New Mexico is a gorgeous state full of culture and stunning landscapes, and I’m here to tell you all my favorite places and help you decide where to elope in New Mexico! There are mountains, alpine lakes, deserts, dunes, cliffs, and red rocks. It flies under the radar competing with places like Colorado and Utah, but I’m here to convince you that it’s the place to elope! Especially if you are looking for a unique, quirky, eclectic experience full of history (and good food). New Mexico is perfect for couples that want to go against the grain and plan a truly unique elopement experience unlike anyone else!
White Sands National Park
White Sands was recently upgraded from a national monument to a national park, and for good reason. It is friggin’ gorgeous! Miles and miles of white sand with gorgeous mountains as a backdrop. The light here lasts forever, and it is one of the most stunning landscapes I have seen (and I’ve seen a lot).
Ghost Ranch
Ghost Ranch has my heart because it is where Georgia O’Keeffe used to live, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in all of New Mexico. Located in Abiuiu, New Mexico, it’s home to a giant lake and gorgeous red rock cliffs. There are hiking trails where you can exchange vows in seclusion, or you can book one of their ceremony spots (my favorite is the labyrinth).
Check out this quirky Ghost Ranch elopement where Breelle and Johnny got ready in a nearby yurt before heading to Ghost Ranch to exchange vows and eat donuts. It was epic!
Taos
Taos is literally where the Rocky Mountains meet the high desert, and has SO MANY opportunities for all kinds of elopements. The options are endless in Taos. For the super adventurous, you can hike up to Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in New Mexico at 13,159 feet. You can also hike to Williams Lake, an alpine lake at the base of Wheeler Peak that is at 11,040 feet and rivals any of the alpine lakes located in Colorado. Remember, these are still the Rocky Mountains!
If you’re not into hiking, you can still enjoy the mountain views by exchanging vows at a number of locations in town. There’s also plenty of hiking and hot springs along the Rio Grande gorge.
Some of my favorite venues/places to stay in Taos:
Hotel Luna Mystica – a bunch of vintage campers that have been renovated with epic mountain views and Taos Mesa Brewery next door
Hacienda del Sol – a sweet bed and breakfast with mountain views and New Mexico charm
Check out this recent Taos elopement in an earthship!
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico, and was founded in 1610! There are even some 400 year old adobe buildings still standing! Santa Fe is an amazing location because of it’s history and culture. There’s no place like it anywhere else in the world. But there’s also lots of hiking opportunities as well! If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can hike up to Santa Fe Baldy at 12,632 feet. There’s also a gorgeous alpine lake nearby called Lake Katherine. If you want to exchange vows in town instead of in the mountains, there are some seriously amazing and unique venues.
Some of my favorite venues/places to stay in Santa Fe:
La Doña Hacienda Andrea – beautiful estate with guest rooms, epic views, and a ceremony spot
Inn of the Five Graces – super fancy and uniquely decorated inn located in the perfect spot in downtown Santa Fe
Albuquerque
Albuquerque is an often overlooked but amazing city with so many hidden gems. There’s a bustling brewery scene, tons of restaurants and boutiques down the old Route 66, hiking in the Sandia Mountains, a tram you can ride up to the top of the mountains, hot air balloons, and unique shopping in Old Town. It has SO MUCH TO OFFER.
Desert Harbor Retreat is right outside of town and offers stunning desert vibes and lodging and is geared specifically towards elopements and intimate weddings. Check it out!
