From the Canyon to the Cinema: A Historic Western Reception in Clayton, NM

It’s time for Part II! After their intimage Palo duro Canyon vows, Jordine + Devon’s celebration shifted gears – heading across the state line to the legendary Hotel Ecklund and the historic Luna Theater for a western wedding reception in Clayton, New Mexico. If the elopement showed off the raw beauty of the Panhandle desert, the party was about the rich history of the West and celebrating with their inner circle in style.

Editorial Western Glam

For the reception, the bride swapped her vintage structural gown for a stunning second look. With a chic updo and a lacy dress that screamed “Old Hollywood meets New West,” Jordy looked every bit the leading lady. We snapped a few portraits before the guests arrived at the theater, and ofcourse, they were serving. I will never get over that golden floral wallpaper.

Pro Tip for Brides: A reception dress change is a chance to reset your energy for the party. Moving from a desert hike to a historical hotel required a vibe shift, and she nailed it.

A Private Screening at the Luna Theater

The reception officially kicked off at theLuna Theater, a beautifully restored 1916 landmark. Since the couple eloped privately, they wanted a way to bring their friends and family into that moment, so they had friends record the day we spent in the canyon.

They hosted a private screening of their wedding film (how stinking cool), letting their guests witness the magic of their canyon vows on the big screen. It was an incredibly emotional way to bridge the gap between a “just us” elopement and an “all of us” reception.

Celebration at the Historic Eklund Hotel

The party then moved to Hotel Ecklund, a staple of New Mexico history since 1892. This plas has ornate wood carvings, a vintage saloon atmosphere, and historical charm, the PERFECT moody, sophisticated backdrop for:

• The Dinner: Intimate lamp and candlelit tablescapes that complemented the hotel’s 19th-century architecture.
• The Cake Cutting: A classic moment in a venue that feels frozen in time.
• The Infamous “Cowboy Chapping”: You haven’t been to a true Western wedding until you’ve experienced this! This traditional (and hilarious) rite of passage was quite a sight to see! I wouldn’t have known what to expect except that I had a consult with another bride last week and she pre-warned me about this event they would have at their western wedding!

Planning a Clayton, New Mexico Wedding Reception

If you are looking for a location that feels like a film set, Clayton is a hidden gem. This couple combined a Palo Duro elopement with a Clayton reception, offering the best of both worlds: the solitude of the canyon and the hospitality of a historic Western town. My creative heart is truly complete.