Your Guide to Planning a Taos Elopement

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Taos is not only a hub of art and history, but also one of the most beautiful high-desert towns in New Mexico. With the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains towering above expansive valleys and sweeping mesas, this place perfectly blends its rich culture and stunning natural wonders to create a really special place.

I’ve been photographing elopements around the world for over a decade and Taos has never failed to impress me. It’s seriously enchanting, unique, and perfect for an adventure elopement—so here’s a general breakdown of what you’ll need to know in order to plan an elopement there!

Frequently asked questions about eloping in Taos:

What makes Taos a great place to elope?

Taos has a unique combination of desert and alpine beauty that keeps it high on my list of recommended destinations for adventure elopements. You can ski, hike along the many rivers including the Rio Grande, soak in a hot spring, or buy goods from local artists. It makes it fully possible for you to have whatever kind of adventure fits you the best.

Plus, no matter where you go, you’re guaranteed to have spectacular views, whether it’s a glimpse of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain peaks, or a sweeping panorama of the mesas that lie at their base. Taos is a place where nature and culture co-exist in harmony, making it perfect for couples who want an elopement that feels as intimate and fully immersed in nature.

How do you get to Taos?

Located at 36°22’46.9″N 105°35’23.4″W, with US-68 running right through the center of town, Taos is just west of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, in the northern part of New Mexico. Common map apps can take you there!

If you’re coming from out of state, the easiest place to fly into would be the Albuquerque International Sunport, which is about a 2.5-hour drive from Taos. If you’d like to save yourself some time in the car, you could also connect through Albuquerque to the Taos Regional Airport instead, since it’s only about 15 minutes northwest of Taos.

When’s the best time to visit Taos?

The best time to visit Taos is during the fall season, ideally in September or October (click to Nina & Jenn’s elopement to see what it’s like!). During that time, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains turn golden as the aspens change… there’s way more fall foliage up here than you may think! Visiting in the fall means getting ahead of the winter ski season and taking advantage of the lower prices before they’re driven up by the influx of visitors looking to hit the slopes. Plus, the milder fall temperatures make it possible to take your time exploring the city so you can enjoy everything it has to offer.

Taos Fall Elopement

Two people in white dresses stand close together on a rocky, shrub-covered cliff with a large steel bridge spanning a deep canyon in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

If you want the perfect blend of a desert and an alpine destination, then Taos is the place for you! The fall season brings crisp mountain air and autumn colors to this city surrounded by striking desert landscapes and mountains. Whether you’re hiking a mountain trail or exploring the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge nearby, a fall elopement in Taos is going to make you feel like you’ve been caught between two different worlds that have somehow perfectly blended together to create this stunning setting for your big day.

Best places to elope in Taos:

Nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is known for its rich indigenous history and untouched desert landscapes. There’s so much art & culture here right at the feet of insanely beautiful natural sights that are perfect for eloping.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

Williams Lake
- Cost: $55
  - Marriage License: $55
- Permit: No permit required if your group is smaller than 75 people! If it’s larger, then you can apply for a Special Use Permit through the USDA Forest Service official website (I’ve linked the application here for your convenience).

Orilla Verde Recreation Area
- Cost: $58
  - Marriage License: $55
  - Entrance Fee: $3
- Permit: Orilla Verde Recreation Area falls under Bureau of Land Management (BLM) jurisdiction which means a permit is typically not required for elopements, especially if you keep the group small. However, it’s always good to double check with them before locking anything in, which you can do by contacting the BLM Taos Field Office at (575) 751-4899.

Taos Valley Overlook
- Cost: $55
  - Marriage License: $55
- Permit: Orilla Verde Recreation Area falls under Bureau of Land Management (BLM) jurisdiction which means a permit is typically not required for elopements, especially if you keep the group small. However, it’s always good to double check with them before locking anything in, which you can do by contacting the BLM Taos Field Office at (575) 751-4899.

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
- Cost: $55
  - Marriage License: $55
- Permit: Orilla Verde Recreation Area falls under Bureau of Land Management (BLM) jurisdiction which means a permit is typically not required for elopements, especially if you keep the group small. However, it’s always good to double check with them before locking anything in, which you can do by contacting the BLM Taos Field Office at (575) 751-4899.

Best wedding venues in Taos:

If you’re expecting more than 10 guests or just want something that’s easier to organize and manage, then you might want to consider booking a venue. The good news is that—whether you’re looking for something extravagant or simple—there are plenty of great options in Taos to choose from!

