A Caribbean Dream: Cana Weddings In The Dominican Republic

Planning a wedding in the Dominican Republic? Punta Cana is a top destination for couples to get married, and for good reason. With its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and year-round sunshine, it offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable wedding. From all-inclusive resorts to scenic locations, here's what you need to know about having your dream wedding in this tropical paradise.

All-inclusive wedding packages

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are many all-inclusive wedding packages in the Dominican Republic that can help make your special day a breeze. The Dominican Republic is known for its sprawling golf courses and beaches, including the top-ranked Bavaro Beach, making it a great location for your destination wedding.

Location

Most resorts offering wedding packages are located in Punta Cana, but there are also options in Puerto Plata and La Romana. Punta Cana is ideal for those seeking an adults-only or family vacation, with plenty of activities such as ecological parks and nightclubs. Puerto Plata is known for its gorgeous beaches and inexpensive resorts, while La Romana boasts beautiful, white sand beaches and a nearby coral reef.

Budget

The Dominican Republic offers a wide range of prices for wedding packages, with options to suit any budget. The average cost of a wedding in the Dominican Republic can range from free to $10,000, with room rates averaging between $65 and $150 per person per night. Flight prices and hotel rates will depend on your location and the resort you choose, and prices may vary depending on the time of year.

Wedding Packages

• Iberostar Punta Cana: The "Waves of Love in Blue" package is free and covers up to 10 guests. It includes a professional wedding specialist, a minister or judge, wedding ceremony setup and decorations, the bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, cake, flowers, champagne, and a semi-private dinner reception.
• Sunscape Puerto Plata: The entry-level wedding package is $899 and includes a professional onsite wedding coordinator, a symbolic ceremony, bouquet and boutonniere, sparkling wine and wedding cake, semi-private dinner reservations, a romantic turndown service, a 15% spa discount, and late checkout.
• VIK Hotel Arena Blanca: The basic symbolic wedding package offers a professional wedding coordinator, a fruit basket and bottle of wine upon arrival, romantic music for the ceremony, a floral bouquet and boutonniere, a decorated wedding cake, photography service with 20 printed photos, a romantic dinner for up to 20 guests, breakfast in bed, a discount on spa treatments, discounts on anniversary stays, and late departure.
• RIU Republica: The free wedding package includes an RIU wedding specialist, a romantic ceremony setup and decoration, a ceremony playlist, sparkling wine and wedding cake, bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere, a semi-private wedding dinner, in-room romantic decorations, and a surprise spa gift.
• Be Live Collection Punta Cana: The "Caribbean Romance" package is $900 and includes a symbolic ceremony, a professional wedding coordinator, audio equipment, a romantic beach or garden gazebo setup, 10 high-res photos, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, floral centerpieces, wedding cake, sparkling wine, a private dinner with a set menu, a 15% discount on spa services, and romantic room decorations with turndown and champagne.
• Bahia Principe: The free wedding package includes decorations, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake, sparkling wine, and a semi-private dinner.
• Dreams Punta Cana: The free package includes a ceremony, wedding cake, and sparkling wine for up to 10 people.
• Royalton Punta Cana: The "Luxury Wedding Package" hosts up to 10 guests and can be upgraded to a civil ceremony with additional notary fees. The "Refined Wedding Package" can accommodate up to 20 guests, while the "Exclusive Wedding Package" can host up to 30. There is also a "Just The Two Of Us" package designed for couples who want an intimate ceremony.

Additional Information

Most destination wedding packages require a non-refundable deposit to secure your wedding date. Symbolic ceremonies are allowed but must be performed on private property, which many resorts have. A legal ceremony performed in the Dominican Republic is recognized as legal in the US and Canada, but you will need to have your documents translated into Spanish and apostilled ahead of time.

With its beautiful beaches and affordable options, the Dominican Republic is an ideal location for your dream wedding.

Civil and religious ceremonies

Civil ceremonies are usually held in Spanish, so you will receive your marriage certificate in Spanish, which will need to be translated and legalized into English after the ceremony. There is also a range of documents that you will need to present, including valid passports, birth certificates, divorce or death certificates (if applicable), and affidavits of marital status. It is important to note that there is a mandatory waiting period for women, who must wait ten months before they are legally allowed to remarry. Most resorts will provide witnesses if needed, but they cannot be family members. It is recommended that couples arrive in the country at least a few days before the wedding to ensure all paperwork is in order.

For a religious ceremony, the requirements may vary depending on the specific religion. For example, Catholic ceremonies are performed in Spanish and require additional documents such as baptism and confirmation certificates. It is important to make arrangements directly with the Church Officials, with the assistance of a Wedding Specialist.

Many resorts in the Dominican Republic offer all-inclusive wedding packages that can be customized to fit your needs and preferences. These packages typically include essentials such as the ceremony setup, floral arrangements, a wedding cake, and a toast for the couple. However, additional options and customizations can significantly increase the cost.

