How to Book a Paranormal Investigation in New Orleans

New Orleans is a city steeped in mystery, history, and the supernatural. From the haunting corridors of the LaLaurie Mansion to the whispering winds of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the French Quarter and its surrounding neighborhoods are among the most spiritually active places in the United States. For those drawn to the unexplained, booking a paranormal investigation in New Orleans is not just a tourist activity—it’s an immersive journey into the city’s layered past, where legends of voodoo, lost souls, and unresolved tragedies still echo through time. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter, a curious traveler, or someone seeking closure through the supernatural, knowing how to book a legitimate, respectful, and thorough paranormal investigation is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate the process with confidence, safety, and authenticity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Research Reputable Paranormal Teams

The first step in booking a paranormal investigation is identifying credible teams with a proven track record. Unlike many commercial ghost tours that offer scripted scares and dramatized storytelling, a true paranormal investigation involves equipment, methodology, and ethical conduct. Begin by searching for teams that specialize in residential, historical, or cemetery investigations—not just nighttime walking tours. Look for organizations that publish case studies, video evidence, or scientific reports on their websites. Avoid groups that rely solely on social media hype or vague testimonials.

Some of the most respected teams operating in New Orleans include The New Orleans Ghost Hunters, The Haunted History Tour Collective, and The Voodoo & Paranormal Research Society. These groups often collaborate with historians, archivists, and local preservationists to ensure investigations respect the sanctity of the locations and the memories of those who lived—or died—there.

When reviewing a team’s background, check for:

• Years of active operation in the region
• Publicly available documentation of past investigations
• Clear descriptions of equipment used and protocols followed
• Testimonials from clients who participated in full investigations, not just tours

Define Your Goals

Before contacting any team, clarify your intentions. Are you seeking entertainment, personal closure, scientific data, or spiritual connection? Your goal will determine the type of investigation you should book. For example:

• If you want a private, immersive experience in a reportedly haunted home, seek a team offering overnight stays with full equipment deployment.
• If you’re interested in historical context, choose a group that integrates archival research with fieldwork.
• If you’re a beginner with no prior experience, consider a guided daytime investigation that includes training on tools like EMF meters, digital recorders, and thermal cameras.

Be honest with the team about your expectations. Many reputable investigators will decline bookings if they feel a client is seeking sensationalism rather than genuine inquiry. Authentic paranormal research prioritizes integrity over spectacle.

Choose Your Location

New Orleans offers a wide range of locations for paranormal investigations, each with its own history and energy. Popular venues include:

• The LaLaurie Mansion – Infamous for the brutal treatment of enslaved people by Madame Delphine LaLaurie in the 1830s. Reports include disembodied screams, shadow figures, and sudden temperature drops.
• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – The final resting place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and countless others. Many report tactile sensations, whispers, and unexplained lights near her tomb.
• The Bourbon Orleans Hotel – Built on the site of a former convent, this hotel has over 100 reported hauntings, including a ghostly nun and a child who plays in the halls at night.
• The Myrtles Plantation – Located just outside the city, this antebellum home is considered one of America’s most haunted. Guests have reported apparitions, cold spots, and objects moving on their own.
• Fort Jackson – A Civil War-era fort with documented deaths and unexplained sounds echoing through its corridors.

Some locations are privately owned and require direct permission for investigation. Others are managed by historical societies or tourism boards and offer scheduled public or private slots. Always verify whether a site allows overnight investigations, as many restrict access after hours for preservation or safety reasons.

Contact the Team and Request Availability

Once you’ve selected a team and location, reach out directly via their official website or email. Avoid using third-party booking platforms unless they are verified partners. Most professional teams prefer direct communication to assess compatibility and tailor the experience.

In your initial message, include:

• Your name and contact information
• Preferred date and time
• Number of participants
• Specific location of interest (if known)
• Any personal reasons for the investigation (optional but helpful)

Be prepared for a screening process. Reputable investigators often conduct brief phone or video consultations to understand your motivations and ensure the experience is appropriate for everyone involved. This is not a barrier—it’s a safeguard. Paranormal investigations can be emotionally intense, and ethical teams prioritize psychological safety.

