The first time I traveled to Colombia in 2018, I thought I was going for coffee and the mountains. However, it turns out that the real heart of the country is its people, and for many men, it’s the women.
The popularity of Colombian brides isn’t just an internet myth. In 2023 alone, over 850 Colombian women received marriage visas to the US. That’s a real number from USCIS and a reflection of the popularity of local women among US guys.
Wonder what is behind the popularity? It’s not just about beauty (though Colombia has won 2 Miss Universe crowns). It’s about warmth, family values, and a dating culture that feels like a breath of fresh air compared to Tinder swiping.
Let’s break it down.
EDITOR’S NOTE: “We didn’t just analyze the numbers—we spoke with real brides and their husbands to understand what works best. If you’re looking for a trustworthy way to meet women, we recommend checking out:
- LatiDate — best overall
- ColombiaLady — best mobile experience
- GoldenBride — best reply rate
This platforms that have proven to help people build meaningful relationships.”
Where to Find a Colombian Bride?
You don’t meet someone special by accident, especially when it comes to international relationships. You meet them by knowing where to look. Whether you are in the US or booking a flight to Colombia, the opportunities are out there. And I’m here to show you all the best options, based on numerous conversations with local and international couples.
Online
Online dating is where most international relationships start today. According to Statista, the number of online daters in Colombia is going to reach 2.8M users by 2029. Also, 25-44-year-olds are using online dating the most. So, a reputable dating service is the most effective way to find someone interested in a committed relationship. And here are the sites that work best for seeking a marriage partner in Colombia:
Online dating is a great way to start. But remember that sites are just the door; you still have to walk through it.
Offline
If you’re like me, you believe that we can find love in different places. Offline is one of the options out there. And the good news is that you don’t have to move to Colombia to meet Colombian women, as you can actually start by searching for a Colombian bride in the US.
In the US
The Pew Research shows that there are over 1.4M Colombians living in the US. That means local cultural events and language exchanges can help you find a potential partner. Here are the top cities to consider, as they have the highest concentration of Colombians:
- Miami, FL — The city’s famous for its Latin culture hotspots, and Colombians are a huge part of that. To meet potential Colombian brides, check out Sweetwater (aka “Little Colombia”) and its La Margarita and Los Perros. You can also check out Brickell nightlife and Westchester’s cafeterias.
- Queens, NY — Jackson Heights and Corona are the heart of Colombian life in NYC. Some popular spots among Colombian singles are La Pequeña Colombia, Copacabana Bar, and Arepa Lady.
- Elizabeth, NJ — Check out Rincon de Colombia and the Colombian Civic Center (Westfield Ave). Also, coming during the Colombian Independence Day festival in July is a good way to connect with many women of Colombian origin.
- Los Angeles, CS — The top Colombian neighborhoods in LA are NoHo (check out La Fonda Antioquena and Rumba Room Live there), Pico Union, and Downtown LA, with the Colombia en Los Angeles cultural center.
If you leave a state with a big Colombian community, the chances of meeting a potential bride are really high. But at the same time, in the states with a low Colombian rate, your chances of finding a potential partner can drop to zero, so it’s better to use something like LatiDate.
Traveling to Colombia
Nothing beats a real Colombian adventure. In 2024, over 6.2M tourists visited Colombia, and most of them fell in love with the country’s people, not just the landscapes. If you plan to use this way to meet your potential wife, here are the top cities to check out:
- Bogotá — the capital, has around 7.8 million people, and it’s a mix of tradition and modern dating.
- Medellín — this top dating spot is known for its friendly locals and coffee culture.
- Cali — the salsa capital is a great place to look for a wife if you have some moves.
When in Colombia, go where the locals go. Here’s my go-to list:
- Parque Lleras, Medellin. It boasts over 60 restaurants and bars in one neighborhood, making it the perfect date spot.
