License clarity
Know exactly what Louisiana requires before you travel or reserve a venue.
New Orleans elopements since 2002
Elope in the city that knows romance.
Non-denominational, interfaith, civil and spiritual weddings, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies by Reverend Samantha McGovern — paired with professional digital wedding photography. Tying great knots in The Big Easy since 2002. All loving couples certainly welcome.
Tying great knots in The Big Easy
Officiating since 2002
LGBTQ friendly — all loving couples welcome
Officiant + photography in one
24-hour waiting period waived for non-residents
Meet your officiant
Reverend Samantha McGovern.
Since 2002, Samantha has been tying great knots all over The Big Easy — from French Quarter courtyards and Garden District mansions to steamboats, swamps, festivals and Halloween parties. As both a non-denominational reverend and a professional photographer, she handles your ceremony and your photos so the day feels personal, calm and beautifully captured.
Civil, spiritual, interfaith, vow renewal and commitment ceremonies are all welcome. LGBTQ couples, second-time celebrants, eloping travelers and locals planning something formal — every loving couple is met with warmth and zero judgment.
Samantha lives in the Lower Garden District and knows the city's hidden corners, paperwork shortcuts (including waiving Louisiana's 24-hour waiting period for non-residents) and the kind of small details that turn a wedding into a story you'll tell forever.
Why couples book
Less paperwork. More goosebumps.
Venue confidence
Choose ceremony spots with real local context, timing and photography potential.
Personal ceremonies
Civil, spiritual, interfaith, vow renewal and commitment ceremonies shaped around you.
Photo-ready plans
Bundle officiant and photography so the most important pieces are coordinated.
Packages
Start with the right fit.
Clear entry points make it easier for couples to take action now, whether they need only an officiant or a fuller New Orleans wedding plan.
Officiating Only
$295
Ceremony officiating at your New Orleans location — perfect for couples who just need the marriage made official.
- Ceremony officiating at your location
- Non-resident waiver of the 24-hour waiting period
- Keepsake copy of your ceremony and vows
- Souvenir marriage certificate suitable for framing
- Witnesses provided if needed
Most booked
Eloper's Special
$595
Our best seller. Ceremony plus up to one hour of photography capturing you and your wedding party before and after the ceremony.
- Everything in Officiating Only
- Up to 1 hour of photography by Samantha
- Unlimited portrait, group and candid photos
- Simple unedited tripod video of the ceremony
- Images delivered via iCloud link (recommended for groups of 12 or less)
Custom & Formal Weddings
Custom quote
Typically starting at $800 — reach out and we'll build something around your vision.
For formal events, larger weddings, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies and festival or Halloween weddings — built around your vision.
- Non-denominational, interfaith, civil or spiritual ceremonies
- Hotel, B&B and outdoor venue recommendations
- Personalized vows and ceremony writing
- Extended photography available at $250 / hour
- Keepsake SD card available for $35
Real couples, real moments
A glimpse from the gallery.
Simple process
From “maybe” to married in three steps.
The sales goal is clarity: couples should understand what happens next within seconds and feel safe reaching out.
1
Share your date
Tell us your ceremony date, guest count, preferred vibe and what help you need.
2
Secure the essentials
Lock in officiant support, photo coverage and a location plan that fits your budget.
3
Arrive in New Orleans
Bring the rings. The ceremony, timing and local details already have a calm plan.
Availability
Ready to make New Orleans yours?
Send your date, package interest and ceremony vision. A warm, direct response will turn interest into a booked consultation — usually within one business day.
Romance In New Orleans
Reverend Samantha McGovern, Officiant & Photographer
519 Wilkinson Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Serving New Orleans and surrounding Louisiana parishes — specializing in small outdoor weddings, festival weddings and unique venues.
Samantha responds to every inquiry personally, usually within one business day.
Tell Samantha about your day
Quick form — takes under a minute.
Love notes from couples
Recent reviews. Real weddings.
Flawless expertise with heart
“We were a couple that relied heavily on Samantha with zero planning beforehand. We decided to get eloped in New Orleans 1 day before we arrived. We did online research and immediately knew Samantha was the one to call.”
Shay
Married on 02/28/2026
Affordable Excellence
“Samantha provided us amazing photography, a seamless ceremony, and the best photo locations in New Orleans. She went above and beyond — not only an exceptional officiant but also a talented photographer who captured beautiful images at unique New Orleans locations.”
Braxton
Married on 11/15/2025
Beautiful Wedding Ceremony
“Sam was an exceptional and very pleasant Officiant. She recommended we stay at the Omni Royal and have our elopement ceremony on the rooftop. We did that and we are so happy we took her advice — it was perfect.”
Carol
Married on 05/12/2025
Award-winning
Honored by The Knot & WeddingWire.
