Dreaming of a wedding in Havana means imagining vibrant colors, soulful music, and pure romance. Its colonial streets, iconic Malecon, and warm-hearted people make it one of the most magical destinations in the world to say “I do.” However, planning a legal wedding in Cuba as a foreigner involves understanding specific procedures that have changed significantly as of January 2026.
At Cuba Wedding Packages, we don’t just offer you the most stunning venues and curated packages—we guide you every step of the way with information that is verified and fully updated for 2026. This is your definitive guide to getting married in Havana this year.
Important: 2026 Updates to Cuban Marriage Law
Effective January 7, 2026, Cuba’s new Notary Law introduced substantial changes to the marriage process:
| What’s New | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| No More Witnesses Required | The requirement for instrumental witnesses has been eliminated. The notary is now solely responsible for verifying identities and legal capacity. |
| Mandatory Pre-Marriage Publication | A 5 business day publication period is now required before the wedding. The notary publishes the names of the contracting parties to allow for any legal objections. |
| Greater Notary Involvement | The entire process is now centralized with a notary, simplifying and streamlining the procedures. |
Practical Takeaway: If you are planning a 2026 wedding, you no longer need to worry about finding witnesses. However, you must account for the 5-day publication period in your travel plans and will handle all legal steps directly with a notary or an International Law Consultancy.
General Requirements for Getting Married in Havana (For Foreigners)
Regardless of your country of origin, these are the essential documents you will need:
| Document | Important 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid and have your legal stay in Cuba. Bring several copies. |
| Birth Certificate | Original, issued preferably within the last 6 months. Must be apostilled in your country of origin (or legalized by a Cuban consulate if your country is not part of the Hague Convention). |
| Single Status Affidavit / Certificate of Legal Capacity | This is the most crucial document. It proves you are legally single, divorced, or widowed. Must be recent (less than 6 months old) and apostilled. |
| Divorce Decree or Death Certificate | Only if applicable. Must be apostilled and officially translated if necessary. |
| Official Translations | Any document not in Spanish must be translated by a state-authorized or sworn translator recognized in Cuba. |
| Medical Certificate | Obtained in Cuba at any local polyclinic. It’s a simple check-up to rule out communicable diseases. |
Important Note: If both partners are foreigners, or one is Cuban and the other foreign, the process must be conducted at an International Law Consultancy or a specialized Law Firm, not a local civil registry office.
The Step-by-Step Process (Updated for 2026)
1. Prepare Your Documents at Home
Request your birth certificate and single status affidavit. Get them apostilled and officially translated. This process can take 1 to 3 months, so don’t leave it for the last minute!
2. Arrive in Cuba and Visit the Law Office
Once in Havana with all your original documents, go to the International Law Consultancy corresponding to where you’ll marry. They will review your file.
3. Publication Period (2026 NEW REQUIREMENT)
Once your documents are accepted, the notary will publish your names for 5 business days to allow for any potential objections. Plan your trip to include this time.
4. Schedule the Date and Ceremony
After the period passes with no objections, the wedding date is set. The ceremony can take place at the notary’s office or at an authorized “off-site” location (hotel, beach, restaurant) for an additional fee.
5. The Civil Ceremony
On the big day, you appear before the notary. As of 2026, witnesses are no longer required. The notary will read the legal provisions, receive your consent, and the official act will be signed.
6. Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
You will receive the official Cuban Marriage Certificate (Acta de Matrimonio), your legal document.
7. International Legalization (CRITICAL STEP)
For your marriage to be valid in your home country, you must:
-
Take the certificate to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) in Havana for legalization (apostille).
-
Afterwards, if required by your country, present it at your embassy or consulate in Havana for registration.
Approximate Costs for Getting Married in Havana (2026)
Prices are estimates based on current fees. Final costs can vary.
| Type of Marriage / Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Between a Cuban and a Foreigner | 13,000 – 18,000 CUP (approx. $550 – $750 USD) |
| Between Two Foreigners | 7,500 – 10,000 CUP (approx. $315 – $420 USD) |
| “Off-Site” Service (at a hotel or beach) | Additional $100 – $150 USD approx. |
| Official Translations | $50 – $60 USD per document |
| Legalization at MINREX | Approx. 2,500 CUP (check current rate) |
The Best Venues for Your Wedding in Havana
You know the requirements and the process. Now comes the most exciting part: choosing the perfect setting. At Cuba Wedding Packages, we offer exclusive packages at the most iconic locations:
Luxury & Tradition Weddings
-
Hotel Nacional de Cuba: An iconic city landmark with oceanfront gardens and an incomparable history.
Weddings with an Ocean View
-
Meliá Cohiba: Modern, elegant, with spectacular views of the Havana Malecon.
Colonial & Romantic Weddings
-
Hotel Santa Isabel: Located on Plaza de Armas, in the heart of Old Havana. Perfect for intimate weddings with colonial charm.
Weddings in Nature
-
Resorts and Gardens on the Outskirts: Options with tropical gardens and open-air spaces.
To get married in Havana, follow the link and fill out the form correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Havana
How far in advance should I start the paperwork?
We recommend starting 3 to 6 months ahead. Obtaining and apostilling documents in your home country takes time, and the in-country process (including the new 5-day publication period) requires at least 2-3 weeks.
Can I get married if I entered Cuba as a tourist?
Yes, there is no legal impediment to getting married as long as your stay in the country is legal with your tourist card.
Is it true that witnesses are no longer needed?
Yes, that’s absolutely correct. As of January 7, 2026, the new Notary Law eliminated the requirement for witnesses at civil marriages.
Is my Cuban marriage valid back home?
Yes, it is fully valid once you obtain the Hague Apostille from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX). This is the standard procedure for international recognition in most countries.
Can I get married on a beach or in a hotel?
Yes, through the “off-site” service offered by notaries and law offices for an additional fee. You need to arrange this and ensure the venue has the required permits.
I am a U.S. citizen. Can I get legally married in Cuba?
Absolutely. U.S. citizens can legally marry in Cuba. The process is the same as for other nationalities. Most couples travel under the general license “Support for the Cuban People” to comply with U.S. regulations
Getting married in Havana, Cuba?
Discover unforgettable wedding packages blending romance, culture, and Caribbean charm. Say ‘I do’ in paradise!
Planning an international wedding with new legal changes might seem complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Cuba Wedding Packages, we handle all the details so you can focus on celebrating.
What Our Packages Include:
-
Legal advice and document management fully updated for 2026.
-
Coordination with the International Law Consultancy.
-
Reservation of your ceremony venue.
-
Photography, video, music, and catering services.
-
Transportation and decor.
Wedding Packages in Havana: Customizable ceremonies and receptions with cultural flair, designed for intimate gatherings or lavish celebrations across Cuba’s stunning locales.
Weddings at Hotel Habana Libre: Embrace vintage glamour at this iconic 1930s landmark, featuring ocean vistas, historic ballrooms, and timeless Havana elegance.
Weddings on Havana’s Beaches: Barefoot bliss! Unwind with a seaside ceremony on Havana’s golden sands, framed by turquoise waters and breezy palm groves.
