Desert Harbor Experience Our ceremony will take place at Desert Harbor, a peaceful retreat tucked away in the New Mexico high desert. The setting is intentionally quiet and rustic, with sweeping views of mesas and mountains. It’s not a traditional hotel or banquet hall it’s a retreat center designed to feel secluded, simple, and deeply connected to nature. Outdoor Setting & Hills The ceremony and celebration will be outdoors, surrounded by natural desert beauty. Guests should expect to walk along short but steep dirt and gravel paths to reach the ceremony sites. Comfortable footwear (like flats with traction or sturdy dress shoes) is strongly recommended. Many guests bring a pair of walking shoes and then change into dress shoes after arrival. Standing During the Ceremony The ceremony is typically more intimate and may involve standing outdoors for a portion of the time. Seating is provided in some areas, but the emphasis is on being gathered closely together in nature. Off-the-Grid Atmosphere Desert Harbor is an off-grid venue, which means there’s little to no landscape lighting once the sun sets and very limited outside power. The off-grid design is part of the charm it feels peaceful, removed from distractions, and deeply connected to the surrounding land.
George's dad rented a 15 person van that'll get most of the attendees to the venue. We will discuss who travels in the van during the Pre-Vow Dinner.
We kindly ask our guests to join us in semi-formal attire that both reflects our wedding motif and allows you to feel your best. Please note that our ceremony is outside and requires a brief but steep walk on dirt, hills, and gravel pathways. For your comfort and safety, we recommend sensible shoes—flats with good traction are especially helpful for women. Many guests choose to bring a second pair of dress shoes to slip into once they arrive.
Unfortunately, due to space and seating constraints of ceremony location, we kindly ask for your understanding that only the people listed in the invitation will be present, to ensure that every guest has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. This is a small and intimate weding and ask you to refrain from spreading our invitation, only the persons closet to us will be in attendance to our exchanging of vows.
🍂 Seasonal Notes • The summer monsoon rain cycle typically wraps up by mid‑September, so October is usually quite dry  • Occasionally, tropical storm remnants or a passing cold front can bring brief showers, but those events are infrequent  • Cooler nights and dry air make layering—like a sweater or light jacket—a smart strategy, especially for early mornings or evenings
We’ve decided to elope because it feels most true to us. As two introverts (and late bloomers to the dating scene), we value deep connection, quiet joy, and meaningful moments over big crowds and long timelines. We also wanted something intimate and affordable something that reflects where we are now, emotionally and financially, without the pressure of a large event. This will be the first time our families are meeting, and we’re excited to create space for bonding, laughter, and love as we become one family. Most importantly, we’re ready. We don’t want to wait to start forever. We’ve prayed, prepared, and we’re choosing each other fully and wholeheartedly.