FAQs

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What to wear?

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Friday - Casual Wedding Attire with a smile (and don’t forget your layers!) Saturday - Sunset Soirée: Fiesta! Be colorful, bold, and whatever festive means to you! Sunday - Wedding Ceremonies: Semi Formal Glam! Santa Fe Spring is embracing layers and your dancing shoes (or boots!) Our celebrations will be taking place both indoors & outdoors. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. YOUR ROOMS ARE STEPS AWAY FROM ALL OF OUR EVENTS with easy access for wardrobe changes, naps, or layers. El Rey Court is a historic roadside gem, originally built in 1936 along the original legendary Route 66. Its adobe-style architecture and rustic elegance embody Santa Fe’s charm. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration where timeless style meets the Southwest spirit. Layers (light jacket, sweaters, scarves, and comfy socks) Warm pjs for the cool evenings, sunscreen, bathing suit. ( hats and water bottles are sold in the gift shop if you can’t fit them in your suitcase)

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Weather and Tips

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Santa Fe has a very dry, high desert climate with intense sunlight. On average, the city experiences more than 300 sunny days per year. The highest temperatures in July and August are 80-90 °F with only 3-6 days per year with 90+°F highs. The Santa Fe rainy season is generally July through August when thunderstorms quickly come through in the afternoon. Santa Fe averages only 14 inches of rain annually. Snow season occurs from November through April, with an average of 32 inches of snow in town and up to 300 inches in the ski areas. TEMPERATURE in F for May (2024 average) Avg. 55 High 68 Low 42 SUNRISE / SUNSET TIMES for May Sunrise 6-6:15 Sunset 7:45-8 ALTITUDE: Is 7000 ft. above sea level. Some people may feel fatigue, unusual thirst, or even dizziness for a day or so. Be sure to drink lots of water, it helps greatly with altitude sickness. Alcoholic beverages will affect most people sooner. Use caution when exercising (give yourself time to adjust to the altitude before partaking of any strenuous physical activities such as skiing, running, hiking, etc.) WHAT TO BRING Boots (I wear cowgirl boot mules here), hat (make it fun!), sunglasses, LAYERED clothing, medium level coat or blazer,

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Hospitality Casita #43

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This is our home base all weekend! Come by for snacks, drinks, and VITAMIN C. Hours will be posted. High elevation = thinner air! Please stay hydrated and pace yourself. One drink = two in this elevation. Keep posted for our hours of operation.

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El Rey Court History

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Built along the original route 66, El Rey Court officially opened its doors in 1936. With its traditional Northern New Mexico adobe-style architecture the motor inn was a favorite among locals and road trippers alike. Throughout the years, the El Rey has seen many additions, renovations, upgrades, and changes. More rooms were built, the original carports were enclosed, the pool and hot tubs were added, and the neighboring motel (Alamo Court) was integrated into El Rey. The latest upgrades to El Rey Court were completed in 2018, refreshing the rooms, adding La Reina bar, and creating more spaces for guests and locals to discover.

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SANTA FE HISTORY & FACTS

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HISTORY * 1050-1607 – Santa Fe occupied by Pueblo Indian Villages. * 1540 – First claimed “Kingdom of New Mexico” for Spain by conquistador Don Francisco Vasques de Coronado. * 1598 – Don Juan de Onate became first Governor-General of New Mexico * 1609 – Don Pedro de Peralta appointed second Governor-General of New Mexico and moved the capital to present day Santa Fe. * 1607-1692 – Spanish soldiers and Franciscan missionaries tried to conquer and convert the Pueblo Indians. This resulted in an Indian revolt and most buildings were burned, except the Palace of the Governors. * 1692-1821 – Santa Fe grew as a prosperous city. * 1821-1846 – Santa Fe became the capital of the province of New Mexico, owned by Mexico, which gained independence from Spain. * 1851 – Santa Fe underwent an economic revolution and the construction of St. Francis Cathedral began. * 1848 – Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, giving New Mexico and California to the United States. FACTS * Oldest Government Seat in the United States established in 1610 * Oldest Church in the United States - San Miguel Chapel * Oldest House in the United States - The De Vargas Street House at 215 East De Vargas St * Elevation 7000 ft. above sea level * “City of Holy Faith” otherwise known as “The City Different” * 310 days of Sunlight Yearly * State Question: Red or Green? (Refers to Chile) Or, maybe Christmas. * State Nickname: Land of Enchantment * State Cookie: Biscochito * State Bird: Greater Roadrunner

