Beautiful and freedom-loving Cuba has always attracted dreamers and romantics. The local culture is covered in impressive legends about heroes and revolutionaries, nature amazes with its riot of colors and abundance of sun, and the hot Cuban air seems to be saturated with hot and fiery Latin American music. It is not surprising that this beautiful island state, washed by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, is preferred by many couples going on a romantic trip.
Recently, not just tours for two to hot Cuba, but also wedding ceremonies in this country have become especially popular. For a long time, Cuba was a rather closed country, but today it hospitably and friendly welcomes travelers from other countries, including those whose cherished dream is a wedding in Cuba. You will learn about all the intricacies of organizing a wedding ceremony in Cuba from this article.
Organizational matters
If you want to make your marriage truly special, original and memorable, then a wedding in Cuba is probably right for you. Organizing such a celebration on your own is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Unlike other popular “wedding” destinations (Bali, the Dominican Republic and the Maldives), a marriage in Cuba can be officially registered on all legal grounds.
In this case, the organization of the celebration is undertaken by the host party (as a rule, this is the hotel where the newlyweds stay). This is a very common practice in Cuba, so each hotel has extensive experience in conducting such ceremonies. While planning your wedding, the hotel staff who will be involved in the celebration will discuss with you all the details of the upcoming event. Depending on your wishes, tastes and financial capabilities, you can choose either a small light buffet with champagne for several guests, or a larger and noisier celebration to which you will invite all your friends and family. Wedding organizers will take care of all stages of preparation - from decorating the hall to making the birthday cake. Cubans approach such celebrations with special inspiration, so you will see for yourself how fun and fiery your wedding in Cuba will be. The photos presented here show several interesting moments from such ceremonies.
If you wish, you can hold not only an official ceremony, but also a wedding ceremony. For several years now, there has been an Orthodox church in Havana where you can get married in a church. Wedding ceremonies are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays (excluding religious holidays). In order to get married in Cuba, you will need to have a marriage stamp in your passport. We advise you to first hold an official wedding ceremony, and the next day get married in an Orthodox cathedral.
Where to go?
Varadero
The most equipped and modern resort in Cuba . Luxurious hotels, snow-white beaches, diving and sailing. There is practically no local Cuban flavor left in the town, but the infrastructure has begun to fully meet the needs of modern tourists.
Newlyweds will be able to relax in comfort, enjoy the local beaches and sea, and explore a huge number of sunken ships and aircraft. The resort has the only golf club in the country.
You can get from the airport to Varadero by taxi, rented car or bus . An excellent option for a honeymoon. Beautiful beaches and comfortable rooms in five-star hotels make Varadero the best honeymoon resort in Cuba.
Popular hotels include:
Barceló Solymar . All Inclusive. The hotel is 4 stars with an all-inclusive level of service, a beach on the first line, a swimming pool, a fitness center, bars and restaurants. Barcelo Solymar's facilities allow guests to play tennis on their own court or rent a car. There is access to Wi-Fi. You can book a superior room or bungalow at the hotel. The cost of a room for 2 people is from 8200 rubles. per day;
Villa Tortuga . Beachfront hotel with swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, restaurants and bars. The hotel staff speaks Russian; it is possible to use the exchange office to purchase local currency. Room rates from 6,200 rubles. per day for two people, the lowest at the resort;
A tour for two to Varadero will cost from 80 thousand rubles.
Note! Check-in at hotels is at 15:00, and check-out is until 12:00.
Havana
In the capital of Cuba, newlyweds can visit the old city, enjoy castles, palaces and other historical architecture.
In the city you can endlessly walk along the picturesque streets, go to a dolphin show, explore the sights, ride in Castro’s own car, have dinner where Ernest Hemingway or Obama ate.
In many restaurants, tourists will be offered to try first-class Cuban rum or cognac, or smoke a rolled cigar.
Holidays in Havana are suitable for couples who love to walk along the ancient streets and enjoy the flavor of past centuries.
You can stay in large hotels, small rental apartments or campsites. It is worth considering that the cost of services for a foreign citizen (almost everywhere) will be 2-3 times more expensive than for a local one .
