FAQs

Question

Attire

Answer

Dress code is semi-formal/black tie optional We kindly ask for no shade of white to be worn by guests. Please bear in mind that the ceremony will be held outdoors and you may have to walk in a bit of grass. Please choose footwear accordingly. And remember, it’s a party! Show up in your very best! *No snakeskin, depictions of owls or bears allowed on premises.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

All those listed on formal invitations are invited to the ceremony and reception. Every invitation is for two individuals. If your significant other is not specified/listed, assume a +1. However, when RSVPing please specify the number of guests ACTUALLY attending the event with names of guests attending. Again, this is an adults only event and children at the ceremony and reception cannot be brought as a plus one.

Question

Can I bring my children?

Answer

While we love all of the children in our lives, the wedding itinerary events will be strictly a 21+ adults-only event. However, we understand that many of you will be using vacation time to come to our wedding, so we do encourage families to come together. Arrangements for childcare will need to be made in advance. After speaking to a couple of friends with children, they had suggested that they will bring an extra family member or childcare provider i.e. grandma/grandpa/nanny to watch the children while at celebrations. There are several kid friendly activities on site for children during these times.

Question

Where should we stay?

Answer

Currently, we have 75 rooms blocked for the wedding. We hope as many of you as possible can stay at Inn of The Mountain Gods with us, however, it is not necessary. Ruidoso is about a 5 minute drive from the resort and there are many air bnb cabins and hotels that may better accommodate you and your families. April 2nd is the last day to call and confirm a blocked room at the resort with the Larson-Terrin discounted rate. Please refer to the “travel” section for room block information.

Question

Things to do…

Answer

There is a list of things to do in and around the resort on the IOTMG website and in our things to do section. The link at the top of the page should take you to a page that shows more activities in the Ruidoso area. Any on-site activities will need to be pre-booked prior to arrival.

Question

Where to Eat and Drink in and Around Resort

Answer

Resort: The Market at the Mountain Food Court, Sports Bars, TapRoom, Fine Dining and Drinking at Wendell’s steakhouse... and more. Ruidoso: Grill Caliente, Casa Blanca, Local Breweries (Downshift Brewery Riverside/Hidden Tap locations, Lost Hiker Brewing), Cafe Rio Pizza, The Village Buttery, Quarters cowboy dive bar, Win Place & Show bar axe throwing & liquor store, Island Noodles, Hall of Flame Burgers, Noisy Water Winery, Tall Pines Beer and Wine Garden. Cloudcroft: Mad Jacks Texas BBQ (legendary!!!), Cloudcroft Brewing Co and Pizzeria

Question

How to be respectful of Native Culture while staying on the reservation…

Answer

Inn of the Mountain Gods is on Federal Reserve Land in Mescalero, NM. The land belongs to the Mescalero Apache Tribe, “the ones who eat mescal”. They are also the tribe that owns IOTMG. Because most people are still generally unaware of native culture, there are a few things to keep in mind while staying here. Nature: While on reservation land please be respectful of wildlife and nature by leaving things better than they were before you arrived and do not interact with the wildlife. Bad Omens: In Mescalero Apache tradition, snakes and owls are bad omens. They are not to be mentioned nor are snakeskin handbags, shoes, belts, etc permitted on the premises. Anything made of bear skin is also not permitted on site. Eye Contact: If you are lucky enough to meet one of the elders of the tribe while at the resort, do not feel offended if they do not make eye contact with you. It is seen as disrespectful in their culture, so also do not try to force eye contact with anyone that is not doing so with you. Atmosphere: IOTMG is not a typical resort in the sense that many of you have previously experienced. They are considered a 4 Diamond Resort but with a laid back atmosphere. There is service, but things move slower. Take it as an opportunity to relax and unwind. *Please note that after the pandemic there have been staffing issues with any and all restaurants and hospitality venues. There is currently no room service, but most food and beverage areas are very close by to all room blocked rooms. Full Resort Policies are on their website: https://innofthemountaingods.com/hotel/hotel-policies/

Question

The More You Know

Answer

Inn of the Mountain Gods and Ruidoso are both over 7000 feet in elevation. You may become easily dehydrated at this altitude so please be sure to hydrate well especially when you've enjoyed some alcoholic beverages. Marijuana is legal in New Mexico for recreational consumption, but Inn of the Mountain Gods is on the Apache reservation which is Federal Land, and therefore not allowed. If you choose to partake please be discrete. Additionally, when driving from El Paso to Ruidoso, you will pass through a Border Patrol Checkpoint which may have "Perro Detectors" so it is advised to not travel with any illicit substances.