If you’re planning a wedding and want to give your guests an experience they’ll be raving about for years, a wedding weekend is the way to do it. Santa Fe is the perfect place to make it happen (seriously, the magic of this city is unmatched). As New Mexico wedding planners, we’ve been lucky to see firsthand how couples turn a one-day celebration into an entire weekend filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. If you’re considering a wedding weekend in Santa Fe, here’s a guide to help you plan every detail (and make sure it all runs smoothly).
But first, are you ready to create an unforgettable wedding weekend in Santa Fe? Let’s make your vision come to life! Whether you need full-service planning and design or month-of coordination, we’ve got you covered! Reach out today to start planning, and be sure to check out our portfolio to see how we can make magic happen for your celebration.
Photo Credit: Maura Jane Photography
Why Wedding Weekends Are So Popular
Gone are the days of a one-and-done wedding day! Wedding weekends let you slow things down, spend more quality time with your loved ones, and soak up every second of your celebration. It’s especially great for destination weddings, where guests are traveling from out of town (and Santa Fe is an incredible destination, learn more here!).
A wedding weekend typically includes a welcome dinner, fun activities, the wedding day itself, and a post-wedding brunch. These events give everyone a chance to bond and make memories, so by the time the actual wedding rolls around, it feels more like a reunion of lifelong friends. (Think: no awkward introductions at the reception—everyone’s already besties!)
For tips on how to make your out of town guests feel at home at your Santa Fe wedding, read on here!
The Welcome Reception
Kick off the wedding weekend with a warm Santa Fe welcome! A welcome reception is the perfect way to greet your guests, set the tone for the weekend, and embrace that relaxed, festive vibe Santa Fe is known for. Instead of a formal dinner, many couples opt for a come-and-go cocktail hour where guests can mingle and catch up in a more casual setting. Picture signature margaritas, a grazing station, and cozy lounge areas under the stars—it’s the ultimate way to start the celebration.
As Santa Fe wedding planners, we help our couples find the perfect venue, curate delicious food and drink options, and coordinate all those fun, personal touches—like a margarita station or a live flamenco performance—that will have your guests talking.
Pro Tip: incorporate local flavors into the menu. (Think green chile everything!) This not only showcases the best of New Mexico cuisine but also gives your guests a taste of what makes this area so unique.
Activities for Guests
Santa Fe isn’t just a backdrop for your wedding weekend; it’s part of the experience. Your guests will love exploring this vibrant city, so plan a few optional activities to make their trip unforgettable.
- Art and Culture: A group visit to Meow Wolf or a stroll through the Santa Fe Plaza is always a hit. (Trust us, there’s a reason this city is called The City Different!)
- Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to exploring Bandelier National Monument, Santa Fe’s natural beauty is breathtaking.
- Relaxation: Santa Fe is known for its spas—treat your guests to a day at Ten Thousand Waves for some serious zen.
It’s all about balance. Include a mix of activities for different interests, but don’t feel pressured to overschedule. (Downtime to wander, shop, or sip coffee at a local café is just as valuable!)
Don’t worry—we’re here to help you coordinate these activities so you’re not fielding last-minute questions from guests about where to meet or what time things start. (Because let’s be real, no one wants to be glued to their phone during a relaxing weekend.)
Photo Credit: Luna Del Sol Creative
The Wedding Day
Of course, the wedding day is the main event, and Santa Fe’s charm shines even brighter here. Whether you’re saying “I do” under the stars at a rustic adobe venue or inside a historic chapel, Santa Fe offers endless possibilities for a stunning ceremony and reception.
This is where New Mexico wedding planners (like us!) make a huge difference. With so many moving parts—from managing vendors to making sure the timeline runs smoothly—you’ll want someone on your team to handle it all. Our goal? To let you soak in every magical moment while we take care of the behind-the-scenes stuff.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to incorporate personal touches! It’s in those little details that make your wedding weekend in Santa Fe truly yours.
If you’re still searching for the perfect venue, check out our blog on the top 5 wedding venues in Santa Fe for inspiration!
Post-Wedding Brunch
After the dance floor clears and the sparklers fade, the weekend doesn’t have to end! A post-wedding brunch is the perfect way to wrap things up and say goodbye to your guests before they head home.
Santa Fe’s restaurant scene offers tons of options for a memorable brunch. You could opt for a casual gathering with breakfast burritos and locally brewed coffee or go all-out with mimosas and live music at a chic venue. (Bonus points if you snag a spot with mountain views!)
Having a post-wedding brunch gives you one last chance to connect with everyone and hear their favorite memories from the weekend. Plus, it makes the farewell feel a little sweeter—and let’s be honest, less rushed.
Why You Need a Planner for Your Wedding Weekend in Santa Fe
Planning a wedding day is hard enough, but planning a wedding weekend? That’s a whole other level. Between organizing multiple events, coordinating vendors, and keeping guests informed, it’s a lot to manage. That’s where we come in as full-service wedding planners.
As Santa Fe wedding planners, we specialize in creating seamless, stress-free wedding weekends. From helping you choose the best venues to ensuring every event flows perfectly, we take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying your big weekend.
We also act as your go-to for all those little questions that pop up (because trust us, there will be questions). Need help finding accommodations for your guests? Done. Want to include a surprise for your partner during the welcome dinner? We’ve got you. Worried about rain on your wedding day? We’ll have a backup plan ready to go.
When you work with us, you’re not just hiring New Mexico wedding planners; you’re getting a team that truly cares about making your weekend unforgettable.
And if you need more convincing, check out our blog on the benefits of hiring a wedding planner VS DIY wedding planning.
Photo Credit: Leah Tise Weddings
Ready to Plan Your Wedding Weekend in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is more than just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a destination that creates unforgettable experiences for you and your guests. Whether it’s a sunset welcome dinner, an adventurous group hike, or a wedding day full of heartfelt moments, this city offers everything you need for a dream wedding weekend in Santa Fe.
If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, we’d love to help! As Santa Fe wedding planners, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from dreaming up ideas to making them happen. (And yes, we’ll even make sure your guests know where to get the best green chile cheeseburger in town.)
Let’s chat and start planning the wedding weekend your guests will be talking about for years to come!