A Guide to Wedding Venues in New Mexico & Getting Married in the Southwest
These beautiful wedding venues in New Mexico prove that the Land of Enchantment lives up to its name.
If you're thinking about getting married in Santa Fe, planning your nuptials in Albuquerque, or looking for off-the-beaten path locations to say "I do" in New Mexico, then we're happy to say that you've come to the right place. We spent some time researching the must-see wedding venues in New Mexico for every style, season, and occasion, whether you're dreaming of an outdoor celebration or looking for something more traditional. You'll find our favorite New Mexico wedding venues in this guide, along with some additional advice to help you plan your dream wedding. Ready to get started?
Here's the scoop on the best wedding venues in New Mexico, plus everything you need to know about getting married in the state.
The Basics
Before you start researching wedding venues in New Mexico, we suggest getting familiar with the basics first. The average cost of a wedding venue in Albuquerque is $6,845, and you can expect to spend a similar amount in large cities across the state, such as Santa Fe and Las Cruces. That’s slightly higher than the national average cost of a venue, which is $6,000—but there are plenty of ways to get the most for your money (like all-inclusive venues and off-season rates) if you’re working with a limited budget.
Another thing to note is that New Mexico is a great place to get married year-round. Whether you’re hosting a romantic outdoor ceremony in the spring or planning a cozy winter wedding, the New Mexico scenery and relatively mild weather are a recipe for a stunning celebration no matter what.
Finally, as you’re browsing New Mexico wedding venues and planning your big day, take a moment to consider any major events that are happening in town around the same date as your wedding. If there’s a big event (art festivals, holiday parades, sporting events, etc.) that overlaps with your wedding day and location, you can expect larger crowds, price surges, and more traffic. Major annual festivals in New Mexico include:
Spring
- The Gathering of Nations Pow Wow—Albuquerque (April)
Summer
- Roswell UFO Festival (4th of July)
- Silver City Clay Festival (July)
- Burning of Zozobra—Santa Fe (Labor Day)
Fall
- Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally—Ruidoso (September)
- Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta (September)
- New Mexico State Fair—Albuquerque (September)
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October)
- Taos Wool Festival (October)
- Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium—Ruidoso (November)
Getting There and Around
Sharing basic travel information and tips ahead of the big day is helpful for anyone who is attending your wedding from out of state. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the state’s public international airport and offers flights from nine commercial airlines, making it one of the most convenient options for your guests. If you’re getting married in southern New Mexico, your guests can also fly into El Paso International Airport (ELP) and drive north from Texas.
Out-of-town guests should expect to rent a car or use taxis and ride sharing for most of their stay, especially if your wedding venue is in a more secluded location. Guests staying in downtown Santa Fe or downtown Albuquerque can take advantage of airport shuttles, Amtrak, Greyhound, city buses, and the NM Rail Runner commuter train.
Weather
Depending on where you are getting married the state, average temperatures can vary drastically based on your elevation and topography (desert, forest, grassland, etc.). In Albuquerque, summer temperatures range between 70 and 90 degrees from May to October. During the winter, high temperatures throughout New Mexico can reach 50 degrees, with lows in the 30s. Average rainfall in the southern half of the state is less than 10 inches per year, making it one of the best places to look for outdoor wedding venues in New Mexico. If you want a snowy winter wedding, plan to get married in the mountains located northeast of Santa Fe, which receive several feet of snowfall each year.
Wedding Venues
- Albuquerque
You’ll find wedding venues in Albuquerque for every style and budget. From traditional hotel ballrooms to romantic vineyards, industrial warehouses, and elegant country clubs, this city doesn’t disappoint when it comes to offering the most variety of wedding venues in New Mexico.
See wedding venues in Albuquerque »
- Santa Fe
If you want to embrace Southwestern style and architecture on your wedding day, getting married in Santa Fe is a great option. In the state capital, you’ll find cozy B&Bs, luxurious resorts, rustic ranches, and intimate garden wedding venues—all with unique New Mexico flair.
- Outdoor
New Mexico is a year-round wedding destination. We've chosen the best outdoor wedding venues in the state for every season, from secluded ranches that are gorgeous in the springtime to luxurious ski resorts for a winter celebration.
See outdoor wedding venues in New Mexico »
Marriage Requirements
While you’re thinking about wedding venues in New Mexico, brushing up on the state’s marriage laws is also a good idea. In order to apply for a New Mexico marriage license, both parties will need to present a government-issued photo ID (like a license) and must be at least 18 years old without parental consent. After your license is approved, there’s no required waiting period to get married, no witnesses are required, and it will never expire—the perfect recipe for an elopement! One thing to note is that once you’re married, the license needs to be returned to the state within 90 days.
Things to Do in New Mexico
If you’re a New Mexico resident, we’re guessing you’re already familiar with all there is to do in the Land of Enchantment—but don’t forget to spread the word to your guests! Providing friends and relatives with a list of activities or must-see attractions will help them make the most of your wedding celebration, especially if many are traveling from out of town and want to extend their trip. Here are our recommendations:
- Get outdoors
Whether they’re into whitewater rafting, golfing, stargazing, mountain biking, or rock climbing, New Mexico has seemingly endless options for the outdoor enthusiast.
- Wine tasting
Out-of-state guests might not know about one of New Mexico’s best-kept secrets: the flourishing wine industry. The New Mexico Wine Trail spans from the northern Rio Grande to the Mesilla Valley near Las Cruces. Dozens of wineries and vineyards are easily accessible from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, with many local tour companies offering curated day trips that take care of the nitty gritty details, including transportation.
- Art & culture
With Native American, Hispanic, Latino, and “Old West” roots, New Mexico is a beautiful melting pot. Today, the state’s diverse population is reflected through its cuisine, music, art, and architecture. Guests can check out historical sites, museums, festivals, and national parks to appreciate the wide range of cultures.