Here are just a few in the Taos area:

The Stakeout
- Cost: Starting at $4,000 – $40,000 (cost varies depending on your wedding package and date—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
- Guest Count: 200 max (limit varies depending on which wedding package you choose)

Touchstone Inn
- Cost: Starting at $975 (cost varies depending on your wedding package, date, and guest count—you can inquire for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
- Guest Count: 15–200 (depends on wedding package)

Taos Ski Valley
- Cost: Starting at $1,500 – $2,500 (cost varies depending on the location—you can reach out to the venue for a more exact quote here!)
- Guest Count: 350 max (limit varies depending on the location)

El Monte Sagrado
- Cost: Starting at $11,000 – $20,000 (ceremonies must be paired with receptions and cost varies depending on the chosen locations—you can find a more detailed breakdown of what each location offers on the venue’s official website here!)
- Guest Count: 250 max (limit varies depending on the location)

This information is accurate as of the writing of this guide in 2026, but always double check with the venue before you book anything. I’m happy to offer more recommendations and help you find the perfect wedding venue when we work together!

How much does it cost to elope in Taos?

The cost of eloping in Taos varies depending on your choice of venue or elopement site, whether or not you’re having a reception, your guest count, travel costs, etc. If you want something intimate and simple, you can elope at any one of the gorgeous spots found in the wilderness surrounding Taos for just the cost of a marriage license, which could be as little as $55.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more extravagant, you can choose from any of the stunning venues Taos has to offer, with costs ranging from $975 on up. No matter what you decide though, you will have a front-row seat to Taos’ uniquely striking landscapes and access to some of the state’s most beautiful natural sites!

Most of the couples who hire me prioritize the experience of having an adventure somewhere incredible and being able to really enjoy it knowing all of their memories are preserved, so they invest most of their budget in photography. If you want to know more, you can check out my full cost of eloping guide here!

Activities to do during Taos elopements:

My favorite thing about Taos is how it perfectly mixes quiet desert spots with the mountainside adventure, allowing visitors to experience the best of both worlds. For my couples who are equally torn between Utah and Colorado, I often include Taos in my suggestions!

Here are just some of my favorites in the Taos area:

Walking across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
Exploring the historic Taos Plaza
Skiing in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Hiking along the Rio Grande River
Visiting the hot springs

As you can see, there is plenty to do in Taos, no matter what vibe you’re looking for! It’s super easy here to have a chill or really action packed day. It’s totally up to you.

Are dogs allowed in Taos?

Yes, Taos is super dog-friendly! There are plenty of pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, along tons of trails where dogs are allowed, as long as they’re leashed.

Taos Elopement & Wedding Photos

Nina & Jenn’s Taos Fall Elopement

Nina & Jenn’s fall elopement in Taos was full of perfectly colored trees, walks with their dog, Chip, and exploring the Rio Grande gorge. Everything that you could want out of an October day in the high desert.

It can often be hard to time elopements to the exact peak of fall colors, but Taos was really showing off for Nina & Jenn. Bright yellow trees against super vibrant red rock mesas is a sight that it takes your brain a second to wrap your head around. It’s unbelievably cool.

So much of Nina & Jenn’s day was centered around just exploring this corner of the Earth. They mentioned wanting a day that was, “scenic, mystical, relaxed and laid back” which is a perfect fit for this area.

They had their ceremony in a field with a wide open view while Chip kept watch and Nina & Jenn exchanged rings. Simple. Perfect.

At the end of the day they headed back to their boutique hotel stay, which was at a super cool collection of converted vintage campers. They spent the rest of the night cozied up by the fire, toasting with small bottles of sparkling wine and roasting marshmallows.

A dramatic rock formation rises under a dark, cloudy sky, partially framed by the out-of-focus branches and leaves of a nearby tree in the foreground.

Red rock mesas and cliffs under a cloudy sky, with autumn trees and dry grass in the foreground, create a dramatic landscape scene.

Two women in white wedding dresses walk together on a dirt path, smiling and holding hands, while one leads two small dogs on leashes. Autumn trees and tall grass line the path in the background.

Two women in white lace dresses embrace outdoors, eyes closed and smiling softly, surrounded by tall grass and autumn-colored trees in the background.

Two brides in white lace dresses stand facing each other outdoors, holding each other’s waists and smiling softly. The background features fall foliage in warm yellow and orange tones.

Two women in white wedding dresses stand facing each other, holding hands in an outdoor setting with tall grasses and trees displaying golden autumn foliage in the background.

