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CATHOLIC WEDDING IN CUBA
Frecuentemente organizamos la boda católica en Cuba de parejas que residen en el extranjero. Muchas de ellas son de origen cubano y sueñan con regresar para dar este paso importante en una iglesia del país, acompañados por sus seres queridos. Lo hacen movidos por razones sentimentales y afectivas, eligiendo espacios con un fuerte valor simbólico, como la Catedral de La Habana, o con un vínculo familiar, como la parroquia donde se casaron sus padres o abuelos.
También acompañamos a parejas extranjeras que, enamoradas de la historia y espiritualidad de Cuba, deciden vivir aquí su boda católica como parte de una celebración de destino. Sin embargo, organizar una ceremonia religiosa a distancia requiere planificación y conocimiento del proceso canónico.
Desde el primer contacto con la parroquia hasta la entrega del expediente legalizado en Cuba, cada paso debe realizarse con tiempo, cuidado y apoyo especializado.
What does the Catholic Church require for the celebration of marriage?
La Iglesia Católica tiene requisitos canónicos universales que rigen la celebración válida del sacramento del matrimonio en cualquier parte del mundo.
Si deseas celebrar tu boda en una iglesia cubana, deberás cumplir con este proceso canónico, que garantiza que ambos contrayentes estén debidamente preparados y cumplan con las disposiciones necesarias
The matrimonial file
Toda boda católica requiere iniciar el expediente matrimonial en la parroquia donde reside actualmente uno de los novios.
Este expediente es el documento oficial que verifica que ambos cumplen con las condiciones necesarias para contraer matrimonio según la doctrina de la Iglesia.
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
El curso de preparación es obligatorio. Puede realizarse de manera presencial, en línea o mediante un retiro aprobado, según las opciones que ofrezca la diócesis correspondiente.
Su objetivo es fortalecer la comprensión del compromiso matrimonial y preparar a los novios para construir su vida conyugal desde la fe.
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. Transfer of parish membership El traslado de feligresía es necesario cuando el matrimonio se celebra en una parroquia diferente a la de residencia habitual de los novios, independientemente de que sea en el mismo país o en el extranjero. Esta carta autoriza que el expediente matrimonial sea aceptado en la parroquia cubana donde tendrá lugar la celebración. Debe mencionar:
• Nombre de la parroquia de destino en Cuba.
• Nombre del sacerdote celebrante (si se conoce).
• Diócesis de destino (por ejemplo: Arquidócesis de San Cristóbal de La Habana). Debe ser firmado y sellado por la diócesis de origen.
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:
1- El expediente físico completo, firmado y sellado por la diócesis de origen, debe enviarse a la Cancillería correspondiente en Cuba.
2- La Cancillería revisa, valida y sella oficialmente el expediente.
3- Una vez legalizado, debe ser entregado en la parroquia cubana donde se celebrará la ceremonia.
En el caso de bodas en La Habana:
• Dirección de la Cancillería del Arzobispado de La Habana: Calle Empedrado #156, entre Mercaderes y San Ignacio, Habana Vieja.
(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.
Preguntas frecuentes
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.
Si sueñas con una boda católica en Cuba, déjanos acompañarte en este camino.
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