CATHOLIC WEDDING IN CUBA
We frequently organize Catholic weddings in Cuba for couples living abroad. Many of them are of Cuban origin and dream of returning to take this important step in a church in their home country, surrounded by loved ones. They are driven by emotional and sentimental reasons, choosing venues with strong symbolic value—such as the Cathedral of Havana—or with family ties, like the parish where their parents or grandparents got married. We also assist foreign couples who, captivated by Cuba’s history and spirituality, choose to celebrate their Catholic wedding here as part of a destination experience. However, organizing a religious ceremony from afar requires planning and knowledge of the canonical process. From the first contact with the parish to the delivery of the legalized documents in Cuba, every step must be handled with time, care, and professional support.
What does the Catholic Church require for the celebration of marriage?
The Catholic Church has universal canonical requirements that govern the valid celebration of the sacrament of marriage anywhere in the world. If you wish to marry in a Cuban church, you must follow this canonical process, which ensures that both parties are properly prepared and meet the necessary conditions.
The matrimonial file
Every Catholic wedding requires starting the matrimonial file at the parish where one of the spouses currently resides. This file is the official document that verifies both meet the necessary conditions to marry according to the Church’s doctrine.
The usual documentation includes an updated baptism certificate, birth certificates, ID document, confirmation certificate, premarital course certificate, and signed statements from two adult witnesses for each spouse. Depending on the case, other additional documents may be required.
Premarital course
The preparation course is mandatory. It can be completed in person, online, or through an approved retreat, depending on the options offered by the corresponding diocese. Its purpose is to strengthen the understanding of marital commitment and prepare the couple to build their married life grounded in faith.
What happens if you don’t live in Cuba?
When the couple lives outside Cuba, the process includes additional steps to ensure the validity of the sacrament on the island:
1. Traslado de feligresía The transfer of parish jurisdiction is required when the wedding takes place in a parish different from the couple’s usual place of residence, whether in the same country or abroad. This letter authorizes the acceptance of the marriage file in the Cuban parish where the celebration will be held. It must include: • Name of the destination parish in Cuba. • Name of the officiating priest (if known). • Destination diocese (e.g., Archdiocese of San Cristóbal de La Habana). It must be signed and sealed by the originating diocese.
2. Authorization from the Curia Additionally, when the marriage is to be celebrated in a diocese different from the couple’s place of residence, an official authorization from the Curia (Bishop’s Office) of origin is required. This authorization validates the marriage file and allows its formal transfer to the diocese where the ceremony will take place.
Civil marriage beforehand
Although civil marriage is not part of the sacrament, it may be a necessary prerequisite for the Curia to authorize the transfer of the matrimonial file to another diocese.
This is because, normally, the civil marriage certificate is the document that confirms the couple is not currently married to someone else. If either party has been previously married, a valid civil divorce decree must also be presented.
Some dioceses may accept other types of legal proof of civil status, but this will depend on the specific rules of each jurisdiction. That’s why, in most cases, the file cannot be approved without presenting this document first.
In summary:
The transfer of parish membership is requested when the wedding will take place in a parish different from that of the couple’s residence, even if it’s within the same city or country.
The authorization of the Curia is required if the marriage takes place in a different diocese, as is the case with international destination weddings.
To obtain this authorization, dioceses generally require a civil marriage certificate or, if allowed by the diocese, another legal document that proves the couple’s marital status.
Delivery in Cuba and final steps
Once the marriage file has been completed in the originating diocese, it must be sent to Cuba for validation before the wedding.
Usual procedure: • The complete physical file, signed and sealed by the originating diocese, must be sent to the corresponding Chancery in Cuba. • The Chancery reviews, validates, and officially seals the file. • Once legalized, it must be delivered to the Cuban parish where the ceremony will take place.
In the case of weddings in Havana: • Address of the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Havana: Calle Empedrado #156, between Mercaderes and San Ignacio, Old Havana.
(If your wedding takes place in a different diocese in Cuba, you will need to coordinate the shipment and legalization directly with the corresponding Curia.)
How do we help you organize your Catholic wedding in Cuba?
At Aire de Fiesta, we guide our couples through the entire religious preparation process, from the first steps to the day of the ceremony:
We reserve the wedding date at the chosen church and confirm all details directly with the parish priest or celebrant.
We request a digital copy of the file for prior review and error correction. • We handle the procedures with the ecclesiastical authorities in Cuba.
We coordinate the delivery of the physical file to the Chancery and the corresponding parish. • We provide guidance on the liturgical preparation (readings, music, protocol).
We provide options for authorized choirs and musicians.
What additional support do we offer at Aire de Fiesta?
To ensure everything is in order before the physical file is sent, at Aire de Fiesta we first request a digital copy of the complete file. This allows us to review it, detect any errors in time, and avoid delays or issues before the ceremony. Our goal is for you to enjoy your Catholic wedding in Cuba with the peace of mind that the entire process is in good hands.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CATHOLIC WEDDINGS IN CUBA
What are the Church’s requirements to get married in a Catholic ceremony in Cuba?
It is necessary to follow a canonical process that begins at the parish of residence of one of the spouses. Without this approved file, the marriage cannot be celebrated in Cuba.
What documents are required for the marriage file?
Depende del país y la diócesis, pero suelen incluir partidas de bautismo actualizadas, constancias de confirmación, curso prematrimonial y testigos por cada contrayente.
Where can the premarital course be taken if I live outside of Cuba?
You can take it in your local diocese, either in person, online, or as part of a retreat. What matters is that it is officially approved by the Church.
What steps should I follow if I want to get married in Cuba but don’t live there?
You must process the transfer of parish jurisdiction and obtain authorization from the Curia. In many cases, you will also need to present the civil marriage certificate before continuing the process.
How is the file legalized in Cuba?
The physical file must be sent to the Ecclesiastical Chancellery in Cuba, where it is reviewed, validated, and sealed before being delivered to the parish where the wedding will take place.
What does Aire de Fiesta manage for me?
We coordinate dates, handle procedures with the Cuban ecclesiastical authorities, review the file before it is sent, and assist with everything necessary to ensure the ceremony is valid and runs smoothly.
Get inspired by other Catholic weddings organized by Aire de Fiesta in Cuba
The wedding of Elena Tablada and Javier Ungría in Havana, organized by Aire de Fiesta, brought together family roots and a spectacular celebration.
Gabriela and Antonio’s wedding combined a ceremony at the Cathedral of Havana with a reception at La Divina Pastora, surrounded by iconic views and landmarks.
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