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As I was dreaming up this blog post, my mind was on those daring couples ready to do the unconventional and plan an epic adventure elopement. And what better place to dive into than the stunning White Sands National Park? So, here’s your go-to, exclusive guide to effortlessly planning your White Sands elopement. Feel free to dive into the sections that catch your eye the most!
What to Know about the White Sands
What to Bring to your White Sands Elopement
White Sands Elopement Activities
The Legal Things You Should Know
White Sand National Park Permits
Do’s and Don’ts During your Elopement
White Sands Elopement Photographer
The Ultimate Guide to Planning a White Sands Wedding
There’s so much to talk about when it comes to White Sands National Park! I’ve narrowed down everything that I tell couples who book their White Sands elopement with me into this ultimate guide to make planning your elopement at the White Sands a breeze.
What to Know About the White Sands National Park
Location: You’ll find the visitor center and Dunes Drive right off Highway US-70, positioned between Alamogordo and Las Cruces. Look for the park entrance between mile markers 199 and 200 on Highway US-70.
Open: Year-round from 7am-9pm (sometimes earlier at 6pm – depending on the season!)
Entrance Fee: $25 or free with a National Park Interagency Pass
Dogs Allowed: Yes! Just make sure that they are on their leash at all times!
Why They are Incredible: It’s the largest gypsum dune field!
Best Time to Visit for a White Sands Wedding
As a New Mexico Elopement Photographer, I know I am biased, but seriously, golden hour on the White Sands is truly magical. I especially love the way the sun paints the sky in the Fall and Winter months. You can expect the most beautiful cotton candy to vibrant orange creamsicle skies during this time of year!
Spring: If you want to be sure to avoid the super high winds that might come with an early spring, plan to book your elopement in May or June.
Fall: Here in New Mexico, our autumn months are warmer than most! Temps range from the 70’s-60’s. October through November you can expect the perfect weather when planning your elopement.
- Pro Tip #1: If you are planning an elopement in October, you can expect gorgeous hot air balloons – something super unique that NM hosts annually!
- Pro Tip #2: If you are wanting an elopement experience with minimal crowds, I highly recommend planning for a November wedding day as this time of year is very quiet at the park.
Winter: Every winter, you can always count on January being the best month to elope!
To avoid high temperatures and lots of visitors, I recommend not planning an elopement during the summer months.
What to Bring to Your White Sands Elopement
With any adventure elopement, I always recommend packing a lightweight bag to carry essentials. Here is a list of things that I recommend to the couples that I work with:
- Water: there is no vegetation on the dunes, so it cannot get hot fairly quickly
- Shoes: I recommend going barefoot up the dunes, so if you’re wanting to wear shoes in your photos, you will want to pack some!
- Compact Mirror: This can be helpful especially when it is windy on the dunes and you need to touch up your hair/makeup before your elopement ceremony!
- Flashlight: If you plan to have your elopement during sunrise/sunset, you’re going to want to have a flashlight to head back to your car as the sun goes down.
- Sunscreen: Like I mentioned above, there is no vegetation, so there is minimal sun coverage. I always recommend applying before the event and more frequently for those that burn easily.
Things to Do at White Sands National Park on Your Elopement Day
Picnic: A picnic at the White Sands National Park is always a great idea! The park has picnic areas scattered around the park to help escape from the sun and share a romantic picnic with each other.
If you are wanting to have a more intimate setting, you can hike to your own private dune and lay out a blanket or hire a luxury picnic designer!
Here are a few tips to set you up for a successful picnic from the National Park site:
- Use colored plates, napkins, cups, and silverware to help provide contrast with the white sand. If you are wanting that white on white look, aim for white plates that are glossy so that they can create a nice reflection from the sun.
- There are recycle bins located next to the vault restrooms to throw away any plastic/aluminum
- If you are using the designated picnic areas, you can throw away trash in either the small or large trash cans nearby.
- Bag your trash! Because of how windy it can get on the dunes, the wind can easily pick up things like paper plates and napkins.
Don’t forget to Leave No Trace!
I’m still in awe with this luxury picnic setup from Sunny Side Events!
Cake on the dunes? Always a great idea! 😉
Sledding: The White Sands are known for sledding, and since it’s your elopement day, you get to decide what you want to do! You can either bring your own sled, or you can rent sleds at the visitor center! Because the dunes are less slippery than snow, you will want to use a freshly waxed sled for the best experience!
Hiking: The dunes have 5 designated trails to explore, all ranging in difficulty levels. A few personal favorites of mine are the Dune Life or Backcountry Camping Loop Trail.
How to Legally Get Married at the White Sands National Park
Consider this guide as a checklist when planning an elopement at the White Sands:
- You will need 2 witnesses – Planning on eloping alone? You can use your photographer/other vendors, or you can ask 2 visitors to sign as witnesses.
- A legal or certified officiant – Mia from Sunny Side Events offers an officiant as a part of her elopement packages
- Have a valid New Mexico Marriage License (You can get this at the county clerk office and take it the same day of your elopement, if you choose to do so!)
While the White Sands National Park is located in Dona Ana county (they require an appointment), you can get your certificate in Otero or Lincoln county without an appointment for $25 USD. Make sure both parties are present and have an approved photo ID ready.
White Sands Wedding Permits Guide
The White Sands National Park is one of the easiest to get eloped within the National Park system. Something to keep in mind when planning an elopement at the White Sands is that the size of your guest list does make a difference when it comes to permits.
If you are planning an intimate elopement with just you and your partner, you will not need a permit. However, if you plan to have a larger ceremony with family and friends, you will need to apply for a permit, here. Keep in mind that this permit must be received at least 21 days before your ceremony date. Once received, you may be contacted to provide additional information (if needed).
Permit Fee: $100 USD non-refundable payment due at the time of your application
If you are wanting to visit early for the sunrise or stay late for the sunset, you can request a photography before/after hours pass! Check out this guide, here!
Wedding Regulations at the White Sands National Park
What is allowed:
- Kites or pinwheels
- Candles
- Bubbles, bells, flags
- Tarps, tents, arches (must be properly secured in the sand)
- Chairs, tables, runners (must not harm vegetation)
- Silk, dried, paper or fake flower arrangements
What is not allowed:
- Living plants, live flowers or non-domesticated animals
- Balloons, rice, birdseed, confetti, live flower petals
- Glass bottles, wine bottles, beer bottles, etc.
- No open fires on Sands
Want to see more of my New Mexico elopement shoots? Head to my Instagram to see some of the behind the scenes on my wedding and elopement days. Oh, and if you’re a Pinterest girlie, it would mean the world to me if you saved this blog to your engagement board! Simply hover over the image and press, “save”.
White Sands Elopement Photographer | Queanna Lynn Photography
Hey there! I’m Queanna, a Destination Wedding and Elopement photographer that is based in New Mexico. Although, I won’t turn you down if you are up for an adventure out of state! I’m all about capturing the raw and authentic moments that leave a lasting impression in your memory. Think we would be a great fit together? Get in touch, here!
White Sands Wedding Vendors
Luxury Picnic + Officiant: Sunny Side Events | Photographer: Queanna Lynn | Wedding Planner: Lauren
