In a perfect world, every wedding would be drama-free, full of fun, and focused on the couple first and foremost. We can get you pretty close to perfect, too, by connecting engaged couples with local wedding professionals they can trust and collaborate with on all the most meticulous details. But, as much as we love them, you don’t have as much choice when it comes to — ahem — trusting and collaborating with the family, friends, and loved ones who attend your wedding. (Though don’t let that stop you from planning out your guest list and seating chart as far in advance as possible!)
Luckily, we’ve figured out the best way to work around the many personalities, tastes, values, and opinions that will surely surface throughout the days or week leading up to your wedding: keep them busy.
Whether you’ve lived here all your life, or you’re choosing New Mexico as your destination wedding locale, there are always little secrets about the cities that are waiting to be discovered. So if you’re racking your brain for something to do with your bridesmaids, cousins, and your in-laws, then look no further! We’ve got 5 adult-centered, fun-oriented, and peacemaking group activities that everyone can enjoy.
1. Albuquerque Tourism & Sightseeing Factory (AT&SF)
It simply wouldn’t do the famed Duke City Pedaler justice if we started out this fun-time round-up with anything else. The 10-person trolley bike can be seen, for us locals, zipping through downtown Albuquerque every weekend, making stops at all the best breweries and bars. And yes, okay, zipping might be a stretch as the speed of the half-bike, half-vehicle machine depends on the leg strength and relative sobriety of its operators, but it really does feel like you’re flying through the city. We can say this with confidence because we, the Perfect Wedding Guide team, have done the Duke City Pedaler! (Yes, we had a blast.)
To check out booking availability for your friends and fam to hop on and ride around in search of brews together, you can contact the AT&SF team here.
2. ABQ BioPark
Maura Jane Photography (right)
If your friends and family are a little less booze-inclined and more into the natural attractions that Albuquerque has to offer, then the ABQ BioPark is the place to start. (Though we have nature and wine enthusiasts on our team as well, so they’re definitely not mutually exclusive!)
For spring and summer weddings, the botanical gardens offer winding trails among blooms so beautiful they’re sure to calm any pre-wedding anxiety from you or your wedding party. If laying in the sun sounds better than walking around, there’s always the delightful Tingley Beach, too! Plus, winter and fall weddings need not worry about having nothing to do — the botanical gardens have an indoor section that perfectly supplements a visit to the zoo.
For ticket details and events happening at the ABQ BioPark, you can contact their team here.
3. Casa Rondeña Tasting Room
Blue Rose Photography (top left) and Matt Blasing Photography
As one of Albuquerque’s favorite places to get married, Casa Rondeña is already a little bit famous in the city. Which comes as no surprise after you’ve experienced the sweeping landscape and their artisanal approach to winery. Both together make stepping inside Casa Rondeña like stepping into another, more luxurious and curated dimension.
But, did you know that there’s no need to wait for someone’s wedding to finally jump in and explore the winery? From noon to 7pm everyday, the Casa Rondeña tasting room is completely open to the public, with enthusiastic and hospitable wine connoisseurs on staff to educate and serve you and your loved ones.
For tickets and information on just how otherworldly an afternoon at their tasting room can truly be, you can contact their team here.
4. Explora Adult Night
Bryan’s Photography
On paper, Explora is understood to be an interactive science museum for children that explores touchable experiments to create a hands-on educational experience. To locals, Explora is known as the dome-shaped, fantasy-land intersection of magic and science that we desperately wished was around when we were kids.
The team at Explora must have recognized the desperate longing on the faces of the adults who brought their kids to the museum for experimenting, because they started the Adult Night. Which, yes, is exactly what it sounds like. All the fun of the day-to-day museum, with its tinkering and toiling and mad-scientist-laboratory vibes, paired with the cool parts of being an adult: live music, beer & wine, and amazing food.
To reawaken the inner children hiding in the adult bodies of your wedding party, you can check out the Explora events page here, and look for an Adult Night on the horizon.
5. Isleta Resort & Casino‘s Spa + Pool
And finally, for when the bustling busyness of planning a wedding and entertaining your out-of-town family members just gets to be a bit much, rally up the team for some relaxation and recharging.
With daily pool and spa hours, The Spa at Isleta Resort & Casino is the perfect blend of casual relaxation and upscale resort services. Those less inclined to indulge in the spa and beauty side of the resort can enjoy the pool, hot tub, sauna, and amazing views of the Isleta Resort & Casino grounds. (Plus they can go home and brag about how they were able to swim and relax where they shot Jesse Pinkman’s rehab scene in Breaking Bad!)
And for those who do, indeed, need some additionally pampering the spa staff is happy to provide the highest quality professionals from massage therapists to facialists, to hair stylists and estheticians, all in one place.
To schedule spa services and check out the day passes for The Spa at Isleta Resort & Casino, you can contact their knowledgeable and kind staff here.
