New Mexico weddings are full of southwestern flare! If you are getting married in New Mexico you might want to incorporate some of these unique one-of-a-kind New Mexico wedding traditions into your special day!
LA MARCHA
This is the epitome of a New Mexico wedding tradition! It is SO fun for you and your guests and will create a once in a lifetime opportunity. So if you are a destination bride and this is your guests first time or are new to New Mexico this will be something they have never seen and will be sure to never forget. Santa Fe weddings are so much fun because you can do the La Marcha parade right through the Santa Fe Plaza while all the spectators cheer you on. This is a BIG moment with a full mariachi band leading the way and will make your event unlike anything you have ever seen. You can provide maracas for guests to shake and be a part of the fun too. (personalized ones make a great favor!) Bonus- you will see a huge smile on all your guests face! 😁
TEQUILA DONKEY
Conchita is our famous Donkey who comes serving Tequilla shots! She is SO sweet, gentle and the guests go CRAZY for this fun idea. Furthermore, she is always adorned with colorful saddle, panniers, sombrero and shot glasses to add that festive touch to your next event! This makes for a super fun and cute photo op! Isn’t everyone happier when Tequila is involved? Cheers for the MOST fun New Mexico wedding tradition! 🥃
CHILE
Chile Ristras are the height of southwestern style. You can adorn the doors to the venue, hang them inside the outdoor tent or even get Chile Ristra wreaths and place them around the floral centerpieces on every table. Basically, they are decor with a southwestern flare! Fresh Chile Ristras are truly local and unique to New Mexico and they catch everyones attention. They are a New Mexico staple and can be used for decor purposes or as your main cuisine. New Mexico is the Chile capital of the world so you can hang them against an adobe wall and look picture perfect or roast them and serve on an enchilada! 🌶️
ADOBE
The beautiful brown adobe walls are a true New Mexico staple and if you are having your wedding in New Mexico you will more than likely have an adobe wall as one of your backdrops. As you can see, the brown rounded architecture will make your white dress and vibrant flowers POP! Did you know adobe is made all naturally from this earth?? They are mud/clay and straw and dried naturally from the sun. They are strong enough to construct an entire house or building. Some of the oldest structures in the world are made from adobe. Who knew mud could be that beautiful? 😜
SUNSETS
The New Mexico sunset sky is truly one-of-a kind. The sky can be so many different colors including pink, purple and bright red. Any photographer you have shoot your wedding will most likely insist on sunset photos because they are AMAZING and are totally frame worthy. After all, New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for a reason! 🌄
SKULLS
Nothing says welcome to the Southwest like a cow skull. So add some florals and it is wedding perfection! The use of floral cow skulls is something you will not see anywhere but the Southwest. In other words, this New Mexican tradition adds flare and a unique twist you can’t get anywhere else. 💐
Photo by Meg Bridge Photography
TURQUOISE
New Mexicos state gemstone. You will find the highest quality turquoise right here in the Land of Enchantment. Turquoise has been used extensively by Native Americans in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico since about 200 B.C. Turquoise is used in jewelry, table decor, and is especially popular in men’s bolo ties! Therefore, this little gem makes a true New Mexico statement! 🔹
LUMINARIAS
These are a New Mexican staple that have been around for hundreds of years. They are popular especially around Christmas Time but they are perfect year round to line walkways and add a special southwestern flare. Likewise, if you are in Santa Fe they might refer to them as Farilitos. Even though these brown paper sacks are simple, they make a MAJOR statement when dozens are lined in a row to illuminate a path! Bonus- they are VERY affordable! 🏮
If you are looking for more ways to incorporate New Mexico culture and tradition into your wedding, check out our New Mexico Bride Guide! For any additional help please contact us here so we can help make your dream wedding a reality! 💖
