Kasey & Jake’s New Orleans Elopement at Audobon Park

Kasey & Jake knew they wanted to elope. They also knew they wanted it to be a grand adventure! So they found Simply Eloped, and the excitement began. They chose Audobon Park in New Orleans for the beauty and the new experiences. We love that this elopement seemed to be an entire week filled with ‘first times’ such as a plane trip, swamp exploration, art museums, and famous restaurants. Kasey & Jake brought friends with them to enjoy the entire wonder-filled wedding. The elopement day arrived, and the couple exchanged vows under the ancient oak trees in the park. Read more to find out happy Kasey & Jake are with their choice to elope and the complete lack of stress!

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination? 

Kasey: Jake and I chose to elope in New Orleans. New Orleans was a brand new adventure for both of us. We wanted to start our relationship with something new. Once we decided on New Orleans, we Googled Elope in New Orleans. I found the Simply Eloped website, and it showed pictures of different venues. Audubon Park was absolutely beautiful, and I knew that’s where I wanted to be married. After showing Jake several of the options, he immediately agreed.

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there? 

Kasey: New Orleans was one great big adventure. I had never been on a plane. I wanted to see the art, the street performers, and the swamps to see the wildlife on a boat tour. Jake wanted to see the party life, the World War II museum, and the wetlands. We were both dying to try all of the different food, and we were not disappointed.

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there? 

Kacey: It was absolutely beautiful. It was simple, easy, and full of life. When I walked into the pavilion in my white dress to hide from my future husband, people I had never met were clapping and telling me congratulations. There were so many beautiful spots to choose from, and I don’t think there would have been a better place for it.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement? 

Kacey: There were a few emails between myself and the coordinator. I told her that I wanted hair/makeup and photography. She got me in contact with the stylist, photographer, and officiant. I told them what I wanted my hair and makeup to look like, what kind of vows I wanted with any changes I wanted to make, where we were going, and if there were any pictures that I wanted specifically. They made it all happen. I was on a video call with my future mother-in-law, and she asked me if I was nervous. I told her I wasn’t. I knew I was in good hands with organized people who had done this many times already. If I had questions or concerns, I messaged them they were all very quick to respond.

Jake and I each brought a couple with us as our witnesses and just had fun while we were there. I told the best man to keep Jake out and keep him fed every hour (only half-jokingly). Jake and I both get hangry, but Jake is far worse when he is hot and hangry. I did not want a crabby new husband during pictures. His best man succeeded. They wandered through the French Quarter eating, getting coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde, and searching for a painting for me as a surprise. Afterward, they came back to the Airbnb, got dressed, and we met at the park. When I saw Jake, I became overwhelmed with emotions. I was excited to spend the rest of my life with him and so happy with everything we had done.

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

Kacey: Simply Eloped was absolutely wonderful. They did everything for me. I sent a few emails, and that was it. Jake and I eloped because we did not like the idea of spending so much money on one day for people we would’ve felt obligated to invite. I also did not want that much attention on me. I don’t like it. The average wedding cost where I live is $30,000. We were in New Orleans for one whole week. Jake and I spent $5,000. That includes plane tickets, our attire, everything from Simply Eloped, our Airbnb (split between three couples), everything we did, and all of the food we bought. I could not have enjoyed myself more with a traditional wedding. Jake felt the same way, and we can’t wait to go back. It was easy, it was cheap, and it was perfect.

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement?

Kacey: We spent an entire week in New Orleans. We took our wedding party to dinner the night of our elopement, went back to the Airbnb, and decompressed with some games and drinking. Jake and I stepped away before we started games to talk about everything and have a little bit of time just for the two of us.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Kacey: Even if it’s just a thought, check out the “Simply Eloped” website. They have different packages for different needs. You can take a survey that will give you a quote immediately. You don’t even have to talk to anyone. You will know exactly what you’re getting at the cost. It’s worth exploring, and for us, it was absolutely worth doing.

Officiation by: Michele Zeller
Photography by: Ashley Mercer
Hair & Makeup by: Emily Van Scoy
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Audubon Park, New Orleans

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.