How to Get Married in New Mexico, Step-by-Step

Sorbet skies, endless desert views and a culture rich in art and history—no wonder you're out here searching for tips on how to get married in New Mexico. Whether you're dreaming of a quaint ceremony in a rustic adobe chapel, a celebration under the stars or a vibrant fiesta inspired by Southwest traditions, the Land of Enchantment is the perfect place to exchange your vows and start your forever together.

To help you with all the planning, we're walking you through everything there is to know about getting married in New Mexico, including how to secure a New Mexico wedding license, the best time to get married in New Mexico and local advice to make your day extra special.

In this article:

• How to Get a Marriage License in New Mexico
• Notable Wedding Locations in New Mexico
• How to Plan a Wedding in New Mexico Step-by-Step

How to Get a Marriage License in New Mexico

You must obtain a valid marriage license in NM prior to your wedding ceremony. Every county has its own rules, but typically in New Mexico counties, you'll need to schedule a marriage license appointment at the county clerk's office.

For this appointment, you'll need to bring two current forms of government ID to show proof of age and identity. You'll also need to be prepared to provide your full name, address, date of birth, place of birth and Social Security number. If you've been married before, New Mexico marriage laws may require you to share a copy of your divorce decree or a copy of the death certificate of your former spouse. Once all this is done, you'll leave with your license the same day and it'll be active and ready to use.

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Notable Wedding Locations in New Mexico

You have so many options for gorgeous New Mexico wedding venues across this Southwestern state. From sweeping desert vistas to charming mountain retreats and vibrant city settings, there's a venue to match every couple's vision for their big day.

Albuquerque

As the most populous city in the state, Albuquerque offers a high concentration of stunning venues. Along with options, here you'll have the benefit of sight-lines to the Sandia-Manzano Mountains in the east as well as the beautiful Rio Grand which passes right through the center of the city.

"Albuquerque is the largest city in the state, centrally located, home of the International Balloon Fiesta, and known for blue skies and sunshine," says Lindsay Damron, director of operations at Alicia Lucia Photography. "Notable venues in Albuquerque include Hotel Albuquerque, Tamaya and Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm."

Santa Fe

Santa Fe boasts one of the nation's most famous art scenes and is dotted with ranch venues complete with lush fields, cascading waterfalls and gorgeous mountain views. Damron says, "The oldest capital in the USA, Santa Fe is full of history, culture, art, turquoise, ristras and incredible food. Some notable venues in Santa Fe are La Fonda on the Plaza, Four Seasons Rancho Encantado and La Posada."

Taos

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is perfect for couples seeking serene and artistic surroundings. Here, you'll experience a setting filled with historic adobe chapels, rustic lodges and luxurious resorts—all enveloped by beautiful views in every direction. "This mountain town is known for art, skiing and culture," Damron says. "Notable venues here include The Stakeout Taos, El Monte Sagrado and Taos Ski Valley."

Las Cruces

Located in southern New Mexico, Las Cruces is known for its warm weather and scenic desert vistas. With venues ranging from vineyards to haciendas and gardens, it's a versatile destination for weddings. Add a regional touch by serving local wines or incorporating chile-themed dishes into your menu. It's also close to the White Sands National Monument, an other-worldly natural wonder you have to see to believe.

How to Plan a Wedding in New Mexico Step-by-Step

Read on for all the details you'll want to know when planning a wedding in New Mexico, including the best time of year to throw your soiree based on the state's climate and how to find top-tier vendors.

1. Figure Out Your Budget

The money stuff isn't exactly exciting, but it's one of the first steps to get married in New Mexico. Damron says that costs vary depending on the venue, size of your wedding and vendor details, but that "it tends to be lower than nearby states like Colorado, Texas and Arizona." Use The Knot Budget Advisor to get a better idea of costs in your marrying location—it uses accurate data from real couples.

2. Choose Your Preferred Time of Year

New Mexico is known for its agreeable climate; both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, for instance, have on average more sunny days and significantly less rain than the rest of the country experiences each year. It's worth noting, though, that Albuquerque can get seriously hot in the summer, with the average high temperature in July around 93, and monsoons are also something to contend with. Santa Fe, on the other hand, sits at a higher elevation and has slightly cooler temps in the summer but a much greater chance of snowy weather in the winter, meaning travel could be tricky.

However, you'll find that in either area of New Mexico, May and September are standout months when it comes to a high likelihood of a sunny, dry forecast and pleasantly warm temperatures. Overall, though, keep in mind that throughout the state average temperatures range greatly based on elevation and also that the eastern part of the state tends to get more precipitation than western New Mexico does.

3. Lock in Your Venue

When you're starting your venue search in New Mexico there are a few things you should ask yourself. For instance, are you planning on inviting a large number of out-of-town guests? If so, you might want to keep your search limited to the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas so your loved ones can easily fly in and get around.

You'll also want to make a draft of your guest list before visiting venues so you can make sure the venues you're considering have capacities that make sense for the size of your event. Then, when you're touring venues, you should be prepared to ask the coordinator questions like, "Is there a curfew for live music at this venue?" and "Do you have a preferred vendor list?"

4. Hire Your Vendors

Damron recommends securing all your vendors at least one year before your wedding day. This ensures you get your preferred vendors and creates a clear runway for the rest of the New Mexico wedding planning process. One way to find rockstar florists, DJs, planners and more is to head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace, which offers a database of top wedding professionals located throughout the state of New Mexico.

Beyond that, other ways to connect with wedding vendors include searching relevant local hashtags and keywords on Instagram and Pinterest, checking out wedding magazines, and hiring a wedding planner who can help connect you with other reputable vendors who match your vision.

5. Be Respectful of the Land

New Mexico is home to sacred land that many residents hold dear. "Consider land acknowledgment to pay respect and provide recognition to the fact that we are on indigenous land," Damron says. Check out this helpful guide to indigenous land acknowledgments.

6. Plan Extra Time to Explore

Work in some extra time to explore the area, and provide some suggestions to your out-of-town guests. "We may be biased, but New Mexico has it all," Damron says. "There is a reason it's called the Land of Enchantment. From incredible hikes, skiing, Meow Wolf, art museums, White Sands National Park, the infusion of Hispanic and Native American cultures and amazing restaurants and galleries, there are plenty of adventures to be had."

7. Add Some Local Touches

New Mexico's culture is ripe with artistic and cultural traditions that can make your wedding truly memorable. For example, incorporate elements like handcrafted southwestern pottery, vibrant woven textiles or stunning desert flowers or succulents in your arrangements. Another fun New Mexico wedding idea is hiring a mariachi band.

"One of our favorite aspects about a New Mexico wedding is the common addition of a mariachi band," Damron says. "For weddings in Santa Fe, it is common to have a procession 'La Marcha' around the famous Santa Fe Plaza with the entire wedding party and all guests following the band. This is a huge hit for locals and tourists."

By blending local touches with your own style, there's no doubt you'll create a wedding day that's as breathtaking as the Land of Enchantment itself.