So youre definitely set on getting hitched abroad but have NO IDEA how to go about it.

don’t worry, adventure pact is here

Check out our guide to saying “I do” to your adventure-buddy-for-life in a foreign country. Here we will answer:

How do I get legally married in Ecuador?
Do I have to get married on paper? What if I just want to celebrate?
I don’t speak Spanish, how can I plan my wedding?
Where in Ecuador can I get married?
What can I do on my wedding day in Ecuador?
Are you going to forget about this whole Covid thing?

How do I get Legally married in Ecuador?

Let’s be real. Google, as glorious as it can be with its wealth of information can be…overwhelming. Much of the information isn’t up-to-date. Now I’m not a lawyer but I have been through this process myself, consulted with local lawyers and can assure you that this is true info.

So I’m going to break it down for you.

What you need to get legally married in Ecuador changes by your nationality.

1 - Ecuadorians to Ecuadorians or Ecuadorians to Residents/Naturalized citizens of Ecuador

This is by FAR the easiest way to get hitched in Ecuador. All you need it proof of residency, proof of economic solvency (income), a certificate showing you are not currently hitched to someone else, and your marriage form! Head off to the civil registry (like the town hall!) or pay to have someone come out and sign your docs and you’re all done!

2 - Ecuadorians to Foreign citizens currently residing outside of Ecuador

This is the most common type of marriage between our clients. This involves a bit more paperwork, but is COMPLETELY do-able with the Adventure Pact teams’ help or on your own!

The most difficult part to procure for most people is the background check for the foreign (soon-to-be) spouse. This generally involves sending biometric info (aka fingerprints) to the person’s home consultant, embassy or physically GOING to their office of state to get a check from their country’s security ministry that needs to then be translated and apostilled or legalized depending if the country belongs to the apostille convention.

After that its a mostly on your Ecuadorian soon-to-be who has to gather the rest of the papers including work history, voting card, and a few other documents.

For the current list of requirements for obtaining a marriage visa or being able to get legally hitched in Ecuador please visit: https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/obtencion-nacionalidad-matrimonio-union-hecho-persona-ecuatoriana

Note THIS IS JUST FOR A MARRIAGE VISA. To be legally married without the intention of migrating to Ecuador you only need proof of single status, a copy of your visa, background check translated, notarized and legalized and to go to the civil registry to say your “I Do’s”

3 - US citizens to US citizens within Ecuador

Okay okay, so this one MIGHT actually be the easiest.

So unless you plan on staying in Ecuador for at least 75 days as a tourist and THEN brining your translated birth certificate to the nearest civil registry to get hitched there….JUST GET MARRIED AT HOME

…but…I want to get married on a specific day

Unfortunately the laws the law and as much as Im totally game for a little rebellion the most simple way to say I do is to have two anniversaries. One where you are legally married at the courthouse in your home country and another where you commit yourselves to each other for the rest of your lives.

Check out some Commitment ceremony inspiration here

4 - Foreign Nationals to Other foreign Nationals ( so you don’t live in Ecuador NOR the USA)

There are TWO ways to do this…

and honestly we recommend the second

THE FIRST WAY

Reside legally in Ecuador for 60 days, get your background checks, visa, single status, birth certificate, visa form, economic solvency form, etc translated, notarized, and apostilled. Schedule and appointment to get hitched at the cicvil registry. Get married. Take your, Ecuadorian Marriage certificate, get it translated and legalized, bring it to your embassy or consulate in your home country and register your marriage there….

Yea that -ish is COMPLICATED

OR YOU CAN DO IT THIS WAY

Apply for a marriage in your home country before or after your totally EPIC ADVENTURE with Adventure Pact.

(Please see the next topic for our view on this)

Do I Have to Get Legally Married on Paper? Can I Just celebrate?

Hell yea you can just celebrate….but it’s not JUST a celebration. It’s the kick start to the greatest adventure of YOUR LIFE (raise your hand if you’re sick of me saying that )

Check out our blog on commitment ceremonies for some serious inspiration here

I Don’t Speak Spanish, How can I Plan my Wedding?

No te preocupes, todo el equipo de Adventure Pact habla Español!

…

That is…DON’T WORRY, the entire AP team speaks Spanish and is here to help you plan every last detail of your day! If you prefer to DIY a bit more we also have a curated vendor list that distinguishes between what vendors (think florists, caterers, rental companies and more!) that speak English.

Where in Ecuador can I get Married?

This is a loaded question because there are SOOOO many options. But if you’re looking for some inspiration please check out our blog “Where to Elope in Ecuador”

From the foothills of towering glacial volcanoes such as Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Chimborazo, Ilinizas Sur and Antisana to the wild lush Amazon or the sandy beaches of Machalilla National Park Ecuador has some seriously jaw-dropping places to say I do.

For those of you looking for something more traditional the Sierra region of the country is speckled by colonial haciendas and Quintas for you to enjoy and be taken back into time.

What can I do on my Wedding Day in Ecuador?

One of Ecuador’s tourism slogans is All in One Place and if that doesn’t explain what there is to do I don’t know what else will.

From SUP (stand up paddleboard), kayak, scuba, and other water activities to trekking, apline starts, rock climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, helicopter rides, glamping (like this awesome AIRBNB pictured above) and more Ecuador is an adventure couples’ paradise.

Are you Going to Leave out this Whole Covid Thing?

No no no, we’re totally aware that this is something that we have to ADAPT to and are ALL into making sure you are safe and that our team keeps up-to-date with the latests biosecurity protocols.

To reach about eloping abroad during COVID-19 please check out our blog: Eloping Abroad Post Covid-19

How to Elope In Ecuador