This amazing state offers a plethora of places to get married in New Mexico. Well, maybe not a seaside-themed wedding. But you could go to the White Sands National Monument – the sand and dunes are amazing – but you’d need to bring your own ocean.
Since I’m a Taos wedding minister you’ll find my suggestions here are rather focused on northern New Mexico places to get married. That’s not to say there aren’t a million exciting choices throughout the state.
How about the Balloon Museum in Albuquerque, the Audubon Center in Santa Fe or Plaza Blanca or Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu? Either of those are a stunning choice if you’re an aficionado of Georgia O’Keeffe.
If you’ll be having a larger guest list these places in New Mexico likely won’t work unless you have an intrepid group of fit friends! But read on, I have suggestions for you as well. Finding a place to get married in New Mexico offers endless opportunities to “wow” your guests (and yourselves) and reliably leave you with memories galore.
Do the two of you want to stand beside a mountain stream? At the base of a waterfall? Does an alpine meadow call to you? As a Taos wedding officiant I’m all for it and delight in taking couples to beautiful spots in nature to get married in northern New Mexico.
Water Feature
Is water an important feature for your ceremony? There is a waterfall above the Bavarian Lodge that can accommodate a group of guests. And with permission you might even be able to drive someone up that isn’t able to make the short but steep hike.
I’ve worked with couples that want to stand in the water for their ceremony. You can do that at the confluence of the Rio Grande and either the Rio Pueblo de Taos or the Rio Hondo.
Locations for Larger Guest Lists
Moving to those of you with larger guest lists, there are infinite numbers of places to get married in New Mexico. I’ll focus on wedding locations in Taos. We have so many great inns and bed & breakfasts. They have stunning views and quintessentially “Taos” settings with adobe, courtyards and portals.
As a Taos wedding celebrant I’ve worked at so many I can’t name them all here, but can provide a few suggestions. The following wedding locations around Taos have many variables, and I’m only reporting on my observations for you to peruse – as opposed to ranking these.
- Bavarian Lodge Waterfall. This is an unexpected little gem in the Taos Ski Valley. Coordinate with the Bavarian so you can park in their lot. Take the short hike up the hill and you’ll be at a truly unique place to get married in New Mexico, adjacent to the cascade of water. Afterwards, what could be better than a celebratory meal at the Bavarian!?
- El Monte Sagrado. Most weddings take place in the Sacred Circle. It is surrounded by towering cottonwood trees and was once a ceremonial ground for the Taos Pueblo. Other spots include the majestic lawn with mountain backdrop. For something more intimate, or during winter months, choose the library or art gallery.
- Sagebrush Inn. The Sagebrush has a huge indoor hall that can accommodate a crowd for your reception. Outdoor locations for your ceremony abound, but all feature classic Taos adobe walls and doorways, many with mountain backdrops.
- The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Not many opt to actually be married on the bridge, but a short 10 minute walk on an easy, level path will take you to a promontory with spectacular mountain vistas and a unique perspective back at the bridge. The lichen-encrusted lava rock, the sagebrush and cactus make for quintessential high desert photos.
- San Geronimo Lodge. This historic property is a fantastic place to get married in New Mexico. It can accommodate a crowd and offers you the unique opportunity to rent out the entire place. How great is that to have all your friends and family at the same property? There is a beautiful garden spot for your ceremony. The historically charming indoors is a great backdrop for your reception. And if you’re having a small ceremony you could have it in their labyrinth.
- Adobe and Pines. Here’s another labyrinth that is beautifully suited for your intimate wedding ceremony. This Ranchos de Taos location is only a minute away from Old Martina’s Hall where you can have a truly memorable reception.
- SpiriTaos Gardens. Full disclosure – these are my home gardens. Your guests enjoy rustic stone seating in the midst of my colorful summer gardens. If they dare to take their eyes off you during the ceremony, they’ll be staring up at sacred Taos Mountain. Choose my Garden Elopement Package and linger afterwards to enjoy the gardens with a celebratory bottle of New Mexican champagne.
- Hacienda del Sol. What a sweet little package they offer for your intimate ceremony. You’ll find yourself in historic and charming accommodations with a stunning garden setting for your ceremony. Afterwards enjoy your delicious cake and champagne that they provide.
- Fechin House at Taos Art Museum. The folks at Fechin House are expanding their reach and what a stunning place for a wedding! In the summer the gardens are beautiful. For smaller weddings the studio in the back offers privacy and incredible light. The sunroom in the main house is extraordinary for its light and setting.
Part of the fun of planning a wedding is considering the many possibilities, doing some research and fantasizing. Then you’ll perhaps find narrowing it down to your final choice is a bit more time consuming. Feel free to call on my experience – a decade as a wedding celebrant in Taos and northern New Mexico and having worked with hundreds of couples.
For more ideas of places to get married in New Mexico peruse the pictures and slideshows throughout my website. If you’d like to know more about my style perhaps reading my reviews on Wedding Wire will help.
I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about these spots. Please visit my Contact Page and reach out to me for more information. Use what works best for you – there’s an availability inquiry form, my phone number or my email address. I’d love to be part of your memorable Taos wedding!
Want more information on this topic? Email Dan at Dan@EmbracingCeremony.com