When it comes to destination wedding locations in the US, we can’t think of any that have the same amount of charm and history as Santa Fe. OK – we might be biased as a Santa Fe wedding planner. But really, nestled here in the high desert, Santa Fe feels like a true melting pot of Spanish, Native American, and Mexican influences. I’ve seen time and time again how its rich cultural heritage and world-class art scene offers endless inspiration for couples. It’s perfect for those who want their wedding to be both meaningful and visually stunning. If you’re dreaming of a wedding with Santa Fe’s rich culture and art that feels timeless yet unique, you’re in the right place. Today, we want to share a few ways that you can infuse Santa Fe into every element of your big day.
But first, are you in the middle of planning a Santa Fe-inspired wedding? We would love to help you bring the rich culture, stunning art, and unique traditions of this magical city to life on your big day! Whether you’re looking for full-service planning and design or just need a little help with coordination, we’ve got your back. Contact us today to learn more (and save the date!).
Now, let’s dive more into why we’ve called Santa Fe home for the last four years.
Santa Fe’s Cultural and Artistic Heritage
Firstly, Santa Fe is known as “The City Different” for a reason. It’s a place where art, culture, and history come together. With over 250 art galleries, centuries-old traditions, and iconic Spanish colonial architecture, it’s easy to craft a wedding with Santa Fe’s rich culture and art that tells a story. By incorporating local artistry and historical elements, your wedding won’t just look beautiful—it will mean something special.
Have history in Santa Fe? Maybe you went to university here or have family here? Inviting your guests to a destination wedding in Santa Fe is the best way to show your closest family and friends why this place means something to you.
Venues That Embody Santa Fe’s Culture and Art
We believe that your wedding venue is the foundation of your wedding design (and yes—you absolutely should hire a wedding planner before you choose your venue).
Here are a few of our favorites:
- La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa: If you’re looking for a charming blend of historic adobe architecture and luxurious amenities, this one is one of our favorites for either an intimate ceremony or a full wedding weekend experience.
- The Eldorado Hotel & Spa: Located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, this elegant hotel offers rooftop venues with stunning mountain views.
- Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado: If you’re looking for luxury, this iconic hotel is nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes and high-end service for a truly magical wedding experience.
- The Loretto Chapel: Famous for its spiral staircase, this stunning Gothic Revival chapel offers a dramatic backdrop for your ceremony.
- El Rancho de las Golondrinas: This historic living museum offers rustic 18th-century architecture and enormous outdoor spaces for couples seeking a laid-back, cultural setting.
- SITE Santa Fe: For the couple who loves contemporary art, this modern museum is a minimalist’s dream with its clean lines and creative exhibits.
- Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary: For nature lovers, this venue provides a serene and lush garden setting, perfect for an outdoor celebration.
- Inn & Spa at Loretto: This historic hotel combines vintage elegance with modern comfort, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for a classic Santa Fe wedding.
Each venue has something unique to offer so ultimately, the right venue looks different for everyone. If you’re on the hunt for a wedding venue in Santa Fe, contact us here or come follow us on Instagram for more inspiration!
Photo Credit: Katherine Rose Co.
Incorporating Local Art Into Your Wedding Design
Now let’s talk about bringing in the local art to your wedding day. Working with local artisans only adds unique elements to your wedding with Santa Fe’s rich culture and art. Plus, it also supports the vibrant art community that we’ve all come to know and love.
If you want to support local as you plan your wedding, below are a few ways we love to incorporate local craftsmanship.
- Custom Pottery: Use hand-painted pottery for your table settings, and seating charts, or even consider gifting guests small bowls or mugs as wedding favors.
- Woven Textiles: Mix in some traditional handwoven fabrics as table runners, wall hangings, or even cozy blankets for your guests at an outdoor ceremony. Not only will these pieces likely become something you can reuse in your home, but the colors and textures will bring a warm, inviting vibe to your setup.