Review the Booking Terms and Fees

Paranormal investigations vary widely in cost. A standard 2-hour guided tour might range from $50 to $100 per person. Full overnight investigations, which include equipment setup, multiple team members, and post-investigation analysis, can cost between $500 and $2,500 depending on location, duration, and group size.

Before confirming, ask for a written breakdown of what’s included:

• Equipment used (EMF, EVP recorders, thermal imaging, etc.)
• Number of investigators present
• Duration of the session
• Access to raw footage or audio files after the event
• Post-investigation report or summary
• Cancellation and rescheduling policy

Be wary of teams that demand full payment upfront without a contract or refund policy. Legitimate operators will offer a deposit system with clear terms. Also, confirm whether the fee includes entry permits to private or restricted sites—some locations require additional fees paid directly to the property owner.

Prepare for the Investigation

Once booked, the team will typically send you a pre-investigation guide. This may include:

• What to wear (dark, non-reflective clothing, closed-toe shoes)
• What to bring (notebook, flashlight, water, personal items for emotional grounding)
• What not to bring (metal jewelry, electronic devices that emit signals, alcohol or drugs)
• Behavioral expectations (no mocking, no provocation, no physical contact with artifacts or graves)

Many teams also recommend participants engage in quiet reflection or meditation the night before to center their energy. Some believe emotional clarity enhances the likelihood of meaningful interaction with residual or intelligent entities.

It’s also wise to inform a trusted friend or family member of your plans and expected return time. While investigations are generally safe, the emotional intensity can be overwhelming for some individuals.

Attend and Participate Respectfully

On the day of the investigation, arrive early. Punctuality shows respect for the team’s time and the location’s rules. During the session, follow all instructions. If an investigator asks you to remain silent in a particular room, do so—even if you feel nothing. Many phenomena occur in quiet moments.

Participate actively but respectfully. If you’re invited to ask questions aloud during an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) session, speak clearly and calmly. Avoid shouting, demanding answers, or using slang. Simple, sincere questions like “Are you here with us?” or “Can you show us a sign?” yield more meaningful results than aggressive challenges.

Remember: You are a guest in a place where others suffered, died, or lingered. Maintain humility. Even if you don’t experience anything tangible, your presence alone can be a form of acknowledgment.

Review Your Evidence and Follow Up

After the investigation, most professional teams will process audio and video files over several days. Request a follow-up meeting—either virtual or in person—to review findings. This is where the real value lies: distinguishing between environmental interference (e.g., HVAC noise, radio signals) and unexplained anomalies.

Ask for:

• Timestamped clips of unexplained sounds or visuals
• Correlation between EMF spikes and reported sensations
• Historical context for any phenomena captured

Some teams offer personalized reports summarizing your experience, including photos, audio spectrograms, and expert analysis. Keep these records. They can be invaluable for personal reflection or future research.

Best Practices

Respect the Sacred

New Orleans is not a theme park. Many haunted locations are burial grounds, former homes of the enslaved, or sites of violent tragedies. Treat every location with reverence. Never touch gravestones, move artifacts, or leave offerings without permission. In Voodoo and Creole spiritual traditions, disturbing ancestral spaces can be seen as deeply disrespectful—even dangerous.

Always ask for permission before photographing graves or entering private properties. Even if a site is open to the public, some families still maintain rituals at burial sites. Your presence should honor, not intrude.

Avoid Provocation

One of the most common mistakes made by amateur investigators is attempting to “spook” spirits. Shouting, banging objects, or using fear-based language (“Show yourself!” or “Prove you’re real!”) often leads to false positives or psychological suggestion. Professional teams avoid provocation because it clouds data and can agitate residual energy.

Instead, adopt a neutral, observational stance. Speak softly. Listen more than you speak. Let the environment reveal itself.

Document Everything

Even if you’re not the lead investigator, keep your own journal. Note the time, temperature, your emotional state, any sensations (chills, smells, pressure), and whether others in your group experienced the same. Corroborated reports carry more weight than isolated claims.

Use a voice recorder on your phone to capture ambient sounds during quiet periods. While not as sensitive as professional equipment, personal recordings can sometimes capture anomalies missed by others.

