Planning a wedding in Santa Fe, surrounded by the stunning landscapes and unique culture of New Mexico, is a dream come true. But if you’re inviting out-of-town guests, you’ll want to make sure they don’t just show up for the big day—they feel welcomed, connected, and truly part of the celebration. As New Mexico wedding planners, we know that when you make out-of-town guests feel at home at your wedding they will walk away saying, “Wow, that was the best wedding ever!”
Creating that experience isn’t just about the ceremony and reception (though we’ll make sure those are unforgettable, too!). It’s about little touches, thoughtful gestures, and making sure every step of the trip feels easy and fun.
Are you dreaming of a stunning Santa Fe wedding (if not, here’s why you should be!) but feeling the planning stress? As top New Mexico wedding planners, we’re here to make it easy, fun, and totally you. Ready to bring your vision to life? Let’s chat and start planning your dream day!
Okay, here are our top tips to make out-of-town guests feel at home during your Santa Fe wedding!
Why The Guest Experience Matters
When you picture your wedding, you probably see laughter, happy tears, and everyone having a wonderful time. That’s exactly why guest experience is so important. Especially for guests traveling to Albuquerque or Santa Fe, a warm welcome will make a huge difference in how they remember your big day. We’re here to ensure your friends and family feel the love from the moment they arrive in New Mexico until they head back home with beautiful memories (and maybe a little sand in their suitcase!).
1. Personalized Welcome Gifts
I mean, who doesn’t love a good gift? Especially after a long day of travel, a little welcome bag can go a long way in making guests feel instantly at ease. Consider setting up personalized welcome bags in their hotel rooms, or passing them out at check-in. We love including local treats, like green chile snacks or piñon coffee, along with essentials like water bottles, sunscreen, and a little itinerary of wedding events. If you’re working with a Santa Fe wedding planner (like us!), we can help you source unique local goodies that are sure to wow and make out-of-town guests feel at home!
Pro Tip: Add a handwritten note or a postcard from Santa Fe with a warm message like, “Welcome to New Mexico! We’re so happy you’re here to celebrate with us.” A small gesture, but trust us—it’ll mean the world.
2. Choose Accommodations That Feel Like Home
Where your guests stay can really set the tone for their experience. Santa Fe and Albuquerque have an incredible variety of accommodations, from cozy inns with Southwestern flair to luxury resorts and vacation rentals for those who like a more private feel.
When picking accommodations, it’s a good idea to choose a range that can meet different budgets and preferences. We recommend looking for hotels or rentals that have that Santa Fe charm—think adobe walls, beautiful courtyards, and New Mexican art.
If you’d like help with reserving a room block or finding the perfect spots, our team is here to take care of those details so everyone can stay in style. After all, we want your guests to be as enchanted with their home away from home as they are with the wedding itself, helping you make out-of-town guests feel at home every step of the way!
Pro Tip: Many places in the area also offer group booking rates, so be sure to ask about any possible discounts!
Photo Credit: Katherine Rose Co.
3. Host Pre-Wedding Events to Kick Off the Fun
Hosting a pre-wedding event, like a welcome dinner or casual get-together, is a wonderful way to help everyone feel connected before the big day. Not only does this break the ice, but it also lets guests relax and get a feel for Santa Fe’s unique vibe (it truly is one-of-a-kind!)
Consider an informal gathering with a little local flair. Picture a taco bar, a green chile tasting, or even a sunset gathering with margaritas and live music. These pre-wedding events don’t have to be elaborate or formal—they’re all about setting a warm tone and letting everyone mingle. Hosting these gatherings can be a perfect way to make out-of-town guests feel at home before the celebration officially begins. As your Santa Fe wedding planners, we can even suggest some great Santa Fe spots that give an authentic New Mexican experience!
When you are trying to make your out-of-town guests feel at home, the venue is everything! Check out our blog on the Top Santa Fe Wedding Venues to find the ideal backdrop for your celebration.
4. Make Travel as Smooth as Possible
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that travel details can make or break a guest’s experience. Make it easy for your out-of-towners by providing all the details they need to get around.
Consider creating a simple travel guide that you can send out ahead of time. Include details like the best airport to fly into (usually Albuquerque International Sunport), directions to Santa Fe, and transportation options. For guests flying in, provide info on reliable rideshares or car rentals.
Additionally, consider sharing a list of fun local stops along the way, like the beautiful Turquoise Trail or a quirky roadside attraction. It’s those small touches that make travel part of the adventure. And we’d love to handle all those details for you so you can focus on the big picture!
5. Plan Post-Wedding Activities to Extend the Celebration
When guests come from out of town, they often make a little vacation out of it. Why not extend the wedding fun by planning a few post-wedding activities? New Mexico is full of unique experiences, and Santa Fe is the perfect spot to keep the party going!
Think about arranging a group hike in the beautiful Santa Fe mountains, a visit to Meow Wolf (the famous immersive art installation), or a relaxing day at one of the area’s hot springs. For a more low-key option, suggest a stroll through the Santa Fe Plaza, where guests can explore local shops, galleries, and sample Southwestern cuisine.
Providing these suggestions (or better yet, making group reservations) shows your guests that you appreciate the time they took to celebrate with you. We’re always here to make planning these extras a breeze, so don’t hesitate to lean on us for local recommendations or help coordinating these outings! Post-wedding activities can really round out the trip and help make out-of-town guests feel at home with the local charm.
A Few More Personal Touches
Making sure your out-of-town guests feel at home in New Mexico is all about the details. Here are a few final ideas to make their experience truly special:
- Local Flavor: Serve New Mexican dishes or incorporate local flavors into your wedding menu. A green chile station or piñon coffee bar can add a fun touch and give your guests a taste of New Mexico.
- Music and Entertainment: If possible, add a bit of Southwestern flair to your entertainment. Consider a mariachi band or flamenco dancers during cocktail hour—it’s a fun way to bring the culture of Santa Fe to life.
- Farewell Goodie Bags: As a final touch, send guests off with a small farewell goodie bag as they leave the reception. Think travel snacks, a local treat like biscochitos (New Mexico’s state cookie!), or even a little “recovery kit” is always a hit! Include water, electrolyte powder, a granola bar, and mints. You can even add a soothing tea bag and some lip balm because they might be feeling a bit dry in the New Mexico air. This thoughtful gesture lets guests know how much you appreciated them being there and makes their trip back home just a little bit easier.
Looking for more ideas on how you can personalize your wedding? We’ve got you! Check out our blog here!
Photo Credit: Adrift A Dream Photography
Creating Memories They’ll Cherish
At the end of the day, when you make your out-of-town guests feel at home at your wedding is all about the thought and care you put into each step of their experience. By taking the time to consider their comfort, adding personal touches, and showing them the beauty of New Mexico, you’re giving them more than just a trip—you’re giving them memories they’ll remember!
Here in New Mexico, we’re all about making people feel like family, and our team is dedicated to helping you create that unforgettable experience. As your local Albuquerque and Santa Fe wedding planners, we’re here to make the planning process easy and to ensure every guest, near or far, feels the magic of your big day. Reach out today and let’s work together to create a wedding that’s not only beautiful but full of warmth and love.