roses and heart-shaped signage. Planning to get hitched in mid-February? Here, some Valentine’s Day wedding ideas that are sure to send your heart a flutter.

Read the entire article on BRIDES.COM

Biz New Orleans
Labors of Love, July 2017
BY PAMELA MARQUIS

Rev. Tony Talavera is 61 years old. During his lifetime he’s been an antique dealer, an acclaimed chef and a dealer in Las Vegas. He also spent five arduous years dying from Hepatitis C and liver failure.

On Halloween of 1989 Talavera had a liver transplant and died on the table. Thankfully, he was revived and in 2000 he used his second chance at life to become ordained as a reverend. Then he opened the French Quarter Wedding Chapel.

“I found my calling in the wedding industry,” he said. “I bring my heart and soul to this business. I’m helping couples create a memory that will last a lifetime. I’ll go to the ends of the earth to find what the couple needs for their perfect wedding. I really love what I do.”

The Wedding Report, which tracks data for the wedding industry, estimates by 2020 U.S. weddings could become a $61.8 billion a year industry. New Orleans hosts almost 9,100 weddings a year, the average New Orleans’ wedding cost $25,148 and total sales for those weddings is $228,746,208. It’s big business.

For 17 years in an 800-square-foot chapel on Burgundy Street and all around the city, Talavera has performed 15,000 weddings and is affectionately known as the Ambassador of Romance.

“I married Dick Cavett, two of Obama’s staff, and a Harlem Globetrotter but when people ask me what my favorite wedding is I always say, ‘It’s the the one I’m doing right now,’” he said. “Couples can go anywhere to be married so to be chosen to do their wedding is such an honor. I feel like a member of their family.”

His entry-level wedding is the “Short, Sweet and Hitched” It’s $200, lasts 20 minutes and will accommodate four guests.

“I was doing one recently and one of the couples’ grandparents arrived early. They were celebrating their 26th anniversary that day, so I renewed their vows right there. It’s never about the money, it’s always about love,” he said tears welling up in his eyes.

He officiates weddings all over the city and once married a couple right on Bourbon Street. He admits to being a bit of a PT Barnum because he always makes exciting things happen. He’s also recruited others to wed happy couples such as a voodoo priest, a vampire, a Wicken and even an Elvis.

“I am thrilled to marry anybody,” he said.

He’s also active in the politics of the industry. He lobbied Senate Bill SB565 (informally called the quickie wedding bill) in 2003 in cooperation with Senator John Hainkel, Senator Paulette Irons and Senator Diana Bourgeois. The bill allowed officiants exclusively in Orleans Parish to waive the 72-hour waiting fee.

According to Talavera, in Louisiana we make couples wait a long time to get a wedding license. Talavera said New Orleans has a unique story because New Orleans was a port city; sailors came here, got drunk, got married to licentious women and were taken advantage of. As a result of this scandalous behavior the ordinance came into effect.

“If one wished to marry in New Orleans, you had to apply for the marriage license 72 hours before the legal ceremony,” Talavera says. “I’ve worked tirelessly to change this outdated ordinance so that traveling couples and local elopers alike can act upon their romantic spontaneity and budgets, and marry with ease.”

Talavera is also the president of the Louisiana Wedding Association; its mission is to collectively promote the advancement of the Louisiana wedding industry. He’s currently working on more legislation to make Louisiana a premiere wedding destination.

“Here in Louisiana we should be doing a lot more of weddings,” he said. “It’s money for everyone involved and weddings are a blast.”

Biz New Orleans, Labors of Love, July 2017

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Looking for love?  Do you want to be on ABC’s “The Bachelor?” Now’s your chance.  “The Bachelor” is holding auditions for contestants this Saturday, July 16th from 2-6 p.m. at Harrah’s Masquerade Night Club.

With the auditions coming to town, News with a Twist Reporter Kenny Lopez went to the French Quarter Wedding Chapel to get love tips on how to make sure you’ll successfully make your way down the aisle.

Rev. Tony Talavera is the “ambassador of romance” at the French Quarter Wedding Chapel, where in 16 years, they’ve married over 14,000 couples.

Rev. Talavera offers love advice on communication, keeping the honeymoon alive, and listening to each other in the video above.

For more information on “The Bachelor” casting at Harrah’s on Saturday, July 16th, click HERE.