Elopement Packages
Many would be eloping couples are looking for something different: They prefer quality over quantity. They want a wedding and honeymoon experience that is both simple and indulgent. They see no cathedral more exquisite than nature itself, and find greater meaning in the cholla cactus or curious coyote being witness to their commitments than a room full of acquaintances.
Desert Harbor takes great pride in meeting these desires. Since 2013, we have been creating bespoke elopement experiences for couples who value authenticity, privacy and beauty.
What makes a Desert Harbor elopement and honeymoon unique?
• Deafening silence, unforgettable sunsets and endless starry skies
• One lavish casita - as a guest, you contend with no others; you will have the
entire retreat to yourselves.
• Full breakfast and dinner offerings enjoyed in the privacy of your casita, and facility to accommodate any specialty diet or foods preference.
• Wedding coordination: we work with you to craft a ceremony and timeline of the moments leading up to the "walking down the isle" experience, including a photographic shedule, so you get all the images you like, in the locations you like, whilst leaving your watch at home.
• Wedding design: we care about photography, or more aptly put, we are obsessed with it. We have a growing number of interesting props that are either free or can be rented inexpensively, that give you something fun and engaging to interact with. In the process of crafting the narrative of your special day, we get to know you, then recommend specific props, scenes and locations that may suit you and bring out your best.
• Desert Harbor is a completely off-the-grid and solar powered retreat.
PACKAGES
We currently offer two elopement and honeymoon packages. Please note, these packages do not include photography. After you choose your elopement package, you then choose your photography package. These packages are listed below the elopement packages.
Discounts are not offered for our elopement packages. A nonrefundable, but transferable, deposit of $300 is required at the time of booking.
To book or for more information contact Raymond Linam at 505-252-0558 or
anchor@desertharbor.org.
Three Day Elopement and Honeymoon Package $3650 • Choice of several exquisite desert landscape ceremony locations
• Three nights lodging in private casita and exclusive access to 34 acre retreat
• Wedding night dream meal of your choice served in casita
• Two candlelit, romantic dinners chosen from our eclectic menu served in casita
• Three full breakfasts served in casita
• Bouquet of your choice
• Boutonniere of your choice
• Small professionally made wedding cake
• Two 90 minute in casita massages
• One romantic, private wood-fired hot tub soaks
• Campfire and s'more fixings
• Elopement coordination of various vendors
• Ceremony design, coordination, set up and take down
• Tailored lighting and décor staging for photography
• Elopement officiant
• Witnesses
Two Day Elopement and Honeymoon Package $3150
• Choice of several exquisite desert landscape ceremony locations
• First dance in quaint candlelit chapel
• Two nights lodging in private casita and exclusive access to 34 acre retreat
• Wedding night dream meal of your choice served in casita
• One candlelit, romantic and organic dinner chosen from our eclectic menu served in casita
• Two full breakfasts served in casita
• Campfire and s'more fixings
• Bouquet of your choice
• Boutonniere of your choice
• Two 90 minute in casita massages
• One romantic, private wood-fired hot tub soaks, or camfire and s'mores experience
• Elopement coordination of various vendors
• Ceremony design, coordination, set up and take down
• Tailored lighting and décor staging for photography
• Elopement officiant
• Witnesses
All prices subject to NM gross receipts tax. Prices subject to change. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
I’m sold. What are next steps to book?
Send us an email with your expressed interest and your preferred dates. We have an online calendar which shows available dates, but we will often reserve blocks of time in our peak months specifically for elopements, which are not reflected on the calendar. We endeavor to answer inquiries within several hours.
How does the process work?
We discern a mutually workable date (which includes making sure your preferred photographer is available). We email you a non-refundable Square deposit request for $300, which when paid reserves the dates for you. Next we email you several documents to fill out and return. Show up, pay the remaining balance and enjoy the most stress-free elopement experience imaginable.
What are the best months to get married in New Mexico?
This depends on every couple really. If ideal weather is of greatest concern, we recommend April/May in the spring and September/October in the fall. Spring tends to be windier, but not hot. Early fall is perfect, with mildly warm days and crisp mornings.
Does that mean you don’t recommend getting married at other times of the year?
Not exactly. We have pulled off elopements in the coldest of winter and hottest of summer. Life circumstances sometimes dictate a date in summer or winter. We make the best of it but ask you to embrace the season and try to dress appropriately.
What are the best days of the week?
Any day but Saturday. 98% of weddings in general are scheduled on Saturday, and because we make every effort to work with the absolute best vendors in New Mexico, we try to avoid scheduling a ceremony on a Saturday.
I see you have a list of recommended photographers, but I would like to bring my own. Is this okay?
