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A December Chapel Wedding in Albuquerque

Christian and Yoyo got married at the ABQ Wedding Chapel on Carlisle Boulevard NE on December 30, 2025. Their plan was simple: a short ceremony at 4 pm, then dinner. They asked me to photograph the ceremony and the dinner, and that is what I did.

A lot of couples want exactly this. No big production and no twelve-hour day. Just the vows, the people who matter, and a good meal after.

Red Roses and Candlelight

Yoyo wore a veil and carried red roses. The altar was set with white flowers and candles, and the candles were part of the ceremony. A short ceremony goes fast, so I arrive early. I learn the room, find where the light comes from, and ask the officiant where I can stand. Then I stay out of the way. The rings, the kiss, and the walk back up the aisle happen in a few minutes, and I only get them once.

December Light in Albuquerque

In late December the sun sets around 5 pm in Albuquerque. A 4 pm ceremony leaves a short window of daylight after the vows. If you want a few portraits outside, plan them right after the ceremony, before you leave for dinner.

Dinner

For dinner, Yoyo changed into a red dress. Dinner is where a lot of the real moments happen: the toasts, people leaning in to talk, someone laughing at a story. I photograph it the way I photograph everything, documentary style, without stopping the conversation.

Planning a Small Albuquerque Wedding

If you are planning a chapel wedding or a small ceremony in Albuquerque, my elopement coverage starts at $1,000 and includes photo and video. Full weddings start at $4,000. See my Albuquerque elopement and Albuquerque wedding pages, or send me your date.