Elopements
*Reservations coming soon! See below for details*
Elopement ceremonies for up to 30 guests will occur on select Sundays throughout the spring and summer. Guest limits include the couple, witnesses, and photographer(s). Ceremonies will consist of a 45-minute Pre-Ceremony Gathering in the Spanish-Moorish Garden, and a 1-hour elopement ceremony in the Ceremonial Rose Garden. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the wedding party and guests will have the opportunity to explore the Botanic Garden until closing.
The BioPark will provide your non-denominational officiant, a DJ, and a variety of catering packages from which to choose. Photography is the responsibility of the couple. Food, drink, and alcoholic beverages may not be brought on grounds, and all containers are subject to search prior to entry.
Wedding parties are required to arrive fully dressed and prepared for the ceremony, as there are no dressing rooms available. Guests may enter the Botanic Garden at any time during operating hours, but will not be admitted into the ceremony gardens before the allotted time.
For the safety of our natural wildlife, plants, and guests we prohibit the use of certain items including rice, flower petals, balloons, etc. For a full list of prohibited items and BioPark rules, please see the Frequently Asked Questions.
2025 Availability
Reservations for June and July coming soon!
*2025 Elopement Package Fees
Tier 1 (5 Guests) - $1,888.75
Tier 2 (10 Guests) - $2,143.75
Tier 3 (20 Guests) - $2,253.75
Tier 4 (30 Guests) - $2,363.75
*Packages do not include catering.
Elopement reservations are on a first come first served basis. At the time of booking a $500.00 fee is required to hold your date and will be applied to your final payment. Once your selection is confirmed, the ABQ BioPark Events Team will reach out with a facility rental contract that must be signed and sent back to secure your date. The balance remainder is due one month prior to your elopement ceremony. A questionnaire for our officiant, a song request form for our DJ, and a photography permit form will be provided at that time.
Included with Your Elopement
Spanish-Moorish & Ceremonial Rose Gardens
Pre-ceremony on-site walkthrough
Non-denominational officiant
DJ
Cash Bar, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Botanic Garden admission
Seating
Photography permit
BioPark events staff
Security guards
FAQ's
Q: What are the legal requirements for eloping? Do we need a marriage license?
A: Yes, couples will need to obtain a marriage license from Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office and bring the license with them day of ceremony. Their office hours are Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm. Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office is located at 415 Silver Ave SW, 87102 1st Floor.
Q: Are there specific residency requirements?
A: No, you don’t need to live in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, or the US to receive a marriage license. However, a license from Bernalillo County or New Mexico may only be used for a wedding in New Mexico.
Q: How do we customize the ceremony? Can we write our own vows? Can we include special rituals like sand ceremony, handfasting?
A: Our officiant will set up a Zoom meeting with you to go over template ceremony options with a questionnaire for some personalization.
Q: Does the BioPark provide a photographer?
A: Couples must provide their own photographer. A one-day Photo Permit for the Botanical Garden is included in the cost.
Q: Does the BioPark provide flowers?
A: Client must provide their own flowers. Glitter, confetti, and lilies are not permitted. If an elopement ceremony is reserved, clients will receive more details regarding what arrangements are allowed.