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Although many couples in Havana choose not to become married, as there are not many benefits to a recognized union, many still choose to legalize their sanction. However, couples who decide to get married are met with numerous obstacles after the wedding that ultimately tests their commitment to one other. Among other social, economic, and political dilemmas, the people of Havana must contend with a shortage in housing. Although all members of the family are affected by the housing crisis, it is especially difficult for a young married couple to embark upon their new journey as husband and wife.

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The most obvious problem is lack of space for intimacy. Typically, Cuban households consist of both the nuclear family, which includes parents and siblings, and the extended family, which includes grandparents, cousins, and in-laws. In many cases, families sleep and live in a single room. For married couples, the general rule is for the newlyweds to move in with one of their parents, most often the wife's parents. In more unfortunate cases, both homes may be overcrowded and the couple will have to live separately, which is detrimental to couples. Universally, newlyweds are encouraged to spend the beginning of their marriage alone. It is not only for sexual intimacy as some may assume, but it is also a period of restoration that is meant to solidify a union that is expected to last forever.  In many cultures, couples also have the choice to go on a honeymoon, but Cuban couples are not often afforded this opportunity. However, there are  other options available for couples seeking intimacy. Posadas are temporary "love shacks" that can be rented by the hour in Centro Habana. It is said that the majority of them have been dismantled in order to compensate for needed residential space. In any case, these rooms  are rented by couples seeking alone time outside of their own homes due to the overbearing presence of relatives. Many of these rooms are also set up for black market activities, i.e. prostitution. Therefore, prices are most likely in Cuban convertible peso (CUC$) rather than the Cuban peso. Thus, increasing the difficulties of couples seeking intimacy by way of financial limitations.



As with all relationships, conflicts are guaranteed to occur for married couples. The risk of conflict is increased by family members who are there to witness dissension and discord. It is no surprise that divorce rates are high in Havana. For one, divorce is not at all a complicated matter. Unlike the U.S., the law does not regulate what happens in the event of a divorce. It is the couple's responsibility to agree upon rights and visitations if children are involved. Although getting a divorce may not be difficult, it is the aftermath that is complicated.  A wife looking to divorce her husband may find it easy to nullify the union, however, her living situation becomes complicated due to the ongoing housing crisis. This is especially difficult in relationships where domestic violence is involved. Unfortunately, many couples have no other choice but to continue living together even after a divorce.

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In the interest of the individual, one might view marriage as a disadvantage. A married couple in Havana is almost synonymous to a cohabiting couple. In the age of prenuptial agreements, many newlyweds in the U.S are left with the question of whether or not their spouses truly love them or have ulterior motives. It seems that this is not a burden that Cuban couples have to bear. Given the plight of married couples, one can be certain that if you marry in Havana, you are inevitably marrying for love.