You can get to the capital from other regions by bus, train, taxi or car.
Some of the most booked accommodations in the city include:
- Loft Puerto Habana Apartments . One of the best accommodation options just 1 km from the old square. This room consists of 1 bedroom and a bath. There is the possibility of relaxing on the terrace. Room cost from 8500 rub. for two for a day;
- Revolution Boutique Hotel . A small tropical oasis in the city. It is located at least 3 minutes from the old square, has its own restaurant and provides the opportunity to sunbathe on the terrace. Cost from 12,000 rubles. for two to knock.
A honeymoon with accommodation in Havana will cost the newlyweds from 70 thousand rubles. for two.
Santiago de Cuba
The resort is considered another “capital” of Cuba, but not an official one, like Havana, but a cultural one . Groovy dancing and salsa appeared here. Music and alcohol flow here like a river.
In the city you can explore ancient architecture, such as the fortress of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro, the monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, the cemetery of Santa Ifigenia and walk along the unique staircase street of Padre Pico.
You can get to the resort from other regions of Cuba by bus, train, taxi or rented car.
Popular hotels include:
- Las Americas . The hotel has 3 stars, has a swimming pool, restaurant and free parking. Cost of living from 3200 rub. for two per day;
- Libertad . The hotel has 2 stars and is located 2 km from the famous site of the Battle of Las Guasimas. Tourists will be able to enjoy the cuisine of their own restaurant. The cost of accommodation for two is from 1700 rubles. per day.
The cost of the tour for a young couple will be no less than 50-70 thousand rubles. for two.
Holguin
An expensive and relaxing resort for those who like to get the best for their money . In Holguin, most hotels are five-star; there is no such active recreation as in Varadero, but you can enjoy the highest class cuisine and the conditions created for relaxation.
The resort impresses with its beautiful landscapes and picturesque reefs, which diving enthusiasts will appreciate. The place is suitable for lovers of sport fishing.
Popular hotels include two 5-star complexes:
- Paradisus Rio de Oro . All-inclusive food system, entertainment programs and sporting events. The hotel is equipped with a fitness room, its own theater, several swimming pools, a tennis court, bowling alley, billiards and other sports grounds. The newlyweds will be able to see the underwater world with a professional diving coach. Cost of living from 11,000 rubles. for two in one day;
- Sol Rio de Luna y Mares . The hotel has its own beach and tennis court, fitness room and several swimming pools. Newlyweds can go sailing, diving, underwater fishing or take couples dancing lessons or soak in the spa. The price of accommodation is from 15,000 rubles. for two per day.
A holiday in Holguin for newlyweds will cost at least 65 thousand rubles. for two in a few days.
If for some reason you can’t organize a trip to sunny Cuba, then you can always plan a trip around Russia . Where to go and what to see? Read in this article.
What documents will be needed?
- The most difficult stage of preparation is, of course, collecting the necessary documents. In addition to valid foreign passports, you will need to present your birth certificates, as well as certificates from the registry office confirming that there are no obstacles to marriage.
- All these documents must be translated into Spanish and certified by a notary. If you are preparing a wedding not on your own, but through a travel agency, usually the tour operator takes care of all these aspects. However, as practice shows, collecting the necessary documents is not such a difficult task, and you can handle it yourself.
A couple of nuances
The wedding ceremony itself is conducted in Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, the hotel can provide you with a qualified translator for a fee.
According to current Cuban law, the wedding ceremony can take place no earlier than three days after the bride and groom arrive in the country.
Don't forget to take this fact into account when you plan the timing of your upcoming trip and the date of the ceremony.
Holiday rules due to COVID-19 and restrictions in Cuba
To ensure safety and prevent new diseases in Cuba, tourists in an organized group are prohibited by the tour operator from moving outside the municipality of Moron (Cayo Coco Island and Cayo Guillermo Island) to other regions of the country. All excursions to other areas are temporarily suspended.
The country has a curfew from 21:00 to 05:00. Violation is subject to a fine of 2,000 pesos (approximately $83).
