Personalized Elopement at White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is unique for many reasons. For one, it’s the only dune park with truly white sands! Located in Southwest New Mexico, this is a remote park that offers some of the best desert scenery in the country. The wavy sand wrinkles create a contrast of sparkling ice-white and deep royal blue shadows that make this park stand out against the brown and earth-toned surrounding desert.

While there are a few trails along the entrance road, the main area of White Sands is a gypsum sandbox playground of dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. When you elope at White Sands, you can choose where to elope on your ceremony permit application. There aren’t set ceremony locations.

When you apply for your permit with the park, you should also request to stay late. This park closes at sunset otherwise. That’s a firm rule, and the rangers will usher you out and lock the gate at the entrance to the park unless your request to stay late has been approved. New Mexico desert sunsets are enchanting, and the color in the sky lasts a long time, so don’t miss out!

You should plan to stay in Alamogordo or the more local and foodie Las Cruces. Each is over a 45-minute drive from the park. Make sure you pack everything you need when you travel. Check out the nearby Organ Mountains for camping and hiking on more solid ground.