The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Luxury Wedding in Santa Fe

Dreaming of a wedding that’s equal parts luxury and culture? Santa Fe, New Mexico, has you covered. While we may be biased as Santa Fe wedding planners, with its artsy vibes, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural flair, we believe that Santa Fe is the perfect spot for an unforgettable wedding day. In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to plan a luxe Santa Fe wedding—from picking the perfect venue to designing the most stunning day!

Before we dive into the details, are you looking for a New Mexico wedding planner? We’d love to be part of your special day! Whether you need full-service planning and design or simply month-of coordination, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today and let’s start planning your dream wedding!

Photo Credit: Alicia Lucia Co.

Why Get Married in Santa Fe?

Before we share the “how” behind planning a luxury wedding in Santa Fe, give us a second to tell you why we love it here so much.

First, Santa Fe isn’t just a city; it’s an experience. Tucked away in the heart of the Land of Enchantment, Santa Fe is famous for its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant art scene—making it the perfect backdrop for any elegant event.

As you think about your wedding day, picture saying “I do” under a New Mexico sunset with those gorgeous fiery skies and the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background. Whether it’s the city’s historic charm or breathtaking views that draw you in, Santa Fe truly has everything you need to make your luxury wedding dreams a reality.

Choosing Your Santa Fe Wedding Venue

When it comes to your wedding, the venue sets the whole vibe, and Santa Fe is packed with stunning spots that’ll leave a lasting impression. Below are some of our top picks for luxury venues in Santa Fe. If you’re planning a wedding from out-of-state, don’t worry (that’s a majority of our couples!). Almost all of the luxury wedding venues in Santa Fe have onsite spas, luxurious and comfortable rooms, and onsite restaurants with top-notch cocktails and delicious food. We are more than happy to walk you through a virtual tour or help you choose a venue when we work together for full-service planning and design.

Bishop’s Lodge

Tucked into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Bishop’s Lodge offers a peaceful, breathtaking setting. It’s got that perfect mix of luxury and rustic charm, making it ideal for an upscale but still cozy celebration. While most of the venues in New Mexico accommodate guest lists of up to 150, this is one of the few that will work for guest counts of up to 175-ish (depending on the floor plan).

Photo Credit: Maura Jane Photography

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

If you want to soak in some serious luxury, the Four Seasons is where it’s at. This place has everything: a world-class spa, gourmet dining, and gorgeous views. It’s perfect for couples looking to wow their guests during their wedding weekend.

Photo Credit: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado

La Posada de Santa Fe

La Posada gives you the best of both worlds—beautiful gardens for outdoor vibes and art-filled interiors for a more intimate feel. It’s a historic venue with a modern twist, perfect for couples who want that indoor-outdoor combo. This is another one of the wedding venues in Santa Fe that will work for a larger guest list (up to 200).

Photo Credit: Maura Jane Photography

La Fonda on the Plaza

If you want a wedding that’s rich in culture and history, La Fonda is a must-see. Right in the heart of Santa Fe, this historic hotel is known for its stunning architecture and prime location. It’s perfect if you want to give your guests a true Santa Fe experience.

Photo Credit: Shutter Force Photography

When planning your luxury Santa Fe wedding, think about the natural beauty, guest count, and all the amenities each venue offers. And with New Mexico’s four gorgeous seasons, there’s really no bad time of year to get married here.

Curating a Luxe Wedding Design

When it comes to creating the perfect luxury wedding design, every detail matters. From color schemes to venue layouts, we’re here to make sure your big day is as stunning as you’ve always imagined. Working with a professional wedding planner (like us!) can help make sure that your vision comes to life seamlessly, especially when planning from out-of-state.

Here are a few more tips as you start planning a luxury wedding in Santa Fe.

Hiring a Local Wedding Planner is Key

While we love making the most of your time when you visit, the reality is that you won’t always be in town for every meeting. That’s where we come in as your local eyes and boots on the ground. For example, turquoise—one of New Mexico’s signature colors—can look totally different in an inspo pic vs. on your phone vs. in person. We help make sure all those small but important details are just right. Plus, we know our local vendor community inside and out, and we’ve spent years building an incredible network of trusted pros. We’ll connect you with the best, so you can enjoy the strongest team on your side.