There are doctors on duty at the hotels and tourists are subject to daily body temperature measurement.
In order to reduce possible infections through banknotes, payment for services in hotels, excursions and other things is carried out only by bank transfer. Any bank cards (VISA, MasterCard) are accepted for payment, except US banks.
Symbolic wedding
If you don’t want to take on the hassle of completing the necessary documents and complying with all the bureaucratic rules, you have another option - a symbolic wedding in Cuba. Such a ceremony retains all the romantic spirit and special atmosphere, but at the same time does not require following formal requirements. Today, many newlyweds prefer just this option - to enter into an official marriage in Russia, and celebrate this solemn event in Cuba. Local hotels organize very impressive and beautiful symbolic ceremonies, which are not inferior in their effectiveness and romance to official weddings.
We invite you to see how beautiful and spectacular such a wedding in Cuba can be. The video is clear evidence that symbolic weddings are in no way inferior to official ones. This is a great option for those who want to have a special and unusual wedding, but do not like bureaucratic delays.
Where to celebrate the holiday
This wonderful Caribbean island is perfect for organizing a wedding and honeymoon. In any corner of it you will find a place that you will like. But here are a few locations that are popular among newlywed tourists.
Old Havana
A wedding ceremony in the historical center of Havana, the capital of Cuba, will be original and filled with the atmosphere of history. Since its construction (16th century), practically nothing has changed there. You will immerse yourself in the colonial era, wander along the narrow cobbled streets, admire ancient houses and historical monuments. There are about 1000 attractions here, so the photo session will be varied and interesting. Visit the Capitol, the Presidential Palace, and the iconic Malecon.
City of Varadero
Located on the Hicacos Peninsula. The resort has a 20-kilometer sandy beach. Beaches washed by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, numerous hotels and restaurants - here you will deeply breathe in the air of Liberty Island, enjoy each other and a wonderful holiday. If you are planning a wedding in Cuba at a hotel, you can organize an official or symbolic wedding ceremony on the beach, in the garden or in a specially equipped gazebo. Visit Ambrosio Cave, famous for its rock paintings, walk through the Varaikakos protected area, touch a 500-year-old cactus - and your marriage will be just as long-lasting.
Honeymoon
Hot and sunny Cuba is a real tropical paradise. Here you can not only celebrate your marriage, but also spend an unforgettable honeymoon. This beautiful island has all the possibilities for a wonderful holiday. Sunny snow-white beaches, palm trees, exotic flowers and plants - this environment is the best way to promote a romantic mood. If you and your significant other don’t like a relaxing beach holiday, you have the chance to have an active holiday on your honeymoon, for example, go diving.
Reviews and photos of wedding ceremonies in Cuba
Photos of newlyweds from a wedding in Cuba have always been distinguished by the brightness and magical beauty of the spacious and extraordinary beaches. Such photographs, even after many years, will remind the bride and groom of an unforgettable fairy tale on the other side of the world.
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Reviews from people who spent their wedding celebration or honeymoon are positive; the wonderful beaches of Liberty Island and the gentle sea will create a sunny mood and an unforgettable experience of the wedding celebration.
Maria, 27 years old. Ukraine. We decided long ago that our wedding would take place in hot Cuba. We did not regret it; the holiday was remembered for the warm and welcoming reception of the Cuban people, in addition to songs and dances.
Evgeniy, 30 years old. Russia. My wife and I have long dreamed of having a wedding ceremony on the island of Cuba. We will remember this vacation for a long time. The charming seascapes of the island did not leave us indifferent.
Olga, 32 years old. Kyiv. My husband and I did not regret that our celebration took place in Cuba. We remember the picturesque beaches of the island and the hospitality of the Cubans. Liberty Island is beautiful!
Andrey, 33 years old. Minsk. After our wedding, my wife and I went on a magical honeymoon to Cuba. This enchanting place captivated us from the first days, beautiful streets, magically decorated public gardens, exotic flowers. A piece of paradise for two.