Two women in white dresses stand in a field of tall grass with autumn trees behind them, smiling as they pet a black dog on a leash.

Two women in white lace wedding dresses embrace and kiss a small brown dog, surrounded by yellow autumn trees outdoors.

Two women in white dresses stand outdoors, smiling and laughing, with one holding a small black dog. Trees with autumn-colored leaves create a warm, natural background.

Two women in white wedding dresses hold hands and smile at each other outdoors, with a small black dog beside them. Behind them are autumn trees and a rocky, multicolored cliff under a cloudy sky.

Two women in white wedding dresses hold hands and smile at each other while walking in a grassy field, with colorful cliffs and autumn trees in the background.

Two women in white dresses walk a small black dog on a leash through a grassy field, with autumn trees and a rocky mesa in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile while walking a small black dog on a leash in a grassy field, with autumn trees and a rocky cliff in the background.

Two women in white wedding dresses walk hand-in-hand through a field with autumn trees in the background, smiling, as a small black dog on a leash walks beside them.

Two women in white dresses embrace in a field, surrounded by autumn trees and tall grass, with a rocky hill and cloudy sky in the background.

Two brides in white dresses walk hand-in-hand with a small dog on a leash in a field, surrounded by autumn trees, with a large rocky mesa in the background.

Two brides in white dresses hold hands and smile at each other while walking a small dog on a leash outdoors, with autumn trees and a red rock cliff in the background.

Two people linking their pinky fingers against a blurred brown background, each wearing bracelets on their wrists, symbolizing connection or promise.

A wide landscape view of a grassy field with scattered trees, distant mesas, and dramatic cloudy skies under soft, diffused light, suggesting an overcast or rainy day.

Two women in white wedding dresses embrace outdoors on a rocky hillside, with a small black dog on a leash at their feet. The landscape behind them features distant mountains and a cloudy sky.

Two women in white wedding dresses embrace on a rocky hilltop with scenic, expansive views. One has a visible tattoo on her back. A small black dog stands in front of them, and cloudy skies loom in the background.

A small black Schnauzer dog on a leash walks on a sandy path, wearing a white collar. A person in a white dress is visible in the background, holding the leash.

Rock formations rise from a sunlit, arid landscape dotted with shrubs under a mostly clear sky with a few clouds. The terrain is dry and rugged, with sparse vegetation in the foreground.

Two women in white lace wedding dresses stand outdoors in a dry, grassy landscape, holding hands and smiling at each other with mountains visible in the background.

Two women in white lace dresses stand close together in a desert landscape, embracing and looking toward the distant mountains under a cloudy sky.

Two women in white wedding dresses hold hands and smile at each other outdoors on a rocky hillside, surrounded by dry grass and shrubs, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.

Close-up of two people in white lace dresses holding hands. One person wears a diamond engagement ring and a bracelet with flowers, while the other has a simple red string bracelet. The focus is on their joined hands.

A small black schnauzer dog with a blue harness and leash stands on a sandy surface, looking up toward the camera with alert ears and expressive eyes.

A tall, rugged rock cliff with layered shades of red and tan rises under a pale sky. Sparse vegetation and a single tree grow near the cliff’s edge, with small shrubs scattered along the rocky slopes.

A small black dog wearing a blue harness stands on its hind legs, reaching up towards a person's hand offering a treat outdoors on dry, grassy ground.

A small black dog wearing a blue harness stands on dry, patchy grass, looking up at a hand reaching toward it, possibly offering a treat. The dog is leashed and appears alert and curious.

Two women in white dresses stand facing each other in a desert landscape with large bushes and rocky cliffs in the background under a clear sky.

Two women in white lace wedding dresses stand outdoors in dry grass, holding hands and gazing at each other, with a scenic, sunlit landscape stretching out in the background.

Two women in elegant white wedding dresses stand outdoors, facing each other and smiling warmly. The scene is sunlit, with grassy hills and mountains in the background, evoking a joyful and intimate moment.

Two women in white wedding dresses stand together outdoors in a dry, grassy field, holding hands and facing each other on a sunny day, with a blurred brown hillside in the background.

Two women in white wedding dresses stand together holding hands in a dry, grassy, desert landscape with rocky hills in the background under a clear sky.

Two women in white lace dresses stand outdoors facing each other, one reading or speaking while the other listens. Their hair is styled, and the background shows a blurred field and cloudy sky.

