Destination Wedding: Cuba - A Dream Come True

Cuba is an increasingly popular choice for weddings and honeymoons, with its stunning scenery, incredible beaches, wonderful food, and vibrant music. The island boasts beautiful beaches, a vibrant city, and unique culture, making it a perfect destination for a memorable wedding.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering a wedding in Cuba. Firstly, there is some essential paperwork that needs to be completed, and it is recommended to hire a company experienced in dealing with local requirements. Secondly, there may be restrictions on the length of stay for guests, with some sources stating a minimum of 72 hours, while others suggest a week. It is important to carefully plan and confirm the requirements to avoid any issues.

Cuba offers a range of wedding locations, from beachside ceremonies to glamorous resorts and traditional churches. The country's vibrant culture also shines through in its wedding traditions, music, and dances, making a Cuban wedding a unique and unforgettable experience.

Travel advice and requirements for Cuba

Entry Requirements

To enter Cuba, you must have a valid passport and a tourist card, which can be obtained from a Cuban consulate or travel agent. If you are travelling from Canada, the tourist card is usually included in holiday packages. Canadians can stay in Cuba for up to 6 months, while other nationalities may only stay for up to 90 days.

You must also provide proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba. All policies are recognised except those issued by US insurance companies.

Travel Warnings

The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Cuba due to shortages of basic necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel. There are also frequent power outages, and the electrical system is vulnerable. The province of Guantanamo should be avoided due to the impact of Hurricane Oscar.

Local Laws and Customs

Cuba's constitution allows the death penalty, although there has been a moratorium on carrying out death sentences since 2003.

Private property rights are strictly controlled. Only Cubans and permanent residents can buy property or register a vehicle.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders face lengthy prison sentences.

It is a serious criminal offence to have sex with minors in Cuba, and local authorities actively work to prevent child sex tourism.

Health

Good healthcare is limited in Cuba. While medical professionals are adequately trained, facilities are in poor condition and lack basic drugs, supplies, and equipment. Hygiene practices may also be inadequate.

Crime and Safety

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common, especially in crowded places and tourist areas. Theft from hotel rooms and cars is also prevalent, so ensure that your belongings, including passports and travel documents, are secure at all times.

Violent crime is not frequent, but assaults may occur during burglaries or robberies. Credit card and ATM fraud are also possibilities, so be cautious when using cards and only use ATMs in well-lit public areas.

Some hustlers and fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers specialise in defrauding and stealing from tourists, so be wary of strangers who seem too friendly.

Transport

Road safety standards are poor, and accidents causing fatalities are common. Most Cuban cars are old and poorly maintained, and some lack standard safety equipment. Drinking and driving is also common.

Public transportation is unreliable, with city buses being scarce, overcrowded, and poorly maintained. Tour companies offer better bus services between airports and resorts. Official taxis are generally reliable, but unregistered taxis should be avoided.

Other

Cuba faces severe medicine shortages, including antibiotics and common painkillers. Bring your own basic medicines in sufficient quantities to last your trip.

The telecommunications network in Cuba is poor, with unreliable connections. Some foreign mobile phones may not work, and internet access is limited.

Weddings

If you are considering getting married in Cuba, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, there is a requirement to be in the country for at least 72 hours before the wedding ceremony, so plan your trip accordingly.

Documentation is an important aspect of getting married in Cuba. If neither partner has been married before, they will need a valid passport and tourist card. If either partner has been married before, additional documents such as birth certificates and divorce certificates are required. All documents must be translated into Spanish and certified by the Cuban consul.

There are many beautiful locations for weddings in Cuba, from beachside ceremonies to glamorous resorts or traditional churches and cathedrals.

While Cuba is a stunning destination for a wedding, it is important to be aware of the travel advice and requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Paperwork and documentation

To get married in Cuba, there are several requirements and documents that you must meet and prepare. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Requirements:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
• You cannot be related by blood or adoption.
• You need to be in Cuba for at least three days before your wedding day.

Documents:

For All Individuals:

• A copy of your passport.
• An affidavit of single status if you have never been married before. If you are divorced or widowed, you will need additional documents (see below).

For Divorced Individuals:

• A decree absolute certificate.
• If your previous spouse was Cuban, you may also need to provide a divorce certificate.

