HOW TO ELOPE IN

NEW MEXICO

by Baylee Cordova

Woohoo you’re reading this article, which probably means you or someone you know is looking to elope, and what better place to do it at than in the Land of Enchantment. If you haven't already, I suggest you check out our blog post on (add link to “how to plan your elopement”).. It will give you a better understanding of what an elopement looks like and the basic checklist you will need to consider when doing so.

Now, when it comes to New Mexico, there’s nothing really quite like it. From the unique history and culture, to the landscapes and food, the great New Mexico desert makes for a dreamy place to plan your wedding.

I AM AN ELOPEMENT AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE DESERT. I GREW UP IN A SMALL TOWN IN NEW MEXICO BUT MY ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT LED ME TO EXPLORE THE WORLD. TRAVELING IS WHAT GETS MY HEART RACING. I LOVE DOING ANYTHING THAT REVOLVES AROUND EXPERIENCING NEW CULTURES, VISITING NEW COUNTRIES, AND CREATING ART THROUGH CAPTURING THE PRECIOUS MOMENTS OF LIFE.

TO ALL MY ADVENTEROUS-LOVING FRIENDS

I WOULD LOVE for YOU to BECAME PART OF MY TRIBE! JOIN THE COOL KIDS BY SIGNING UP TO GET WEEKLY UPDATES ON EXCLUSIVE SALES, MY LATEST ADVENTURES, TIPS & TRICKS BEHIND THE MAGIC, AND ANYTHING IN BETWEEN! THE BEST PART IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO DO SIT BACK, RELAX, AND ENJOY ALL THE GOODNESS TO COME.

I'M SO IN, SIGN ME UP

So when is the best time to head on over and say your “I do’s”?

FALL is notably the best time of year to plan an elopement in New Mexico. Prepare for the best weather, along with the best colors for those wedding pics! Though New Mexico is a desert, you will discover mountains and trails like no other. In the fall season, those trails become a wonderland of changing colors and the dreamiest place for anyone to explore.

While fall is our top pick for what time of year to elope, New Mexico seasons all have their unique and beautiful contributions to setting that perfect elopement backdrop. The state boastfully delivers all four seasons, so if you’re looking for the snow, winters a great time to head out.. Or if you want to catch some beautiful flowers in bloom, spring is the season for you. Summer doesn’t get too hot, so if you want a wedding, New Mexico would be happy to host you and your S.O.

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Now, let’s talk money…

If you have a tight budget, it’s important to note that if you choose to elope on a weekend, you’re bound to be hit with a higher cost than if you plan a weekday ceremony. Typically, photographers, officiants and venue prices spike on the weekends due to the higher demand. So our recommendation, choose a weekday.

As for the marriage license.. All you and your partner will have to do is apply at the county clerk's office and pay a fee of $25. Pretty simple. Now, make sure you do this BEFORE your ceremony, otherwise your marriage will not be considered legal.

Another thing to note is that a New Mexico marriage license will never expire, and does require at least two witnesses to sign for you at your elopement. So make sure you plan accordingly.