Couples journey from near and far to hold their weddings in Santa Fe. The city, after all, is steeped in romance, with winding, narrow streets, softly contoured adobe buildings and dramatic sunsets that cast a brilliant glow on the surrounding majestic mountains.

Wonderful weddings happen in The City Romantic. You and your beloved can make your special day perfect in every way, whether you're planning an intimate gathering in an elegant garden or a lavish reception in a luxurious ballroom. Arrange a traditional marriage or dream up your own vows and rituals. Take charge of the arrangements yourself or let a wedding planner handle every detail for you.

Because the city is so unique, getting married in Santa Fe means you can choose from a number of enchanting locations. Exchange your vows in a historic wedding chapel with a miraculous staircase or on the site of ancient ruins. Hold a catered wedding feast in the garden of a world-class gallery or atop a mountain ridge with breathtaking vistas. Find the ideal wedding officiant, religious or non-denominational, to perform your ceremony.

Santa Fe is well known as a major center for the arts so you can be sure you'll find talented artists with the skills to fulfill your Santa Fe wedding visions. Seasoned caterers will prepare delicious feasts for you and your guests. Innovative florists can produce beautiful bouquets and fragrant flower arrangements. Expert photographers will creatively capture your wedding day in pictures. Gifted musicians can play whatever music you desire for your wedding and reception.

Santa Fe is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the country and a place where couples return year after year to celebrate their anniversaries. Now that you've found each other, discover Santa Fe and make your wedding dreams come true.

Getting Your Marriage License

It may not be the detail you dream about while planning your wedding, but the marriage license is one element you don't want to overlook. The process is simple:

The prospective bride and groom must apply in person at the County Clerk's office in the Santa Fe County Administration Building at 102 Grant Ave. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding major holidays. The phone number is (505) 986-6280.

Bring $25 in cash (checks and credit cards are not accepted) along with picture IDS (preferably a driver's license and/or passport) and proof of your Social Security Numbers. No waiting period or blood test is required and you don't have to be a New Mexico resident to receive a license.

Remember to bring your license to the wedding so the officiant can sign it. Then be sure to file the license at the County Clerk's Office to make the marriage legal.