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe - PART 1

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe NAMBÉ PUEBLO Nambe (Tewa) "People Of The Round Earth" Nambé Pueblo history dates back to the 1300s, when it played a pivotal role as a center of culture and religion. Because of its importance as a social and economic hub, the Spanish conquerors that began arriving in the late 16th century tried to destroy it and nearly succeeded. Today, Nambé is known for traditional micaceous pottery, jewelry and sculpture and also for its beautiful location in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains where a spectacular double-drop waterfall, a lake, and a campground make up the popular Nambé Pueblo Recreation Area. The Rio Nambé, whose headwaters begin high in the mountains and flows through the Pueblo, which is heavily forested in areas, and eventually feeds into the Rio Grande. The Pueblo has strong agricultural traditions, a buffalo range, and offers tours arranged in advance. Annual events include a 4th of July weekend celebration at Nambé Falls, Easter Sunday Dances, October 3 (Evening Firelight Vespers), St. Francis de Assisi Annual Feast Day, October 4, and December 24 (Buffalo Dance Following Christmas Eve Mass). Directions and Contact Info 18 miles north of Santa Fe, off U.S. 84/285 and N.M. 503 (505) 455-2036 www.nambepueblo.org

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe - PART 2

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OHKAY OWINGEH Formerly San Juan Pueblo (Tewa) "Place of the Strong People" When Juan de Oñate established the first Spanish capital city in New Mexico in 1598, it was on the land of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, formerly San Juan Pueblo, where there stands a plaque to denote this today. Po'Pay, a medicine man who lived at Taos Pueblo when he led the Pueblo Revolt in 1680, was born at Ohkay Owingeh. The people of this Pueblo possessed such strength that only those born there could declare war for all the Pueblo Indians.Today, Ohkay Owingeh is home to San Juan Lakes, a popular fishing spot, the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council, and the Arts and Farmers Market where art from the eight northern pueblos is exhibited every Saturday, July-October. Pueblo artists primarily produce redware pottery, jewelry, painting, weaving, embroidery, and willow baskets. The Rio Grande runs through the Pueblo, which is surrounded by unusually tall trees. During the summer this is a very lush area. Visit the Native Arts of the Rio Grande Gallery & Cooperative where you can see and buy works from local Pueblo artists. Ohkay Owingeh also operates the Ohkay Casino, Resort and Hotel. Annual events include Ohkay Owingeh St. John's Feast Day with Comanche and Buffalo Dances held June 23-24, the famous Indian-Spanish hybrid Matachines Dance on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and the beloved Turtle Dance on December 25, which ushers in the new year for tribal members. Directions and Contact Info Located 25 miles north of Santa Fe on U.S. 84/285 then five miles north of Espanola off N.M. 68. (505) 852-4400 www.ohkay.com

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe - PART 3

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PICURIS PUEBLO Pinguiltha (Tiwa) “Mountain Warrior Place” When Spanish colonist Juan de Oñate encountered the residents of this Pueblo more than 400 years ago, he named the pueblo Pikuria, for "those who paint." Artistic traditions still flourish at Picuris, which is famous for micaceous pottery. Picuris Pueblo is nestled on the banks of the Rio Pueblo River where it sits in a serene spot known locally as "the hidden valley." Residents recently completed a major restoration by hand of their beautiful and historic 200-year-old adobe mission church, San Lorenzo de Picuris. The pueblo honors the church's namesake during the annual San Lorenzo Feast Day on August 10 with dances, pole climbing and a foot race. Local art is displayed and sold at the Picuris Pueblo Museum, and visitors can also view the pueblo's bison herd. The Pueblo also holds a majority interest in elegant, Native-themed Hotel Santa Fe The Hacienda & Spa featuring Amaya Restaurant in downtown Santa Fe, which offers tours to Picuris. Directions and Contact Info Located in Peñasco, 60 miles north of Santa Fe on N.M. 68 then 13 miles east of the junction at Embudo 75. (575) 587-2519 www.picurispueblo.org