Legal requirements

Planning a destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic? Here are the legal requirements you need to know:

• Passports and Tourist Cards: Both parties must provide a valid passport and a tourist card.
• Birth Certificates: Submit a copy of your birth certificate. If your parents' names are not listed, indicate them separately.
• Previous Marriage: If either party was previously married, provide a divorce decree or death certificate. There is a mandatory 10-month waiting period for women before they are legally allowed to remarry.
• Declaration of Single Status: Provide a notarized declaration stating that both parties are single and eligible for marriage.
• Minimum Age: The minimum age for marriage in the Dominican Republic is 16 years for men and 15 years for women.
• Witnesses: Provide photocopies of the passports of the witnesses. Witnesses cannot be family members, but the resort can provide witnesses if needed.
• Arrival Date: The couple must be in the country for at least three business days before the wedding.
• Translation and Legalization: All documents, except passports, must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Dominican Consulate before arriving in the Dominican Republic. This should be done no more than three months before the wedding date.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are not required in the Dominican Republic.
• Passports: Provide a valid passport.
• Birth Certificate: Submit a copy of your birth certificate.
• Baptism and Confirmation Certificates: Provide copies of your baptism and confirmation certificates.
• Previous Marriage: If applicable, provide a death certificate and a release from your church authorizing the marriage in the Dominican Republic.
• Pre-nuptial Certificate: Obtain a pre-nuptial certificate from your local parish, indicating you have received instructions from the church.
• Witnesses: Witnesses are not required for a Catholic ceremony.
• Language: Catholic ceremonies are typically performed in Spanish, but translators may be used.
• Venue: The ceremony can be held at the beautiful Nuestra Señora de Puntacana Catholic Church at Puntacana Resort.

Remember, it is the couple's responsibility to ensure that all the required documentation is prepared and submitted on time. A wedding specialist or coordinator can assist you in navigating these legal requirements and creating your dream wedding in the Dominican Republic.

Planning tips

Planning a destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to detail, your dream wedding can become a reality. Here are some planning tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Time:

Punta Cana has a tropical climate with year-round sunshine, but it's important to consider the hurricane season, which typically peaks in August and September. The peak season, from December to March, offers the best weather but also comes with larger crowds and higher travel costs. Weigh the pros and cons and choose a date that works best for you and your guests.

Select the Perfect Venue:

Punta Cana offers a variety of venues, from luxurious beachfront resorts to intimate villas. Consider the size of your guest list and choose a venue that can accommodate your group comfortably. Research the different resorts and their wedding packages, as many offer all-inclusive options that can save you time and money.

Understand the Legal Requirements:

If you plan to have a legal wedding ceremony, be aware that there are specific requirements and documents needed. These include valid passports, birth certificates, divorce or death certificates (if applicable), and affidavits of marital status. All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Dominican consulate. There may also be additional fees for non-resident foreigners.

Work with a Wedding Planner:

Consider hiring a local wedding planner or coordinator who is familiar with the area and has experience planning weddings in Punta Cana. They can help you navigate the legal requirements, recommend vendors, and ensure that your special day runs smoothly. A good wedding planner can save you time, money, and stress.

Customize Your Package:

All-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana typically offer wedding packages that can be tailored to your budget and preferences. These packages often include essentials such as ceremony setup, floral arrangements, wedding cake, and a toast for the couple. However, you can also add upgrades and customizations to make your day extra special. Be sure to discuss your vision with your wedding specialist to create a package that suits your needs.

Think About Your Guests:

When planning your destination wedding, consider the comfort and enjoyment of your guests. Choose a resort that offers a variety of activities and amenities to keep them entertained. Punta Cana is known for its exciting excursions, such as snorkelling, catamaran cruises, and golf courses. Additionally, consider sending out save-the-dates early to give your guests enough time to plan their travel arrangements.

By following these planning tips and working with local experts, you can create a stress-free and memorable wedding experience in the beautiful setting of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Venues and resorts

For example, Royalton Punta Cana is set on golden-sand beaches overlooking turquoise waters. Couples can get married where the sand meets the water in a beach gazebo or opt for a ceremony surrounded by palm trees. A plaza by the resort is ideal for larger parties of 100 or so. Wedding packages fit small to mid-size parties, from intimate elopements to 40 guests.

For those seeking a mature, kid-free affair, an all-inclusive, adults-only hideaway with vistas of tropical jungle and water, Hilton La Romana could be the perfect spot. Infinity pools, a day spa, and a casino set the stage for a wedding that doubles as a getaway. The ceremony can occur on lush lawns or sandy shores, and packages can accommodate two-person elopements or 30-guest soirees.

For a luxury resort, Eden Roc Cap Cana offers access to a private beach, golf course, and spa (with couples' massages). Couples and their guests can hold celebrations on a Caribbean Sea beach, in gardens, beside infinity pools, or in a ballroom, among other venues.

For a unique spin on an island wedding, consider Casas del XVI, set in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Couples will have exclusive access to the house as they get ready, and the chef can prepare catering for getting-ready happenings and welcome drinks.

Other popular resorts in the Dominican Republic include Majestic Elegance Punta Cana, Secrets Royal Beach, Dreams Macao Beach, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, and Barcelo Hotels & Resorts.

Frequently asked questions