Leap to Elopement

04-15-2009

 

A Menu of Spontaneous Wedding Options at The Inn of the Five Graces

 

As the distinct national tendency now is for weddings to be more intimate, with shorter lead-time for planning, and incorporating the honeymoon into the marriage event, elopements have become the “new wedding” trend in Santa Fe and across the country. The Inn of the Five Graces, the only Relais & Châteaux property in New Mexico, offers several new colorful ideas and packages on its popular elopement menu this spring. Couples who stay at The Inn of the Five Graces for three days or more will receive the wedding ceremony as a gift from the management.  For a stay less than three days, each distinctive ceremony has a fixed price—minimum of $300 and up.

 

Native American Tradition - The Blanket ritual is a beloved feature of Native American culture, and The Inn of the Five Graces makes it a memorable aspect of your Santa Fe elopement: a blue blanket is wrapped around the shoulders of each partner, symbolizing the separateness of their past lives. After their marriage has been blessed, they are draped with a single large white blanket to signify their happy union. The Inn of the Five Graces will have the blanket elegantly monogrammed*, if you wish, and sent to you once you have returned home as a married couple.

 

Rituals of Buddhist Traditions - A simple ceremony rooted in the centuries-old traditions of Buddhist cultures begins with the room being purified with incense from Tibetan monks, a customary method of cleansing karma. The symbolic ringing of a hand hammered Tibetan singing bowl starts the ceremony, and following the reading of the vows, the couple exchanges silk khatas*, ceremonial scarves denoting goodwill, auspiciousness, and compassion, which will be treasured mementos for years to come.

 

New Beginnings: Let There Be Light - The Inn of the Five Graces brings new found light to the unforeseen future. Each partner holds a separate lighted candle, with which they then together set flame to sticks arranged within a stone-lined circle, creating one burning flame within the confines of the ground and rock, symbolic of stability in the new home. The flame is sanctified with sprinkles of tobacco, sweet grass and corn, representing the promise to nurture and support. The ceremonial ashes are presented in a keepsake pottery bowl*.

 

Keepers of the Flame - In this symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, the bride and groom light their own small candles, representing their distinct backgrounds and values. Then together, the couple lights a large single candle symbolizing the union of their lives; the flames of the two smaller candles remain lighted to signify that although they are now one, they are still each unique individuals.

 

*additional charges may apply 

 

The Inn of the Five Graces -- www.fivegraces.com -- 505.992.0957

 

The Point, Lake Placid Lodge, and The Inn of The Five Graces, all operated by The Garrett Hotel Group, are members of Relais & Châteaux, the prestigious international association of privately owned hotels and restaurants embodying the highest culinary standards and the French “art de vivre.”

 

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