The biggest spring mistake in Natchitoches is assuming spring means dry weather. In this historic river town, May is actually the rainiest month of the season, at about 5.8 inches on average, and March isn’t far behind at about 5.4 inches. Spring here is gorgeous, but every outdoor plan needs a covered backup.
Here’s what each spring month brings for weather, blooms and booking, followed by the historic and garden venues that suit them.
Prices and hours can change, so please confirm with each business before booking.
February: Cool, Quiet and Easy to Book
- Weather: average highs around 62°F, lows near 39°F; about 4.4 inches of rain
- Blooms: early camellias and a few flowering trees
- Booking: the quietest stretch of the spring season
Good for an indoor reception in a historic home or event center, with a short midday ceremony outdoors.
March: Azaleas Arrive, So Do the Showers
- Weather: highs around 70°F, lows near 46°F; about 5.4 inches of rain
- Blooms: azaleas and dogwoods usually start in mid- to late March across north Louisiana, though timing shifts each year
Late March can be stunning for photos along Cane River Lake. Have a tent or porch on standby for rain.
April: The Spring Sweet Spot
- Weather: highs around 77°F, lows near 53°F; about 4.5 inches of rain
- Blooms: late azaleas early in the month, then fresh green everywhere
- Booking: the most popular spring month, so reserve historic homes and B&Bs early
April gives warm days and comfortable evenings for an outdoor reception, with less heat than May.
May and June: Hot, Humid and Stormy
- May: highs around 84°F, lows near 62°F; the wettest of these months, at about 5.8 inches
- June: highs around 90°F, lows near 70°F; about 4.5 inches of rain, often in afternoon storms
Plan an early-evening ceremony, keep the reception indoors or under a fanned tent, and give guests water and shade.
Historic and Garden Venues by Season
Historic homes and B&Bs (Explore Natchitoches lists these for weddings; many B&Bs host in their homes and gardens):
- Prud’homme Rouquier House, circa 1790s – Service League of Natchitoches, (318) 352-6723
- Lemee House, circa 1837 – (318) 357-7907
- Samuel Guy House – (318) 354-1080
- Judge Porter House and Queen Anne B&B – (318) 352-9206
- Sweet Cane Inn, 926 Washington Street – (225) 226-8820
- Melrose Plantation, on the Cane River – (318) 379-0055
Gardens and riverfront:
- Beau Jardin (“beautiful garden”), downtown on Cane River Lake – (318) 352-2746
- Riverbank on Cane River Lake, Main Street – (866) 941-6246
Indoor and covered (best for May–June or rainy days):
- Riverside Reserve – a former historic warehouse, indoor and outdoor, for up to 300; pricing on request
- The Pavilion at Horseshoe Hills Ranch – 101–150 guests, from $4,450 (The Knot)
- Natchitoches Event Center – (318) 238-7500
- Natchitoches Conference Center – (318) 352-6655
Best by season: February–March, a historic home with a porch or parlor; April, a garden or riverbank ceremony; May–June, Riverside Reserve or the Event Center with a short outdoor ceremony.
Here’s a look at Cane River Lake in the historic district:
Spring guests will want the rain plan and hotel options in one place. A garden-style wedding website template is a one-time purchase with RSVP, maps and event details, with no monthly fee.
Planning in another historic Southern town? See our Natchez MS vendor directory, the Bardstown KY barn venue guide and the Fredericksburg TX courthouse wedding guide.
Local tip: ask each historic home where guests can go if a spring storm rolls in, and walk that route yourself. Then pick your wedding website template.
Local Lists and Climate Data
Venue contacts come from the local tourism office; weather from 1991–2020 climate normals. Bloom timing changes every year.
- Explore Natchitoches – Weddings: historic homes, gardens, venues
- Natchitoches Venues – The Knot: capacity and prices
- Natchitoches Venues – WeddingWire: Riverside Reserve
- Natchitoches Climate – US Climate Data: monthly averages