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe - PART 4

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POJOAQUE PUEBLO P'o Suwae Geh (Tewa) "Water Gathering Place" War and disease nearly demolished Pojoaque Pueblo but residents who returned in the 1930s wanted to ensure its survival so they evicted squatters, erected fences, and rebuilt. Today the Pueblo is thriving thanks partly to its Poeh Cultural Center and Museum, which provides a wide range of art instruction, demonstrations, and world-class exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art and culture. The pueblo also operates one of the state's largest luxury resorts that features fine dining, golf and spa services and two casinos. The Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino also has on display one of the largest collections of museum-quality Native American Fine Art in the state. The Pueblo also offers a weekly Farmer's Market and tours of the Bison range by appointment. Annual events include Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day on December 12, honoring the Pueblo's patron saint, and Three Kings Day Celebration on January 6. Directions and Contact Info Located 15 miles north of Santa Fe, on U.S. 84/285. (505) 455-2278 www.pojoaque.org www.poehcenter.org www.buffalothunderresort.com

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe - Part 5

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SAN ILDEFONSO PUEBLO Po-Who-Ge-Oweenge (Tewa) "Where the Water Cuts Through" Between 1200 and 1500 A.D., early residents of San Ildefonso Pueblo left Mesa Verde in Colorado and Chaco Canyon to settle on the Pajarito Plateau in the present-day Bandelier National Monument. Due to drought conditions, they relocated to their current location near the Rio Grande and towering Black Mesa in the late 1500s or early 1600s—and it was from this mesa top that Pueblo residents fought Spanish solders during the Spanish re-conquest of New Mexico in 1694. San Ildefonso is home to many well-known artists, including the late renowned potter Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian. They developed their famous black-on-black polished and matte pottery introduced to the world by Maria at the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis. Many potters continue to create the black-on-black and also red style. San Ildefonso today remains a major arts community where visitors can purchase work directly from artists' homes in this flourishing community. Visitors can explore the San Ildefonso Museum & Visitor Center and the Than Povi Fine Arts Gallery, formerly Cottonwood Trading Post, which feature crafts and fine art from major Native American artists, at affordable prices. Tours are also available along with photo permits. Black Mesa is not accessible to the public. Annual events include a Feast Day on January 23 with Comanche and Buffalo or Deer Dance, Easter Dances, and a Feast Day of the Nativity with Corn Dance on September 10. Directions and Contact Info Located 23 miles north of Santa Fe on U.S. 84/285 then west on N.M. 502. (505) 455-3549 www.sanipueblo.org www.thanpovi.com

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe - Part 6

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SANTA CLARA PUEBLO Kha'P'O (Tewa) "Singing Water Village" Due to drought circa 1550, the Puye Cliff Dwellers abandoned their homes, relocating to Santa Clara Pueblo, about 20 miles away. Today, Santa Clara artists such as world renowned sculptor Roxanne Swentzell from the Naranjo potter family are acclaimed for their black and red polished pottery, including signature double-necked wedding jars and hand-molded black animal figures as well as willow baskets, decorated gourds and textiles. The Pueblo also owns the Black Mesa 27-hole golf course, The Santa Claran Hotel & Casino, and Puye Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center & Museum, which offers a glimpse into the ancient life and customs through the structure of the ruins. Tours that include photo permits are available and Native Dancers perform at the Visitor Center on the weekends. Check schedule. Annual events include the Feast Day of St. Anthony on June 13 and the Santa Fe Clara Feast Day with Buffalo, Harvest or Corn Dance on August 12. Directions and Contact Info Located 1.5 miles south of Espanola, via U.S. 84/285 then off N.M. 30. (505) 753-7326 www.santaclaran.com www.puyecliffdwellings.com

