Complete New Mexico Elopement Guide
Complete New Mexico Elopement Guide
How to plan your destination wedding in New Mexico (Updated for 2023!)
Photography & Videography by Montana Diaries
New Mexico is the perfect southern destination for your elopement or micro-wedding — you'll find breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and endless possibilities for a truly unforgettable wedding day. From the rugged beauty of the desert to the charming adobe architecture of historic towns, New Mexico has something for every couple seeking a unique and meaningful elopement experience. Welcome to my New Mexico elopement guide where I share everything about how to elope in New Mexico from the best time of year, best elopement locations, permits, and the best places to stay! You’re definitely going to want to keep reading!!
Table of Contents
Why Elope in New Mexico?
New Mexico is an elopement location that is slowly gaining popularity. With its breathtaking desert landscapes, historic adobe buildings, and vibrant culture, it offers so many amazing locations for an elopement. New Mexico may be the perfect elopement location for you if:
You want to elope in a place that is unique and less popular! Unlike other locations in the Southwest like Arizona, it will provide you with a much more intimate experience with far fewer people.
You love breathtaking sunsets overlooking the desert.
You want to get married in a place with lots of culture and character.
You want to elope in a place with diverse landscapes.
You love outdoor activities and are down to try something new and adventurous.
Where is New Mexico?
New Mexico is located in the Southwest portion of the United States. It is one of the four corner states along with Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. It also borders Mexico to the South and Texas to the Southeast. So, if you live in any of the surrounding states, might as well make a road trip out of it and visit several other places.
Major Cities in New Mexico
Albuquerque
Santa Fe
Las Cruces
Popular National Parks in New Mexico
How to Travel to & Around New Mexico
If you are traveling to New Mexico from out of state, you can either drive or fly.
Major airports in New Mexico:
How to travel around New Mexico by car:
I highly recommend renting a car if you are flying into New Mexico as you would be able to explore the state without having to rely on public transportation. When you are in major cities, the public transportation is great but you will definitely have a hard time getting to the National Parks.
Best Time of Year to Elope in New Mexico
When planning your New Mexico elopement, it’s important to consider the time of year and weather conditions. The state experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own unique beauty and challenges. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and colorful foliage, while summer can be hot and dry. Winter can be cold and snowy, but also offers the opportunity for cozy indoor ceremonies.
My personal favorite is spring and fall because the weather is just the right temperature and of course, the changing colors are always a plus!
Best Locations for Your New Mexico Elopement
New Mexico offers a variety of stunning locations for your elopement, from the rugged beauty of the desert to the charming streets of Santa Fe. Consider what type of scenery you want as the backdrop for your special day. Do you want to exchange vows in front of a dramatic mountain range or in a cozy adobe chapel? The time of year you decide to elope will also play a big factor in location as well. So, here are some of my favorite New Mexico elopement locations from hiking adventures to more laid-back unique properties:
Adventurous Elopement Locations in New Mexico
White Sands National Park Elopement
The White Sands National Park is such a dreamy location! The pure whiteness of the sand dunes paired with a sunrise or sunset elopement makes this elopement location absolutely breathtaking! It’s simple yet has so much character and there are not many other locations like it!
Closest Airport/ Driving time: El Paso International Airport - 1 hour 35 minutes
Best time of year to elope: Fall, winter & spring
Permit(s) Needed? Smaller elopements do not require a permit. Weddings that are a bit bigger that will be bringing in chairs and decorations will need to file for a permit.
Angel Fire, New Mexico Elopement
Located along the enchanted circle of Northern New Mexico, Angel Fire is a much more lush area. Eloping here means you will be surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and grassy meadows. This is the perfect New Mexico elopement location if you are wanting more cozy and less desert-like.
Closest Airport/ Driving time: Albuquerque International Sunport - 3 hours
Best time of year to elope: Mid-June to Early August
Permit(s) Needed? No
Sandia Mountain Foothills Elopement
If you’re wanting a more adventurous elopement location that is still close to a major city, then Sandia Mountain Foothills is a great option. It is located in the foothills on the outskirts of Albuquerque. It offers beautiful desert landscapes, tons of cacti, and stunning mountain views that are the perfect backdrop for your elopement.
Closest Airport/ Driving time: Albuquerque International Sunport - 10 minutes
Best time of year to elope: September to November
Permit(s) Needed? No
Jemez Mountains Elopement
This is one of the most beautiful spots in New Mexico for a hiking elopement. It has so much to offer from waterfalls and lush forests to mountain views, lakes and rivers, and even hot springs. For this location, I would highly recommend camping and really making a trip out of it. There are tons of hiking trails, great options for kayaking and paddle boarding, and you definitely have to check out the hot springs.
Closest Airport/ Driving time: Albuquerque International Sunport - 1 hour 18 minutes
Best time of year to elope: This is a great year-round elopement location. But if you aren’t the biggest fan of the cold, I would definitely recommend avoiding the winter months.
Permit(s) Needed? No
Abiquiu Elopement
If you’re wanting that traditional desert landscape that New Mexico is known for, then Abiquiu is a great option for you. It’s a super bright, open, and airy desert landscape with unique rock formations that provide the perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony.
