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If you are planning a wedding in Colombia, you might be wondering: does Colombian law give you paid time off for getting married? The short answer is complicated. As of 2025, there is no national law guaranteeing paid marriage leave in Colombia, though there have been proposals to change this.
Current Situation: No Mandatory Marriage Leave
Colombia does not yet have a federal law that requires employers to grant paid leave for marriage. A bill proposing 5 days of paid marriage leave has been discussed in Congress, but it has not been approved. This means whether you get time off for your wedding depends on your employment contract and company policies.
What Some Companies Offer
- Company policy: Some Colombian companies voluntarily offer 1-5 days of paid marriage leave as a benefit.
- Union agreements: In some industries, collective bargaining agreements include marriage leave.
- Vacation time: Many couples use their vacation days or negotiate unpaid leave for their wedding.
- Special permits: Some employers grant informal permission for the wedding day itself.
Tips for Planning
- Check your employment contract or company handbook for any marriage leave policy.
- Talk to your HR department at least one month before the wedding.
- Plan your honeymoon around existing vacation time.
- If you are self-employed, factor wedding planning time into your schedule.
Comparison with Other Countries
Many Latin American countries do offer paid marriage leave: Mexico (3 days), Argentina (10 days), Brazil (3 days), and Chile (5 days). In the US and Canada, marriage leave depends entirely on company policy. Colombia is likely to pass similar legislation in the coming years.
At Wink Eventos, we help couples plan their dream wedding in Colombia — including navigating the logistics. Contact us for a stress-free planning experience.
