Location Guides

New Mexico Elopement Guide

New Mexico is a gorgeous place to visit if you’re looking for a unique place to elope filled with history, culture, and gorgeous landscapes. Planning a New Mexico elopement can be thrilling and simple!

If you’re interested in experiencing the native culture, ghost towns, and exploring areas like Santa Fe, Taos, Las Cruces, and Albuquerque, then eloping in New Mexico may be for you.

How to Plan Your New Mexico Elopement

When to Elope in New Mexico

Like with most places, summers in New Mexico is a no go for elopements. To avoid more crowds, higher rates, and hotter temperatures, then avoid summer elopements here. 

If you’re convinced to plan your elopement during summer, however, then planning a weekday sunrise elopement is a great way to avoid the crowds and heat.

What is the best month to visit New Mexico? For elopements, we love Spring and Fall because of the cooler temperatures. We specifically recommend May, September, or October for New Mexico elopements. 

“During July and August it’s pretty hot, so a long outdoor elopement may be miserable. But then during winter it can be freezing and snowing, so that should be something for couples to consider. This past winter the first snow was on Thanksgiving and the last one was close to Easter. Also, the altitude is something that people from out of state don’t usually know about. Albuquerque is a mile high!” [Crystal Cousin, Photographer]

However, we always like to remind you that anytime can be a great time to elope in New Mexico. New Mexico also doesn’t see much rainfall year-round! If you’re set on a specific date, then reach out to one of our New Mexico vendors to get their opinion.

Places to Elope in New Mexico

New Mexico is a great place to elope because there’s plenty of areas to explore that aren’t as popular as some other elopement locations.

We are going to list some of our favorite places to elope or visit in New Mexico, but teaming up with an experienced vendor will also be a great way to plan the elopement of your dreams!

White Sands National Park

One of our favorite elopement locations in New Mexico is White Sands National Park. Plan an epic glamping trip to admire the rolling white dunes of this magnificent desert. There are 275 square miles of desert to explore, leaving plenty of space to elope somewhere away from the crowd. 

If you’re considering having a small wedding or elopement at White Sands, then a special use permit is required. There’s a $25 non-refundable reservation fee when applying for this permit. 

If you’re planning on camping or having your wedding ceremony at this park, it’s important to read what are some unacceptable and acceptable wedding decorations. Confetti, balloons, glass bottles, and beer bottles, for example, are just some examples of items that are not allowed in this park.

Head over to White Sands National Park for more information on permit rules and regulations. 

Loving the thought of eloping in White Sands? Check out this epic White Sands desert elopement.

Jemez Pueblo

A favorite among our members is the Jemez Pueblo area in New Mexico. If you’re loving the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, but you’re looking for somewhere less known, then this is your elopement destination.

We love this area for its remote and gorgeous red rock formations, perfect for elopement ceremonies or wedding portraits. 

Sandia Mountains

If you’re looking for a mountain view for your New Mexico elopement, then consider checking out the Sandia mountains. This mountain range is located in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties, which is close to Albuquerque! 

We love this area because there’s plenty of recreational activities to do during your wedding day including hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and water activities. 

Check out this Desert Harbor Retreat Elopement in Sandia Park.

Rio Grande Valley State Park River in Albuquerque

In Alburquerque you’ll find the Rio Grande. This park is known as a bosque, which is Spanish for the forest. This 4,300-acre park extends from Sandia Pueblo through Alburquerque and to Isleta Pueblo.

You have plenty of trails and shady forests to explore. We love this location for its simplicity, beauty, and diverse habitat. This spot is also great for couples who want to plan a picnic after their elopement.

Dripping Springs Natural Area at Las Cruces

This area is perfect for couples who are looking for history and epic landscapes. Las Cruces you can find the Dripping Springs Natural Area. Overlooking the Organ Mountains, which rises to 9,000 feet in elevation.

This place is epic!

You’ll have rocky peaks, narrow canyons, and open woodlands in this area, perfect for elopement ceremonies. This area also has over four miles of easy hiking trails to explore. 

New Mexico Marriage License

Getting legally married in New Mexico is actually pretty simple. In addition to your paperwork, you’ll need to pay a fee of $25 and apply at the county clerk’s office.

A marriage license must be obtained before your ceremony in order for it to be considered legal. A great thing about obtaining your marriage license in New Mexico is the license is valid immediately and also does not expire.  

New Mexico wedding ceremonies do require at least 2 witnesses. If you’re having an intimate elopement, then speak to your elopement vendors regarding requirements. Another great idea is to ask a friendly hiker to sign. 

Elopement Vendors in New Mexico

Now that you’ve seen all the amazing places and how easy it is to elope in New Mexico, let’s talk elopement vendors.

The following Wandering Weddings members specialize in New Mexico elopements. 

Aside from all the amazing places we mentioned, they are great resources for scouting hidden and remote locations in New Mexico for your wedding photos or your ceremony.

Feel free to connect with them to discuss your elopement vision with them.

Are you still not sure if New Mexico is the perfect elopement destination for you? Check out our best places to elope around the world!