Intimate
Weddings
at The Desert
Compass
celebrating your love in the heart of Old Town, Albuquerque
The Desert Compass is a boutique property with 6 unique guest suites, tucked away in a historic adobe compound in the Land of Enchantment. Located in the heart of Old Town Albuquerque, The Desert Compass is a dreamy place to gather, relax, and celebrate in an intimate setting with your closest loved ones.
Our fully private and walled-in property features lush gardens, historic pueblo style adobe architecture, uniquely renovated suites with modern amenities, and a blank canvas where you can design and host a wedding weekend that is as unique as you are.
At The Desert Compass, we invite you to create your own traditions. We hope you will feel inspired to create an intentional and authentic wedding celebration filled with connection, love, family and friends. Rather than just a single wedding day, our space allows you to enjoy a wedding weekend together - DIYing floral arrangements with your best friends, sharing meals, exploring historic Old Town Albuquerque, gathering for late night conversations by the fire, and a memorable and joyful few days celebrating love while surrounded by your favorite people.
Heart-led celebrations of love in a private & intimate Southwest setting
Pricing and Details
All weddings at The Desert Compass require a 2 night minimum full buyout of the property, and pricing includes both the outdoor event space for up to 50 guests on the day of the event, as well as overnight accommodations for up to 24 people.
Includes
Accommodation
6 suites sleeping 18 - 24 overnight guests
Honeymoon Suite (Coyote Suite) with private luxury accommodations
Bridal Suite (Luna Suite) sleeps 4-6 with photogenic spaces to get ready
Cowboy pool (open May-September), hot tub (open year round), grill, fire pits and outdoor lounge areas.
Event Space
2400 sq. ft fully private outdoor garden venue with twinkle lights
Parking for up to 8 vehicles on-site
Photogenic indoor/outdoor spaces around the property for wedding photos
Three sets of wooden tables and benches that seat 18-20, as well as some lounge seating around the gardens. Any additional tables, chairs, linens, decor, or place settings can be rented by outside vendors.
Communication
Phone, text, and email communication with our Manager to answer your questions and coordinate with any outside vendors
1 property tour before booking, with 1 additional on-site tour included after booking for event planning purposes
Pricing
Pricing is per night, with a 2 night minimum
10% discount on additional nights
+ $500 cleaning fee
Peak Season (March - October)
Weekend: $3000 / night Weekday: $2500 / night
Off-Peak (November - February)
Weekend: $2500 / night Weekday: $2000 / night
The Fine Print
All prices are subject to applicable tax. Additional fees may apply. Pricing is subject to change. Listed pricing does not include Balloon Fiesta dates - please contact us for an individual quote.
OUTDOOR EVENTS ONLY - Please note that all event space is outdoor only, so please make accommodations for inclement weather. You may wish to consider a tent or heaters, depending on the season.
MUSIC & QUIET HOURS - The Desert Compass property is designed for laid back, intimate backyard-style gatherings. Out of respect for our neighbors and local ordinances, amplified music (such as DJs or live bands) is not allowed on the property. Acoustic music or speakers kept at a reasonable volume are permitted. All music must be turned off by 10PM. If you’re planning for a wild and rowdy party, we suggest an intimate ceremony at The Desert Compass, followed by a lively reception at a different venue - the best of both worlds!
DEPOSITS & CANCELLATIONS - 50% total payment is required at the time of booking to reserve your dates. The remaining 50% payment is due 60 days before your reservation date. Your reservation saves your dates just for you, and therefore all payments are non-refundable for any reason. “Cancel for any reason” policies for The Desert Compass accommodation fees are available for an additional fee at the time of booking for additional protection from unforeseen circumstances. Other vendors involved in packages have their own individual cancellation and rebooking policies that may apply.
EVENT INSURANCE - Pricing includes event insurance policy in your name to protect from liability during your event.
Ready for Next Steps?
Accommodations
The Desert Compass property features 6 unique guest suites - each filled with vintage furniture, luxury amenities, art by local artists, and uniquely photogenic spaces. Our suites are carefully designed with comfort, relaxation, and connection in mind.
The full Desert Compass property sleeps 18-24 guests: 18 in standard beds, up to 24 using all available sofa beds.
Each suite has: a full kitchen, bathroom, seating area, dining table, King or Queen memory foam bed, private patio or balcony, smart TV, coffee/tea, and a selection of luxury soaps locally crafted by The Village Refillery.
Our suites are filled with photogenic spaces for getting ready, bridal party, and couple’s photos.
Explore all suites in detail. View a map of the property layout.
The Cactus Suite
Sleeps 3 - 1 King Bed, 1 Twin Sofa
The Coyote Suite
Sleeps 4 - 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed
The Cowgirl Suite
Sleeps 4 - 1 King Bed, 2 Twin Day Beds
The Luna Suite
Sleeps 6 - 1 King Bed, 2 Full Beds
The Rattlesnake Suite
Sleeps 4 - 1 King Bed, 1 Full Sofa Bed
The Yucca Suite
Sleeps 3 - 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Day Bed
celebrating your love in the heart of Old Town, Albuquerque
Right across from historic Old Town Albuquerque, you and your closest friends and family will be steps from the best tourist sites in town. Historic tourist sites, food, shopping, museums, and entertainment are just steps away.
There are many great restaurants within walking distance to host your rehearsal dinner, wedding party brunch, or other events.
Just across the street is the lush Tiguex park and the charming adobe architecture of Old Town Albuquerque. The newly developed Sawmill District is just a few minute walk, home to a beautifully designed modern food court, rooftop bar, and upscale shopping experiences.
Get Inspired
Curious what a Desert Compass wedding looks like? Each one is as unique as the couples who design them! Below are a few examples of some of the weddings that have been hosted at our property. We’ve organized them by season, so that you can see what the property looks like at different times of the year.
THE DESERT COMPASS IS INCLUSIVE TO ALL EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE.
Featured In
Soft Sunset Romance Elopement (Rocky Mountain Bride)
Southwestern Soiree (Rocky Mountain Bride)
Modern Southwest Elopement (Rocky Mountain Bride)
Elopement at The Desert Compass (Desiree Marie Design)
Spanish Romance Elopement (NM Wedding Collective)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Because The Desert Compass is a boutique inn and not a standalone event venue, we do not offer hourly or daily rentals for events.
Our property is small and boutique in nature, so any events or gatherings greater than 10 people require a full buyout of the property for your group.
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Check-in is 4pm on the first day of your reservation, and check-out is 11am on the final day of your reservation.
Due to the nature of property buyouts and the additional cleaning required, we are unable to extend check-in and check-out times, so please be sure to plan accordingly!
You may schedule delivery of any furniture rentals as early as 2pm on the first day of your reservation. However, all items must be removed from the property by 11am on the day of check-out or an additional fee will be incurred.
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Yes! You can bring in your own food and drinks, order catering from a local restaurant, or have your event catered professionally, including a bar service.
The Desert Compass does not provide any food or beverage service.
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We do offer elopement packages for weddings under 10 people total at our Coyote Suite. This can be a beautiful yet affordable option for couples who just want something small and simple.
Visit our elopements page for more details.