- Zona G, Bogotá. “G” stands for gourmet. There are 30+ high-end restaurants here for romantic dinners if you want to impress your Colombian date.
- Salsa clubs in Cali. For $5-$10 per class, you can dance your way into someone’s heart.
- Coffee tours in Salento. As Colombia exports around 10.5 million 60-kg bags of coffee each year, tasting tours are the perfect low-key idea for a date.
- Ciclovía Sundays in Bogotá. Each week, 120 km of city streets are closed to cars and turn the city into a huge open-air dating hub.
It’s easy to find a beautiful woman in Colombia, but someone who is looking for a serious relationship and is open to dating a foreigner is not so easy. If you don’t want to risk coming home with none in your heart, better find a Colombian woman you like, start dating on a site like LatiDate or ColombiaLady, and then come to visit.
Explore more destinations in Latin America to meet your match:
- Brazilian Mail Order Brides: How to Meet Brazilian Single Women Online?
- How to Meet Beautiful Dominican Brides Through Online Dating: Unlocking Love
- Discovering Puerto Rican Brides: Traits, Traditions, and Tips for Dating
Watch the video to discover the best places in South America for travel and finding love:
How to Get a Colombian Bride or Husband
Building an international relationship is not the same as local dating. Here’s how to take your conversation with a beautiful Colombian girl from hello to happily-ever-after.
Online
Let’s make it simple:
- Pick a trusted dating platform. Choose sites that specialize in Colombian women or singles from Latin America, such as LatiDate or ColombiaLady.
- Create an eye-catching profile. Most women spend only a few seconds before deciding to click out of a profile they don’t like. Your task is to keep their interest longer.
- Be active in approaching Colombian women. Many Colombian girls approach guys they like first, but the best strategy for online dating is to be active. It’s important to approach at least 10 women per day to meet someone compatible in the shortest period of time.
- Exchange photos and videos to build a connection. It makes online communication feel more real and builds trust, as visual content allows you to make sure that the person behind the profile is the same.
- See if there is a spark and develop your relationship. You’ll feel like the right person. Just take your time and make sure that your visions of the future match.
Modern Colombian dating sites make finding a partner online extremely easy. The process is very intuitive, and you don’t need to worry if you don’t have prior online dating experience.
Dating Profile Tips
If you want to stand out among other guys who are interested in Colombian brides, you need to think beyond selfies. Here are some tips to make a better dating profile:
- Never leave your dating profile empty.
- Avoid shirtless photos; it’s better to add pics with your pet.
- At least one of your pics must be a full-body photo.
- Show who you are and what lifestyle you lead.
- Communicate your dating goals clearly.
- If you have a good sense of humor, use it, as Colombian women tend to prefer men with a sense of humor.
Keeping the energy of your profile light with a funny story, a light-hearted joke, or a playful tone makes it feel more relatable and has something that Colombian brides can connect with.
Conversation Starters
If you need some inspo on how to start a good conversation, I’ve got a few ideas for you:
- What’s the one Colombian food I should try if I visit?
- What’s a secret spot in your city that tourists don’t know about?
- I saw that you are into dancing. What’s your favorite salsa or bachata song?
- Teach me one Colombian slang word so I don’t sound like a tourist.
- If you could pick anywhere for a first date, where would you go?
The secret to approaching Colombian women is to be fun and show genuine interest. I’ve noticed that local women are not much into small talk, but they prefer more open communication, where they share real stories and strive to connect.
Success Stories
Jake and Maria
“I started talking to Maria online back in 2022. I was fresh out of a relationship and wanted to heal my heart. Signing up for an international dating platform LatiDate, I was looking for something casual. But the universe had a better plan for me. When I met Maria, we clicked right away. We’d text during the day and video call almost every night, sometimes for two or three hours at a time. After about four months, I finally booked a flight to Madeline. We met at a small cafe; by the end of the night, we were dancing at a local bar, and I knew that I was dancing with my future wife. Now, as we are married, my dancing skills are better than that night, but I’m still as happy.”
