GAY WEDDING IN CUBA
Gay wedding in Cuba: symbolic, legal or just the way you dream it
This Pride Month felt like the perfect time to share something we’ve been wanting to tell for a long time: what it’s like for us to organize a gay wedding in Cuba — from that very first time, when it wasn’t even legal, to today.
Almost ten years ago, at Aire de Fiesta we organized a symbolic ceremony between two men. At the time, same-sex marriage wasn’t even part of the conversation in Cuba. It was one of the first visible celebrations of its kind on the island, and the location couldn’t have been more meaningful: La Guarida, with all that the film Strawberry and Chocolate represents in Cuban cultural history.
It wasn’t easy. Not everyone understood. When we shared those images, we got more than a few uncomfortable looks. But we did it with the same conviction that still drives us today: love doesn’t need permission — just a worthy space to be celebrated.
Since then, many couples have trusted us to bring their gay wedding to life — each with their own way of living and telling their story. Now that same-sex marriage is legal on the island, we continue to support these celebrations with the same dedication as on that very first day.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Cuba?
Yes. Since the approval of the new Family Code in 2022, civil marriage in Cuba is legal for all couples, regardless of their sexual orientation. This applies to both Cuban citizens and foreigners, as long as the established requirements are met.
If you’d like to understand how the process works for a wedding with legal effect, or what documents you need, we recommend reading our full article on civil marriage in Cuba. There, we explain each step and the real options for including —or not— the legal act as part of the celebration.
What if I prefer a symbolic ceremony?
Many gay couples —just like many heterosexual couples— choose to have a wedding without official registration, focusing instead on the experience, the setting, and the freedom to create something of their own. In fact, it’s the most common option among the weddings we organize.
Some couples are already married in another country, others choose not to go through the legal process in Cuba, and many simply want to celebrate in their own way. A symbolic ceremony allows for an authentic experience, free from imposed rules or formalities.
How do we support each gay wedding?
No formulas or pre-set scripts. We listen closely, ask questions, suggest ideas, and shape a celebration that truly reflects the people living it.
We work with diverse teams and empathetic vendors. Many of our collaborators are members of the LGBTQ community.+ y comparten el deseo de crear entornos seguros y respetuosos.
Behind many of these weddings, there’s more than just a love story. Sometimes, there are silences that need healing or gestures that call for special care.
In two of the gay weddings we’ve organized, it was the mothers who officiated the symbolic part of the ceremony. It was deeply moving to witness family support take shape with such strength and tenderness. Our role was to help give it structure: to guide the script and shape the ceremony text with sensitivity and respect.
Officiating her daughter’s ceremony was the most powerful gesture of love and support.
Angie’s mom wasn’t just present — she officiated the symbolic ceremony. A deeply emotional moment that proves how powerful family support can be.
A story that reminds us why every gay wedding deserves to be approached with greater sensitivity
Not long ago, a young woman wrote to us. Her first message said:
“I love what you do… but before we begin, I have to say it’s a 🏳️🌈 wedding.”
It wasn’t the first time she felt the need to justify her story before hiring a service. She had already faced several experiences of rejection — including a mariachi group that refused to perform for them.
Our response was immediate:
“Many of our team members are part of the community. We’re proud of that.”
There are still people who feel they need to explain who they are before even asking if they can get married. And while same-sex marriage is now legal in Cuba, social equality still has a long way to go. It’s still possible to encounter vendors who refuse to work with same-sex couples — especially those who follow religious beliefs they see as conflicting.
That’s why this article is also a statement of principles: yes, we do gay weddings. We celebrate them with joy, respect, and a real commitment to creating a free and safe space — while hoping for a world where no one even has to ask.
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