- Art Displays: We love to connect our couples with local artists. For example, you can hire a live painter to paint your wedding ceremony or reception in real time. This makes for a treasured keepsake, and something to entertain, and amaze, your guests.
Photo Credit: Katherine Rose Co.
Local Wedding Traditions to Incorporate Into Your Ceremony
As a wedding planner, we truly believe your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Honestly, the sky’s the limit when it comes to making your day unique and personal! Your love story is one-of-a-kind. Your wedding should be too.
Here are just a few ideas for local wedding traditions in Santa Fe:
- Las Arras Ceremony: This Spanish tradition involves the exchange of 13 coins between the couple, symbolizing shared responsibility and trust.
- Sage Smudging: Burning sage is said to cleanse the space of negative energy, which is a tradition set to create a peaceful start to your marriage.
- Wedding Lasso: This one is another Spanish tradition, where a lasso or rosary is placed around the couple during the ceremony to symbolize unity and protection.
Plus, while we can suggest ideas like incorporating traditions from Santa Fe’s rich blend of cultures, what matters is that your day feels like you. We support you through blending family customs, having your favorite food truck cater, or even skipping a few traditions altogether. Your wedding should be about what makes you two happy.
Local Flavors for a Santa Fe-Inspired Wedding Menu
One of the most exciting ways to share Santa Fe’s culture with your guests is through the food. Santa Fe is renowned for its flavorful, spicy cuisine with Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. If food is important to you on your wedding day, you’re in the right place.
Can you imagine your guests drooling over this lineup?
Appetizers
- Mini enchiladas
- Green chile cheese bites
- Sopes with local toppings
Main Course
- Traditional New Mexican chile (choose red, green, or Christmas style!)
- Posole with all the fixings
- Carne adovada (spicy, slow-cooked pork)
Desserts:
- Piñon nut wedding cake
- Churros with chocolate sauce
- Biscochitos (New Mexico’s state cookie)
And don’t forget a signature cocktail featuring local ingredients—like a spicy margarita with chile-infused tequila!
Photo Credit: Maura Jane Photography
Decor Ideas Inspired by Santa Fe’s Architecture and Landscapes
Moving on, let’s talk about the decor. This is the fun part, right? Santa Fe’s iconic adobe architecture and high-desert landscape are full of design inspiration. Naturally, incorporating these elements into your wedding decor can transport your guests straight into the heart of Santa Fe.
Additionally, while every wedding we design is truly unique, below are just a couple of ideas to get you started.
Adobe-Inspired Decor
For a stunning adobe-inspired wedding, think clay pots filled with desert flowers or succulents, rustic wooden furniture, and vintage pieces that reflect the warm, earthy tones of traditional adobe homes. We love to create an altar framed by adobe-style arches or wooden beams. This way, we can help create a cozy, inviting space that feels both authentic and timeless.
Photo Credit: Adrift a Dream Photography
Desert Chic Vibes
Additionally, for a chic desert-inspired wedding, we like to go for soft, neutral colors. From there, we will add pops of sunset hues like terracotta, blush, and warm golds. For example, we typically try to incorporate some local lavender or even cacti/succulents to create a modern, desert vibe.
Don’t forget to use the beauty of the space that already exists! For example, we love the piñon trees and sagebrush that we find all around our gorgeous Santa Fe wedding venues.
Photo Credit: Maura Jane Photography
Ready to Infuse Your Wedding with Santa Fe’s Rich Culture and Art? Let’s Make Magic Happen!
Finally, if you’re excited about bringing Santa Fe’s rich culture and art into your wedding day, let’s make it happen! With our full-service wedding planning, we’ll bring your vision to life—from the perfect venue to custom decor and everything in between. Whether you want to honor local traditions, showcase local art, or simply soak up the beauty of Santa Fe, we are here. We would love to help you create a wedding that reflects the beauty and spirit of this incredible city. Finally, check out our portfolio to see how we’ve made dream weddings a reality. Then, before you go, contact us here to start planning your unforgettable celebration!