So, You Want to Propose In New Orleans This Valentine’s Day 2026
If you’re thinking of proposing in New Orleans this Valentine’s Day, you may be setting yourself up for disaster.
Float riders during a daytime Carnival parade in New Orleans.
You might think that popping the question on the most romantic day of the year in one of the world’s most romantic cities is a no-brainer. But in a city known for chaos and colorful characters, Valentine’s Day happens during an especially chaotic time in the Big Easy. What might have seemed like a brilliant idea could quickly become one of the worst decisions ever.
Unless you’re prepared, that is.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
I have seen damn near everything that could go wrong during a proposal as a proposal planner and photographer in New Orleans. After capturing more than 250 surprise proposals, I’ve amassed quite a wealth of knowledge that can save you a lot of heartache! Here are three things to know if you are planning to propose in New Orleans on Valentine’s Day 2026.
Valentine’s Day Happens during Carnival Season
While the date of Fat Tuesday changes every year (it is always 40 days before Easter. But that date changes based on when the first full moon happens following the Spring equinox) Valentine’s Day almost always happens during Carnival. Carnival season starts on January 6th, 12 days after Christmas, on a day known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night and lasts until Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras Day. Fat Tuesday has even coincided with Valentine’s Day a number of times throughout history.
a couple walks in front of a second line parade in the french quarter after their mardi gras surprise proposal in new orleans.
If Mardi Gras day happens late (for example, in 2025 it fell on March 4th) Valentine’s Day could be an easily enjoyable day in New Orleans. But when it comes early, like this year on February 17th, Valentine’s Day is a day of complete chaos.
Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on Endymion Saturday, which is one of the busiest days of Parades in all of Carnival season. Some locals coined the term “Deep Gras” a handful of years ago to refer to the last ramp up to Mardi Gras Day. Thursday-Tuesday. And while I find the term particularly Nouveaux Orleans, it does somewhat accurately convey what we can expect starting the Thursday before Mardi Gras: a total Carnival immersion in New Orleans.
The city plunges into chaos mode that Thursday and does not wrestle it’s way back out until Ash Wednesday. Major streets are closed. Iconic landmarks are inaccessible. And there is little to no information publicized about any of it. Real life ceases to exist and trying to get anything done is often a fool’s errand. You’re better off succumbing to the sea of glitter and head down to St Charles ave to yell “throw me something, mister!” at the float riders.
A crowd of Mardi Gras revelers reach up to catch beads being thrown from a passing float on St. Charles Ave in New Orleans.
2. Everything is going to cost more than usual.
Everything is going to cost more than usual hotels and Airbnb will check their rates all the time and is going to be through the roof and if you want to work with any local professionals for your proposal, their rates are going to be higher than normal.
Performers and creatives are in high demand during carnival and they have super packed schedules. There are endless events, balls, parties, parades, rehearsals, coronations and so much more that keep gig workers burning the candle at both ends for weeks.
A couple kisses in front of a new orleans brass band following their mardi gras surprise proposal on bourbon street in new orleans.
In addition to being busy professionally, the personal life of a New Orleans local during carnival is going to be really busy. On the Saturday before Mardi Gras, you won’t find any local just relaxing at home. They might be attending a Mardi Gras Ball (there are actually three big ones that fall on Valentine's Day this year). They might be putting the finishing touches on their epic fat Tuesday costume. They might be watching the parades. They might even be IN the parades.
Mardi Gras is just a day. But Carnival is an entire season. And making things happen during this time gets increasingly difficult the closer we get to Fat Tuesday.
On top of logistical chaos in the city, Carnival is a Holiday and a sacred time for many locals. So while it may not be a major holiday in the rest of the country, it very much is in New Orleans. And if you want someone to work on a Holiday, you can expect to pay more.
Parade goers dressed in purple green and gold stand on a barricade catching beads being thrown during a mardi gras parade on st charles avenue in New Orleans.
3. Your proposal needs a solid plan.
New Orleans is a city that always requires a solid plan for a proposal. But on Valentine’s Day? During Carnival? You’re going to need a backup to the backup to the backup plan.
This city operates on its own terms and if you are unfamiliar with how quickly those terms can change you might be setting yourself up for a disaster.
What if your heart is set on proposing in Jackson Square but the entire park is barricaded off for a walking parade?
What if you planned to have your fiance-to-be’s elderly grandparents with mobility issues witness the moment she says “yes!” and the French Quarter is closed to vehicular traffic? Will Poppop and GamGam have to try to get there on foot?
What if it pours rain on Friday so they move all of the parades to Saturday and you now won’t be able to get to your chosen spot until well after dark?
The best way to avoid the crushing disappointment of a proposal gone sideways is to work with a local who can help you navigate the insanity of carnival. You need an expert not just on all things New Orleans but on creating successful proposal experiences in New Orleans.
Lucky for you, you found the only proposal expert in New Orleans!
So if you need help pulling off your proposal during Carnival (except for Fat Tuesday. Ya girl is NOT working on Mardi Gras day!) hit the button below.
A Mardi Gras parade float rider gives the thumbs up during a carnival parade in New Orleans.