From Mountain Top Magic to Children's Museum Vibes, These Are The Places We Keep Coming Back Too.
The Southwest isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a vibe. The light hits different, the landscapes are wild and romantic, and the venues? They’re full of character. We’ve photographed and filmed weddings all over New Mexico and beyond, but these are a few that truly stand out.
BLAME HER RANCH - Ribera NM
The Ultimate Mountaintop Wedding Venue in New Mexico
If you're dreaming of a wedding that feels like a family reunion meets an epic party in the clouds, Blame Her Ranch is the spot.
Just outside of Santa Fe and perched on a mountaintop with jaw-dropping views of the valley below, this venue brings the kind of magic that’s hard to describe—but we’ll try.
Let’s start with Randy. If you’ve been to Blame Her, you know. He’s the resident ranch hand, venue guardian, flow-master, tequila archivist, and all-around legend. Randy knows this land like the back of his hand, and his calm, generous energy always sets the tone for a smooth, grounded wedding day. Shoutout to him for being a true G.
The property is massive. We’re talking a luxury ranch house with room for your whole crew—perfect for turning your wedding into a multi-day celebration. Inside the house, there’s a full movie theater, arcade games, pool table, poker setup—you name it. In the summer? Hit the pool. In the winter? Cozy up by the fire or sweat it out in the cliffside sweat lodge (yes, really).
The backyard ceremony space is one of our favorite places to shoot—overlooking the cliffs, strung with Edison bulbs (a bokeh-lover’s dream), lined with farm tables, and complete with a huge dance floor for sunset moves. And if it’s cold outside, the barn near the ceremony site becomes the dance HQ—warm, festive, and full of light.
Now, let’s talk about the ceremony space itself. It’s got this rustic Alamo-style architecture, surrounded by wildflowers and desert greens, with the valley opening up behind you. It's breathtaking. There’s really no bad angle—trust us, we’ve tried to find one.
And of course—the tequila tradition. Every couple who ties the knot at Blame Her Ranch brings a bottle of tequila, which joins the legacy wall upstairs in the house alongside a photo of you and your people. It’s a one-of-a-kind touch that makes this place feel like home every time we return.
This venue has our hearts. Every time we get to photograph here, we’re reminded why we do this. It’s not just a place—it’s a whole vibe.
Explora Children’s Museum, ABQ NM
The Most Unexpectedly Epic Wedding Venue in Albuquerque
Let us put you on to one of our favorite hidden gems for weddings in New Mexico: Explora Children’s Museum.
Yes, a children’s museum. And no, this isn’t your typical venue.
Explora shuts down the entire museum just for your event—so the place is all yours. That means your guests can literally wander around, play with exhibits, press buttons, explore the science demos, and act like kids again… all while you’re tearing up the dance floor or sneaking away for sunset portraits.
You get the best of both worlds when it comes to your ceremony and reception: indoor or outdoor options, including their absolutely stunning geodesic dome outside, which makes a super cool (and surprisingly elegant) reception space under the stars.
It’s quirky in the best way. There’s nothing stuffy or traditional here—just color, movement, and a whole lot of joy. If you're a couple who values play, creativity, and unexpected experiences for your guests, this venue delivers on all fronts.
We adore photographing weddings here. There’s something magical about watching people in formalwear play with the bubbles, or brave the balance bike . It makes for some of the most unique and candid moments we’ve ever captured.
Explora reminds us why we love nontraditional weddings: because they reflect who you are. And if you're the kind of couple that’s fun, curious, and down to play in the exhibits for portraits—this might just be your perfect venue.
Flying J Ranch - Ruidoso, NM
A Hidden Gem Wedding Venue in the Pines of Ruidoso
Let’s talk about one of the most underrated wedding venues in New Mexico: Flying J Ranch in Ruidoso.
Nestled in the forest and set against a backdrop of old Western town buildings, this venue feels like stepping into another time—but with all the warmth and charm you want on your wedding day. It’s cozy, it’s woodsy, it’s got soul.
Flying J has two ceremony options we love: a beautiful, intimate church that’s as photogenic as it is peaceful, or a serene outdoor clearing among the trees for that natural, enchanted-forest kind of vibe.
And the people? Absolutely lovely. The staff made everyone feel like family and served up some of the best BBQ, sweet tea, and lemonade we’ve ever had at a wedding—no exaggeration.
What’s even better is that Flying J is located right in Ruidoso, making it the perfect destination for out-of-town guests. Your wedding becomes more than just a day—it’s a full weekend experience surrounded by mountains, hiking trails, charming downtown shops, and fresh alpine air.
We wish more couples knew about this place. It’s got that quiet magic. The kind that makes people slow down, connect, and remember what the day is really all about.
Log River Ranch - Chama, NM
A Rustic-Chic Oasis
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels both wild and refined, Log River Ranch in Chama is where it happens. Picture exchanging vows under towering cottonwoods by the Rio Chama, then dancing the night away in a barn lit by fairy lights and inflected with mountain air and warmth. The venue is lush but rustic, spacious yet intimate—and the people behind it, Karlee and Austin, make the day feel effortless. From included décor and a bridal-ready suite to optional add-ons and on-site lodging that sleeps your closest circle, it blends earthy elegance with genuine care. Every visit feels like a return to something special—old roots, a celebration, and a place your guests can't stop talking about.
La Fonda on the Plaza - Santa Fe, NM
A Classic Santa Fe Wedding Venue with Soul
If you’ve spent any time in Santa Fe, you know about La Fonda on the Plaza. It’s iconic—not just because of its location on the historic plaza, but because it carries the spirit of Santa Fe in every detail. And when it comes to weddings, this venue is a dream for couples who want elegance, history, and high desert romance all wrapped into one.
We’ve had the honor of photographing weddings at La Fonda, and every time we step inside, it feels like a beautiful blend of luxury and lived-in charm. The hand-painted tiles, wood-beamed ceilings, and warm adobe walls create an atmosphere that feels timeless but never stuffy. It’s classic New Mexico—artful, vibrant, and full of story.
The rooftop terrace overlooking downtown Santa Fe is one of the most magical ceremony or cocktail hour spaces around. Imagine saying your vows with the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi behind you and the buzz of the Plaza just below—it’s cinematic, intimate, and rooted in place.
Inside, you have several reception spaces to choose from, all full of character and beautiful light. Whether you're throwing a black-tie evening or a laid-back desert celebration, La Fonda rises to meet the energy you bring.
And let’s not forget the convenience: guests can stay onsite, wander straight out the doors to explore Santa Fe’s art, food, and culture scene, and never need to worry about driving. It’s the perfect spot for a destination wedding that still feels grounded in community and tradition.
We love shooting here—not just because of the stunning details and architecture, but because it feels like Santa Fe. Real, rooted, and radiant in all the right ways.