Maximizing Your Venue’s Potential

Additionally, after years of planning weddings in Santa Fe’s top venues, we know these spaces like the back of our hands. Sure, pictures can give you an idea, but they don’t truly capture how a venue can be transformed. When we create digital layouts, we take into account every little nook and cranny. This way, we’re able to maximize the space and make your wedding design not only beautiful but also practical. With us guiding you through the process, you’ll see how the right design can completely elevate the atmosphere of your venue.

Adding Local Flair to Your Design

Santa Fe is bursting with creativity, and we love drawing inspiration from local art and cultural elements. Many of our venues feature incredible works by local artists, which add an extra layer of sophistication to your event. Whether it’s the colors, textures, or emotions evoked by the art, we can use these details to shape the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Want to infuse some New Mexico flair into your design? How about incorporating chile ristras (those iconic hanging red chiles) into your ceremony arch, seating chart, or centerpieces? We’re all about blending upscale décor with cultural nods to give your wedding a truly unique and personal touch. From ceiling installations to floral design and paper goods, we’ll work with local artists and trends to bring your dream wedding to life in the most beautiful way.

Photo Credit: Adrift A Dream Photography

A Few Of Our Favorite Santa Fe Wedding Vendors

While we never give a blanket list of vendor recommendations (we really curate individual lists for every couple getting married depending on their wish list), here are a few of our favorite florists and rental companies that deserve their own shout-out:

Creating a High-End Culinary Experience

We can’t talk about planning a luxury wedding in Santa Fe without talking about food, right?

Santa Fe is a foodie’s dream, so why not let your wedding menu reflect the city’s amazing culinary scene? Think about adding some New Mexican flair to your menu, like Hatch Green Chile or Bison Green Chile sliders—your guests will love getting a taste of the region’s bold flavors. Walter Burke Catering is a go-to for blending local ingredients with gourmet techniques, so they can whip up a menu that’s both sophisticated and packed with Santa Fe’s signature tastes.

Plus, to take it up a notch, pair your dishes with local wines from Gruet Winery or serve up some fun signature cocktails like the Holy Margarita from SkyFire at Bishop’s Lodge. These little details will not only impress your guests but also give them a real taste of Santa Fe’s food and drink scene!

Entertainment

Next, no luxury wedding in Santa Fe is complete without top-notch entertainment. On any given weekend at almost any brewery and lounge, you will find a live musician. Naturally, there are endless ways to keep your guests entertained. Some of our favorite entertainment ideas are hiring a Mariachi band to lead your guests from the ceremony to the cocktail hour, or booking a private performance by local violinist Rachel Kelli for an elegant touch.

Photo Credit: Christian Oth Studio/Oth Media Group

Santa Fe Experiences For Your Wedding Day Weekend

Lastly, if you’re planning a Santa Fe wedding, here are a few fun things to do that we highly recommend:

Explore Bandelier National Monument

Seriously, 10/10 would recommend taking a tour of Bandelier National Monument! It’s such a cool experience where you and your guests can step back in time and explore some of the original dwellings and landmarks from this part of New Mexico. It’s a great way to mix in a little history and adventure.

Dive Into Santa Fe’s Art Scene

If you’re an art lover, Santa Fe is the place to be. We’ve got some of the best local art on display in incredible museums around the city. Make sure to check out the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Gerald Peters Gallery, and the New Mexico Museum of Art. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Unwind at World-Class Spas

Need a little relaxation? We’ve got two must-visit spots for some serious R&R: Ten Thousand Waves and Ojo Caliente. Both are luxurious getaways offering everything from full-body massages to soaking in natural hot springs. Ojo Caliente is especially unique—it’s one of the oldest health spas in the country, with natural spring-fed waters that are perfect for unwinding before (or after) the big day!

Luxury Accommodations for You and Your Guests

When it comes to finding the perfect place for your guests to stay during your Santa Fe wedding, you’ve got some amazing options. Think Bishop’s Lodge, the Four Seasons, or Ten Thousand Waves—total luxury! Plus, each hotel has a Guest Experience Rep who can help you set up VIP services and fun experiences, whether it’s at the hotel or around town. Just ask the Sales Rep to hook you up with their contact. They can even recommend a travel agent to take care of any extra details, making sure you (and your guests) have a smooth trip from start to finish.