Rob and Camila
“After my divorce, which was not that pleasant, I thought that I would never marry again. But after two years of flying solo, I wanted to find someone. I gave local dating a fair try, but I’m so happy that one of my friends recommended ColombiaLady to me. That’s how I met Camila. We messaged for three months, and even though everything started very on and off, I felt completely in love. Last year we had a small wedding—just 30 close friends and family—and now we’re building our little family in Dallas. Honestly? Best decision I’ve ever made.”
Colombian Bride Price
The Colombian bride price has nothing to do with buying a bride, as it’s just a collective name for the expenses a foreign guy can expect. Love isn’t free, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune either.
The first expense you face when you are looking for a Colombian bride is online dating. On average, 1 month on a niche dating service costs around $150-$200. And it takes around 1-2 months to find a Colombian bride.
After you do long-distance, you’ll want to come and see your future Colombian wife IRL. The 2-week trip to Colombia costs around $1,150. It includes:
- Round-trip tickets – around $375
- Accommodation – $14 per day
- Local transportation – $7 per day
- Food – $19 per day
- Entertainment – $14 per day
Also, you need to budget for a K-1 visa if you plan to get married in the US. It costs around $2,200. The wedding ceremony can cost anywhere from $20 to $110 for a court license to $33,000 for a standard, average American ceremony and reception.
Looking beyond? Discover all regions for international love:
- How to Find Asian Brides: Key Places, Tips, and What Makes Them Special
- Discovering the Perfect Latin Bride: A Guide to Finding Your Ideal Match
- How to Find a Beautiful Slavic Bride in the US and Europe
- What Makes European Brides Ideal for Marriage?
Family, Culture, Religion: What Every Romantic Traveler Should Know
I’ll admit, before I spent some time in Colombia, I thought I understood Latin culture. I’d been to salsa classes, eaten my share of arepas, and watched Narcos (mistake number one). But nothing teaches you the real deal like actually dating in Colombia. So, if you are seriously interested in dating a Colombian woman, here is what I’ve learned from the inside.
Colombian Statistics
- Colombia is home to 53.5M people, and nearly 33% of them are under 30 (excluding minors). This means the dating pool is full of young, beautiful women full of energy.
- According to the recent WorldDataValues Survey in Colombia, locals state that the single most important thing in life is family (99%).
- Colombian girls marry young. The average age of marriage is 18 years. However, they don’t rush to have children, as the average age at which they have their first child is 26.9 years.
- Though Colombian society is quite traditional, 40% of Colombian women attain higher education, and 41.3% are employed.
- Colombian women prefer older foreign husbands, as research indicates that they often choose partners up to 7 years older.
The Typical Household Family in Colombia
In Colombia, dating someone means you’re stepping into an entire family system, and I mean that in the best way. Around 30% of Colombians live in multigenerational homes. So, don’t be surprised if you meet parents, siblings, abuelas, and cousins all at once.
I once went to a Sunday BBQ in Medellín and found myself at a “casual family gathering” of 30 people! And the cool thing is that everyone had a role, like one big loving community. As for gender roles, the dynamics are quite traditional.
Religion
According to the research, 92% of Colombians believe that religion is important in their lives. And let me remind you that the dominant religion (57%) is Catholicism. Religion influences the preferred values and views regarding dating and marriage. Most Colombians believe that good manners (90%), tolerance toward others (78%), and a sense of responsibility (73%) are the most important values.
Religion often shows up in family traditions and social expectations. For example, weddings are usually Catholic Church ceremonies, and Christmas celebrations last for 9 nights during Las Novenas. That said, Colombia is modernizing. In Bogotá or Medellín, you’ll meet many Colombian brides who are spiritual but not necessarily religious.
Is Gay Marriage Illegal in Colombia?