For Widowed Individuals:

• A death certificate for your spouse.
• A marriage certificate.

Translation and Certification:

All documents must be translated into Spanish and certified by a notary. Subsequently, the documents need to be legalised by the Cuban consul. It is recommended to use a certified translator and get the translations notarised.

Additional Steps for American Citizens:

If you are an American citizen marrying a Cuban citizen, there are additional steps and requirements to ensure that your marriage is legally recognised in both Cuba and the United States. Here is a general overview:

• Get your documents certified by the Secretary of State in your state.
• Get your certified documents authenticated by the State Department in Washington, DC.
• Legalise the documents at the Cuban embassy in Washington, DC.
• Ensure your Cuban partner has the necessary documents, which may include a divorce certificate, a medical certificate, and/or marriage and death certificates.
• Have two adult witnesses who are fluent in Spanish. They will need to provide an identity document if they are Cuban.

Recommendations:

Given the complexity of the process, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance. A specialist wedding team or a lawyer in Cuba can provide accurate and up-to-date information on the requirements and help ensure a smooth process.

Wedding customs and traditions

Cuban weddings are steeped in tradition and culture, with vibrant customs and rituals that make the celebration unique and memorable. From the choice of attire to the ceremony and reception, every detail is infused with symbolism and meaning. Here are some of the most common wedding customs and traditions in Cuba:

Pre-Wedding Traditions

Misa de Fianza

Months before the wedding, Cuban couples participate in the "misa de fianza", a ceremony where they exchange wedding rings and share their first dance as a couple. This tradition is similar to introductions in Nigerian weddings, as it is also when the parents bless the marriage.

La Pedida de Mano (The Asking of the Hand)

In this custom, also practised in countries like Guatemala and the Philippines, the groom's family formally asks the bride's parents for her hand in marriage. This gesture establishes mutual respect between the families, who then discuss wedding plans and jointly decide on a date.

El Velorio de la Sábana (The Shroud Vigil)

The night before the wedding, the bride and groom sleep together under a white sheet or shroud, symbolising their commitment and transition into a unified bond.

Wedding Attire

Cuban bridal attire is extravagant, with long dresses featuring lace, ruffles, and floral motifs. The colour white predominates, symbolising the bride's purity and innocence. The veil represents modesty and obedience, while a tiara or flower crown symbolises beauty and femininity.

Wedding Ceremony

Cuban weddings are often officiated by a priest, but civil ceremonies are also common, with a judge officiating. The ceremony includes religious traditions like the unity candle, the arras, and the white bouquet.

La Ceremonia de Las Arras (The Coin Ceremony)

During the ceremony, the groom gives his bride 13 gold coins, blessed by a priest, representing Christ and his 12 apostles. The bride keeps 12 coins, and the thirteenth is placed in her right shoe, signifying she will never lack. She then passes the coins back to the groom, symbolising their shared financial responsibility.

Wedding Reception

Cuban wedding receptions are filled with music, dancing, and entertainment, often lasting until the early morning. Live bands and artists perform salsa, merengue, and bachata, creating a festive atmosphere.

El Baile Del Billete (Money Dance)

During the reception, guests participate in the money dance, where men pin money to the bride's dress, and women do the same to the groom's suit. The couple can use this money for wedding and honeymoon expenses or as they wish.

La Hora Loca (The Crazy Hour)

As the reception winds down, "La Hora Loca" brings carnival energy to the celebration. Guests don vibrant costumes, masks, and noisemakers, infusing the atmosphere with joy and festivity.

El Corte de la Tarta (The Cake Cutting)

The couple cuts the first slice of the wedding cake, symbolising their first task as a married couple, and then feed each other a bite, demonstrating their commitment to care for each other.

El Ramo de Novia (The Bridal Bouquet)

The bride tosses her bouquet towards single women, with legend saying the one who catches it will be the next to marry.

El Cojín de los Anillos (The Ring Cushion)

The wedding rings are carried to the altar on a cushion adorned with lace or embellishments. After the ceremony, the cushion is given to the bride's mother as a keepsake.

El Regalo de los Padrinos (The Godparent Gift)

In Cuban weddings, godparents play a significant role, acting as mentors for the couple. They bestow significant gifts, such as jewellery or a generous monetary amount, symbolising their support and blessings.

