What's your favorite or ideal New Mexico wedding venue?

We're building a visual resource for New Mexico wedding venues (http://nmweddingblog.com/new-mexico-wedding-venues-2), and thought it would be fun to ask, what's your favorite or ideal New Mexico wedding venue? Since this is the Duke City Fix, you can stick to Albuquerque wedding venues if you want.

Tags: Albuquerque, Mexico, New, Wedding

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Greenwood on November 29, 2012 at 10:46am

My view on wedding venues is be creative. If it is outside then have plan B ready.

A couple of summers ago, on a Saturday morning, a group of us took the Sandia ski lift to the upper ski area near the tram terminal. It was our launch point for a hike out to North Peak. The journey out and back was at a relaxed pace with frequent stops to take images and observe the views.

When we arrived back at the upper tram area we encountered the unexpected. There was a group of elegantly dressed men gathered near the ski lift. Curiously there was a manicured German Shepard Dog with them, its fur silky with a shine. I didn't have all the pieces at that point so I didn't quite get the garb. We were soon to find out the whole story.

The ride down is often contemplative. There is a gentle sway as you ride 30 or so feet above the green of summer. It is relaxing. Riding down we noticed women in formal gowns riding up followed by the mother and the bride. It was awesome wonderful sight to see.

A couple from our hiking party had stayed above to eat at the High Finance restaurant. They had talked to some of the men. I latter learned that the dog was the ring bearer. The ceremony took place on the cliffs overlooking Albuquerque.

There are some pieces missing from this story but gist is there. When you think of the emotional impact of the ski lift ride up on a quiet summer day, it had to be a very memorable prelude to that wedding. The beauty of a natural setting brings a gentle reality to the the day. These are quite moments before the vows. I think it is awesome.

This venue has low cost but high emotional impact. They didn't need a plan B that day.

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Permalink Reply by Susana of NMWeddingBlog.com on November 29, 2012 at 11:00am

Love the story! That seems like it would be a beautiful location, and like you said, high emotional impact. I can just imagine it was absolutely stunning and definitely memorable for all who were there. It even stood out in your mind, not even being a guest, so that's awesome!

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Permalink Reply by Benny the Icepick on November 30, 2012 at 11:50am

We were married at the UNM Alumni Chapeland had our reception at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Both venues are lovely and just exude that classic New Mexico charm. The NHCC has numerous facilitieson its campus for rent, so couples can choose what works best for them..

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Permalink Reply by Susana of NMWeddingBlog.com on November 30, 2012 at 10:30pm

Hey Benny, I went to wedding at the UNM Chapel a few years back and I was really taken by how beautiful it was inside! I had never been there, and it was quite beautiful. I'll have to add them on the blog. Where at the NHCC did you end up having your reception? It's got some pretty impressive spaces as well.

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Permalink Reply by danigirl on December 1, 2012 at 12:08am

They do hold weddings there. I've been to two weddings there and you're permitted to marry at a big tent outside and can stay the night, you would just need to ask how much that would cost extra. The setting is nice, i've been to a spring and fall wedding and they were both breathtaking!!!

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Permalink Reply by Susana of NMWeddingBlog.com on December 4, 2012 at 11:34am

Thanks! That's good to know, I'll check it out!

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Permalink Reply by danigirl on November 30, 2012 at 7:13pm

I would love to get married in a nice historic part of the city.
Its in the farthest part of the south valley near pajarito. Near there is the historic hubble house. It adds a nice amount of serenity to the location. Its pretty and has the really nice pueblo style housing that makes it a real visual treat.

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Permalink Reply by Susana of NMWeddingBlog.com on November 30, 2012 at 10:33pm

Ah,the Historic Hubble House! What a great gem and location for a wedding! Do you know if they do in fact allow weddings there? If they do, I bet they are amazing! I'll have to add them as well.

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Permalink Reply by Lahjik on November 30, 2012 at 9:02pm

I think I mentioned this one before, but my wife and I were married at Hacienda Dona Andrea which is outside Cerrillos. It's a fairly small, isolated resort-type hotel and it was a gorgeous location. We were married outside on their terrace which overlooks the valley; it was very, very simple but it fit us perfectly.

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Permalink Reply by Susana of NMWeddingBlog.com on November 30, 2012 at 10:43pm

Lahjik, My husband has performed at Hacienda Dona Andrea for weddings and says it is definitely one of his favorite venues. I've seen some beautiful photos of weddings that have taken place there, so I can definitely see why you fell in love with that location! I love how you put it, "It fit us perfectly". That's so sweet :)