New Mexico

So frustrating!

So,  it appears as though the date we chose for our wedding, is one of the most popular days possible in ABQ. We're having a really hard time finding a reception place that fits into our budget that isn't already booked. I would LOVE it if anyone has any advice on a reception place, that isn't very expensive. We're open to any ideas, as long as there's room for about 150 people & a DJ/dance floor. The ideal place would be somewhere we could bring our own food & alcohol in, & not have to use an approved caterer. There just has to be somewhere we've over looked (at least I hope so!)Thanks guys!

Re: So frustrating!

  • melishka716melishka716 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Where have you looked? You know what?? Someone told me about a reception they went to in Sandia Park. They just rented a camp ground and had a huge party! Maybe you can look into that??It's a thought. Or any open spaces, really.What about resturants? I know that you might have to use their food, but if you haven't actually booked a caterer, then you might be in luck.
  • edited December 2011
    we've looked the ABQ garden center, & it's already booked, Ladera & Desert Greens Golf Courses are already booked as well. The people at the UNM Golf Course have not called us back (after 2 messages) & also waiting to hear back from The Event Palace. Even though it's a May wedding, we'd still like to have the reception inside, if at all possible. We are still looking into Sandia Casino, & the Marriott, but we're hoping to find something else.
  • edited December 2011
    have you tried the top of the sunrise bank building in downtown albuquerque?  I know you're able to bring in your own caterer, but they're pretty strict on 150 people or less.
  • edited December 2011
    Have you tried the Barcelona Suites? It looks sketchy on the outside, but it is beautiful on the inside.
  • sandy02sandy02 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    The Wool Warehouse is another place Ive been to a few weddings at.  They have a slightly elevated dance floor and a cool ambiance.
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  • edited December 2011
    oh, thanks! I've never even heard of the Wool Warehouse, just looked them up though, & it looks very nice.I can't remember if I checked Barcelona Suites or not, but I will, just in case I haven't already.
  • StaceynShaneStaceynShane member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Do you go to UNM or any siblings or parents work/go to school there? You can try the UNM Alumni Memorial chapel which seats approx. 150 people and pricing is anywhere from 150-200. As far as the reception, the UNM SUB has ballrooms that can hold a dinner and dance for up to 300 people. You have to use their catering of course, but it's really good! I went to a wedding there in the spring and it was all so beautiful and for a fraction of the price you would pay at one of the hotels. The buffett menus range from $11.95-23.95 and you can chose from mexican to italian to BBQ. Hope that helps!
  • edited December 2011
    Thanks everyone for your ideas, they've all been very helpful!I was a little apprehensive about going with one of the UNM ballrooms, cuz I didn't want any wandering students to come in & crash the reception. But, we were getting desperate, so I checked them out, & it sounds perfect. & Greg's mom said she went to a wedding reception there, & it was very nice. The pricing, size, & everything is just perfect. So, praying that it's not booked on our date yet (been playing phone tag with the event planner guy all day) & if not, then we have our reception hall :)But again, I really do appreciate all the ideas from everyone :)
  • edited December 2011
    If UNM doesn't work out, the Albuquerque Balloon Museum's Pugash Hall is surprisingly elegant. I was there not too long ago and saw the room set up for a reception and it looked very classy. The hall is said to fit somthing like 220 people. It has good views facing the Bosque and the Sandias as well as a deck so people can get some air without having to go to the parking lot. I beleive the Hispanic Cultural Center and the Albuquerque Art Museum also have reception spaces available.
  • edited December 2011
    There is a place you might want to consider. I dont know if you have but not alot of people know about it. Its called Desert Greens 10035 Country Club Ln NW Albuquerque, NM 87114. I went to check it out. I believe it holds upto 150-200. They let you bring your own caterer (but you cannot use their kitchen, food has to come prepared), your own alcohol (you have to sign a waiver that you will be responsible for under age drinkers), its private, and it includes I believe 15 rooms for your guest to stay. You get to rent it for the whole weekend not just that one day. So, you can even have your rehearsal dinner there too! Its great! I didnt choose it because we wanted to do it at the Marriott Pyramid. The only thing I didnt like is that you can see some houses from the party area but other than that, its pretty nice. Hope I was of some help!
  • edited December 2011
    I have a great place it is called the El Zocalo Event Center and it is in Bernalillo, NM it holds 175 and you can bring in your own food, I am not sure about alcohol, but you might want to look into it. www.elzocaloplaza.com
  • jadewright1jadewright1 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I agree with the balloon museum I am looking into that for both reception and ceremony. It is preferred catering and the book out pretty quickly. I also looked into the Manzano Mountain Resort. It is an apple orchard that is beautiful. I would have gone with them but they are closed for my November wedding. You can bring in catering or use them plus they have an option for guests to stay overnight in cabins. http://www.manzanoretreat.com/facilities.html
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