Inn and Spa at Loretto

The Basics

The Inn and Spa at Loretto was built in 1975 to look like the centuries-old Taos Pueblo, with such success that it is called the most photographed building in New Mexico. (We suspect that the original pueblo, which is still home to a Native American community, more likely gets that prize.) But there is no question that the inn is an ideal destination wedding location if you want the feel to be unmistakably Santa Fe, as Native American colors and patterns, and public spaces decorated with photos of historic New Mexico, set the tone.

Wedding Details

Another plus for the Inn and Spa at Loretto is its central location, near the historic Santa Fe Plaza. And while several other good destination wedding hotels are similarly situated, what sets the 134-room inn apart is that it is directly adjacent to the Loretto Chapel, which, with its history and mystery (there’s a peculiar spiral staircase that is called “miraculous”) has long been a favorite Santa Fe wedding venue. The inn’s own reception venues range from a sunset-facing outdoor terrace that will seat 40 to the Zuni Ballroom, whose French doors open onto a garden that can host up to 180 for dinner and dancing. Catering is done by the inn’s Luminaria restaurant, but in the summer treat yourselves to a day-after brunch on the Luminaria’s patio, which, with its covered ramada, flowing drapery, and entrance fountains, is a true Santa Fe experience.

Keep in Mind

When you’ve got some time for yourselves, the Spa at Loretto draws its inspiration from Native American healing traditions, although the Spanish name alone for one of the couples’ treatments, corazones en fuego (hearts of fire), ought to be enough to draw you in.