Marriage and Divorce Laws of the World

by Hyacinthe Ringrose

Any clergyman, priest or minister, irrespective of faith or sect, who belongs to a religious denomination actually established in the Republic of Cuba, and who has been duly authorized, may solemnize marriage.

A register is kept in the office of the Secretary of Justice containing the names and addresses of all clergymen, priests and ministers who are qualified to solemnize marriage in the Republic.

Persons who desire to contract a religious marriage must present to the clergyman, priest or minister who is qualified to perform the ceremony a declaration signed by both of the contracting parties, stating:

1. The names, surnames, profession, domicile or residence of the contracting parties.

2. The names, surnames, profession, domicile or residence of the parents.

3. Certificates of birth and of the status of the contracting parties, the consent or advice, if proper, and the dispensation, when it is necessary.

Upon the presentation of such a declaration the clergyman, priest or minister shall announce the future celebration of marriage between the parties according to the form or method prescribed by the rites and regulations of his religious denomination.

If the religions denomination of such clergyman, priest or minister has no established form for such announcement, then a publication must be made in the form established by the Civil Code. The method required by the Civil Code for proclaiming an intended marriage is set forth in Article 89, which directs a publication by posting the written declaration of the parties for fifteen days and calling upon those who have information of any obstacle to oppose the marriage.

A civil marriage can only be solemnized by a municipal judge (Juez Municipal), to whom must be presented as an indispensable preliminary such a signed declaration of the parties as is necessary in the case where the parties desire a religious ceremony.

A municipal judge chosen to celebrate a civil marriage will also direct as a preliminary to marriage such a proclamation as is required by Article 89 aforesaid.