Celebrate your wedding weekend in New Orleans with this tried and true itinerary.

On a recent visit to one of my absolute favorite cities in the U.S., I was shown what a couple could experience, first hand. I ate at every one of these restaurants, experienced each of these excursions and stayed at both of these hotels. If you’re seriously considering a destination wedding in New Orleans, I highly recommend everything on this list for you and all your guests.

Day 1: Cozy up at Ace Hotel, New Orleans.

Ace Hotel is by far, one of the coolest hotels in the area. Just outside of the French Quarter in the Warehouse District and new as of March of 2016, this property offers chic accommodations, thoughtful common areas, an on-site music venue and outstanding food options. 

Afternoon: Enjoy craft libations and uber hip atmosphere at the Lobby Bar. Available at happy hour, signature drinks like a Sazerac or Old Fashioned are a must.

Evening: Walk over to experience Seaworthy, the property’s oyster bar. Enjoy locally and U.S. sourced oysters and pop a bottle of bubby to get your party started right. Private areas available for groups.

Late Evening: Head over to Frenchmen Street for live music and a dose of local culture. Experience everything from live jazz, reggae, popular cover bands and blue-grass as you hop into one music club after another. If you’re torn between this and Bourbon Street, save your beads and head to this music scene.

Day 2: Sightseeing: The Non-touristy, Touristy Way

Morning: Enjoy scratch-made breakfast offerings at Josephine Estelle at Ace Hotel. Local flavors combine with old-school hip surroundings for a perfect start to the day.

Mid-Morning: Jump on a bike and experience the three-hour “Creole & Crescent” tour courtesy of Free Wheelin’ in the heart of The French Quarter. Learn the multifarious and fascinating history of the area while taking in the sights, sounds and the sensation that is this incredible destination.

Mid-Day: Head back with your group to Ace Hotel and to their top floor for a gorgeous view and a scrumptious lunch at Alto. This rooftop garden bar and restaurant is also home to their pool and is nothing short of magnificent in both service and cuisine.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through the French Quarter and head over to Café DuMonde. This place is touristy for a reason; the beignets are to die for. Note: You will get served faster if you grab a table vs. standing in line.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the Napoleon House. This 200 year-old landmark’s history is as juicy as the Pimm’s Cup they serve. Bring your entire group here for a gathering of muffulettas, charcuterie and sazeracs in the haunted courtyard or in their private dining rooms upstairs.

Late-evening: With a belly full of NOLA traditions, head back to Ace Hotel and enjoy live music in their on-site music venue – Three Keys.

Day 3: Say “I Do” the NOLA Way

Morning: Enjoy fresh pastries and coffees at Stumptown Coffee Roasters on the first floor of Ace Hotel as you prepare for your big moment of walking down the matrimonial aisle.

Mid-day: Primp and prepare in your junior suite as you go over your vows one last time. Relax, breathe and ENJOY this moment! 

Afternoon: Tie the knot! Inside Ace Hotel in any one of their fabulous venues, courtyards or common areas. Here’s a list to choose from. And for more to choose from outside of Ace Hotel, click here.

Evening: Party the night away, NOLA style! 

Day 4: Send Off In-Style

Morning: Sleep in and then head over to Windsor Court to check in for a total change of pace. This luxury hotel is opulent in all the right ways. Vintage furnishings and live piano music greet you as you walk through their marble-floored lobby filled with fresh flowers.

Mid-morning: Head down to the Spa at Windsor Court for a day of pampering and wellness. This gorgeous and traditional spa is well-appointed and has a long list of services to choose from. 

Afternoon: Get those pinkies up and let the treats woo you and your guests at Le Salon with their afternoon tea service. Enjoy scratch-made scones, tartlets, an assortment of English tea sandwiches and endless other intricately prepared items. Don’t forget to select your tea from their extensive menu or to cheers with a glass of bubbly. Located inside the Windsor Court. 

Evening: End your visit with a quick Uber ride to Tujagues, one of the areas oldest and most notable restaurants. Enjoy fine-dining while throwing it back to a bygone era. The service, ambiance and food (their Louisiana Lump Crab & Wild Mushroom Gnocchi appetizer is a must) will make you feel like you’re in New Orleans of old. In a good way. 

 Continue to follow our New Orleans coverage this week! We’ll be posting daily, so log on and see what’s new each day. 

If you missed yesterday’s post, click here.