Two elegant white wedding gowns hanging on wooden hangers in a rustic doorway with wrought iron gates.

Two gold rings with diamonds and sapphires displayed on a pink dahlia flower.

There's a reason La Fonda on the Plaza is one of our favorite wedding venues in New Mexico.

Located right on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda has been welcoming travelers for centuries. The current hotel, built in 1922, blends Pueblo Revival architecture with handcrafted Southwestern details, making every hallway, courtyard, and ballroom feel unmistakably New Mexican. It's one of those rare venues where your guests get an incredible experience while your wedding photos effortlessly reflect the culture and beauty of Santa Fe.

Whether you're planning a destination wedding or you're lucky enough to call New Mexico home, La Fonda offers a timeless backdrop that's difficult to replicate anywhere else.

One of Our Favorite Wedding Traditions (That We Wish More Couples Did)

One of our absolute favorite moments from the day happened before the ceremony even began.

Instead of getting ready separately, Emma and Catherine chose to spend the morning together, helping each other get dressed before seeing their friends and family.

There's something incredibly calming about sharing those quiet moments instead of spending the morning apart wondering what the other person is doing. It slows the day down, creates genuine emotion, and makes getting ready feel less like a timeline and more like part of the wedding itself.

Honestly... we wish more couples would do this.

Some of our favorite images from the entire day came from these simple moments of helping with buttons, fixing makeup, laughing together, and soaking in the excitement before everything officially began.

We know this isn't the right choice for every couple, but it's one we absolutely love when it fits. Whether it's getting ready together like Emma and Catherine or sharing a private first look before the ceremony, seeing each other beforehand often creates a more relaxed wedding day.

One of the biggest advantages is the freedom it gives your timeline. Because we photographed many of their portraits before guests arrived, Emma and Catherine didn't have to disappear for an extended photo session during cocktail hour. Instead, they were able to soak in the celebration—hugging loved ones, sharing conversations, and simply being present with the people who had traveled from near and far to celebrate alongside them.

For us, that's always the goal. Wedding photographs are incredibly important, but they shouldn't come at the expense of actually experiencing your wedding day. A little planning beforehand often means you get both: beautiful portraits and the chance to fully enjoy the celebration you've worked so hard to create.

Two brides in elegant white gowns pose in a beautifully decorated wedding reception hall with gold chairs.

Two brides share a joyful moment, one holding a colorful bridal bouquet of pink and burgundy flowers.

I loved how after getting ready Emma and Catherine were so excited to go and see their reception space, they hadn't seen it all morning and their eyes lit up the moment they walked in. In that moment it all became surreal as shortly all their closest friends and family would be joining them as they said "I Do"

A Meaningful Ketubah Signing

Before the ceremony began, Emma and Catherine gathered with their closest family and friends for one of the most meaningful moments of the day: the signing of their ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract.

Rather than treating it as paperwork to be completed before the festivities, they transformed the signing into an intimate celebration surrounded by the people who have loved and supported them throughout their lives. Their rabbi, who was also a dear friend, shared a few heartfelt words about marriage, commitment, and the community that would continue to surround them long after the wedding day had passed.

As Emma and Catherine signed their beautifully illustrated ketubah, you could feel the weight and joy of the moment. It was a quiet pause before the excitement of the ceremony, allowing everyone to reflect on the promises being made and the journey that had brought them here.

One of our favorite details came immediately afterward, when members of their family lovingly placed the ketubah into its frame. It transformed the document from something ceremonial into a lasting piece of art

Outdoor wedding ceremony in front of a historic stone church in Santa Fe, with guests seated in white chairs.

A Rooftop Ceremony Above the Santa Fe Plaza

One of the things that makes a wedding at La Fonda on the Plaza so special is the ceremony location. Perched above the heart of downtown Santa Fe, the rooftop terrace overlooks the historic plaza and offers stunning views of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi below. It's one of those settings that instantly shows your guests they're celebrating somewhere truly unique.

As Emma and Catherine exchanged vows, the New Mexico sky decided to put on a show of its own. Storm clouds rolled across the mountains, creating dramatic light that photographers dream about. The changing skies added so much depth and atmosphere to the ceremony without taking away from the warmth and joy happening beneath them.

The ceremony itself beautifully reflected the blending of family traditions and personal meaning. Emma and Catherine were married beneath a gorgeous chuppah, symbolizing the home they are building together, while several of their closest family members and friends offered heartfelt blessings throughout the ceremony. Rather than feeling like spectators, their loved ones became an active part of the promises being made, making the ceremony feel incredibly intimate despite the larger gathering.

It was one of those ceremonies that reminded everyone why weddings matter, not because of elaborate details or perfect weather, but because they bring together generations, traditions, and the people who know us best.

Man in suit signing autograph outdoors near historic cathedral with crowd of people gathered around him.

A bride in a white gown shares a heartfelt hug with an elderly woman at an outdoor wedding reception.

A photographer captures a group of elegantly dressed family members posing outside a historic church at dusk.

Every Table Told Its Own Story

Emma and Catherine didn't overlook a single detail.

The reception tables were beautifully designed with lush florals and thoughtful décor, but what really stood out were the tiny spirit animals waiting at each guest's place setting. It was one of those details that immediately became a conversation starter and made every guest feel like they were receiving a small keepsake instead of simply finding their seat.

It's details like these that transform a reception from beautiful into unforgettable.

The floral design was absolutely incredible.

Rich color, texture, movement, and plenty of personality complemented La Fonda's historic architecture without competing with it. Every bouquet and centerpiece felt intentional and helped tie together the vibrant Southwestern setting with an elegant, modern wedding aesthetic.

If you're planning a wedding in Santa Fe, don't be afraid of color. New Mexico has a way of making bold florals feel completely at home.

Guests clapping and celebrating at an elegant wedding reception in a beautifully decorated ballroom venue.

By the time the dance floor opened, every part of the day had reflected who Emma and Catherine are as a couple, thoughtful, welcoming, and surrounded by an incredible community. Their guests celebrated exactly the way you'd hope they would: with full hearts, happy tears, and plenty of dancing. It was the kind of evening that no one seemed eager to leave, and the perfect ending to a wedding that was as meaningful as it was beautiful.

Thinking About Getting Married at La Fonda?

If you're dreaming about a wedding that feels distinctly New Mexican while still offering an elevated guest experience, La Fonda on the Plaza deserves a spot at the top of your venue list.

From its historic architecture and unbeatable location in downtown Santa Fe to the incredible staff that keeps everything running seamlessly, it's easy to see why couples from all over the country choose to celebrate here.

Emma and Catherine's wedding was the perfect reminder that the most memorable celebrations aren't just beautiful, they're deeply personal.

If you're planning your own La Fonda wedding, we'd love to help document it in a way that feels honest, timeless, and completely you.

The Planner Behind It All

We've photographed enough weddings to know that when a day feels effortless, it's usually because someone is working incredibly hard behind the scenes.

For Emma and Catherine, that person was Taylor Fail of Verdeaux & Co.

Taylor has become one of our favorite planners to work alongside because she's equal parts organized, creative, and calm under pressure. Her timelines are incredibly thoughtful, not just for the couple, but for every vendor involved, which allows everyone to do their best work throughout the day.

Most guests never see the countless problems a planner quietly solves before they ever become problems, but that's exactly what makes someone exceptional at their job.

Taylor is one of those people who makes an entire wedding day run smoother simply by being there.