5 top tips to get married in Ecuador and The Galápagos Islands
Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable destination wedding experience with breathtaking backdrops? Ecuador offers a wealth of spectacular scenery that is simply unmatched anywhere else in the world. From the towering Andes mountains and lush, verdant cloud forests to the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of the Pacific coast, Ecuador is a nature lover's paradise that provides endless possibilities for a one-of-a-kind wedding celebration.
And just a short distance off the mainland lies the Galápagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its incredible biodiversity and abundance of rare and endemic wildlife. Imagine exchanging vows against the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos, with curious sea lions, playful marine iguanas, and vibrant flocks of frigate birds as your wedding guests.
Destination weddings in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands
Ecuador and the Galápagos also offer a rich cultural heritage, with indigenous traditions, colorful colonial architecture, and delectable cuisine that can be seamlessly integrated into the wedding festivities. We spoke to Jamila + Juliette, destination wedding planners for Ecuador and the Galápagos, to learn more about getting married in this special part of the world.
Why should couples consider a destination wedding in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands?
The rich culture, wonderful landscapes and welcoming people are just some of the attractions of getting married in Ecuador. And despite being one of the smallest countries in South America, Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
It is far from the touristy crowds of many popular destination wedding locations, allowing us to give couples a very unique and wonderful wedding experience. From the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains to the pacific coast and the Galapagos Islands, these beautiful regions are close to each other so it is easy and quick to travel around. The currency is the US dollar, which makes it straightforward to budget for your wedding.
Where are your favorite wedding locations in Ecuador?
You have your pick of stunning locations, including the cloud forest, the Galápagos Islands, the Andes, and the Pacific coast, where you can have a tropical beach wedding. We recommend locations and venues depending on the kind of setting you have in mind, as well as the size and style of your dream wedding.
Weddings in the Cloud Forest, Ecuador
In the cloud forest, we work with venues of small capacity (50 to 60 guests) for intimate, creative and design-led weddings. It is a wonderfully picturesque destination, just 90 minutes from the capital, Quito. This convenient location allows us to provide wonderful florals and design elements while maintaining a feeling of privacy and seclusion in the forest, with unique views and sceneries so lush and green that you feel like magic is everywhere.
Wedding in the Andes mountains, Ecuador
In Ecuador, the Andes divide the country in half, running north to south from the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast. In the Andes, the capacity allows us to plan larger weddings, especially in Quito and the surrounding area, with views over the Andean cordillera. We also work with venues close to the volcanoes, in impressive locations with luxury accommodation.
We truly love La Palma de Puembo for the view and the big gardens, as well as Hacienda Rumiloma near the Pichincha Volcano in Quito, and Hacienda Cochacau. We work also with lodges and haciendas near Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Banos de Agua Santa.
Weddings on the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Unsurprisingly, the otherworldly Galápagos Islands are our most popular wedding destination and we are the only high-end event planners in the region. We specialize in luxurious yet laid-back events with an adventurous spirit, for intimate wedding parties of up to 30 guests. We also create beautiful elopements and micro-weddings in the islands.
There are many beautiful venues in Galápagos and some of our favorites include Isabela Casa Marita and Isamar. In Santa Cruz, we like to do intimate ceremonies on pristine beaches followed by the reception at a local restaurant or hotel. In San Cristobal, we like the Hotel Indigo and the Hotel Golden Bay, but we tend to host ceremonies in the national park followed by a reception nearby.
Rainforest weddings in Ecuador
Finally, another destination for intimate weddings is the rainforest. We work with luxury lodges that allow couples and their guests to discover the richness of the Amazon nature and culture, while tying the knot in spectacular locations with high-end service and luxury accommodation. Our favourites are Sacha lodge and La Selva Lodge.
What are the legal requirements for getting married there?
Jamila + Juliette facilitates the option to get married legally in Quito, Ecuador. The general register office allows foreign couples to get married quite easily providing you have a single status certificate and a valid passport with the entrance stamps to the country. The documents then need to be translated and legalised with an apostille by the embassy, which we will take care of for you.
After the legal ceremony it takes 3-4 weeks to get the legal certificates and copies, which we will send via DHL to your country of residence. Please check your own country's requirements to make your ceremony valid after that.
What are the options for holding a religious ceremony in Ecuador?
We work with different clergy members to host weddings for all faiths, including Catholic, Jewish (though performed by rabbis from the US), Muslim, and Christian, as well as other religious and spiritual beliefs.
The ceremony locations and marriage requirements vary by religion and we assist by being the intermediary between the client and the religious authority here - arranging the many documents and meetings, which can often be done via Zoom.
What makes Jamila and Juliette different when it comes to destination wedding planning in Ecuador?
Jamila + Juliette is recognized as one of the leading full-service wedding planning and design agencies in Ecuador. We have been planning destination weddings since 2012 and have been published in several publications online and in print.
We create entirely custom wedding experiences and design concepts for our clients, with super personal service that is unique to each couple. Our full-service wedding planning is authentic and intentional because that is who our clients are. Our goal is to create one-of-a-kind experiences for everyone involved, whether that's a weekend of partying, a full schedule of adventure activities, or the ultimate in relaxation with spa and wellness treatments. We can make it all happen in this beautiful part of the world.
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