Marriage in Cuba 2026: A Guide to legal Requirements for Foreigners

Marriage in Cuba for Foreigners

A wedding in Havana, Cuba, is a dream come true for couples seeking a unique, romantic, and soulful destination. Imagine saying ‘I do’ surrounded by the colonial charm and vibrant energy that only Havana can offer Whether you envision saying ‘I do’ at one of the many stunning Cuba wedding venues, such as a white-sand beach, a colonial palace in Old Havana, or a lush tropical garden, Cuba offers a magical blend of history, culture, and beauty.

At Bodas en Cuba Fiestas, we turn that dream into an authentic Cuban experience — elegant, stress-free, and full of charm. This guide covers everything from the essential legal paperwork to our exclusive wedding packages.

Is a Marriage in Cuba Legal in the US, UK, and Canada?

Yes, absolutely. A civil marriage performed in Cuba is legally valid and recognized in most countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and across Europe, provided the correct legalization process is followed.

After your ceremony, our team handles the process:

1. We obtain your official Cuban marriage certificate.
2. We get it legalized by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX).
3. We coordinate its delivery to you, ready to be registered with your home country’s civil registry.

Our Promise: Our legal specialists at Bodas en Cuba Fiestas manage this entire process. You don’t have to worry about the paperwork; your marriage will be fully recognized back home. Click here to coordinate all the elements of your wedding in Cuba.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Cuba

Navigating Cuban marriage laws is straightforward but requires precise documentation. Whether you are a foreigner or an intercultural couple, here is exactly what you need to ensure your union is legally binding.

Who Can Get Married in Cuba?

• Age: The minimum legal age is 18 years for both parties.
• Status: You must both be legally single (i.e., not currently married).
• Intercultural Marriages: Cuba warmly welcomes international and intercultural marriages.
• Symbolic vs. Legal: This guide focuses on legal civil marriage. We also offer beautiful symbolic ceremonies if you prefer to handle the legalities at home!

Required Documents for Foreigners (The Most Important Step)

To get legally married in Cuba, non-Cuban citizens must present the following:

• Valid Passport (with at least 6 months of validity).
• Birth Certificate.
• Affidavit of Single Status (a certified document declaring you are not married).
• Divorce Certificate (if applicable).
• Death Certificate (if you are a widower).

Crucial Note: All documents (except your passport) must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Cuban Consulate in your country of residence before you travel.

⏳ Processing Time: This legalization process can take several weeks. We highly recommend starting your document preparation at least 3-6 months in advance. Our team will guide you through every step.

How Much Does a Legal Marriage in Cuba Cost?

The cost of getting married in Cuba for foreigners varies depending on the number of guests and the decorations; the specific legal component has a more fixed price. The costs for the legal paperwork itself typically range from $600 to $1,200 USD. This fee covers:

• Notary fees for the civil ceremony.
• Document translation services in Cuba (if needed).
• Legalization stamps and fees at MINREX.
• Our coordination services and secure delivery of your final certificate.

This legal cost is separate from your wedding package for the reception, decor, music, and party. Check out our wedding packages in Cuba at this link.

Step-by-Step: The Path to Your Cuban “I Do”

1. Consultation: Contact us! We’ll discuss your vision and legal requirements.
2. Document Prep: You’ll gather your documents in your home country for translation and legalization.
3. Plan Your Day: We’ll design your wedding, book your venue, and hire the best vendors.
4. Arrive in Cuba: You typically need to be in Cuba 3-5 business days before your ceremony.
5. The Notary Meeting: We’ll accompany you to a meeting with the Cuban notary to review your documents.
6. Get Married! You’ll have your beautiful ceremony and sign the legal marriage certificate.
7. We Handle the Rest: You enjoy your honeymoon while we get your certificate legalized and sent to you.

Our Cuba Wedding Packages (Designed for You)

This is where the magic happens. We’ve designed packages that fulfill the promise of your title, from intimate elopements to grand celebrations. All are customizable.

The “Havana Elopement” Package

Starting at $800 

Perfect for just the two of you. Includes legal coordination, a private ceremony in a stunning location (like a rooftop or historic plaza), a bridal bouquet, a classic car for photos, and a romantic dinner.

The “Classic Cuban” Package (Most Popular)

Starting at $3500

Ideal for 20-50 guests. This package includes full planning, legal services, a private villa or historic venue, full catering and open bar, a live Cuban music trio, professional photography, and complete decor.

The “All-Inclusive Beach” Package (Varadero & The Cayos)

Starting at $5600

A barefoot-in-the-sand dream. We work with top resorts to create a private, elegant beach ceremony and reception, combined with the ease of an all-inclusive stay for you and your guests.

Link to the main Wedding Packages page: https://bodasencubafiestas.com/en/wedding-packages-in-cuba/

Where to Get Married in Cuba: Top Locations

Cuba has the perfect backdrop for every love story:

• Havana: For timeless elegance, colonial architecture, and vibrant culture.
• Varadero: For crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts.
• Trinidad: For a colorful, cobblestone-street wedding with a rustic, romantic feel.
• Viñales: For nature lovers, surrounded by unique green valleys and tobacco fields.

Link to the Best Wedding Venues in Cuba page: https://bodasencubafiestas.com/en/places-and-destinations-for-weddings-in-cuba/

Our mission is simple: You enjoy your engagement. We handle everything else.

