New Orleans Wedding Photographer Team That Knows Your Venue
New Orleans Wedding Photography
Toast Entertainment is a New Orleans wedding photographer team in The Knot Hall of Fame, top 1% of wedding professionals nationwide, with 1,000+ five-star reviews company-wide. We photograph weddings across New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner and Covington. Packages start at $1,395.
Beyond the Hall of Fame, Toast has won Best of The Knot more than ten times and holds WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards.
Recent New Orleans Weddings
Meet Your Head Photographer
Brad is Toast's Head Photographer in New Orleans and also leads the South Louisiana videography team. Born and raised in New Orleans, he photographs and films weddings across the city, and he builds the shot list with each couple before the day. When you book Toast photography in New Orleans, Brad either photographs your wedding or leads the photographer who does.
See Brad's portfolioThe New Orleans Photography Team
Photographing a New Orleans wedding
Courtyards, oaks and the humidity
New Orleans light is filtered light: iron balconies, live oak canopies, courtyard walls. That broken light is beautiful, and it's also tricky, because faces fall in and out of shade. The humidity is thick through summer and the rain arrives fast, so ask your venue about a covered option for an outdoor ceremony. The city is busiest from March through May and again in October and November.
Venues we know
Our photographers have worked the Marigny Opera House, a former church with tall windows and pale walls. Latrobe's on Royal sits in the French Quarter. The Chicory and Race + Religious are on the list too. Generations Hall is a big warehouse-style room near the Warehouse District. Hotel Peter and Paul was a church, a school and a convent before it became a hotel. The Board of Trade rounds it out. Toast's New Orleans work also includes The Rooftop on Basin, Degas House and Maison Dupuy.
Second lines, parking and the Quarter
If you're planning a second line, tell us early. The parade route, the band and the police escort all shape where your photographer stands. Second lines through city streets need city approval; check the permit requirements with your planner. Parking in the French Quarter and the Marigny is tight and pricey. Metairie, Kenner, Mandeville, Covington and Slidell are in our coverage area. The Causeway to the Northshore adds real time on a Friday, and travel within 30 miles of central New Orleans is included.
Engagement sessions
Jackson Square and the Cathedral are the postcard shot, and they get crowded quickly. The Garden District's oaks and old homes work any time of year. Frenchmen Street has color and music after dark. City Park's big oaks and the sculpture garden are favorites; check the park's permit requirements. Early morning beats both the heat and the tourists.
Planning more than photos? See everything Toast does in New Orleans on our New Orleans wedding entertainment page.
New Orleans Photography Packages
New Orleans photography has three packages. Every one includes a lead photographer, a planning session, edited images, an online gallery, print rights and a standby photographer if yours has an emergency.
Package 1
Four hours with one lead photographer. It fits a French Quarter elopement and a dinner at a courtyard restaurant.
- 4 hours of coverage
- 1 lead photographer
Six hours, one lead photographer and an engagement or bridal session. The one most New Orleans couples book.
- 6 hours of coverage
- 1 lead photographer
- Engagement or bridal session
The Complete Story
All day with two photographers and a session. When there's a second line between the ceremony and reception, you want one photographer in the parade and one waiting at the door.
- Full-day coverage
- 2 photographers
- Engagement or bridal session
Add-ons
| Request a specific photographer | $200 |
| Lead photographer, extended coverage | $350/hr |
| Assistant photographer | $175/hr |
| Engagement or bridal session | $540 |
New Orleans add-ons: request a specific photographer ($200), extended lead coverage ($350 an hour), an assistant photographer ($175 an hour) and an engagement or bridal session ($540).
Photos plus film: New Orleans video starts with Package A at $1,535, which covers four hours of multi-camera 4K filming and a 4 to 6 minute highlight film. Brad also leads the South Louisiana videography team. Photo and video booked together save up to $400. Details on the New Orleans rates page.
Toast also covers New Orleans DJ and MC, videography, photo booth, and lighting and enhancements. Bundling two or more services saves up to $400.
From Inquiry to Gallery
Send your date and venue. You'll get an answer the same day.
Brad or your lead photographer builds the list with you, second line included.
During the ceremony your photographer stays out of the way. The rest of the day, they coach you on where to stand and how to pose.
Color and tone get balanced on every image, courtyard shadows included.
Your gallery is online within 30 days, and the print rights are yours.
If your photographer can't make it, another Toast photographer steps in with the plan.
New Orleans Venues We Know
New Orleans and Northshore venues our photographers have worked:
New Orleans Photography Reviews
"Steve's creativity and ability to capture special moments is unparalleled. He was willing to take pictures that we requested throughout the entire night and went above and beyond to help save memories of our rings and our sparkler exit before leaving."
"Steve was so much fun to work with he did an amazing job at directing the family and wedding party for photos and helping Dustin and I pose for our photos. He was always there to capture special moments."
"The wedding was great ... the photographer was outstanding. From the beginning with the engagement photos to the night of Steve was there and on top of it all."
New Orleans Wedding Photography FAQ
What does a New Orleans wedding photographer cost?
$1,395 gets you four hours and one lead photographer with Toast New Orleans. The full list is on the New Orleans rates page.
Is $4,000 a lot for a wedding photographer?
It's about what a full day with two photographers costs here. Our largest New Orleans package, with a second shooter, starts at $3,995. Compare all three on the New Orleans rates page.
How many hours should we book?
Six hours covers most New Orleans weddings. Four works for a ceremony and dinner in one building. A second line between venues usually means the full day.
How many photos will we get?
It depends on your hours and your guests. The full gallery arrives online within 30 days.
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Yes. Packages 2 and 3 include one, and Package 1 can add it for $540. The Garden District, Frenchmen Street and City Park are favorites.
Can we take photos at Jackson Square and the Cathedral?
Plenty of couples do, from outside on the square. Go early, before the crowds. Ask Brad about any spot you have in mind before the session.
Who will photograph our wedding?
Brad, our Head Photographer in New Orleans, either shoots it or leads the photographer who does. Heather and Steve are lead photographers on the team.
Do you photograph weddings outside the city?
Yes. Metairie, Kenner, Mandeville, Covington and Slidell are covered. Travel within 30 miles of central New Orleans is included.
Can we bundle photography with a DJ or video?
Yes. Pair photos with a New Orleans DJ, video or a photo booth and save up to $400.
Check Your New Orleans Date
Walter founded Toast in 2010 with under $1,000 and built it into a Knot Hall of Fame company photographing weddings across nine markets.