Wedding Favours

Following the Latin American tradition, Cuban weddings distribute favours like handmade gifts, Spanish hand fans, local pottery, ribbons with the couple's names, or cigars to thank their guests for their presence.

Superstitions

Cuban weddings, like many other cultures, have superstitions believed to bring luck and prosperity to the couple.

Preventing the Groom from Seeing the Bride

It is considered good luck for the groom to not see the bride before the ceremony, ensuring a happy and prosperous marriage.

Throwing Rice

Throwing rice at the end of the ceremony is believed to bring abundance and fertility to the newlyweds.

Wearing Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue

The bride wearing items that are old, new, borrowed, and blue is believed to bring good luck to the couple.

Post-Wedding Traditions

In contrast to American culture, some Cuban newlyweds move in with the groom's parents after marriage, staying until a younger sibling's marriage. This tradition allows them to save money and spend time with family.

Locations and venues

Cuba is a beautiful location for a wedding, with its stunning scenery, incredible beaches, wonderful food, and vibrant music. The island offers a unique setting for your dream wedding, combining breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural experiences.

Beach Wedding

For a beach wedding, you can choose from several stunning locations in Cuba, including Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Guardalavaca, Cayo Largo, and Cayo Santa María. These beaches offer white sands, turquoise waters, and a vibrant atmosphere for your big day.

Havana

If you prefer a city wedding, Havana is a vibrant and romantic choice, with old-fashioned cars and handsome colonial architecture. The city has numerous beautiful stone churches that can serve as the perfect venue for your wedding. Havana also offers a range of other venues, including nightclubs, restaurants, villas with pools, and hotel party rooms.

Resorts

Cuba has several all-inclusive beach resorts and hotels that offer wedding packages. These packages typically include the ceremony venue, decorations, catering, entertainment, and photography. Some popular resorts for weddings include:

• Meliá Varadero
• Pullman Cayo Coco
• Playa Cayo Santa María
• Paradisus Princesa del Mar
• Iberostar Selection Varadero
• Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
• Iberostar Bella Costa
• Hotel Los Cactus
• Hotel Playa Cayo Santa Maria
• Melia Buenavista
• Iberostar Parque Central
• Sol Rio de Luna y Mares
• Melia Las Americas
• Paradisus Rio De Oro
• Valentin El Patriarca Varadero
• Memories Varadero Beach Resort
• Hotel Palacio de los Corredores
• Hotel Grand Aston
• Hotel Meliá Habana
• Resort Paradisus Varadero

Food, drink and entertainment

Cuba is known for its vibrant culture, with a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. This cultural blend is reflected in the food, drinks, and entertainment choices for a wedding in Cuba.

Food

Cuban cuisine is famous for its meat dishes, including "Ropa Vieja", "Masitas de Puerco" (marinated fried pork), oxtail stew, grilled ribs, and "empanadas" (meat pies). For a lighter option, there's the "sandwich medianoche", a hot or cold sandwich with grilled or fried pork slices and cheese pressed between toasted French bread.

A fresh and colourful Cuban salad with tomatoes, onions, and radish slices, dressed with olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice, is a perfect side. Alternatively, a chickpea salad with green and red peppers, sweet onions, lime juice, olive oil, and cumin is another tasty option.

Drinks

No Cuban celebration is complete without rum-infused cocktails. The quintessential Cuban cocktail, the mojito, is a must-have, perhaps with a creative twist like peach, cherry, or pineapple flavours. Another classic Cuban drink is the Cuba Libre, a mix of rum, Coca-Cola, and lime juice.

For non-alcoholic options, offer guests guava, coconut, or lime-flavoured water.

Entertainment

Cuba is known for its lively music and dance, so incorporating this into your wedding entertainment is a must. The married couple's first dance is a memorable part of the celebration, and choosing a Cuban dance style like Rumba or Salsa will add a Latin flair.

Guaganco Rumba is a sensual dance where the man tries to 'catch' the woman with a handkerchief flick or pelvic thrust. For a more elegant option, there's the Rumba Yambu, also known as the "old people's Rumba", which is slower and more traditional. Salsa is a fun, relatively simple choice that will get your guests moving.

A cigar bar is another unique entertainment idea, paying homage to Cuba's famous cigars.

With its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history, Cuba offers a one-of-a-kind setting for a wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions