Brass band performing during a wedding second line at night in New Orleans with lively motion blur.

Why We Love a Wedding Second Line (And How to Plan One)

I get asked about this more than almost anything else: is a wedding second line worth it? Yes, without hesitation, yes.
Throwing your own parade through the streets of New Orleans might be the most fun you have on your wedding day.

Bride and groom celebrating with guests under umbrellas in New Orleans during their rainy second line parade.

Watching guests experience the city this way for the first time never gets old, umbrellas and handkerchiefs in the air, everyone dancing behind the band as it winds down the street.

Wedding couple kissing during lively New Orleans second line parade with band.

Psst, it doesn’t have to stay in the French Quarter

A lot of couples assume a second line only works if they’re getting married in the Quarter. It doesn’t. New Orleans will close down almost any street for a permit fee, so the parade can start wherever your venue is, whether that’s the Garden District, Bywater, or Marigny.

Wedding parade in New Orleans with band and bride in white dress.
Vibrant New Orleans Indian wedding parade with musicians in colorful attire.

How to Plan a Second Line

Brass band performing in Jackson Square in New Orleans for a wedding.

Hire your band first

This is the heart of the whole thing, so don’t leave it for last. Popular bands book up on busy wedding weekends just like any other vendor. Many offer full planning packages that include the parade permit, police escort, route planning, and even a day-of coordinator, so ask what’s included before you start chasing permits yourself.

Click here to see our favorite brass bands →

Confirm what’s covered

If your band’s package doesn’t include the permit and police escort, you’ll need to handle both directly with the city. New Orleans requires both for any parade on public streets, and the escort is a separate cost from the permit itself.

Wedding celebration in New Orleans with grooms holding umbrellas during a second line parade at night.
A bride dances in the street with an umbrella with a member of the New Orleans' 610 Stompers.

Decide when it happens

Some couples do the second line right after the ceremony, whether that’s heading straight to the reception location or, if the ceremony and reception are in the same space, giving the venue time to flip the room. Others wait until the end of the night, second lining out of the reception to a hotel or an after-hours spot to keep the party going. If you have a wedding planner, they can help fit it into your timeline, and if not, I’m happy to help with that too.

Hand out the gear

Umbrellas and handkerchiefs are part of the tradition. Some couples order custom hankies with their names or wedding date.

Wedding couple dancing under umbrellas in the street during their second line parade in New Orleans at night.

KIND WORDS

“This team has the ability to capture the spirit and emotion of the moment and transfer it into every picture.”

-Jody, Mother-of-the-bride

See a second line in action

Bride and groom parading in the French Quarter with a brass band behind them during a wedding second line.

Cassidy & Carter

Married at the St. Louis Cathedral, they paraded through the historic French Quarter to their reception at Muriel’s Jackson Square.
See their wedding →

Vibrant New Orleans wedding scene with Mardi Gras Indians and a brass band.

Maia & Jared

Maia and Jared closed out their Audubon Tea Room reception with a second line, and they brought in Mardi Gras Indians for it, something you don’t see at every wedding. The energy was unreal.
See their wedding →

Wedding celebration in New Orleans with a bride and band on the street.

Celeste & Robbie

They second lined between their ceremony and reception, giving Marigny Opera House time to flip the room in between. The parade wound through the vibrant neighborhood.
See their wedding →

So, yes, have the second line!

And if you’re looking for someone to capture your New Orleans wedding, I’d love to talk.

CONTACT
Bride and groom celebrating at a New Orleans wedding in front of Preservation Hall.
FAQ
Your Second Line Questions Answered

A second line is a celebratory parade in the street. There are two parts, the “first line” is the brass band that leads the way, and the “second line” is you! Following along with your umbrellas and handkerchiefs waving in the air. It’s a joyous New Orleans’ tradition and a great way to celebrate your wedding.

This all depends on your route, but usually between 4 to 8 blocks is the sweet spot. The maximum length for a second line per the City of New Orleans is 12 blocks.

Many couples hire a few Pedi-cab drivers for guests that would like to participate but may be unable to make the walk. This is another item that your second line band may be able to help with, but if not, please ask us (or your planner) for recommendations.

Yes, no matter the size of your second line, you need a permit and police escort. Most second line bands will include this with their booking fee (or offer as an add-on service), so please check with them first! If they don’t, you’ll need to fill out an application with the City of New Orleans.

Some couples do the second line right after the ceremony leading the guests to the reception location. If your ceremony and reception are in the same location, while you and your guests are on the second line, your venue will have time to “flip” the room.

Others wait until the end of the night, second lining out of the reception to either a hotel or an after-hours spot to keep the party going.