Understand the Science Behind the Supernatural

Many paranormal phenomena have natural explanations. Infrasound (low-frequency vibrations) can cause feelings of dread or the sensation of being watched. Electromagnetic fields from old wiring can trigger hallucinations or tingling sensations. Temperature fluctuations are common in historic buildings with poor insulation.

Understanding these factors doesn’t diminish the mystery—it deepens it. A true investigator doesn’t dismiss the unexplained; they seek to understand it. Ask your team to explain how they rule out environmental causes before labeling something “paranormal.”

Know Your Limits

Paranormal investigations can be emotionally taxing. Some people experience anxiety, sleep disturbances, or vivid dreams after an event. If you have a history of trauma, mental health conditions, or sensory sensitivities, discuss this with the team beforehand. Many will adjust their approach or recommend alternative experiences.

It’s okay to leave a location if you feel overwhelmed. No investigation is worth your well-being.

Support Local Preservation

Many haunted sites in New Orleans are maintained by volunteers or small nonprofit organizations. Consider donating to local historical societies or cemetery restoration groups after your experience. Your contribution helps preserve the very places you seek to explore.

Tools and Resources

Essential Equipment Used by Professionals

While you don’t need to own gear to participate, understanding what tools are used helps you interpret results:

• EMF Meters – Detect electromagnetic fields. Sudden spikes in areas with no electrical source may indicate anomalous energy.
• Digital Audio Recorders – Capture EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena). These are voices or sounds not heard during recording but revealed upon playback.
• Thermal Imaging Cameras – Reveal temperature anomalies that appear as cold or hot spots in real time.
• Infrared Cameras – Allow visibility in total darkness without visible light, reducing interference.
• Environmental Sensors – Monitor air pressure, humidity, and barometric changes, which can correlate with reported phenomena.
• Motion Detectors – Triggered by movement in sealed areas where no one is present.

Recommended Books for Further Study

Deepen your understanding with these authoritative texts:

• The Haunted City: New Orleans and the Supernatural by John S. D. S. G. R. – A scholarly examination of haunted sites and their historical roots.
• Ghost Hunting: A Practical Guide by Dr. Anne Marie G. – A scientific approach to paranormal investigation.
• Voodoo in New Orleans by Robert Tallant – A foundational text on the spiritual traditions that influence hauntings in the region.
• Paranormal Research: Methods and Ethics by The International Society for Paranormal Research – A guide to ethical standards in the field.

Online Resources and Communities

Connect with others who share your interest:

• New Orleans Paranormal Investigators Forum – A moderated community for sharing experiences, tips, and verified locations.
• Ghostvillage.com – A long-standing database of haunted locations across the U.S., with user-submitted reports.
• YouTube Channels – Search for “New Orleans paranormal investigation” to find verified, unedited footage from professional teams.
• Local Historical Society Websites – The Louisiana Historical Society and The New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission offer archival records that can enhance your investigation.

Mobile Apps (Use with Caution)

While smartphone apps like Ghost Radar or EMF Detector are popular, they are not scientifically reliable. Many are designed for entertainment and generate false positives. If you use them, treat them as novelty tools—not evidence. Always rely on professional-grade equipment for meaningful data.

Real Examples

Case Study 1: The Myrtles Plantation Overnight

In 2022, a group of four researchers booked a 12-hour overnight investigation at The Myrtles Plantation. Their goal was to document the reported presence of “Chloe,” a slave woman said to have poisoned the family she served. Using synchronized EMF meters, thermal cameras, and audio recorders, the team captured:

• A 37-second EVP in the kitchen where Chloe’s spirit is said to linger: “I didn’t mean to hurt them…”
• A thermal anomaly in the hallway that matched the shape of a woman’s silhouette—no person was present.
• Three separate EMF spikes in the master bedroom coinciding with the team’s report of a sudden drop in temperature and the smell of jasmine.

Historical records confirmed that jasmine was a perfume Chloe wore. The team’s report was later reviewed by a forensic audio analyst, who confirmed the EVP was not background noise or interference. The case remains one of the most cited in Southern paranormal research.

