Something Old and Something Blue

October 19th, 2017

For Immediate Release: (Santa Fe, NM) October 17, 2017—The New Mexico Museums, the oldest state museum system in the country, offer some of the most beautiful buildings and perfect backdrops against which to celebrate one of life’s happiest moments. Your wedding will be rooted in culture, history and natural beauty, and your guests will experience the ultimate that New Mexico has to offer in charm and authenticity when you choose to celebrate at one of the four Santa Fe Museums or one of the two historic sites.

From the Jemez Historic Site, located on the edge of an extinct volcano and adjacent to a prehistoric pueblo, to the architecturally stunning New Mexico Museum of Art, graced with Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings, as well as numerous other masterpieces, the museums offer event spaces beyond compare.

“We got married last June the Museum of International Folk Art and I really think this is one of the hidden gems for wedding venues in Santa Fe,” said Liz Cerny-Chipman. “One of my favorite things about getting married at the Museum was that our guests could go into the Girard Gallery. A lot of them commented how it really made the wedding feel special and true to that Santa Fe artsy vibe. “

In Santa Fe’s historic downtown, one can make history and take a walk into the past, while creating future memories. The New Mexico History Museum and Palace of the Governors are set in the heart of 400-year-old picturesque Santa Fe Plaza. The Palace of the Governors, built in 1610, and the oldest public building in the United States, is not only a designated National Historic landmark, but has also been added to the prestigious National Treasures list. The Palace and its courtyard, along with the NM History Museum, offer a unique setting for your wedding or other special events.

The New Mexico Museum of Art, the oldest state Museum in the country and one of the earliest iterations of the unique Santa Fe Style architecture, offers numerous spaces for a memorable wedding: a courtyard garden full of flowers, a sculpture garden, or the Saint Francis Auditorium, which seats up to 450 and is graced with murals depicting St. Francis of Assisi.

On Museum Hill’s Milner Plaza, where tens of thousands of people enjoy the world renowned International Folk Art Market each summer, you can delight your guests with views and spaces that are unparalleled. The Plaza on Museum Hill straddles a ridge top once crossed by travelers on the Old Santa Fe Trail. Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo range, it provides a stunning entry point for wedding-goers. On Milner Plaza, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture’s historic Meem Auditorium in the Laboratory of Anthropology offers a spectacular venue for celebrations large or small.  The Meem was designed by John Gaw Meem, the most celebrated architect of pueblo-revival style, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Museum of International Folk Art has outdoor spaces and patios boasting spectacular views, along with a light-filled Atrium that surrounding by galleries. One or more galleries can be open for your guests to view the largest collection of International Folk Art in the world. Corporate events, weddings and receptions can all be accommodated at the museum. Also located on beautiful Milner Plaza on Museum Hill is the Museum Hill Cafe which can serve as a convenient lunch or reception location for small groups up to 100. 

Outside of Santa Fe, you can travel back in time to the outlaw cowboy days of Lincoln, New Mexico. President Rutherford B. Hayes called Lincoln’s main street “the most dangerous street in America.” In this quiet community you and your wedding guests can walk in the footsteps of Sheriff Pat Garrett, Billy the Kid, and other infamous characters involved in the Lincoln County Wars, 1878-1881. Imagine a ceremony in the Old Lincoln County Courthouse or the San Juan Mission Church. Arrive on horseback or Harley and make your wedding part of the history of Lincoln, located 12 miles east of Capitan on U.S. 380.

At the Jemez Historic Site, a registered National Historic Landmark boasting picturesque prehistoric and historic ruins, the San Jose de los Jemez Mission makes a rustic and elegant setting for a celebration. Built about the time the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth Rock, Jemez Historic Site has 1400 feet of accessible trails, and an interpretive center with modern amenities. Situated just 60 miles north of Albuquerque in the Village of Jemez Springs, your attendees will also have easy access to several dining establishments, hiking trails, fishing access and some of Northern New Mexico’s most renowned and relaxing natural hot springs and bath houses.

Images from top: A bridal party at the Museum of International Folk Art, the Courtyard at the New Mexico Museum of Art, a bride and groom dance at the Museum of International Folk Art.  

About the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Created in 1978 by the New Mexico Legislature, the Department of Cultural Affairs represents New Mexico’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural integrity and diversity of our state. The Department oversees a broad range of New Mexico’s arts and cultural heritage agencies. These include 15 divisions representing a variety of programs and services. Among its primary functions is the management of the largest state sponsored museum system in the country. New Mexico’s historic sites and state-run museums are located across the state and include: New Mexico Historic Sites, Statewide; New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe; New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe; Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe; Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe; New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alamogordo; New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque; New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Las Cruces; and the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Padilla 505-577-1347 jennpadilla@newmexico.com