Ok well I originally posted this list I think a little too soon, and like I said things could change, and they already have, after finding out a couple of our choices have weird guidelines about reservations, including not allowing them until exactly 12 months before your desired date (aka call on that date the year prior and hope your were the first one... I don't think so) we have changed a couple, nothing major most of our venue tours still stand and will accept reservations if we are ready! So here is our updated list, we have also really looked into the possibility of a tent reception at a couple of these locations, which is something I have always been in love with the idea of :)
Prairie Star
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| Picture from Albuquerque wedding guide |
I'm sure you can tell that the reason I picked this one is indeed for the view. Since were getting married in New Mexico I would love to have those Sandia Mountains as a backdrop, all I can think about with this venue is the opportunity for endless beautiful photos.
Pros: Reasonable price, view, close to hotels, food
Cons: Really the only con I have is the reception space, it is so plain I think I would feel the need to transform it which of course would be pricey, however a tent reception is also an option at this location which we will consider
Paa Ko Ridge Golf Club
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| Picture from Paa Ridge Website |
Again, another gorgeous view. Every time I look at pictures of this place I just get happy because its just so beautiful, it doesn't even seem like its in New Mexico. Sorry I couldn't find a picture of the ceremony spot that I could share with you.
Pros: Beautiful, very limited décor needed, good package
Cons: Location it is in the mountains and not close to any hotels, a little higher cost
Sandia Golf Club
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| Picture from Albuquerque wedding guide |
Well of course another mountain view. You have your ceremony on the golf course and the reception in their covered patio with an open view of the mountains. This venue is a little different, not your typical ballroom but I kinda like it.
*** We just found out that they are about to open a new event space here that would be a traditional reception ballroom with gorgeous views, we are looking forward to getting more information on this option, we have also seen pictures of some recent tent receptions here that were just gorgeous
Pros: View, price, location, casual vibe
Cons: Food options, they are very strange, they allow you to bring in your own caterer but charge you an additional $10/ person, if we choose this venue that would be the route I'd take
Hotel Albuquerque
This is a venue I have actually loved for a really long time. I have always thought their outdoor ceremony space was just gorgeous with the vines and fountains. The reason we originally didn't have it in the mix was due to cost, however after we really evaluated each cost at every place this one ended up being very similar, they just present it as one lump sum where the other venues you have to add on each cost individually.
Pros: Beautiful ceremony space, great reception ballroom, location convenience
Cons: Has been referred to as a "wedding factory" since they will book more than one on a given day, no view of the mountains- yeah as you can tell these aren't major cons lol
I think these all have the potential to be great venues I think it will all be a matter of weighing the pros and cons for our favorites against what we want for our special day and who knows a new location could be thrown into the mix at any time.
Lately my favorite thing has been watching wedding videos at local venues, it really gives you a great sense of the space and how the event could go there. That's how I found most of these and fell in love with them, plus watching the videos is also just fun.
I cant wait to fill you in on our tours once we visit each place
-E
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