Sky railway Wedding - santa Fe
A Sunset Vow Exchange: Rae & Josh’s Candid Sky Railway Wedding in Santa Fe
As a New Mexico Wedding Photographer, I see a lot of beautiful celebrations, but every so often, a weekend unfolds that completely redefines the term "destination wedding." Rae and Josh’s incredible Santa Fe celebration was one of those weekends—a perfect blend of historic New Mexico charm, candid intimacy, and utterly unique ceremony logistics that saw them exchanging vows on a train car, deep in the desert sunset.
If you’re dreaming of a celebration that feels effortless, authentic, and truly cinematic, look no further than this incredible Destination Wedding In Santa Fe. The entire weekend was a masterclass in personalized details and editorial style, relying heavily on a hands-off approach that allowed the magic to unfold naturally.
A Welcome Party At Herve Wine Bar Santa Fe
The weekend kicked off in the most romantic way possible: an intimate welcome party at Herve Wine Bar Santa Fe. This spot is known throughout the city for its unparalleled charm, and it certainly delivered.
The ambiance was everything you could hope for in a sophisticated yet relaxed gathering. The lighting was soft, the setting felt deeply romantic, and the historic adobe walls created the perfect cozy backdrop for family and friends traveling in from out of town. The wine selection was superb (as expected!), the food was delicious, and the evening was filled with wonderful, heartfelt speeches honoring the couple.
But Rae and Josh added a truly charming, personalized twist: a custom-made crossword puzzle. This wasn't just idle entertainment; it was a hilarious, personalized deep-dive into their relationship, complete with great prizes for the sharpest solvers. It was the perfect icebreaker and set a playful, warm tone for the celebrations to come.
(And if you’re wondering what others say about this Santa Fe staple, Herve Wine Bar consistently garners praise for its elegant atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and prime location right off the Plaza—making it a must-visit spot for an intimate evening and a fantastic choice for a welcome reception.)
The Morning Preparation: Roses, Soup, and Downtown Charm
The next morning, the energy subtly shifted toward the main event.
The groom, Josh, enjoyed a beautifully relaxed morning at his mother’s lovely Santa Fe home. The setting couldn't have been more picturesque, complete with a sun-drenched courtyard overflowing with blooming roses. Surrounded by his father and the men closest to him, the morning was spent savoring homemade soup, enjoying drinks, and soaking up the easy company, setting a grounded and joyful tone for the hours ahead.
Meanwhile, Rae and her girls were right in the thick of downtown Santa Fe activity, getting ready at the Piñon Court by La Fonda. This central location was key, putting them within walking distance of one of the most unique first-look spots I’ve ever photographed: the Sky Railway Wedding Santa Fe.
Sky Railway Wedding Santa Fe
The anticipation peaked as Rae and Josh walked over to the historic train depot for their first look. They chose to see each other for the first time inside one of the vintage train cars—a moment filled with quiet emotion against the backdrop of polished steel and old-world charm.
This was the start of the adventure. The plan was wonderfully ambitious: all guests, along with the couple, would ride the train out into the vast New Mexico desert. The atmosphere on board was electric. Each vintage train car had its own musician playing live msuic and a unique cocktail bar with a different menu. The detailed charm and design of these trains provided an endless array of perfect pockets for natural, candid photography, allowing everyone to mix and mingle effortlessly.
As we rode out, we passed Josh’s childhood home—a beautiful, unexpected moment of nostalgia woven into the journey.
We traveled deeper into the landscape until the train stopped. Guests disembarked and found their viewing spots in the high desert, watching as Rae and Josh exchanged their vows on a flatbed train car, the magnificent sunset painting the sky far behind the distant mountains. It was breathtaking, cinematic, and the core moment of this incredible Desert Wedding.
The Reception Held At Legal Tender Saloon & Eating House Santa Fe
Once the vows were exchanged and the desert light faded, the train carried us to the final, historic stop: The Legal Tender Saloon & Eating House in Lamy, New Mexico.
This place is hands down one of the coolest reception venues I have ever photographed.
The Legal Tender Saloon & Eating House is steeped in history. Originally built in 1881 as a Harvey House (a hotel/restaurant chain catering to weary train travelers), it served those riding the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. It’s known for being one of the most historically preserved establishments in the Southwest, capturing the authentic spirit of the Old West.
The reception space itself was adorned with stunning western art, antique pieces, and rich, historic textures that perfectly fit the editorial vision of the day. It was the ideal setting for dinner, speeches, and an absolute explosion of individual and group dancing that kept the energy high all night long.
A Candid Approach And Editorial Feel
From the start, Rae and Josh wanted their day captured naturally. Their style brief was candid forward with an editorial feel, including a desire for lots of film photography.
This was my dream brief. It allowed for true creative freedom and a completely hands-off approach. With minimal direction, I was able to photograph the day exactly as it happened—the quiet glances on the train, the pure joy of the crossword winners, the emotional speeches, and the wild, uninhibited dancing.
This approach resulted in deeply immersive, authentic, and Editorial Wedding Photos New Mexico that truly tell the story of their phenomenal celebration.
I’m forever grateful to have been the Santa Fe Wedding Photographer chosen to document this unique journey. Rae and Josh, your wedding was an unforgettable adventure.
