In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Cuba.
Weddings in Cuba: What You Need To Know
Are you looking for a unique destination for your wedding?
If so, you may want to consider getting married in Cuba – its rich history and vibrant culture make it a truly unique destination for a wedding.
While the island was once off-limits to foreign travelers, the recent easing of travel restrictions has made Cuba more accessible than ever before.
And with its miles of sandy beaches, stunning architecture, and friendly people, it’s no wonder that Cuba is rapidly becoming a popular choice for destination weddings.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony on the beach or a grand celebration in a historic mansion, Cuba has something to offer every bride and groom.
So if you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable wedding experience, consider saying “I do” in Cuba.
But first: you need to know where in the world Cuba is…
Where is Cuba?
Cuba is located 90 mi (145 km) south of Florida, and between the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico) which is to the west, Bahamas which is to the north, Haiti which is to the southeast, and Jamaica which is to the south.
Area: 42,426 sq mi (109,884 sq km). Population: (2022 est.) 11,164,000. Capital: Havana.
Cuba Facts To Know:
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Cuban peso (CUP)
- Airports: José Martí International Airport (HAV), Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA), Frank País Airport (HOG)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.cubatravel.cu/en/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Cuba for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Cuba
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Cuba:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Cuba or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Cuba wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Cuba:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Cuba
Cuba Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Cuba:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Cuba?
- What are the marriage requirements for Cuba?
- What is the weather like in Cuba?
- What should you pack for a trip to Cuba?
- What things are there to do in Cuba?
- What are the best Cuba wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Cuba Cost?
The cost of a wedding in Cuba can climb up to a few hundred dollars depending on a few factors like nationalities of the partners, whether the ceremony takes place in or outside the notarial headquarters, will it take place during or outside working hours etc.
On top of that, foreigners marrying in Cuba will also have to add the cost of legalizing and translating all the documents to Spanish.
Both parties must submit the documents in person at one of the offices of the “Consultoría Jurídica Internacional, S.A.” (CJI) located in the capitals of all Cuban provinces.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Cuba
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport with a valid visa, and a copy of the passport.
- Long form birth certificate.
- Affidavit of your single status.
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant certified documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- You will be required to be in the country for at least three days prior to your wedding.
- 2 Spanish-speaking witnesses are required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Cuba, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into Spanish by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Cuba?
It is possible to go to Cuba at any time of the year; however, the months of May through October have the highest average temperatures, making these months less favorable for outdoor activities. In addition, even though the sun will usually be shining during this time, there is still a chance of thunderstorms occurring in the afternoon and evening, and also hurricanes.
However, if you wish to travel during the summer, June and July are the better months to visit than August and September since those fall in the hurricane season.
The dry season, which runs from late November to around the middle of April, is a fantastic time to travel if you want to tour cities and go on excursions; while the coolest period (December through February) is best.
If you want to go for a beach vacation late March-April is the best time, and if you are going to the south east you can also go in the winter.
During the winter months, the climate may vary from warm and sunny to chilly and overcast, particularly in the western portion of the island and on the northern slopes. As a result, the east, particularly the southern coast of the south-east, is better for a beach vacation.
Even though it rains less along the south-east coast in July and August, this is still the hottest time of the year, and there is a risk of hurricanes, particularly in August.
What should you pack for your trip?
From November to April, if you are going to the north, Havana, or the inland hills, pack light clothes, but also a sweatshirt or sweater, a jacket, and an umbrella (or a raincoat).
In case you are going to the south-eastern area (Santiago de Cuba), pack light clothes, but also a sweatshirt for the evening.
If you will be visiting Cuba from May to October, bring light, tropics-friendly clothing, and possibly a light sweatshirt and a light raincoat for thunderstorms.
Packing some snorkeling equipment, such as water shoes or rubber-soled shoes is a good idea if you are planning on going to the reef.
