5 Helpful Tips for Holding Your Wedding in Santa Fe - LasCruces.com
The Sunset Terrace's patio lighting can be changed to match your wedding color scheme.

Choosing Santa Fe, New Mexico as your wedding destination is an exciting decision that guarantees timeless memories. For those hailing from Las Cruces, this choice presents an interesting blend of novelty while still staying within the comforts of the state. Located approximately 285 miles north of Las Cruces, Santa Fe offers an enriching cultural experience just a few hours away, making it a sought-after venue for Las Cruces residents seeking a distinct yet close-to-home wedding setting.

Here’s a distilled guide for Las Cruces couples looking to celebrate their union in Santa Fe, backed by insights from the experts at the distinguished Santa Fe venue, The Sunset Terrace.

The Sunset Terrace at sunset, the perfect location for a destination wedding.
The Sunset Terrace in Santa Fe at sunset is a beautiful setting for a destination wedding.

NUMBER 1 — NAVIGATING THE WEDDING PAPERWORK

Firstly, the administrative step. You’ll need a marriage license. You can pick one up in Doña Ana County or visit the Office of the Santa Fe County Clerk to get one. With a $25 fee and a standard ID, like a driver’s license, in hand, you can obtain a license that is valid across New Mexico. Thankfully, there’s no necessity for blood tests or drawn-out waiting periods.

NUMBER 2 — SELECTING THE WEDDING OFFICIANT

The right person to helm your nuptials makes all the difference. You can opt for an individual affiliated with a religious entity or a tribal representative qualified to officiate weddings. Notably, there’s no cumbersome paperwork involved; they don’t need to register their standing in Santa Fe.

NUMBER 3 — FINALIZING THE DATE

When pinpointing the date, bear in mind the local climate and significant city events. While Santa Fe is predominantly sun-soaked, it does have brisk winters. With January averages around 41°F and springtime that’s occasionally breezy, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Summer, marked by mid-80s temperatures, may have afternoon monsoon rains. Autumn is favored by many for its temperate weather and fall colors.

Also, it’s wise for Las Cruces residents to be abreast of Santa Fe’s bustling event calendar to avert peak hotel rates and dense crowds. Events like the International Folk Art Market, Spanish Market, and Santa Fe Indian Market happen in the summer.

Bride and groom's hand with flowers at a wedding.

NUMBER 4 — DETERMINING THE ATTIRE

What to wear in Santa Fe? It’s pretty flexible. For instance, at events such as the Santa Fe Opera, attendees show up in both elegant couture and relaxed denim, often adorned with turquoise jewelry.

You can select a theme and style for your wedding that matches your personal preferences and no matter what you choose, it will likely work great in Santa Fe! If your event is being held outdoors, layers may be required if the weather may warm up or cool down.

Of course, since this is New Mexico, chile may be on the menu. Be careful, brides wearing white! Whether you choose red or green, either will stain.

NUMBER 5 — ZEROING IN ON THE VENUE

Santa Fe presents a variety of stunning venues, ranging from timeless churches, and opulent retreats, to tranquil gardens. While Las Cruces is inherently beautiful, a change in backdrop, like Santa Fe, can infuse a fresh vibrancy into your special day.

A noteworthy contender is The Sunset Terrace. Positioned strategically, it offers unobstructed views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with versatile indoor and outdoor options. With ties to renowned Santa Fe dining jewels like Coyote Café and Santacafé, culinary excellence is a given.

As owner of The Sunset Terrace Quinn Stephenson says, “People travel all over the world to merely visit Santa Fe, so if you have an opportunity to get married in this majestic place, you and your loved ones will cherish that memory forever!”

While Las Cruces has its intrinsic charm, Santa Fe stands as a nearby, unique, and vibrant alternative, promising to make your wedding a standout affair.

Learn more about a destination wedding in Santa Fe here.

 

THIS STORY SPONSORED BY THE SUNSET TERRACE

 

The Sunset Terrace logo

Posted by LasCruces.com

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