Closest Airport/ Driving time: Albuquerque International Sunport - 1 hour 50 minutes
Best time of year to elope: May to September
Permit(s) Needed? No
Elopement/Wedding Venues in New Mexico
+ Places to Stay that you also Elope at
The Desert Compass
The Desert Compass is the dreamiest retreat in New Mexico that offers the most amazing experience. It is a boutique hotel found in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque. This is a super small and intimate property that only offers 6 suites. What makes this place so special is that every single room is uniquely furnished and decorated with the work of local designers and artists. The property also offers tons of amenities including a hot tub, cowboy pool, fire pit, lounge areas, and lush gardens. Located in the heart of downtown, you walk to tons of local places in the area to explore and eat!
If you’re wanting to plan an elopement that is all about the desert vibes, this is THE VENUE! You can have your ceremony in front of a modern desert backdrop or a blank canvas where you can design the backdrop of your dreams.
I seriously could not recommend this venue enough if you are wanting a laid-back elopement with the dreamiest desert vibes!
For more information on The Desert Compass, you can visit their website here!
Til Death Venue
If you’re planning a bigger wedding or an intimate elopement in New Mexico and are looking for a venue in the heart of downtown Albuquerque, you need to check out the Til Death Venue. This venue offers a unique open-concept floor plan with beautiful red brick from floor to ceiling. You can choose to have your wedding or elopement in the Grand Hall or up on the terrace.
For more information on the Til Death Venue, you can visit their website here!
Log River Ranch
For information on Log River Ranch, you can visit their website here!
Ojo Caliente
If you’re wanting to celebrate your elopement at one of the most serene health spas in New Mexico, then you need to check out Ojo Caliente. This place is the definition of relaxation! From enjoying all of the spa treatments and hot springs to yoga classes and amazing hiking trails, you are bound to have the best time here! And they have so many different and unique room options to choose from!
For more information on Ojo Caliente, you can visit their website here!
Turquoise Antler
If you and your partner are wanting to have a more intimate elopement in New Mexico with just your family or close friends, then the Turquoise Antler is a great option. They have tons of beautiful rustic cabins to stay in that offer tons of space and have great views for your elopement ceremony.
For more information on the Turquoise Antle, you can visit their website here!
Chama Trails Motel
This family-owned motel is located in Historic Chama, New Mexico, and is a great elopement location if you are wanting mountain views and lots of hiking. There are tons of things to explore in the area including the El Vado Reservoir, Heron Lake, and the Southern San Juan Mountains.
For more information on the Chama Trails Motel, you can visit their website here!
How to Get Married in New Mexico
Whether you are from New Mexico or traveling from out of state to get married there, you will need to get a New Mexico Marriage License.
New Mexico Marriage Laws:
# of witnesses required: 2
Legal age requirement: 18 years or older
Waiting period: None, you can get married as soon as you get your marriage license
License Expiration: Does not expire in New Mexico
Blood test requirement: No
License Fee: $25
New Mexico Marriage License Process:
You and your partner must visit a New Mexico county clerk’s office.
Both applicants are required to provide two current official forms of government-issued identification.
The marriage license filing fee of $25 must be paid at the time of the application.
Where to Stay in New Mexico
New Mexico has so many beautiful and unique places to stay and that’s why I encourage you to stay for at least a couple of days. Whether you want to stay in a southwestern-inspired Airbnb, go glamping, or enjoy a nice hotel, New Mexico has tons of great options! Below are some great places to look into for your stay in New Mexico:
AIRBNBS
CAMPGROUNDS
LODGES & RESORTS
Fun Activities to Do During Your New Mexico Elopement
Go sand sledding in the Sand Dunes at White Sands National Park
Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and explore the caves
Go Swimming, cliff-jumping, or scuba-diving in Santa Rosa Blue Hole
Relax in a natural hot spring
Enjoy some magical star-gazing at night
Enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta from October 7-15, 2023
Take a scenic train ride through the rolling hills and beautiful mountains
Learn about some of New Mexico’s Native American culture at Bandelier National Monument
Visit Taos Ski Valley in the winter months to enjoy some snowboarding and skiing
Go horseback riding in Santa Fe at Sante Fe Western AdventuresSit back and relax with a spa day at Ojo Caliente
Kayak or paddle board in the local lakes and rivers
New Mexico Elopement Photographer
Hi, I’m Shayna Lloyd, the creative behind Montana Diaries. I’m a videographer and photographer based in NW Montana and Glacier National Park. But, you better believe I’m stoked to pack up my gear, and often my cute little fam, to travel all over the world telling love stories, and of course that includes New Mexico!
I curate the most badass video & photo teams, and that often includes my husband, Brandon. We seek to live what we offer, meaning we prioritize traveling, hiking, time in the outdoors, and creating memorable experiences for each other and our little ones.
New Mexico Elopement Packages
INTIMATE, ADVENTUROUS, TRUE-TO-YOU
Whether it’s just the two of you, or you have 20ish stragglers tagging along to kick off your marriage with an incredible Arizona expedition, my hope is to craft an *experience* that feels like YOU GUYS. Think about your greatest adventure, your perfect date, and the things you two do together that make you feel the most alive and authentic.
THE DETAILS:
Deliverables: Videography — the highlight film, the full ceremony/vow reading, and anything else important that needs a separate video; Photography — the full edited gallery hosted online with free downloads for you, your friends, and your family!
You can find information on my pricing HERE!
