In our modern world of digital spaces, instant gratification, and an overwhelmingly vast number of options to choose from when it comes to buying almost anything, the monotony and speed can become, well, a bit overwhelming sometimes. We, New Mexico’s Perfect Wedding Guide team, are lucky enough that we get to slow down, spend time with small, local businesses, and really get to know our community. Frankly, that’s one of the most remarkable and fulfilling parts of being here at our home base in Albuquerque.
It comes as no surprise too, that the desire for local, handcrafted, made-with-love goods and services continues to grow outside of our team as well. There’s an undeniable richness of feeling like you belong somewhere, having a community, and knowing the people who make your food and grow your flowers. The quotidian nature of this relationship transcends your everyday decisions and quality of life though, especially when it comes to events of particular importance, like your wedding day.
Having a foundation of trust with the people and businesses you choose to work with makes the months, weeks, and days approaching your wedding full of excitement, not apprehension. So when we found Europa, a new bakery slash wedding venue slash floral farm slash fantastical fairy farm wonderland in Los Lunas, we were over the moon. Founded on the principles of European communities — tight-knit, rich with culture, and deeply supportive — Europa is the homegrown, local, operated-with-love wedding businesses of our dreams.
Enveloped in open fields more akin to an Irish countryside than just a few minutes outside of Albuquerque’s bustling noise, coming to Europa is like taking a breath of fresh air — literally and figuratively. Organic crops and blooming wildflowers polka-dot the delicate landscape and contribute to Europa’s overall charm and services. With three venue spaces to choose from, farm-fresh food available daily and for wedding catering, and those wildflowers easily made into unforgettable, perfectly balanced bouquets and arrangements — having Europa on your wedding-day team is like having Cinderella’s enchanted field mice as your support system, fluttering about and making magic from thin air. (Only much more sanitary, of course.)
The creative forces behind Europa are doing, quite simply, what they love to do. We, and now you too, just happen to be lucky enough to enjoy the outcome of their passion-driven dedication to experiential dining and living. To book Europa for your wedding, you can contact their team here.
Here’s the thing about New Mexico: it’s very easy to forget how lucky we are living in this state, especially when it comes to the weather. {Yes, we know it’s been pretty toasty lately, but take a trip somewhere a little closer to sea level and you’ll be missing the dry heat, we promise.}
It’s true that our lovely desert climate — minus the windy spring season — is relatively mild all year long. Even when it rains, seasoned New Mexicans rest assured knowing it’ll only last 5 minutes, 10 maximum. Which, obviously, makes this state one of the best places for an outdoor wedding! If we had to guess, that’s probably why we’re blessed with so many options for outdoor ceremony and reception venues.
How do you choose though, when they’re all so lovely? Well, research of course. But even then, sometimes a venue seems perfect on screen, but might not measure up in person. Which is why we took the liberty of choosing five of our favorites to showcase here, for you. While there are many more incredible venues in New Mexico aside from these five, these are venues we’ve visited, spent time in, and even hosted events in some! So we can say, with the utmost confidence, that these venues will not disappoint.
{Plus we thew in some of the always invaluable reviews + opinions from local brides too, just in case you need a little extra assurance.}
Casa Rondeña, a gorgeous and fully-functional winery in the heart of the South Valley, has more charm than you’d think even possible for just one venue. With indoor spaces available as well, the possibilities for indoor-outdoor receptions and ceremonies are {almost} endless!
The venue is absolutely gorgeous, and though we don’t have our professional pictures back, even the pictures our guests took are breathtaking. They went on Facebook where everyone just oohed and aahed over how gorgeous the lawn of the 1629 Club is, and how beautifully everything reflects off the water there.
Prairie Star, you beautiful venue, you! The serenity at this venue is very much unrivaled, as the space is nestled in the quiet of the Santa Ana Pueblo and is surrounded by rolling hills of lush greenery. Punctuating the property is the proud adobe mansion, whose regality is also unparalleled.
I choose this venue mostly for the scenery. When I found it, I fell in love. Even better, it’s so reasonably priced compared to other venues. I received so many compliments on the location, it was beautiful. […] I am so incredibly glad I found this place and got to have my ceremony and reception here. Also, it’s very convenient to have a place where you can have the ceremony outside and reception inside!
Honestly, of all the venues in all the world, Hacienda Dona Andrea just might be the most romantic. With old-world vibes, hand-crafted details, and stunning views, this venue is a perfectly secluded escape from reality for you and your soon-to-be spouse.
The place decorates itself – the architecture is southwestern and unique. the views are gorgeous and the place is perfectly secluded, yet there is still access to the funky little town of Madrid close by. We couldn’t have picked a better spot for our intimate family wedding. The team at the Hacienda made planning from a distance very easy for us and we were well taken care of. We are truly so happy with our choice to get married at Hacienda Dona Andrea!
Oh, El Monte Sagrado, where to even begin? Photos of the property showcase quite clearly how venerable and awe-inspiring the trees and scenery of the property truly are, but trust us when we say, it’s even better in person. See more from this darling real wedding here.
Honestly, I didn’t know places like this still existed. Besides El Monte Sagrado being breathtakingly beautiful, the customer service was out of this world. I had my wedding here at the beginning of the year and everyone at the resort made sure that my family, friends, husband and I had everything we needed!
Of course, no list of New Mexico venues would be complete without Albuquerque’s golden child, Los Poblanos Historic Inn + Organic Farm. But the space is famous for good reason — it truly is one of the most magnificent places in our city. With rolling fields of lavender, chic farmhouse architecture, and several different options for ceremony space, there’s no facet of Los Poblanos that doesn’t live up to its reputation.
What an amazing venue!! I fell in love with this place from the first time I set foot on the property. It feels like you are out of town even though you are in the middle of the city. The architecture of the buildings and the surrounding gardens are gorgeous! It is definitely a venue that requires very little in the way of providing your own decor; the venue speaks for itself.