Financial side
Getting married in Cuba is, of course, very beautiful and touching. But such a celebration will require certain financial investments from you. You will have to spend money on registration and notarized translation of documents, on air tickets for yourself and guests, and hotel accommodation. The host party, which will be involved in all stages of preparing and holding your wedding, will take a certain amount from you.
To be fair, despite all these costs, getting married in Cuba can be quite democratic and affordable. You don’t have to gather a hundred guests for the celebration; if you wish, you can organize a modest but very beautiful ceremony for several friends and relatives. Or maybe you even want to get married just the two of you, in a very romantic atmosphere.
Do you need a hotel reservation in Cuba?
Yes, a mandatory condition for staying in Cuba for the entire period must be a “hotel reservation”. Individual travelers can book a hotel on Booking, and organized tourists receive a voucher from the tour operator.
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Romantic wedding on the other side of the world
An abundance of sun, a beautiful azure sea, a warm salty wind, fiery music, passionate Latin American dances - all this will be given to you by a wedding in Cuba. Reviews from newlyweds who decided to take such a bold romantic step are mostly very warm and enthusiastic:
- “We celebrated our wedding in Cuba. We've been dreaming about this for a long time and finally decided to do it. The organization is very good. The hotel specially assigned us a Russian-speaking organizer, so it was easy to solve all problems. The package included decorations, a gala dinner, music, cake and a photo shoot. Everything is at the highest level, there are no complaints about the hotel. We had a very intimate, small ceremony for six guests. Everything was very sweet and touching” (Anna).
- “We had a hot Cuban wedding in the middle of winter. It was a rather tiring road, first a long flight, then the journey from the airport to the hotel. My wife and I were a little tired, so we arrived at the hotel and went straight to bed. The next day, preparations for the wedding began. The staff is very helpful, the service is good. However, several times there were problems due to the language barrier: we do not speak Spanish, and in our hotel not all the staff understood English. The ceremony itself went smoothly. We celebrated on the beach, they made a beautiful arch for us, and in general the decoration was excellent. The rain that started towards the end of the holiday spoiled the mood a little. But overall we are very satisfied and happy” (Sergey).
- “We just returned from our honeymoon to Cuba. I am still impressed - everything is very romantic and beautiful. If you want to celebrate your wedding in an unusual way, I recommend it to everyone” (Svetlana).
If you also want to get joyful emotions and have an unusual wedding, go to Cuba. A luxurious wedding in a beautiful hotel, a secluded celebration on a small green island or a touching and romantic ceremony right on the seashore - in any case, you will receive unforgettable emotions from such a wonderful celebration.
Traditions and scripts
Temperamental, hot Cubans prefer bright fun, and weddings are no exception. An official wedding in Cuba is a good reason to dress smartly and luxuriously. Long tuples are not popular. The newlyweds and guests move through the streets, dancing and accepting congratulations from passers-by.
Immediately after the wedding ceremony, it is customary to wrap the newlyweds in a black veil. It is believed that then the family will be protected from the evil eye and will be strong and happy.
The newlyweds perform a wedding dance, during which the invitees shower them with banknotes. And then the bride dances with everyone who invites her. After the dance, the guest gives the main character of the holiday money. These rituals are carried out to ensure that the family always lives in abundance.
Cubans love wild feasts. Lots of dishes, snacks, fruits and vegetables, cocktails and rum. The fun continues all night until dawn and is accompanied by fiery Cuban dancing - everyone dances salsa in Cuba.
After getting married, take a ride through the winding streets of Cuba in a Soviet or American retro car and arrange a photo session. And at sunset, confess your feelings to each other again over a romantic dinner with local delicacies on the seashore.
Let your evening be accompanied by live music performed by Cuban musicians. Treat yourself to relaxing on the beach, spa treatments, enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Liberty Island and the color of Cuban nature.
If you are celebrating a holiday accompanied by guests, then invite local dancers and fill the evening with sparkling Cuban dances. Let the artists conduct a master class for the guests. Or dress up in bright Cuban outfits and go to a bar or tavern after the ceremony.
You can organize a cocktail party right on the beach or at the hotel by the pool. Perhaps you will decide to attend a real Cuban carnival?
