On October 4, 2025, the National Sports Secretariat gymnasium in Asunción, Paraguay, was transformed into a vibrant celebration of love and legal rights as more than 600 couples exchanged vows in a mass civil wedding. The event, part of the government’s “United by Love and Protected by Law” campaign, marked a significant step toward making marriage accessible to all Paraguayans, regardless of economic status or bureaucratic hurdles.
The scene was nothing short of spectacular. Couples, some together for decades and others just beginning their journey, filled the gymnasium with a kaleidoscope of colors—wedding attire ranged from traditional white gowns to lively, personal expressions of style. Families looked on from the stands, many holding children who, for the first time, would see their parents’ union recognized by law. According to the Associated Press, nearly half of the newlyweds brought their children to witness the ceremony, underscoring the family-centric spirit of the event.
For many in attendance, the day was long overdue. Jonathan Garay, who has lived with his partner Fiorella Rivera for six years, summed up the sentiment shared by many: “It was about time to get married.” Rivera added, “We had the opportunity and we took advantage of it. It was important to formalize everything.” Their words echoed across the gym, resonating with other couples who had waited years, sometimes decades, to make their partnership official.
The government’s campaign, aptly named “United by Love and Protected by Law,” was designed to address a persistent issue in Paraguay: many couples, especially those in vulnerable economic situations, forgo marriage due to the costs and complexities of the process. Without official recognition, these couples are denied a host of legal benefits, including social security, pensions, and inheritance rights. By hosting mass weddings and streamlining the paperwork, the government is aiming to remove these barriers and ensure that all Paraguayans can access the protections that come with legal marriage.
Roque Strubing, communications director of the Civil Registry, emphasized the campaign’s impact, telling the Associated Press, “The number of people registered in this campaign shows that Paraguay does believe in love, does believe in family and does believe in the formalization of marriage.” The sentiment was echoed by Vice President Pedro Alliana, who celebrated the unions on social media, stating, “All Paraguayans have access to the right to formalize their union.”
This was not the first mass wedding organized under the campaign’s banner. Just one week prior, on September 27, 2025, 120 couples tied the knot in Ciudad del Este. Earlier in the year, a similar event in Boquerón made headlines for marrying Indigenous couples free of charge, a historic first that highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusivity. These events have become increasingly popular, with hundreds—sometimes thousands—of couples registering for the chance to make their relationship official in the eyes of the law.
The ceremony in Asunción was as much a celebration as it was a legal proceeding. Religious leaders, one Catholic and one Protestant, were present to bless the couples, bridging the gap between civil and spiritual traditions. After the vows were exchanged, each couple received a marriage certificate and a small gift—a tangible token of a new chapter in their lives.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the atmosphere in the gymnasium was electric. Laughter, music, and the clapping of hands filled the air as couples signed their official documents. For many families, it was a day to remember, not just for the legal recognition, but for the sense of community that came from standing alongside hundreds of others who had walked a similar path.
The “United by Love and Protected by Law” campaign addresses more than just the desire to celebrate love. It acknowledges the practical realities faced by many Paraguayan families. Without the legal protections that come with marriage, partners and children are left vulnerable in the event of illness, death, or separation. Social security and pension benefits, inheritance rights, and even access to health care can hinge on a couple’s marital status. By lowering the barriers to marriage, the government hopes to extend these protections to all citizens, regardless of their financial means.
It’s a move that has been met with widespread approval. The sheer number of couples participating in the mass weddings is a testament to the demand for such initiatives. As Roque Strubing noted, “The number of people registered in this campaign shows that Paraguay does believe in love, does believe in family and does believe in the formalization of marriage.” For many, the campaign represents not just a legal milestone, but a cultural shift toward greater inclusivity and support for families of all backgrounds.
Religious leaders played a prominent role in the ceremony, offering blessings to the newlyweds and reinforcing the message that love and commitment transcend economic and bureaucratic barriers. The presence of both Catholic and Protestant clergy reflected Paraguay’s religious diversity and the importance of faith in many families’ lives.
The event was also notable for its inclusivity. Earlier in 2025, the campaign made headlines by marrying Indigenous couples in Boquerón free of charge for the first time. By extending the initiative to rural and marginalized communities, the government is working to ensure that no one is left behind in the push for greater legal protections and social support.
For the couples themselves, the day was a whirlwind of emotions. Some laughed, others wept, and many simply held hands as they waited for their turn to sign the official documents. The gymnasium, usually reserved for sporting events, became a symbol of new beginnings and shared hope.
As the newlyweds left the ceremony, marriage certificates and small gifts in hand, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. For many, it was the first step toward a more secure future—for themselves, their children, and their families. The campaign’s success has sparked conversations about the importance of legal recognition and the role of government in supporting families.
With hundreds of couples now officially married and more mass weddings planned for the future, the “United by Love and Protected by Law” campaign is poised to have a lasting impact on Paraguayan society. As Vice President Pedro Alliana put it, the right to formalize one’s union is now within reach for all Paraguayans, regardless of their circumstances.
The mass wedding in Asunción was more than just a ceremony—it was a powerful reminder that love, when supported by law, can change lives and strengthen communities.
