Step-By-Step of how to plan a white sands wedding

Looking for an elopement destination that feels other-worldly? White Sands National Park is one of my favorite places in the United States. It is a hidden treasure of the National Park system, and the perfect place for an incredible adventure elopement.

About White Sands National Park

One of the most unique natural wonders is the stark white sand dunes that lie in the Tularosa Basin and encompass White Sands National Park. Large amounts of gypsum were deposited during the Ice Age through rain and melting snow, which was the formation of a huge lake in the Basin at the time. As the lakebed dried up over time, the strong winds broke up the gypsum crystals into fine sand, leaving it a brilliant white color. Now, driving through the dunes feels as if you are encountering 30 ft piles of snow in the desert heat, making White Sands National Park an intriguing and incredibly unique place to experience.

How to Plan Your White Sands Wedding

Cost of Getting Married in White Sands

Park Entrance Fee: $25 or America the Beautiful Pass
Filming + Photography Permit: $100
Special Use (Wedding) Permit: $100
New Mexico Marriage License: $25
Wedding Attire: Varies
Florals + Decor: Varies
White Sands Elopement Photography Packages: Varies

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Total: $250+

When to Plan a White Sands Wedding

White Sands National Park is all encompassed by desert land. This means that you will experience really hot temperatures in the summers, and quite cool nights in the winters. (One neat fact is that despite the 100+ ºF days in the summer, the bright sand reflects the light and stays cool all day long.)

Planning for the best season to visit the park may depend on your personal preference. In winter (December-February), the daytime average temperature is around 60ºF, while the night drops to the mid-20ºs. Spring and fall day temperatures average 70-80ºF. Summer season (from May to early September), day temperatures reach over 100ºF, with nights of 55-60ºF.

The park’s primary vegetation is Cottonwood trees, seen between the dunes with glimpses of green among all of the white. They change color to a vibrant yellow, and the best time of year to witness the color change is late October to early November.

All of the seasons can be beautiful at White Sands National Park, but make sure to come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and layered clothing for the time of year you plan your visit.

White Sands New Mexico Elopement Permit

Nearly all National Parks require a Special Use Permit to legally have a wedding on the land, and White Sands is no exception. The White Sands Special Use Permit Application can be found here: White Sands Special Use Permit Application

During the permit application process, it is best to be as detailed as possible on your application (to estimate the type of decor you want to bring into the park, number of guests, etc.) so that they have a full understanding of what your wedding will look like and can best inform you of park requirements and any Leave No Trace concerns. Keep in mind, White Sands National Park requests that all permit applications be submitted at least 21 days in advance. This way, they can be prepared for your wedding day and inform you of any local military closures or location-specific requirements for your elopement day.

Applying for a New Mexico Marriage License

Wherever you get legally married in the United States, you need to apply for the license in the county of the wedding. White Sands National Park is located in Doña Ana county, which you can the find marriage license information here: Dona Ana County Marriage License

New Mexico does require 2 independent witnesses for a legal wedding ceremony, but if you want to keep your wedding day spontaneous and intimate, remember that even fellow visitors can be your witnesses (as long as they are at least 18 years of age)!

Activities + Vendors for White Sands Elopement Packages

One of the unique activities that is popular in White Sands National Park is sledding on the sand dunes. The visitor center offers sleds, and it would be such a fun and playful way to celebrate saying “I Do!”

Hiking barefoot in the sand is a really satisfying way to explore White Sands National Park. I’ve done this at sunrise before, and it was truly an incredible experience! The cool sand feels so good on your feet. If you decide to do this, make sure to stay close to the orange trail markers– it can be really easy to lose track of your direction in the miles and miles of sand dunes.

Viewing the park by horseback is another cool way to experience it, and a very fun elopement activity if you’re an animal person! (Another fun fact– White Sands is pet-friendly, so you can include your pets in your elopement!)

Picnics in the park incorporate unique vendors to celebrate your vows. Setting up a luxury picnic makes for one-of-a-kind wedding decor and an intimate experience for your elopement day. There are so many neat picnic companies that can create a perfect setting for you to take in the sunset and enjoy gorgeous White Sands views.

WHITE SANDS EVENT COMPANIES:

Sunny Side Events
Three Sisters & Co.
Drunk on Decor
Manmade + Sage

Food + Catering Near White SandS National Park

Fig + Brie (Charcuterie)
Say Cheese (Charcuterie) 
DH Lescombes Winery + Bistro is a family owned local vineyard with a large menu and delicious fresh plates! It is located about 20 minutes from the park.

Cake cutting doesn’t just have to be for big wedding receptions! I say, have your cake and eat it too! These companies make delicious (and beautiful) wedding cakes:
The Joyful Bakery
Chantilly Cakes

Amazing White Sands Florists

Desert Modern Florals
Hellebore Flowers
Two Baroque Girls Floral
Manmade + Sage
Florecita Flowers

Traveling to White Sands National Park

The closest airport to fly into is El Paso, Texas (ELP) about 1.5 hours from the park.
La Cruces (LRU) is just over 2 hours away.
Or Albuquerque (ABQ) is a little further, around 5.5 hours from the park.

Since White Sands is not very close to a big city, your easiest travel would be to fly into a city and rent a car from there. This also gives you the most freedom to explore the park when you want and move around nearby as you please.

Where to Stay: Airbnbs and Hotels Near White Sands National Park

This Southwest Bungalow has amazing views and hosts up to 10 guests if you have loved ones joining you for your elopement: check it out here. 

This three bedroom villa has more modern decor, and includes a hot tub for you to relax in after a full day of exploring: look at it here.

Another 3 bedroom home that has modern decor and a backyard oasis with a pool for you to dive in and break from the desert sun: here it is. 

The “Margarita House” is a cute boho home in Alamogordo, only 20 minutes from the park: look at it here.

Need more space? This home sleeps up to 20 people and is more secluded and private, the perfect area to celebrate your marriage with your friends and family, and gorgeous mountain views: check it out. 

“Casita Azul” leans into all of the southwest vibes with the colorful decor, detailed tiling and raw material finishes (how beautiful would this wood ceiling be in your getting ready photos?): Casita Azul.

The Lundeen Inn of the Arts is a 100-year-old restored Mexican territorial inn that was rated among the top inns of the country: https://www.innofthearts.com

Of course, you can always stay at trusted hotel chains like Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, or Home2Suites by Hilton. And if you’re on the adventurous side, camping is an option offered at or around the park!

Sample White Sands Wedding Timelines