There are some weddings where the location becomes part of the story, and Rachel and Marlon’s Santa Fe wedding was definitely one of them.
From the warm adobe architecture to the colorful streets of downtown Santa Fe, every part of the day felt connected to the place they chose to celebrate. Their wedding was intimate, personal, and full of the kind of details that made it feel completely like them.
I had the chance to photograph their day as a Santa Fe wedding photographer, and honestly, Santa Fe made my job pretty easy.
A Spring Wedding with a Santa Fe Wedding Photographer
The day began at El Dorado Hotel & Spa, where Rachel and Marlon got ready before heading out into the city. Santa Fe in the spring is hard to beat. The light is warm, the architecture is full of texture, and there are little pockets of color everywhere you look.
For portraits, we wandered through downtown Santa Fe, using the adobe buildings, colorful doors, and quiet alleyways as backdrops. Rather than trying to make the city feel like a backdrop, we let it be what it is.
And that ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day.
Color, Texture, and Santa Fe Wedding Details
Rachel and Marlon’s wedding design pulled from the colors already surrounding them.
Deep burgundy, golden yellow, soft cream, and natural greenery echoed the warm tones of Santa Fe while still giving the day its own personality. The details felt thoughtful without becoming overly precious, which is exactly the balance I love in a wedding.
The ceremony at El Dorado Hotel & Spa featured an ornate gold backdrop that brought a little drama to the room without taking over the space.
An Intimate Santa Fe Wedding
What stood out most about this wedding was how personal it felt.
Every guest had traveled to Santa Fe to celebrate Rachel and Marlon, so there was a real sense of closeness throughout the day. The guest list was intimate, the conversations were long, and the emotional moments felt very real.
That showed up in the photographs.
The best images were not necessarily the big moments. They were the hugs between friends, the laughter during portraits, the looks across the room, and all of those little interactions that happen when the people you love most are gathered in one place.
A Candlelit Reception at Santa Fe School of Cooking
After portraits around the city, everyone gathered at Santa Fe School of Cooking for the reception.
The space shifted completely from the bright colors and outdoor portraits into something warmer and more intimate. Vintage books, candlelight, and thoughtful details created a reception that felt relaxed and welcoming.
And, of course, the food was a pretty important part of the evening.
A Santa Fe wedding deserved a reception that felt connected to the city, and this one absolutely delivered.
An Intimate Santa Fe Wedding
One of my favorite things about photographing weddings outside of North Carolina is getting to experience a place through the people who chose it.
Rachel and Marlon’s Santa Fe wedding was not about putting on a show for the camera. It was about bringing their people together somewhere that felt special and letting the day unfold.
That is the kind of destination wedding I want more of.
If you are planning a wedding in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or somewhere else that feels like you, I would love to photograph it.
Featured in Rocky Mountain Bride
Rachel and Marlon’s Santa Fe wedding was featured by Rocky Mountain Bride, highlighting the colorful design, intimate celebration, and unmistakable character of the city. You can view the original feature on Rocky Mountain Bride.
Vendor Team
Ceremony Venue: El Dorado Hotel & Spa
Reception Venue & Catering: Santa Fe School of Cooking
Planner & Florist: Hosea House Collective
Photography: Adornment Photo
Flower Farm: Petal Pushers Santa Fe
Rentals: Darling Details
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