How to elope in Quito? Steps?

Question

We are planning to take a vacation in Quito, Ecuador and just wonder about the possibility of Elope there.

Only needed the services of a good photographer, a bouquet, the person who would marry us, the witnesses and probably a toast with champagne. Am very interested to know how much time in advance we have to make the appointment to marry? How much time would it take the marriage certificate to be processed? How much money is needed?

Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

This is a hard one. Ecuador has a lot of red tape for their things. As to an apt to marry, you probably could but I got married just one day we went to the Registro Civil in the Center of Quito. It is not that expensive, unfortunately I do not recall how much (most like not more than $50), this was 10 years ago when I married/eloped. I believe though that we walked away with a copy of our marriage certificate then and there. There is another "registro civil" Around Av Naciones Unidas and Amazons, right behind the large white building, I think it is now the Banco Central. But it is a small street north of the NNUU Av, before the market that is there. You may want to find out what you can do there.

I am pretty sure you could pull all this off in a week or less. Go there to get the feel, take a couple of days to get things together and see where you need to go... Not sure about the photographer, sorry. You will need 2 witnesses though! They need to carry their cedula or ID card.

It is not a very nice place to go to, but the only place where they will do this for foreigh people. I would try to contact your US embassy there to find out a bit more. For arrangements as to bouquets and floral depends on if you want somethign fancy or just a normal bouquet with a ribbon. If you go to the Av Portugal and Shyris there are many stands with flowers you can choose, but if you want elaborate things.. a mall would do you good, like Quicentro that is not that far from there.

What I can say, is be prepared for delays and last minute surprises. Really! Good luck and happy eloping.