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Detail of the basilica's rose window with vibrant red, blue, and yellow floral patterns set within circular Gothic tracery

Save the date

Venues

The Basílica and Hotel Plaza Grande are about an 8-minute walk apart on a calm afternoon in Old Town.

Ceremony

Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito’s iconic neo-Gothic landmark.
Centro Histórico · Quito

Basílica del Voto Nacional

Carchi y Venezuela, Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador

Quito’s neo-Gothic masterpiece is considered the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas. Construction began in 1892, and the church was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1985. Look for uniquely Ecuadorian details: gargoyles shaped like iguanas, tortoises, caimans, and jaguars instead of European mythological creatures. The towers offer 360° city views for a small fee, though the narrow stairs are best skipped by guests with mobility concerns.

  • Conservative dress for church: shoulders and knees covered
  • Arrive 30 minutes early because Old Town traffic can be unpredictable
  • Bring a light layer; evenings cool quickly in Quito
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View down the center aisle of the Basílica del Voto Nacional from the back of the nave, framed by stone columns and rows of wooden pews leading to the high altar in the distance
Looking down the center aisle toward the altar
The Gothic nave of the Basílica del Voto Nacional seen from the choir loft, with soaring red-stone arches and stained-glass windows on both sides leading to the altar
The nave, looking toward the high altar
Detail of the basilica's rose window with vibrant red, blue, and yellow floral patterns set within circular Gothic tracery
The basilica's rose window

Reception

Hotel Plaza Grande on Plaza de la Independencia in Quito’s Old Town.
Plaza de la Independencia, Centro Histórico · Quito

Hotel Plaza Grande

García Moreno N5-16 y Chile, Plaza de la Independencia, Centro Histórico, Quito, Ecuador

Hotel Plaza Grande is a historic boutique hotel on Plaza de la Independencia, the heart of Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Bespoke interiors by designer Adriana Hoyos give the hotel a refined Ecuadorian character, and Salón San Francisco offers views over the historic center. It is about a 10-minute walk, or a 3-minute taxi ride, from the Basílica, so guests can stroll between ceremony and reception on a calm afternoon.

  • Reception begins at 6:00 PM
  • The walk from the Basílica is short, but taxis are easy if preferred
  • Contact the hotel directly to arrange airport shuttle service
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The Hotel Plaza Grande ballroom with round tables, gold candelabras with floral arrangements, and a wooden dance floor
The ballroom, with the dance floor at the far end
A round table at Hotel Plaza Grande with gold linens, a tall floral candelabra, fine crystal, and the ballroom's stone fireplace in the background
A table setting under the coffered ceiling

Welcome hour

Welcome Cocktails

Choose any of the five signature cocktails below — they will be served throughout the welcome hour. A full open bar of soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits follows during dinner and reception.

  • Mimosa

    Champagne Orange juice Grenadine Maraschino cherries

  • Mojito

    Lime juice Mint Rum Soda

  • Piña colada

    Pineapple juice Rum Coconut cream Pineapple Maraschino cherries

  • Blushing Bride

    Vodka Cherry liqueur Lime juice Orange curaçao Simple syrup

  • Old Fashioned

    Bourbon Sugar Angostura bitters Orange peel Maraschino cherry

Non-alcoholic versions of every cocktail are available on request.

Saturday evening

Paladar Fino Catering y Eventos

A four-course plated dinner served in the Hotel Plaza Grande ballroom, catered by Paladar Fino. Final dish selections from each course are being confirmed closer to the date.

  1. Starter

    • Seafood salpicón — delights from the sea
    • Beef in puff pastry with basil sauce
    • Causa limeña — layered Peruvian potato terrine

  2. Sorbet

    • Passion fruit with Ecuadorian spirit
    • Tangerine and fresh mint

  3. Main course

    • Chicken cordon bleu in a fine-herb sauce
    • Beef tenderloin in red-wine sauce

    Served with choice of potato, vegetable, and rice (unlimited)

  4. Dessert

    • Chocolate dome
    • Red-fruit cheesecake
    • Classic tiramisu

  5. Beverages

    • Unlimited soft drinks throughout the evening — sodas, still and sparkling water, ice
    • Hot-beverage station — Ecuadorian aromatic herbal water (aguas aromáticas), brewed coffee, milk, and tea
    • Full corkage service for spirits and sparkling wines

Have a dietary restriction or allergy? Please note it on your RSVP — we'll work with the chef to accommodate you.

Airport shuttles and private transfers should be arranged directly with your hotel and confirmed at booking.