Absolutely. Please do. If they are new to shooting at Desert Harbor, we necessarily are more involved in helping them come to know the property so photography and the ceremony happen seamlessly.
We live locally.
It is all right to come and see Desert Harbor for ourselves?
Not a problem. We welcome this if you are able, but feel it is by no means necessary.
We would really like it to just be us but can’t imagine a small group of family or friends not attending. Is this permissible?
Yes, we allow up to 20 guests to attend. There is an extra charge of $500 for up to ten guests and $1000 for eleven to twenty (this is total, not per person). But this isn’t ideal.
Desert Harbor from an experience standpoint is designed for a couple, not a group. We often encourage couples to consider purchasing a photo/video package that can be shown at a reception party after the deed is done. This allows family and friends to celebrate with you, not be limited in the number who can be invited, feel like they were there, but give you the privacy you would really prefer for the experience itself.
We have heard by report that even the most disgruntled family members (for not being able to attend), after seeing the video, get it – how the experience is way more intimate when the couple gets to experience it, just themselves.
Okay, but what do you mean by “isn’t ideal” (for family to attend)?
We offer a central great room, with a bathroom and outdoor courtyard to receive your guests and provide space for cake cutting and champagne toast. While this is comfortable and workable it doesn’t feel like enough. Your family/friends might travel great distances, spend a lot, and yet have very little time with you. They come before the ceremony, witness, usually enjoy some cake/champagne, then leave. We do not offer a sit-down meal option, which most traveling guests expect. From experience, most couples who at first seem fine with the situation as described, in the end, wish it was more.
Also, because we are an off-grid retreat, the main guest landing space is not air-conditioned, so we try to discourage summer elopements with guests even more. Hot guests, despite their best efforts to take it for the team, are not happy guests…
The most beautiful ceremony locations require a steep but short walk. “Steep” is literal and we don’t recommend it for non-able-bodied visitors, or visitors over 65 who are not in great shape.
BUT, if you are still determined, and understand the above, we are happy to receive your dearest and welcome them as our own.
I can read the specific differences between your 2- and 3-day packages, but can you tell me how the experience of them differs?
The main difference is the time factor of the extra day. The 3 day is just more spacious, more retreat-like. With the 3 day, we usually schedule the ceremony on the middle day, so the first day is about landing, settling in, relaxing, then the ceremony day to focus, then the last day to unwind and process.
Is the 2-day inadequate then?
No; it is enough. We offer this for couples who are more limited with time or budget, but believe it remains a special experience, though compressed.
Are there other details we should consider?
Our landscape is an austere high desert wonderland, but you will be walking over dirt, stickers, tumbleweeds and cacti. Flats, sandals or anything low is an invitation for discomfort. Consider boots, then changing into heels or sandals for the ceremony itself.
The wedding dress will take on the character of the landscape, so we hope you either are okay with this added “texture” or choose a dress that is shorter.
We work regularly with excellent photographers whose quality matches our own. You are not required to choose one of these options, and, if you prefer, you are welcome to arrange your own photography.
Talitha A Tarro
"I value moment-driven photography and delight in capturing love in its many forms. I passionately capture the emotion and beauty ever present in the natural world and the bond between people. I believe the most compelling images are not posed and unscripted. My style is bold and colorful."
Instagram: @talithatarro
My hourly rate of $400 includes high resolution digital files and an online gallery.
• Two hours, $800, available for Thursday, Friday or Monday ceremonies
• Three hours, $1200, available for Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday ceremonies
• Six hours following you through your wedding day, $2400, available for Thursday through Monday ceremonies
Tish Carlson
"I am a creator. I love LOVE. I love movement, authenticity, adventure and light. I look for the little things that go unnoticed and for the raw moments that touch people's souls."
Instagram: @tishcarlson
My rate is $500 an hour with a minimum of 4 hours. This rate includes a link with edited images to view, download, create an album and order prints. This also includes a USB compatible flash drive with edited images. I'm available for ceremonies on Thursdays through Mondays.
Shutterfreek
Katie and I are true photo & video freeks! We are home grown New Mexicans with a passion for adventure, the desert and telling authentic love stories with our signature style. We're both out going and love to connect with couples in ways that allow them to feel naturally uninhibited in front of the camera. The one thing we love the most about shooting at Desert Harbor is our friendship with the Limans and that no 2 elopements are alike. It's literally the best.