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe - Part 7

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TAOS PUEBLO Tau-Tah (Towa) "The Place of the Red Willows" Taos Pueblo, with its world-famous, multi-storied adobe communal architecture set against the backdrop of Taos Mountain, is one of North America's oldest, continuously occupied villages and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site. Local artists sell from their family homes, some of which have been converted into mini-shops and galleries—it doesn't get more authentic. Taos Pueblo is located at the gateway to the eastern plains, served as a major trading center for centuries, and its Trade Fair drew thousands of mountain men, trappers and other traders. The Pueblo’s artists are known for their micaceous clay pottery, jewelry, paintings, moccasins, and drums. Farming and seasonal ceremonies are key to traditional Pueblo life and Taos is one of the more active present-day Pueblo farming communities. The Pueblo is located one mile from the historic City of Taos, a bustling arts community and tourist destination in and of itself. Visiting the town and Pueblo from Santa Fe make for a memorable round-trip day-trip. The Pueblo's annual Feast Day of San Geronimo, with pole climb and arts and crafts fair, takes place September 30 and the Taos Pueblo Pow-Wow, which brings together Indian Nations from across the country for this inter-tribal gathering, takes place second weekend of July annually. Directions and Contact Info Located in Taos 68 miles north of Santa Fe, then 2.5 miles north of the Taos Plaza on U.S. 64. (505) 758-1028 www.taospueblo.com www.taospueblopowwow.com

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Eight Pueblos North of Santa Fe - PART 8

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TESUQUE PUEBLO Te-Tsu-Geh (Tewa) "Cottonwood Tree Place" Tesuque Pueblo has occupied its present location since the 1200s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although Tesuque is one of New Mexico's smallest pueblos, it spreads across more than 17,000 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain foothills and is a vibrant traditional farming community. Tesuque Pueblo artists are known for their pottery, painting and sculpture, particularly rain gods, whimsical figures originally invented for tourists in the 1880s. The Pueblo also operates Tesuque Casino, which is Santa Fe’s newest casino. Annual events include the Corn Dance and Blessing of the Fields held the first Saturday in June and the San Diego Feast Day on November 12. The Pueblo also operates the famous Tesuque Pueblo Flea Market where visitors can buy an incredible array of new and vintage items from artisans, craftspersons and traders from around the world. Directions and Contact Info Located 10 miles north of Santa Fe off U.S. 84/285. (505) 983-2667/988-3620 www.tesuquecasino.com/about

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

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We would love for you to stay with us at El Rey Court, the heart of our wedding celebration! You can find the link to book your room on our “Travel” page. The first option down from the top is our “Hotel” info, click to “View” and book your room directly with our wedding code “0525BELCAM”. Book your room by APRIL 15th to receive our special room rate. You can find other recommendations on our “Things To Do” page. Downtown Santa Fe is a peaceful and historic area with charming hotels, churches, galleries, and restaurants. Keep in mind, El Rey Court is just a 10-minute drive from the Santa Fe Plaza and conveniently located near The Pantry and other casual dining spots.

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Transportation

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We recommend renting a vehicle to fully explore and experience the beauty of Santa Fe at your own pace. Our hotel offers plenty of free parking, and the town itself is wonderfully comapact as everything you need is within a 10-minute drive. If time allows, we encourage you to venture beyond the city. Take the scenic drive to Taos, about two hours away, or head up into the Santa Fe Ski Basin, just 40 minutes from the Plaza. Along the way, you’ll find stunning overlooks and hiking trails to enjoy. Welcome to the sacred Land of Enchantment, where the Southwest’s natural beauty offers a sense of healing and wonder at every turn. Take it all in and let the magic of the landscape nourish your spirit. AIRPORTS: Albuquerque International Sunport Santa Fe Municipal Airport RENTAL CARS: Advantage Alamo Avis Hertz Budget Dollar Enterprise National Thrifty UBER / CAR SERVICE: Yes, there is Uber (and other car services). Note, Santa Fe is quiet so expect the number of options to slim down once the sun goes down. Calling for a car service past 10:30 pm may require planning ahead.

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How do we book our stay at el Rey Court?

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Please navigate to the TRAVEL page on our website. The first option down from the top is our “Hotel” information where you can click the link, “View,” to book using our travel code directly through El Rey Court. Book your stay by clicking the “view” link, or by calling the front desk directly 505-982-1931 (press #5) and using the code 0525BELCAM, by APRIL 15th to receive our special rate. If you have any questions or if you would like to extend your stay and receive a discounted rate, please email the sales manager Rebecca Friday at rebecca.friday@elreycourt.com.

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When should I RSVP by?

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APRIL 15th 2025 We look forward to sharing our special day with you.

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Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

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Yes, free on site.