Cuban Marriage Certificate

A Cuban marriage certificate is the official legal document that proves a marriage was lawfully registered in Cuba. It is issued by the Cuban Civil Registry and is required for many legal and administrative processes abroad, such as name changes, immigration procedures, spousal visas, or registering the marriage in another country. This certificate confirms essential details including the full names of both spouses, date and place of marriage, and the civil authority that performed the ceremony.

For foreign couples, obtaining a Cuban marriage certificate is a crucial final step after the wedding ceremony. The document can be requested in certified copies and, when needed, legalized or translated for international use. Understanding how to request, validate, and use a Cuban marriage certificate helps avoid delays and ensures the marriage is fully recognized outside Cuba.

Marriage to a Cuban Permanent Resident: Legal Procedures and Residency Benefits

Marrying a Cuban permanent resident involves specific steps that differ slightly from marrying a tourist or a temporary resident. In 2026, the process remains strictly regulated by the Consultoría Jurídica Internacional. Legal regulations require you to be in Cuba at least three days prior to your wedding ceremony.

Requirements for marriage to a Cuban Permanent Resident

• Proof of Status: You must verify the permanent residency of your partner through their Carnet de Identidad.
• The “Vivienda” Factor: If you plan to apply for your own residency after the marriage, the Cuban resident must prove they have a registered home address where you both will reside.
• Legal Documents: You will still need your notarized and legalized birth certificate and a single status certificate (Affidavit), both translated into Spanish, a copy of your passport.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Marry a Cuban Permanent Resident

Marrying a permanent resident in Cuba involves specific legal steps handled by the Consultoría Jurídica Internacional (CJI). Follow this streamlined process:

1. Document Preparation (Home Country)

Before traveling, the foreigner must gather and legalize the following:

• Birth Certificate (Long-form).

• Single Status Affidavit (Certificate of No Impediment).

• Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if applicable).

• Translation & Legalization: All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Cuban Consulate in your country.

2. Cuban Partner Requirements

The Cuban permanent resident must provide:

• Identity Card (Carné de Identidad).

• Proof of Marital Status: Official divorce or widowhood certificates if they were previously married.

3. In-Country Stay & Appointment

• Arrival: You should be in Cuba at least 3 business days before the wedding.

• The Appointment: Both partners must visit a CJI office to submit the original documents and pay the legal fees.

• Witnesses: You need two adult witnesses (not family members) with valid IDs or passports.

4. The Ceremony and Legalization

• The Wedding: A government notary performs the ceremony.

• International Validity: Once you receive the Cuban Marriage Certificate, it must be legalized by the MINREX and your own country’s embassy in Havana to be recognized abroad.

5. Post-Marriage Residency (Optional)

As the spouse of a permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for a Permanent Residency Visa (RP) at the Immigration Office (Inmigración y Extranjería) if you intend to live in Cuba.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Marriage in Cuba

Q: Can two foreigners (e.g., an American and a Canadian) get married in Cuba? A: Yes! As long as both parties provide the correct legalized documents from their respective countries, two non-Cuban citizens can legally marry in Cuba.

Q: What is the difference between a legal and a symbolic wedding? A: A legal wedding involves a Cuban notary and results in a globally recognized marriage certificate. A symbolic wedding is a beautiful, personal ceremony that is not legally binding; couples often choose this if they are already legally married. We offer both.

Q: Can I get married in Cuba if I am divorced? A: Yes. You simply need to provide your finalized divorce decree, which must also be translated and legalized by the Cuban consulate in your country.

Q: Can an American marry a Cuban?

A: Yes, American citizens can legally marry Cuban nationals. The marriage is recognized as valid in both Cuba and the United States, provided all legal procedures are followed correctly.

Q: What are the requirements to get married in Cuba with an American citizen?

A: To formalize a marriage between a Cuban citizen and a U.S. citizen in Cuba, you need:

• Documentation for the Cuban citizen: national ID card.
• Documentation for the U.S. citizen: valid passport, birth certificate, and a document proving civil status (single, divorced, or widowed).
• Translation and legalization: all documents issued outside Cuba and in another language must be officially translated into Spanish and legalized at the Cuban consulate in the country of origin.
• Residence: living in Cuba is not required; the foreigner may be in the country as a tourist.
• Ceremony: the marriage is formalized before a notary in Cuba.
• Processing time: once all correct documents are submitted, the process usually takes 3 to 5 business days.

Q: Does the U.S. recognize a marriage from another country?

A: Yes, the United States recognizes marriages performed abroad as long as they are legal in the country where they took place. According to the U.S. Department of State, if you follow the local laws of the country where you marry (such as Cuba), your marriage is considered valid in the U.S. for all legal and immigration purposes.

Q: Can you get married in Cuba under a separation of property regime?

A: In Cuba, the default marital property regime is community property, meaning that everything acquired during the marriage belongs to both spouses.
Separation of property is not automatic, but it can be established through legal agreements or prenuptial/postnuptial contracts with the assistance of a notary or lawyer.

Q: At what age is it legal to get married in Cuba?

A:

– The minimum legal age to marry in Cuba without any additional authorization is 18 years old.

– There are exceptions: with judicial authorization, minors may marry as long as the girl is at least 14 and the boy at least 16.

– Same-sex marriage has been legal in Cuba since 2022.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Wedding in Cuba?

Make your love story unforgettable in one of the world’s most romantic destinations.

Contact Bodas en Cuba Fiestas today for a free consultation and to start planning your dream Cuban wedding.