How to Plan an Elopement in Santa Fe: The Complete Checklist
Elopements Are Simple. Planning Them Is Not.
The whole point of an elopement is simplicity — two people, a ceremony, no guest list politics, no reception logistics, no seating chart. But "simple" doesn't mean "no planning." The couples I photograph who have the best elopement experiences are the ones who thought through the details ahead of time.
I've photographed elopements throughout Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico — on the Plaza, along Canyon Road, in the desert at Ghost Ranch, at the top of Diablo Canyon, and at private properties in the foothills. Here's everything you need to plan yours.
The Checklist
1. Get Your Marriage License
New Mexico makes this straightforward. You need a marriage license from the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office (102 Grant Avenue). Both partners must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID. No blood test, no waiting period. The license is valid for 90 days after issuance.
Cost: $25 (cash or check)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM
What to bring: Two valid IDs (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
If either partner has been previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate.
2. Choose Your Location
Santa Fe offers more elopement-worthy locations per square mile than almost anywhere in the country. Here are the main categories:
- Canyon Road — art galleries, adobe walls, natural light
- The Santa Fe Plaza — historic center, foot traffic, energy
- Dale Ball Trail System — foothills hiking with mountain views
- Diablo Canyon — short hike to dramatic rock formations
- Downtown courtyards and side streets
- Ghost Ranch — red rock, Georgia O'Keeffe country. Day-use fee.
- Tent Rocks (Kasha-Katuwe) — requires Cochiti Pueblo permit, sometimes closed
- Bandelier National Monument — special use permit from NPS
- Bishop's Lodge — intimate chapel or terrace
- Four Seasons Rancho Encantado — luxury option
- La Fonda on the Plaza — rooftop ceremony
- Private casitas/Airbnbs — many allow small ceremonies
My recommendation: If you don't know Santa Fe well, tell your photographer where you want to elope and let them help with the specifics. I've been to all of these locations multiple times and know where the light is best, where the crowds thin out, and where to park.
3. Hire an Officiant
New Mexico law requires a ceremony performed by an authorized person. Options:
- Licensed officiant: Many operate independently in Santa Fe. Expect $200-$500 for a ceremony.
- Self-uniting marriage: New Mexico does NOT recognize self-solemnization, so you need an officiant.
- Online-ordained friend: Legal in New Mexico. If someone you know has an ordination through Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries, they can officiate.
Book your officiant 2-4 weeks ahead. Peak season (September-October), book earlier.
4. Book Your Photographer
An elopement without a photographer is a ceremony you'll have to describe from memory. The day moves fast — typically 2-4 hours — and having someone there to document it means you get to be fully present instead of trying to take selfies.
- Experience with elopements specifically (not just weddings)
- Familiarity with Santa Fe locations
- A portfolio that matches your aesthetic
- Willingness to help with location scouting and timeline planning
Elopement photography in Santa Fe typically starts at $1,500 for 2 hours. I offer coverage from 2 to 4 hours depending on what the day includes.
5. Plan Your Timeline
Elopement timelines are flexible, but they still need structure. Here's a typical flow:
| 2-Hour Elopement: | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| 0:00 | Meet at location, quick logistics |
| 0:15 | Pre-ceremony portraits (individual + together) |
| 0:45 | Ceremony (10-20 min) |
| 1:05 | Post-ceremony portraits |
| 1:45 | Walking/exploring portraits |
| 2:00 | Wrap |
| 4-Hour Elopement: | |
|---|---|
| Time | Activity |
| 0:00 | Getting ready (hotel room or casita) |
| 0:45 | First look |
| 1:00 | Drive to ceremony location |
| 1:30 | Ceremony |
| 2:00 | Portraits at ceremony location |
| 2:30 | Drive to second location |
| 3:00 | Golden hour portraits |
| 3:45 | Sunset |
| 4:00 | Wrap |
When to schedule: Golden hour is the best light for portraits. Work backward from sunset (check the time for your specific date). If sunset is at 6:30 PM, start your ceremony at 5:00 PM and plan portraits from 5:30-6:30 PM.
6. Handle the Details
Flowers: You don't need a florist for an elopement, but a small bouquet makes a big difference in photos. Many Santa Fe florists offer elopement bouquets for $75-$200. Order 1 week ahead.
Witnesses: New Mexico does NOT require witnesses for a marriage to be valid. If you want witnesses, the officiant can sometimes provide them, or your photographer (me) can serve as one.
Hair and makeup: If you want professional styling, book a mobile artist who can come to your hotel. Santa Fe has several. Budget $150-$300.
Dinner reservation: Many couples follow their elopement with dinner for two. Book in advance — popular spots like The Shed, Cafe Pasqual's, and Geronimo fill up, especially on weekends and in season.
Rings: Don't forget them.
7. File the Paperwork
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage license and returns it to the County Clerk within 10 days. The Clerk records it and you can request certified copies ($5 each). You can also mail the signed license if the officiant is from out of town.
What Most People Forget
Weather contingency. Santa Fe weather is mostly cooperative, but monsoon season (July-August) brings afternoon storms, and spring brings wind. Have a backup time or location in mind.
Parking logistics. Canyon Road and downtown Santa Fe have limited parking. If your ceremony location requires a hike or a drive, plan where you'll park and how long the walk takes.
Altitude. Santa Fe is at 7,000 feet. If you're coming from sea level, you'll feel it — especially if your ceremony involves a hike. Stay hydrated and arrive a day early if possible.
Telling people afterward. If you're eloping without telling family, have a plan for the announcement. Many couples do a photo announcement using images from the elopement — having professional photos makes this much easier.
Booking
I photograph elopements throughout Santa Fe, Taos, Ghost Ranch, and all of Northern New Mexico. If you're planning an elopement and want a photographer who knows the locations, handles the logistics, and gives you images worth keeping, reach out.
Elopement coverage starts at $1,500. Currently booking 2026-2027.
Casey Addason is a Santa Fe wedding photographer covering weddings, elopements, and events across New Mexico. Also serving Albuquerque and Taos. View the portfolio or get in touch.
