Your Taos Wedding Weekend: The Stakeout’s Insider Guide

You’ve chosen The Stakeout for your wedding — perched above the mesa with panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Rio Grande Gorge, and endless high desert skies. This isn’t just a wedding venue. It’s the perfect home base for a full-on Northern New Mexico experience.

Your guests have traveled here for your big day, but there’s so much more to explore while they’re in town. Whether they want a little pre-ceremony adventure, a Sunday brunch spot, or a day trip worth extending their stay for, this guide has it all.

Friday: Welcome to Taos

Ease into the weekend with scenery, good food, and an early taste of what makes Taos unforgettable.

Drive the Enchanted Circle – This 83-mile scenic byway loops around Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. You’ll pass through high alpine valleys, ski towns like Red River, and charming historic villages like Questa. In summer, the roadsides bloom with wildflowers; in fall, the aspens turn gold. Start about 20 minutes from The Stakeout and give yourself 3–4 hours to enjoy it without rushing. Insider tip: Drive clockwise so the afternoon light hits the mountain faces.

The Love Apple – A romantic, intimate dinner spot inside a converted 19th-century chapel. The adobe walls, low lighting, and seasonal menu make it ideal for a rehearsal dinner or small welcome gathering. Everything is organic and locally sourced — even the New Mexico lamb and trout. Reserve weeks in advance; this place books up fast.

Manzanita Market – For those arriving midday, this bright café on Taos Plaza serves colorful salads, hearty grain bowls, and excellent espresso. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, but meat lovers will still be happy. Great spot to fuel up before an afternoon drive or a visit to the bridge.

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – Just 20 minutes from The Stakeout, this 1,280-foot-long steel span towers 650 feet above the Rio Grande. You can walk out onto the bridge for sweeping views in both directions, often with ravens riding the updrafts below. Arrive about 30–45 minutes before sunset for golden light on the canyon walls.

Saturday Morning: Before the Ceremony

Guests with free time before the main event can enjoy these half-day activities that won’t leave them exhausted before the party.

Taos Ski Valley – Hiking – A 40-minute drive from The Stakeout brings you to trails starting at 9,000 feet and climbing higher. Easy options like Williams Lake offer alpine meadows, wildflowers in July, and a cool escape from the valley heat. Tip: Mornings are best to avoid summer thunderstorms.

Millicent Rogers Museum – Named for the Standard Oil heiress turned Southwest style icon, this museum showcases an incredible collection of Native American jewelry, Hispanic weavings, and Pueblo pottery. It’s quiet, air-conditioned, and only 15 minutes from The Stakeout.

Hot Springs & Day Spas – Choose your vibe: undeveloped riverside pools like Manby Hot Springs (a short hike in) or full-service spas with massages and mountain views, like Ojo Caliente. Both are within 45 minutes of the venue.

Altitude note: The Stakeout sits at roughly 7,000 feet. Remind guests to hydrate, wear sunscreen, and pace themselves — alcohol hits faster up here.

Saturday Evening: Your Wedding at The Stakeout

This is where all roads lead. Guests arrive to see the sun dropping toward the horizon, painting the Taos Mountains in pink and gold. The high desert air is crisp and scented with sage. Spaces like the Copper Bar Lounge and Lilac Terrace offer cozy gathering spots, while the Hearth Lounge frames Taos Mountain through its windows. The whole evening feels like something out of a Southwestern dream.

Sunday: One Last Toast

Before everyone heads home, send them off with a final taste of Taos.

medley. – Known for its sunny patio, seasonal menu, and strong brunch cocktails. The huevos rancheros are a crowd favorite, and the pastry board is worth sharing. Great for big groups — call ahead.

Lamberts – Upscale but comfortable, with a menu that balances hearty and fresh. The second-floor treehouse bar is a great perch for a final toast.

Ghost Ranch – Abiquiu – If guests are staying the day, this is a must. Towering red rock cliffs, desert trails, and the landscapes Georgia O’Keeffe painted again and again. About 90 minutes from The Stakeout.

If You’re Staying Longer

Taos makes a perfect jumping-off point for adventures in every direction.

Taos Bowling – Simple, fun, and perfect for groups looking to keep it low-key after the big night.

Meow Wolf – Santa Fe – An immersive, multi-story art installation that feels part sci-fi movie, part playground. About 90 minutes south.

Santa Fe Museums – From the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to the Museum of International Folk Art, there’s something for every interest.

Great Sand Dunes National Park – Colorado – An unforgettable landscape of 750-foot dunes backed by snowcapped peaks. Bring water and sun protection; about 2.5 hours north.

For the Culture Buffs

The Harwood Museum of Art – Both contemporary and traditional works from Northern New Mexico artists.

Blumenschein House & Museum – Preserves the home of one of Taos’s first Anglo artists, with many original furnishings.

Taos Art Museum at Fechin House – Showcases Russian-born artist Nicolai Fechin’s intricate woodwork and paintings.

Mabel Dodge Luhan House – Once a retreat for artists and writers like Ansel Adams and D.H. Lawrence.

Hacienda de los Martinez – A 19th-century adobe trading post offering a window into Spanish colonial life.

Travel & Practical Tips

  • Altitude: Taos is high — drink water constantly, and limit alcohol the first day.

  • Packing: Layers are essential; evenings cool down even in summer.

  • Timing: Many shops close early, especially in off-season. Check hours in advance.

  • Transportation: A car is almost always necessary; rideshares are limited.

  • Weather: May–October offers warm days and cool nights; winter weddings mean snow-capped peaks and cozy firesides.