Photo Only - Single Shooter $2250
• 4 hours time and talent - 1 shooter
• 250+ high resolution color edits + black/white duplicates
• Private online gallery with hi-res downloads, proofing, and optional print ordering
• USB keepsake with Shutterfreek swag
• includes travel from Farmington
Cinemaphoto Package: $2950
• Everything in the Photo Only package
• 4 hours time and talent - 1 shooter
• Highlight Video - 1 full length song soundtracked - 3-5 minutes
• Full Ceremony - lightly edited / no soundtrack
• Private gallery with HD downloading
• includes travel from Farmington
add $750 for second shooter
add $300 for groups up to 20 guests
• In casita makeup and hair(
Genica Lee Makeup and Hair Artist), $200 for one and $350 for two
• Guest Receiving Service, $350. Invite up to 10 guests to your intimate ceremony. Guests will be greeted by owners and served light refreshments in the main house before the ceremony. After the ceremony, guests will witness your first dance in the chapel, and then join you for cake and/or a toast before you enjoy your private wedding dinner served in casita.
• Extend your honeymoon with additional night(s) lodging and meals
• Jeep Tour (
New Mexico Jeep Tours)
N + N, Brisbane, Australia
We were looking for the perfect location where we could be married - simply. We wanted to spend our time focused on each other and avoid worrying about getting stuck on details or execution. We wanted our wedding to be beautiful and unique. After looking for many wedding options across the United States and Mexico we were delighted when we found Desert Harbor and realized it fit all our requirements perfectly.
Desert Harbor is simply an amazing location. The scenery is both intimate and breathtaking. Once we arrived, driving a short way from Albuquerque, we felt as though we were on a private reserve.
Raymond worked with our personalities and preferences to provide a perfect wedding day, and also provided excellent suggestions and alternatives when we wanted something done a certain way. The cooking and food provided was of the best quality, delicious, and portions were extremely generous. Leading up to, and on the day of the wedding, Raymond went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, working extremely hard to ensure the locations, accessories and equipment were organized and available according to schedule. This included building a bonfire in the mountains and hanging a mirror in the cliffs!
I imagined many things for our wedding but never expected it to be as wonderful and special as was made by Desert Harbor. The cost of the three day package is far below its actual value and I am glad we chose Desert Harbor for our wedding. Desert Harbor will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to the day we might return to relive the amazing memories made.
B + B, Brooklyn, NY
My wife and I recently got married at Desert Harbor. Simply put, the experience was beyond all our expectations. It was the best decision we could have made in so many ways. A few things:
The location is breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice. The casita is very private with stunning views from all sides. The ceremony site... it's so romantic and intimate and grand at the same time. I highly recommend getting married here if you are at all leaning toward eloping.
The service is top notch. Raymond was helpful, gracious, welcoming and beyond thoughtful. They think of everything to make your experience relaxing and special.
The outdoor hot tub under the stars is nothing short of magical. Especially if you live in a city.
Our stay at Desert Harbor was easily one of the best experiences of our lives.
M + J, Santa Fe
My wife and I recently eloped at Desert Harbor and all we can say is that it was an amazing experience! Pros: - Each meal was 100% organic and tailor-made to our vegan diets. - The casita exceeded our expectations and brought a whole new meaning to "cozy" and "charming" - The location and views are astonishing and breath taking. - Professional massage by Sonya was spectacular and the best we both have experienced. - The wood fire hot tub soak was an amazing experience, especially on a clear starry night sky. - Great price, you can tell they aren't doing this for the money. Cons: - none! Raymond and Wesley were very thoughtful and accommodating. They made the whole planning process seamless and painless. My wife and I couldn't have asked for better hosts. We will definitely be back. I would recommend Desert Harbor to anyone looking for a truly magical and enchanting experience.…
S + C, Houston
Our stay at Desert Harbor was so much more special and delightful than we had anticipated! Upon arrival, we were greeted with helpful hands to assist in our settling in. We were given a tour of the gorgeous property and given great detail about our stay.
Prior to our stay, Wesley had taken the time to gather detailed information regarding our wishes and expectations to perfectly accommodate us. While at Desert Harbor, Raymond implemented those wishes and expectations very thoroughly! He was as accommodating as a butler and exceptionally kind and knowledgable as a host!
The property is stunning! As desired, we felt excluded from the world and surrounded with the beauty of the gorgeous and romantic scenery. The cabin was beautifully built to provide a cozy and romantic stay, was very clean, and included the amenities needed for our stay.
Although we had planned our meals prior to, we were surprised and pleased with not only the presentation of each romantic candle lit meal, but also the delightful taste of each meal! Although made with the cleanest ingredients, each meal still felt like an indulgence. Especially our wedding night dinner, which was set up in the newly built and exquisite cathedral. With a breath-taking view at sunset, an exceptionally talented photographer, Raymond providing assistance and a creative eye for wedding shots and added details, we truly could not have asked for a more perfect wedding!
