About Albuquerque
Perched squarely on Route 66 - “America’s Mother Road” - Albuquerque, New Mexico is one of the country’s oldest and most authentic south-western cities. Founded in 1706 as part of New Spain, Albuquerque is a unique combination of Hispanic, Latino and Native American influences. One-of-a-kind experiences are everywhere, from kayaking the Rio Grande to taking in the annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. Whether it’s humble fry-bread or haute cuisine, stately Spanish missions or neon casinos, Albuquerque is the perfect city for a wedding reception, with something that every guest would love to see.
With the Sandia Mountains as a snow-capped backdrop, Albuquerque is a picturesque location year-round. The city sees around 280 sunny days per year and offers many outdoors opportunities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and golfing. It’s also home to the largest hot air balloon festival in the country, with many other diverse festivals held throughout the year. Where the hip, modern city skyline meets the ancient history of the Native peoples, you’ll find a wide variety of food, venues and attractions to make your Albuquerque wedding reception memorable.
Wedding Reception Options in Albuquerque, NM
Consider working with a few of these local Albuquerque event vendors to make your wedding reception beyond perfect!
- Catering
At the intersection of many cultures lies a food scene that features flavors not found anywhere else. Tacos of all varieties are a mainstay in Albuquerque, but there are also opportunities to try indigenous cuisine, soul food, South Asian fusion, and more from Albuquerque’s best caterers.
Special Touch Catering
Considering a professional caterer for your wedding reception? This family-owned business has been serving Albuquerque wedding receptions for more than 25 years. They offer a variety of menus, from breakfast cuisine to box lunches to hot meals, and can accommodate any special dietary needs.
- Wedding Reception Entertainment
Whether you’re looking for a comedic emcee or a disco-ball-spinning DJ to liven up your wedding reception, Albuquerque has entertainment vendors to suit your vision and budget. If a live band is more your style, you’ll find everything from Latin dance vibes to classical guitar.
- Beverage and Bar Service
After-dinner drinks can be a great way to unwind after a formal wedding ceremony and reception. Albuquerque has a number of vendors who can create custom cocktail menus for any type of reception, as well as provide talented bartenders and waitstaff.
- Equipment Rentals
Tables, chairs, dance floors, dinnerware – you’ll need it all for your wedding reception. Albuquerque has several equipment rental vendors providing everything from banquet tables for 10, to champagne flutes and dessert forks. If you’re hosting an outdoor reception, you’ll find tents of all sizes for rent, as well.
Wedding Reception Planning Companies in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Simply Decor Tents & Events
Committed to ensuring exclusive décor for your unique reception, this event planning company and outdoor tent provider has been designing events in the Albuquerque area for more than a decade. Simply Decor Tents & Events has won several awards in its local market, including Best of Albuquerque two years in a row, and an ABQ Bride Award.
- Complete Weddings + Events
Operating in the Albuquerque metro area for more than 25 years, Complete Weddings + Events specializes in all aspects of wedding receptions, including photography and videography, DJ services, photo booths, lighting and more. The company was voted best photo booth set-up by The Wedding Guide and has many more 5-star reviews on Yelp.
- Corazon Events
Founded in 2003, Corazon Events offers full-service wedding and reception coordination. The company specializes in organizational assistance, custom design and décor, budgetary management, overall personalization, and day-of execution. Corazon Events is rated by WeddingWire and Wed We Can, and supports LGBTQ+ couples, as well.
Pros and Cons of Hosting a Wedding Reception in Albuquerque
Pros
- Great food
New Mexico is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, and its food scene reflects that. You’ll find inventive and traditional Native, Mexican and Spanish cuisine, as well as American Southwest staples.
- Breathtaking sunsets
With clear skies framed by the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque’s sunset skies are bright and colorful. Sunset makes a stunning backdrop for photos or a romantic dinner and dancing.
- Affordable options
Compared to many mid-sized cities, amenities like food, lodging and entertainment are fairly affordable.
Cons
- Wind and dust
Located squarely in the desert, Albuquerque is very dry for most of the year and has little in the way of dust mitigation. Tents may be difficult to anchor and blowing dust can be a problem.
- Unpredictable weather
Because Albuquerque sits at almost a mile above sea level, winters, though sunny, are cold and blustery. Summer heat can be uncomfortable and the city is prone to flash flooding during the monsoon season in July and August.
- Crime
Pockets of Albuquerque have high rates of poverty and unemployment, which can lead to high crime rates in those areas. Theft, property, and drug crimes are fairly common.
Famous Wedding Reception Locations in Albuquerque
Find a wedding reception venue near one of these fantastic Albuquerque attractions for a good time even after your wedding event!
- 50-mile Activity Loop
Some of the best and most unique attractions Albuquerque has to offer can be found along the 50-mile Activity Loop, which begins in the city’s historic downtown and crosses the Rio Grande before heading to the outskirts. Your wedding party and guests can take in a day or two along the trail, visiting historic sites like Petroglyph National Monument, taking the one-of-a-kind aerial tramway to the top of Sandia Peak, or cruising Route 66. There are also plenty of off-road sections for outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Albuquerque and the lands surrounding it are home to 19 Indian Pueblos (villages), some stretching back thousands of years. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is dedicated to showcasing each one and educating visitors on their unique traditions and way of life. Guests can learn about indigenous peoples and even sample their traditional food at their in-house restaurant.
- ABQ Biopark
The ABQ Biopark offers visitors a variety of ecocentric activities and exhibits. The Biopark is home to a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden and fishing pond, as well as a space for picnics. The Biopark is open year-round and offers a variety of special events and after-hours programs, making it great family-friendly destination, perfect for relaxing and photos.