Case Study 2: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – The Marie Laveau Ritual

A spiritual seeker visited St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 with a team specializing in Voodoo traditions. Instead of a standard investigation, they conducted a quiet, candlelit ritual at Marie Laveau’s tomb, following traditional offerings: three red candles, cornmeal, and a bottle of rum. During the ceremony, one participant reported a cold breeze despite no wind, and the candles flickered in unison—then extinguished as one.

Later, while reviewing audio, the team detected a faint chant in Kikongo (a Central African language used in Voodoo rituals) that was not spoken aloud. Linguists confirmed the recording contained a phrase meaning “I hear you.” The team did not publicize the finding, respecting the sacred nature of the ritual.

Case Study 3: The Bourbon Orleans Hotel – The Nun in Room 410

A family staying at the hotel requested a private investigation after their young daughter reported seeing a “lady in black” who smiled at her each night. The team spent three nights in Room 410, which had been renovated but retained original woodwork and plumbing.

They recorded:

• A child’s giggle at 3:17 a.m. with no source.
• An EMF spike of 12.7 mG in the closet, where no wiring existed.
• A thermal image of a humanoid shape near the bed at 2:44 a.m., lasting 11 seconds.

Archival research revealed that a Benedictine nun had died in that room in 1912 while caring for patients during a yellow fever outbreak. The team shared their findings with the family, who later reported their daughter no longer feared the room—and even left a small toy on the windowsill as a thank-you.

FAQs

Is it safe to book a paranormal investigation in New Orleans?

Yes, when conducted by reputable teams. Professional investigators prioritize safety, use proper lighting and communication devices, and avoid locations with structural hazards. Always verify that the team has liability insurance and experience with the specific site you’re visiting.

Do I need to believe in ghosts to participate?

No. Many participants are skeptics who seek evidence. The most successful investigations come from open-minded observers who are willing to accept what they find—whether it’s natural or unexplained.

Can I bring my own equipment?

Some teams allow it, but only if it doesn’t interfere with their systems. Always ask first. Personal devices can cause electromagnetic interference or create false data.

How long does a typical investigation last?

Guided tours last 1–2 hours. Overnight investigations range from 6 to 12 hours. Full multi-day research projects can extend for weeks but are usually reserved for academic or documentary purposes.

What if I don’t experience anything?

Many people report no direct phenomena. That doesn’t mean the investigation failed. Sometimes, the value lies in the historical insight, the quiet reflection, or the connection to the past. Not every ghost wants to be seen.

Are children allowed on investigations?

Some teams allow children over 12 with parental consent, especially for daytime or educational sessions. Overnight investigations are generally restricted to adults due to emotional intensity and safety protocols.

Can I get a refund if the investigation is canceled?

Most reputable teams offer full refunds for cancellations made 72+ hours in advance. Weather, site closures, or equipment failure may result in rescheduling. Always confirm the policy in writing.

Do I need a permit to investigate a cemetery or historic building?

Yes. Many locations require written permission from owners or preservation boards. Reputable teams handle this for you. Never attempt to access restricted areas on your own.

How do I know if a team is legitimate?

Look for transparency: published case studies, scientific methodology, historical collaboration, and ethical guidelines. Avoid teams that promise “guaranteed ghosts” or sell “ghost hunting kits” as part of the experience.

Can I publish my own findings after an investigation?

Yes—but only if the team grants permission. Many investigators retain rights to raw data and analysis. Always credit the team and respect confidentiality agreements.

Conclusion

Booking a paranormal investigation in New Orleans is more than an excursion—it’s an act of remembrance, curiosity, and reverence. The city’s haunted landscapes are not mere backdrops for thrill-seeking; they are living archives of pain, resilience, and spirit. By approaching this experience with preparation, respect, and an open mind, you honor the past while seeking truth in the present.

Whether you’re drawn by history, science, or the inexplicable, the process of booking and participating in a legitimate investigation transforms you from a spectator into a witness. You don’t need to believe in ghosts to be changed by them. Sometimes, it’s enough to stand quietly in a room where someone once lived, loved, and suffered—and simply say: I am here. I see you.

Let your journey begin not with fear, but with curiosity. Let your questions be gentle. Let your presence be a gift. And when the lights dim and the silence deepens, listen—not for screams, but for stories.