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Attributes highlighted by couples

Unique aesthetic style
Guests comfort
Amenities

About this vendor

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14 years in business

We speak English

Small team (2-10 members)

Race + Religious is a historic wedding venue located in New Orleans, Louisiana. This opulent, three-building property is a unique setting for special occasions, found in the Lower Garden District of the city. Originally constructed in the 1830s, these premises provide a marvelous backdrop for a couple's wedding day.

Facilities and Capacity

The three buildings of Race + Religious have each been uplifted with a mixture of brick courtyards, natural greenery, and charming indoor spaces. A pool adds to the surroundings and the enjoyment for visitors. This one-of-a-kind locale has the feel of a European estate along with a welcoming ambience. This distinct and whimsical air has provided a backdrop for feature films, catalogs, and commercials, along with popular music videos and famous cookbooks. The story of this venue got a new chapter in 2003, when Bille and Granville Semmes added a second property facing Race Street to join their next-door property facing Religious Street. Extensive renovations followed, with the two properties connected via a courtyard and pool. This pair appointed their premises with the artwork of loved ones and worked with a second-generation antiques purveyor to acquire vintage Chateau pieces. When this antiques dealer searched for a wedding venue, the Semmes' were able to oblige. In 2010, they began hosting other weddings officially.

Services Offered

Race + Religious offers indoor and outdoor spaces in which to hold a couple's wedding ceremony and reception. The staff can provide event planning and the use of get-ready rooms and accommodations, as well as tables and chairs. Parking is available at this property.

FAQ

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

No

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Linens
Tables

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

5

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

1

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Inn/B&B
Mansion

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Event Planner
Get Ready Rooms

What event items are available?

Chairs
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking

What months are included in your peak season?

March
April
May
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
June
July
August

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

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Reviews of Race & Religious

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Race & Religious in New Orleans is described as a magical and stunning venue with historic charm and modern amenities, perfect for intimate weddings. The staff, including Jill, Keri, Alexa, Grayson, and Reed, are highly praised for their professionalism, accommodation, and helpfulness in making the planning process smooth and stress-free. Reviewers appreciate the unique layout, beautiful decorations, and the cozy atmosphere of the venue, along with its convenient location and multiple rooms for wedding preparations. Overall, Race & Religious comes highly recommended for couples seeking a charming and memorable wedding setting.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Race & Religious in New Orleans is described as a magical and stunning venue with historic charm and modern amenities, perfect for intimate weddings. The staff, including Jill, Keri, Alexa, Grayson, and Reed, are highly praised for their professionalism, accommodation, and helpfulness in making the planning process smooth and stress-free. Reviewers appreciate the unique layout, beautiful decorations, and the cozy atmosphere of the venue, along with its convenient location and multiple rooms for wedding preparations. Overall, Race & Religious comes highly recommended for couples seeking a charming and memorable wedding setting.

Karye
Karye Sent on 11/13/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Dreams come true in New Orleans!

We could not be more pleased with Jill and Keri and the amazing team at Race & Religious! They have been kind, professional and accommodating throughout our wedding planning process. This was a destination wedding for my daughter, and we selected November, hoping for better weather. When there was a late storm in the gulf causing concern, Jill was our calm and reassurance. She helped this mother of the bride calm her daughter with beautiful pictures of this gorgeous venue still looking spectacular with clear tents. She navigated us through options and helped us make best plans for the big day. The R&R staff covered every detail looking out for our unique layout and even any tent drips on chairs. Keri on the R&R team was gracious and hospitable and made this mom feel more at ease every time we met. She was such a blessing to have to greet us on the wedding day. Thank you all, R&R team! Your professionalism and high standards of service made such a difference for our family and for my daughter's wedding. You were our calm in the storm in so many ways.
J
Jill Sent on 01/25/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Like something from a dream ✨️

Race and Religious is the most stunning and unique venue. Crawling with historic charm while still having the cozy feel or modern amenities. We had our wedding here last weekend and stayed on thr property the whole weekend. Jill and her husband and staff were so friendly and accommodating. Every inch of this place was a dream! Thank you all for being a part of our special day/weekend!
Candace
Candace Sent on 03/29/2023
5 out of 5 rating

What a venue!

Such a pleasant experience with this venue & venue team! Alexa, Grayson, and Reed rocked the customer service side with Reed being an all-star teammate during the event. We literally wanted for nothing! They were on top of it all!