Two women in white dresses hold hands and face each other in front of a large tree, set against a dramatic desert landscape with rocky cliffs and dry grass under a clear sky.

Two women in white lace wedding dresses stand outdoors in a natural, rocky landscape. One faces the camera, appearing emotional, while the other stands with her back to the camera, holding her partner’s hand.

A close-up, black-and-white photo of two people in lace dresses, one gently placing a ring on the other's finger, suggesting a wedding or engagement moment.

Two women in white wedding dresses smile and embrace outdoors, holding a small black dog. They stand on dry grassland with rocky hills and a unique rock formation in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Two women in white wedding dresses stand together in a desert landscape, smiling and holding a small dog, with red rock formations and sparse vegetation in the background under a cloudy sky.

Two women in white lace dresses, both smiling and holding a small black dog. One woman kisses the dog while the other cuddles it closely. They are outdoors with blurred greenery and sunlight in the background.

A woman in a white lace off-shoulder wedding dress stands in a dry, grassy landscape with red rock formations in the background, her hair blowing in the wind as she looks to the side.

A woman in a white lace wedding dress stands in a dry, grassy field with rocky red cliffs in the background, looking over her shoulder and smiling softly.

A flat-topped mesa rises above layered red rock formations and sparse desert vegetation under a cloudy sky, with golden autumn trees scattered in the foreground.

A weathered wooden sign reads “Chimney Rock Trail” with blurred rocky hills and dry grassland in the background under a clear sky.

A white SUV drives down a deserted, straight road surrounded by dry grass and scattered trees, with distant mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.

Two women in white dresses stand closely together, smiling and embracing in a sunlit field, with a dark mountain in the background.

Two women in white wedding dresses stand in a field with tall grasses, holding hands. One woman has her arms outstretched. A dark mountain looms in the background under a moody sky.

Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile at each other while standing in a desert landscape, with mountains in the background and golden light illuminating the scene.

Two women in white lace dresses stand side by side outdoors, embracing each other and looking toward distant mountains under a cloudy sky. The scene is warm and intimate, surrounded by natural landscape.

A couple embraces on the edge of a rocky cliff under dramatic clouds, with a deep canyon below and mountains in the distance, captured in black and white.

Two people in wedding attire embrace on a rocky cliff overlooking a vast canyon at sunset, with dramatic clouds and distant mountains in the background.

Two women in white wedding dresses hold hands while walking along a rocky, shrub-filled cliff edge at sunset, with a deep canyon and distant mountains in the background.

Golden brown tall grass or wild plants in soft focus, illuminated by warm sunlight, creating a natural, serene, and dreamy atmosphere.

A deep, rocky canyon with steep cliffs and a narrow river running through its base, surrounded by dry, rugged terrain under a cloudy sky with mountains in the distant background.

Two women in white dresses share a kiss outdoors, standing close together on a metal railing with a natural, earthy landscape in the background.

A dramatic sky with pink and purple clouds hangs over distant mountains and a flat, dry plain at sunset, casting a warm glow across the landscape.

Three vintage trailers—blue, silver, and red—are parked on a desert lot under dark, cloudy skies. String lights hang between poles, and a small tree stands in the foreground. Mountains are visible in the distance.

Two mini bottles of sparkling wine, one labeled “La Vostra Rosé” with a pink label and the other labeled “La Marca Prosecco” with a light blue label, standing side by side on a wooden surface with a warm blurred background.

Two women in white dresses and jackets are gathered around a campfire at night, roasting marshmallows, with a camper or trailer in the background. A box of graham crackers is visible on a tree stump nearby.

A marshmallow on a metal skewer is being roasted over an open campfire, with flames and embers rising among charred logs.

Two women in long dresses and jackets smile while roasting marshmallows over a campfire at dusk, with a trailer visible in the background.

Two women in white dresses and jackets sit by a campfire at night, smiling. One holds a drink and the other roasts a marshmallow. String lights and a trailer are visible in the background.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Taos Elopement Photographer

For over a decade I’ve designed & photographed adventure elopements around the world, so if you’re looking for someone with years of experience photographing elopements in different cities and countries, then you’re in the right place! I can help you navigate the logistics of planning a destination elopement and make sure it’s as stress-free as possible so you can have a wedding that feels 100% you.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Taos Elopement Packages

To check my availability, just contact me here for a free planning consultation and we can get started!

Always included:

8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the U.S.A (including Alaska & Hawaii)

$9,800 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY & MORE INFO

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant  

For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

About Maddie Mae Elopement
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