No. Since 2016, same-sex marriages have been legal in Colombia. However, I must add that acceptance is still uneven. Rural areas are still more conservative.
Colombian Dating Culture
Dating in Colombia is fun, warm, and, yes, a little more traditional than in the US. But that’s what makes it interesting.
What Are Colombian Women Like
Every Colombian woman I met left me with a positive aftertaste from our conversations, and I made many friends during my stay. Here are the qualities I’d say 95% of Colombian women have:
- Natural beauty. Let’s be honest, local women are famous for their beauty. This is the country of Shakira, Sofia Vergara, and 2 Miss Universe crowns. And women are just stunning there.
- Value family over career. Local girls are ambitious and driven, but when it comes to choosing a partner and kids, they always come first.
- Affectionate. Expect daily texts, quick check-ins, and lots of affection. Most Colombians say that communication is key in relationships. So, if you are dating a Colombian woman, ghosting is not an option.
And those are just the tip of the iceberg, as Colombian brides have so much to offer to their future partners.
How to Date a Colombian Woman
Here’s what I tell my friends: dating a Colombian woman isn’t about flashy gestures; it’s about consistency and respect. Here are tips to keep in mind:
- Show genuine interest in her family and make sure they like you.
- Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
- Initiate the relationship development.
- Have deep conversations and listen to your partner.
- Learn to dance, as you’ll be dancing one way or another, from a social gathering to just swaying in the kitchen.
Dating a Colombian is not rocket science, but you need to educate yourself on the local culture to better understand your partner.
Dating Customs
There are not that many specific dating customs, but here are the ones I noticed:
- Small gifts are sweet. Flowers, chocolate, or even a love note are what count.
- PDA is normal in big cities, but still, most people prefer to keep it private.
- The pace is different, as Colombian brides appreciate patience and taking time to get to know each other.
I associate dating in Colombia with a slow dance, not a sprint. Local people know how to enjoy love. And you can learn too, if you learn the dating customs.
How to Flirt with Colombian Girls?
Flirting in Colombia is very playful. Here are some ideas for your inspiration:
- Eres una reina. – You’re a queen.
- Me encanta tu sonrisa. – I love your smile.
- Tienes un corazón muy bonito. – You have a beautiful heart.
- Hablar contigo alegra mi día. – Talking to you brightens my day.
- Me haces reír todo el tiempo. – You always make me laugh.
Be genuine in your compliments, and you’ll steal the heart of the woman you like.
Who Pays for the Date?
Traditionally, the man pays for the 1st few dates. Some women don’t mind splitting the bill. My advice here is to offer to pay, but if your Colombian girl insists, respect it.
Colombian Marriage and Wedding Traditions
Colombian weddings are epic. Most start with a Catholic ceremony, and then the party kicks off, often lasting well past sunrise.
One tradition I love is La Hora Loca (the crazy hour). Around midnight, everyone puts on funny hats, masks, and glow-in-the-dark props. It’s a mix of cumbia, reggaeton, and salsa. And the rule is that no one sits down. So, if you get invited to a Colombian wedding or are a part of it as a groom, clear your schedule for the next few days afterward, as you’ll need to recover.
Colombian Dating Scams
Like any country for international dating, Colombia has its risks. The FTC reports that the global loss from romance scams is over $1.4B just in 2023 alone. So, you’d always stay tuned to the red flags, like:
- Unverified members
- Sappy stories that end up asking for money
- Sudden troubles, and only you can save her financially
If someone asks for money before you’ve even met in person, that’s your red flag. Always video message before you decide to commit, especially when flying over. Most Colombian women are really looking for love and are kind, but when dating online, it’s important to stay smart.
Final Thoughts
Colombian brides aren’t just beautiful, they are honest, caring, and full of life. If you’re looking for a relationship built on the right family values, a deeper appreciation of culture, and emotional connection, a woman from Colombia might be the perfect choice for you. If you feel that, just find the right dating service for you!
