On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the city of Asunción, Paraguay, was alive with music, laughter, and the sound of hundreds of voices saying “I do” in perfect unison. More than 600 couples gathered at the National Sports Secretariat gymnasium for a mass civil wedding, a record-breaking event that drew families, friends, and curious onlookers from across the country. This was no ordinary wedding day—it was the centerpiece of a government initiative called “United by Love and Protected by Law,” designed to make civil weddings accessible to all Paraguayans, regardless of their financial or bureaucratic hurdles.
The campaign, launched by the Civil Registry in partnership with the office of Paraguay’s first lady, aims to formalize relationships for couples who, until now, have lived together without the legal recognition and protections that marriage provides. According to the Associated Press, many of these couples have chosen to forgo marriage in the past due to the costs and complexities of the process, leaving them without access to crucial benefits such as social security, pensions, and inheritance rights.
As the gymnasium filled with couples dressed in every imaginable color—some in traditional white, others in vibrant hues—the atmosphere was electric. Families watched from the stands, waving and cheering, while nearly half of the newlyweds brought their children along to witness the moment their parents’ union became official. It was a scene brimming with emotion, hope, and a sense of shared accomplishment.
Jonathan Garay and Fiorella Rivera were among the couples who decided to seize the moment. The pair has lived together for six years, raising a family and sharing life’s ups and downs. “It was about time to get married,” Garay said with a grin, as reported by the Associated Press. Rivera agreed, explaining, “We had the opportunity and we took advantage of it. It was important to formalize everything.” With their marriage certificate in hand, the couple looked forward to celebrating with a family party and, hopefully, a honeymoon—a dream now within reach.
The mass wedding in Asunción was the latest in a series of such events organized across Paraguay in 2025. Just a week earlier, 120 couples had tied the knot in a similar ceremony in Ciudad del Este, the country’s second-largest city. Earlier in the year, another milestone was reached in Boquerón, where—for the first time—Indigenous couples were married free of charge, underscoring the campaign’s commitment to inclusivity and equal rights.
Roque Strubing, communications director for the Civil Registry, reflected on the campaign’s impact. “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,” he told reporters. His words captured the spirit of the day, as couples from all walks of life embraced the chance to gain legal recognition and security for their families.
Vice President Pedro Alliana also weighed in, taking to social media platform X to celebrate the unions. “All Paraguayans have access to the right to formalize their union,” he wrote, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding civil rights and social protections. The message resonated with many Paraguayans, who have long viewed marriage as a significant but sometimes unattainable milestone.
The logistics of the mass wedding were impressive. The National Sports Secretariat gymnasium was transformed into a festive venue, with rows of chairs for the couples and their families, floral decorations, and a stage for officials and religious leaders. The ceremony itself was both solemn and joyful. After the legal formalities were completed, a Catholic priest and a Protestant pastor offered blessings to most of the couples, reflecting Paraguay’s religious diversity and the importance of faith in many families’ lives.
When the final signatures were inked, the newlyweds received their official marriage certificates—documents that would grant them new rights and protections under the law. Each couple also received a small gift, a token of the government’s appreciation and a memento of a day they would never forget. As the crowd spilled out into the warm afternoon, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. For many, this was more than a legal formality; it was a public affirmation of their commitment and a step toward greater security for themselves and their children.
According to the Associated Press, the “United by Love and Protected by Law” campaign was born out of a recognition that traditional barriers—cost, paperwork, and sometimes even social stigma—had prevented many Paraguayans from marrying. Without legal marriage, couples often face difficulties accessing social security, pensions, and inheritance rights, leaving families vulnerable in times of crisis. By streamlining the process and waiving fees for vulnerable couples, the government hopes to close this gap and strengthen the social fabric.
The campaign has also prioritized couples considered especially vulnerable, including those with children and those who have lived together for many years without formal recognition. This approach, officials say, not only protects families but also helps ensure that future generations have access to the benefits and security that come with legal marriage.
For the couples who participated, the event was as much about love as it was about law. Many had waited years—sometimes decades—for the chance to formalize their relationships. The mass ceremony provided not just a practical solution but a memorable celebration, one that brought together people from different backgrounds, regions, and walks of life. As one participant put it, “We are united by love, and now, finally, protected by law.”
The ripple effects of the campaign are already being felt across Paraguay. With successful events in Asunción, Ciudad del Este, and Boquerón, officials are optimistic that more couples will come forward to take advantage of future mass weddings. The hope is that, as more relationships are formalized, families will enjoy greater stability and peace of mind, knowing that their rights are recognized and protected.
As the sun set on a day filled with joy, relief, and celebration, it was clear that the mass civil wedding had achieved more than just legalizing unions—it had given hundreds of families a new sense of belonging and security. In a country where tradition and modernity often intersect, the campaign stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of equal rights for all.
