Santa Fe is a destination wedding hot spot, and The Inn of the Five Graces's Elopement Packages includes a shade-dappled courtyard and stars are so close, you can breathe them in on pinon-scented air.  As an added incentive, guests honeymooning at the Inn for at least seven days receive the wedding ceremony as a gift from the management.

The Inn and Spa at Loretta has benefited from its proximity to Loretto Chapel (home of the Miraculous Staircase).  Brides choose sunset weddings: The soft, muted light from the large stained glass windows bathe them in blues, red and green as they walk down the aisle. 


The Loretto Chapel is worth a stop, even if you don't intend to get married.  The Miraculous Staircase is an engingeering feat: two full 360-degree turns without any central support.  Legend has it that a man showed up one day and offered to build a staircase to the choir loft.  The hotel has a fabulous patio where guests can mingle and enjoy Luminaria's dishes.  I have to say, the restaurant has wonderful chicken tortilla soup.   After a lazy lunch, walk the two blocks to the Plaza to take in the Palace of the Governors.  I like to walk up Canyon Road, with its quirky art shops and galleries.  And stop at the Tea House for an afternoon cuppa.  The choices are mind boggling.