Cuba Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Cuba:
Average Temperatures in Cuba
The table below shows the average temperatures in Cuba each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 18.7 | 27.2 | 23 | 66 | 81 | 73.3 |
| February | 18.8 | 27.7 | 23.2 | 66 | 82 | 73.8 |
| March | 19.3 | 28.4 | 23.8 | 67 | 83 | 74.9 |
| April | 20.9 | 29.8 | 25.4 | 70 | 86 | 77.6 |
| May | 22.4 | 30.6 | 26.5 | 72 | 87 | 79.7 |
| June | 23.8 | 31.5 | 27.6 | 75 | 89 | 81.8 |
| July | 24.1 | 32 | 28 | 75 | 90 | 82.5 |
| August | 24.3 | 32.5 | 28.4 | 76 | 90 | 83.1 |
| September | 24 | 32 | 28 | 75 | 90 | 82.4 |
| October | 23.2 | 30.3 | 26.8 | 74 | 87 | 80.2 |
| November | 21.1 | 28.6 | 24.8 | 70 | 83 | 76.7 |
| December | 19.5 | 27.4 | 23.4 | 67 | 81 | 74.2 |
| Year | 21.7 | 29.8 | 25.7 | 71 | 85.7 | 78.5 |
Average Rainfall in Cuba
The table below shows the average rainfall in Cuba each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 70 | 2.8 | 6 |
| February | 45 | 1.8 | 4 |
| March | 45 | 1.8 | 4 |
| April | 60 | 2.4 | 4 |
| May | 120 | 4.7 | 7 |
| June | 165 | 6.5 | 10 |
| July | 125 | 4.9 | 9 |
| August | 135 | 5.3 | 10 |
| September | 150 | 5.9 | 11 |
| October | 170 | 6.7 | 11 |
| November | 80 | 3.1 | 7 |
| December | 60 | 2.4 | 6 |
| Year | 1225 | 48.2 | 89 |
Sunshine Hours in Cuba
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Cuba each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 7 | 215 |
| February | 7 | 205 |
| March | 9 | 275 |
| April | 9 | 275 |
| May | 8.5 | 260 |
| June | 8 | 235 |
| July | 9 | 275 |
| August | 8.5 | 260 |
| September | 7.5 | 225 |
| October | 6.5 | 195 |
| November | 7.5 | 220 |
| December | 6.5 | 195 |
| Year | 7.8 | 2830 |
Sea Temperatures in Cuba
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Cuba each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 25 | 77 |
| February | 25 | 76 |
| March | 25 | 77 |
| April | 26 | 79 |
| May | 27 | 81 |
| June | 29 | 83 |
| July | 29 | 85 |
| August | 30 | 86 |
| September | 30 | 85 |
| October | 28 | 83 |
| November | 27 | 81 |
| December | 26 | 79 |
| Year | 27.3 | 81.1 |
What To Wear in Cuba? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Cuba so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Pack light and airy clothes made from natural fabrics.
- Sunscreen: Bring plenty of sunscreen, as the tropical sun can be intense.
- Beachwear: Pack your bathing suit and a pair of flip-flops, as you’ll want to spend plenty of time lounging by the pool or on the beach.
- Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the hot Bahamas sunshine.
- Comfortable walking shoes for any exploring or sightseeing you might be doing.
- Insect repellent: Pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas.
- Book: Be sure to pack a good book or two, as there will likely be some down time between activities.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
- Camera: Don’t forget to pack your camera, as you’ll want to capture memories of your idyllic vacation.
- Passport: And, of course, don’t forget your valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Finally, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
Things to Do in Cuba
There are many different things to do in Cuba, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Old Havana
- Varadero Beach
- Valle de Vinales
- Playa Pilar
- El Malecon
- Santa Maria Beach
- Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia
- Topes de Collantes National Park
- El Morro
- Valle de los Ingenios
- Che Guevara Mausoleum
- Sierra Maestra
- Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca
- Plaza Mayor
- Vara Diving
Best Cuba Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Cuba?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Cuba
- Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria
- Sun River of Moon and Seas, Holguín
- Iberostar Hotel, Varadero
- Meliá Varadero
- Pullman Cayo Coco Hotel
- Hotel Inglaterra
- Hotel Nacional
- Hotel Saratoga
Hotels in Cuba
- Hotel Boutique Casavana – Havana
- Casa Pedro-María – Havana
- El Candil Boutique Hotel – Havana
- Casa Misladys, Apartamento, Trinidad Cuba
- Hostal Villa Martha – Trinidad
- Hostal Sr.Denis – Trinidad
- Casa Karelia Varadero
- Hostal Mimi’s Palace – Varadero
- Hostal San Fernando – Cayo Coco