As a wedding planner, I can highly suggest booking this venue. Easy communication and planning + the property itself is so drool worthy it's insane! In 10+ years it is one of the coolest buildings I have ever stepped foot in! Run don't walk to book R+R!
Kate
Kate Sent on 09/19/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Best Wedding Venue Ever!

I am SO very late to writing this review, but I wanted to make sure that I do-- because Race + Religious gave us the most beautiful and epic wedding.

My original wedding date was April 2020, and was cancelled a month prior due to the pandemic. Race + Religious worked with us through three more postponement dates (as the pandemic continued on). R+R helped us navigate through all of the date changes with kindness and patience (as we were definitely stressed out basket cases).

When the wedding finally did happen, it ended up being the most beautiful + magical day ever. The staff at R+R were so attentive (in addition to our amazing planner- Kelsey from Mint Julep). The R+R staff work so well/closely with the recommended vendors, everything was so seamless and turned out spectacular.

When I saw how everything turned out day of, I was blown away at how gorgeous our wedding was. Our friends + family still tell us it was the best wedding they ever went to.

I would highly recommend Race + Religious-- you will absolutely not regret it. Thank you R+R for giving us the best wedding ever, we will always be thankful!! -- Tom + Kate
Michelle
Michelle Sent on 04/21/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Dream Venue

If you’re looking for something super unique and magical, this is it! It’s definitely an investment but if this is the type of place you’re looking for, it’s totally worth it. Our guests were blown away by the space and the whole day was incredible. There are so many nooks and crannies and guests can explore the whole property which is super fun. Although the drive from the French Quarter to the venue doesn’t consist of the nicest views, once you step into Race & Religious it’s like you’re transported into another world. We wanted to give our guests a full “experience” and we think we succeeded! Mostly due to Race & Religious being amazing but also because New Orleans weddings are something else all on their own. We had the absolute time of our lives! (Photos by photographer Hannah Pickle)
Chasity
Chasity Sent on 04/05/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Insta-Worthy Venue w/ Amazing Staff

The venue is unique with endless photo ops throughout the process. The staff was friendly, flexible, and extremely helpful. They provided me with a virtual tour which was helpful in planning my destination elopement. I highly recommend!
Nicole
Nicole Sent on 11/11/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect New Orleans venue

This venue could not have been more perfect for our October wedding. Our guests loved the quirks, charm, and decor as much as we did when we first booked it and were commenting on how amazing the space was all night (and into the next week). The team at Race made the day of stress-free and easy. If you want something truly special in New Orleans this is your venue!
Madysen
Madysen Sent on 04/01/2020
5 out of 5 rating

amazinggggg

If you're looking for a unique venue, Race & Religious is your place! Our team works often with the girls over at R+R and we're so thankful for their great communication skills. The venue is breathtaking!
M
Martineja Sent on 12/08/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Great Experience

I have nothing but a good experience working with R&R. Can't wait for our big day.
S
Susan Sent on 09/15/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Favorite Wedding Venue

The best decision we made during our wedding planning was booking Race + Religious as our venue. I loved it from the pictures but the first time I did a venue tour on site, I fell in love. We are from out of town and that venue was what solidified having our wedding in fabulous New Orleans. The property is stunning and everything I was looking for in a venue. Our guests still talk about how beautiful and unique the place was. Aside from the property itself, the girls at R+R were unbelievable. They were so helpful with any question we had leading up to the wedding and even gave us ideas about where we could have our party the night before the wedding. They truly went above and beyond and I am so appreciative of it. The pictures of this venue speak for itself but I can definitely say that booking this venue ensured that my wedding was absolutely everything I could have ever dreamed it would be.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

26
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Are you interested?

Real Weddings

Brad & Annie
28 photos · 03/26/2017
Stephen & Katie
23 photos · 05/19/2016

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Race & Religious frequently asked questions

Race & Religious includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Linens
  • Tables
The space offered by Race & Religious for wedding events is known for:
  • Historic Building
  • Inn/B&B
  • Mansion
Race & Religious offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Race & Religious offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
Race & Religious offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Event Planner
  • Get Ready Rooms
Race & Religious offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Tables
Race & Religious is recommended by 94% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.6 in average response time, 4.6 in flexibility and 4.6 in value.
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