News Release

Saying "I Do" in Stunning Santa Fe County

For Immediate Release
Date: 9/30/2002
Contact: Jonathan S. Guerín
Rick Johnson Public Relations
(505) 988-1402

SANTA FE COUNTY, N.M. - There's an aura that surrounds Santa
Fe County, a magical feel that has enchanted visitors since
its discovery. This spiritual attraction mixed with the intense
beauty and ancient glow that surrounds Santa Fe County has become
the perfect romantic backdrop for today's bride and groom.



Couples who come to Santa Fe County to wed can choose from a
variety of unique locations to exchange their vows. From small
Spanish-style chapels to luxurious resort hotels and inns surrounded
by the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo Mountains.



Getting Married in Santa Fe County - Couples must go
to the Santa Fe County Clerk's office to obtain a marriage license.
Both are required to be at least 18 years old and present a
picture identification such as a driver's license, passport,
or military ID. There is no waiting period so marriage licenses
can be obtained the same day.



Santa Fe County also offers a variety of activities perfect
for celebrating the bride and groom's friends and family.
Planning the perfect escape for wedding parties is just half
the fun as couples choose among outdoor activities like golf,
fishing, hiking, horseback riding and skiing, to museums, art
galleries and world-class spas and resorts.



The Bishop's Lodge, just five minutes away from downtown
Santa Fe is one of the Southwest's premier wedding destinations.
The Bishop's Lodge is enveloped by steep hills, red earth and
piñon trees, a romantic landscape made famous by Georgia
O'Keeffe and Willa Cather. Wedding facilities at the Bishop's
Lodge include Archbishop Lamy's chapel, cozy private parlor
suites, numerous spacious banquet facilities, the new SháNah
Spa and Wellness Center and fine cuisine.



Relaxation is key, whether before or after the wedding and The
SháNah Spa and Wellness Center at the Bishop's Lodge
makes a great gift to members of the wedding party and is a
great place to begin the honeymoon.

Offering a wide variety of services from stone clan massage
to the Santa Fe clay wrap, each treatment invokes the bodies
natural healing response. Meaning vitality and energy, SháNah
is more than a spa, it's a sanctuary where one can take out
time to be nurtured and pampered by Mother Nature.



Wedding & Honeymoon Locations in Santa Fe County



The Galisteo Inn - Built by one of the area's original
settlers when New Mexico was still a Spanish territory, its
soul and character retains the romance of a rich history, offers
everything you need, just 23 miles from Santa Fe. www.galisteoinn.com



Hacienda del Cerezo - Secluded and intimate, Hacienda
del Cerezo is situated on 150,000 acres of land with incredible
vistas of the mountains. This guest ranch, just 12 miles from
Santa Fe, is an incredible escape to luxury among the beauty
of Santa Fe County. www.haciendadelcerezo.com.



The Inn at Sunrise Springs, A Resort & Spa for the Mindful
Arts - Nestled in quiet La Cienega, just 20 minutes from
Santa Fe, Sunrise Springs offers a change of pace and a change
of scenery with easily arranged massage, wellness services,
yoga classes, Japanese tea gatherings, pottery-making, Native
American ceremonies and meditation. www.sunrisesprings.com.




Vista Clara Ranch Resort and Spa - Vista Clara's diverse
settings allow brides to express unique and creative design
ideas from rustic to elegant, contemporary or sophisticated.
Executive chefs will custom design dinner and drink menus and
will accommodate up to 250 guests. The luxury at Vista Clara
is highlighted by special touches such as Egyptian cotton linens,
fresh flowers, a world-class spa, private patios with mountain
views and more. www.vistaclara.com.

Wedding Party and/or Honeymoon Activities

Ten Thousand Waves - Offering the closest thing to an
onsen outside of Japan, Ten Thousand Waves, located in Santa
Fe is a Japanese hot spring resort offering outdoor hot tubs,
massage, facials, spa treatments, hot stone massage, Thai massage
and more. www.10000waves.com.



Skiing and Snowboarding - Couples find romance on the
slopes of the Santa Fe Ski Basin. Ski Santa Fe offers something
for every experience level on its 38 trails. End your day on
the mountain at neighboring Ten Thousand Waves.

www.skisantafe.com.

Chimayó - The Santuario de Chimayó is
a small church known for its healing miracles. Visitors travel
to Chimayó to collect healing earth and wander the charming
village. During Easter Week, people make pilgrimages from all
over the world to be healed at Chimayó, making it "America's
Lourdes."

Nambé - Home to the Nambé foundry, production
began in 1951 upon the discovery of a new metal alloy containing
no silver, lead or pewter but possessing the beauty of sterling
and the durability of iron. Nambé creations make excellent
wedding party gifts.

Just beyond Santa Fe's city limits lies an undiscovered world
filled with Native American pueblos, Spanish villages, breath-taking
mountains and dramatic mesas. It's a world where traditions
live on, where artistic expression is a way of life and where
beauty unfolds at each and every turn. It's Santa Fe County
and it's waiting for you. For more information call 1-800-548-8272