Raise your glass and say “I do.”
The world’s first liquor store with a wedding chapel opened in New Orleans last Saturday, November 16.
Chuck’s on the Avenue, located at 205 St. Charles Ave, hosted a wedding ceremony for a Donaldsonville, Louisiana couple who exchanged vows next to the beer cooler, the store announced in a press release.
Owner Charles Loescher walked the bride down the aisle for the ceremony, which was officiated by Saints superfan and ordained minister Randy “Elvis” Bonnaval. The couple’s first dance was to an Elvis Presley song.
There was also a performance by the New Orleans Brass Band, a flower girl throwing black and gold beads and a second line dancing through the bourbon section and the tequila aisle.
Chuck’s shared pictures and videos from the wedding on Instagram.
“We just love to drink and we figured it’s perfect when this came out. We said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it,’” the groom said.
“Not an ordinary wedding,” the bride added.
Chuck’s wedding packages start at $500 and offer options such as the beer truck driver as your witness, local musicians as entertainment and high-end bourbon tastings for your reception. Themed weddings including Elvis, Mardi Gras, Rock and Roll and Voodoo.
The chapel offers legal weddings, non-binding weddings, vow renewals and partner ceremonies. The store’s upscale tasting room can hold 15-20 people for receptions.
“We are excited about this venue because there is no city in the world as unique as New Orleans and what better way to capitalize on that uniqueness than putting a wedding chapel in a liquor store,” said Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Smaller, quirky wedding chapels have long been a quintessential part of Las Vegas and venues like this allow us to compete for that piece of the economic pie.”
The chapel at Chuck’s was built by local company AJK Renovations. It’s home to architectural treasures revived from nearby churches such as the Central Congregational Church, the Basilica of Saint Stephen Church, and a Presbyterian church in Luling, Louisiana.
Loescher said in a statement, “When we built the chapel, it was important to keep in mind the architectural integrity of the structure. We want to make sure that visitors have a uniquely New Orleans experience even if they are in the middle of a liquor store!”
The store owner also noted that Chuck’s is trying to take advantage of the booming wedding visitors in Las Vegas.
“What we are offering isn’t for everybody,” Loescher said, “but we all know that one couple who is perfectly suited to get married between the beer cooler and champagne section.”
