The Dominican Republic is home to a diverse landscape featuring desert dunes, lush mountains, and stunning scenery. The vibrant Caribbean country also has both Caribbean and Atlantic-facing beaches with pristine sand beaches and clear waters, making it the perfect location for a Dominican Republic destination wedding.
Whether you’re looking to get married in a coastal village surrounded by natural beauty or prefer a private enclave of high-end resorts, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the Dominican Republic.
Our comprehensive guide explores some of the best Dominican Republic wedding venues and packages. We also give you some timely tips on how to get there, what weather to expect, and how to budget for a Dominican Republic wedding.
About Destination Weddings in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is vast and provides endless options for couples and honeymooners. Here’s why you should consider a Dominican Republic wedding and the average cost, including flights and accommodation.
Why Get Married in the Dominican Republic
Some of the reasons to have a Dominican Republic destination wedding are:
Gorgeous Natural Decor and Great Weather
You don’t have to worry about spending much money on flowers and decor on your special day. The Dominican Republic has stunning natural foliage and a beautiful blue water backdrop. Additionally, some venues provide themed packages that include decor to match your wedding theme.
The Caribbean island also guarantees excellent weather year-round. In the rainy season, you can expect short showers and warm temperatures throughout the day.
Amazing Wedding Venues
You’ll have plenty of wedding venues to explore, whether you prefer a grand ballroom celebration or a simple exchange of vows on the beach. Most resorts and venues have romantic gardens, ballrooms, and stunning beach settings to ensure you capture all the beautiful moments of bliss.
Furthermore, having a Dominican Republic wedding allows you also to have your honeymoon in one package. That saves you the money you’d have spent on your honeymoon and enables you to create a picture-perfect vacation.
Perfect for Adventure Enthusiasts
The Dominican Republic is an adventurer’s paradise. You’ll love being in this Caribbean state with plenty of watersports to explore, different historical attractions to visit, and brilliant nightlife to keep you busy.
Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in the Dominican Republic
The average cost of a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic is $8,500, including accommodation, wedding package, and flights.
.The exact cost of a destination wedding will depend on the number of guests you plan to invite, your preferred venue, catering, and other extras you might want on your big day.
The Best Dominican Republic Wedding Venues & Dominican Republic Wedding Packages
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
Experience unlimited luxury and elegance at the Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa. The adults-only resort is along the beautiful Juanillo Beach, with crystal clear water and white sandy beaches.
Couples can marry at the gazebo, pool terrace, garden terrace, or beach. The ballroom and Rosewater are perfect venues for a reception. Its stunning setting guarantees a memorable experience for you and your guests.
After your special day, explore an array of activities, including a rejuvenating massage at the Spa by Pevonia, or swim at one of the infinity pools as the tropical winds sweep over you. Alternatively, you can opt for scuba diving lessons, participate in water aerobics, or enjoy nightly outdoor entertainment and theme nights.
Secrets Cap Cana Resort has a wedding in-paradise package that includes:
- A symbolic ceremony
- An on-site wedding coordinator
- Preparation and ironing of the couple’s wedding day attire
- Bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
- Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast for up to 10 guests
- Special turndown service on the night of the wedding
- Late checkout for the couple depending on availability
- Free anniversary nights
- 15% discount on spa treatments
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
Statistics by TripAdvisor rates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana as the sixth best value of 88 wedding resorts in the Dominican Republic, and this is for a good reason.
Hard Rock Hotel promises to make your big day memorable with 1790 rooms, nine restaurants, 23 bars/lounges, three pools, and a world-class golf course. It’s also 30 minutes from Punta Cana Airport, making it easily accessible.
Couples can exchange their vows at the oceanfront gazebo as they reel in the cool breeze from the sea or Say I do on the beach as you soak in the stunning beauty of this island. You can have the reception at the ballroom, terrace, or pool. The different wedding venues and gorgeous backdrops make Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana a perfect venue for your Dominican Republic destination wedding.
After the ceremony, dance the night away at the Oro nightclub, try your luck at one of the biggest casinos in the Caribbean, or enjoy a relaxing massage at the Rock Spa. Alternatively, you could explore various sports like beach volleyball, tennis, ping-pong, and pool tables or stretch at the fitness center.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has a free spirit wedding package that includes:
- A wedding ceremony venue
- An onsite wedding coordinator
- Ceremony seating for 32 guests
- A wooden arch with decor
- Witnesses if required
- Themed bridal bouquet and blush rose-colored boutonniere
- Themed 2-tier wedding cake
- A non-denominational minister for a symbolic ceremony
- Sparkling wine
- Complimentary honeymoon package
Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel and Resort
Are you looking for a venue with the perfect tropical setting for your dream wedding? Iberostar Grand Bavaro could be your ideal venue. The all-inclusive adults-only resort is in Punta Cana, the heart of this beautiful island.
Exchange your vows at the stunning tropical garden featuring natural foliage as you enjoy a cool breeze at the pool area or the fantastic Bavaro beach.
In your free time, go for a diving excursion, learn about archery shooting, or participate in aerobic lessons. You could also play tennis or stretch in the fitness area. Forget about all your worries as you get a relaxing massage at the oceanfront spa or enjoy unlimited golf rounds at the resort.
Iberostar Grand Bavaro star wedding package includes:
- Professional on-site wedding specialist
- Symbolic ceremony minister
- Fresh floral bouquet and matching groom’s boutonniere
- Witnesses if required
- Wedding venue setup
- Sparkling wine after the ceremony
- Wedding cake
- Wedding dinner in a specialty restaurant
Dreams Onyx Punta Cana
Nothing is more special than your wedding day, and what better way to celebrate it than at an all-inclusive resort with a gorgeous palm-strewn beachfront and plenty of activities and perks?
Dreams Onyx Punta Cana allows couples to exchange their vows at the fountain gazebo that can accommodate 120 guests, the garden area that can hold 100 guests, or by the beach with a capacity limit of 250 guests. You and your guests can celebrate your special day by sipping cocktails and enjoying world-class cuisine in the ballroom or pool.
After the ceremony, start a new day snorkeling or scuba diving amidst the blue waters, explore different cuisine at one of the 11 restaurants or sip some cocktails as you enjoy the breeze at the pool. Being a family-friendly resort, guests with children will enjoy the slick waterslide and kids’ clubs with onsite sports.
Dreams Onyx Punta Cana has a wedding-in-paradise package that includes:
- A symbolic ceremony
- An onsite wedding coordinator and wedding organization
- Bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
- Sparkling wine and wedding cake for up to 10 guests
- Special turndown service on the wedding night
- 15% discount on all spa treatments
- Newlywed package
- Breakfast in bed with mimosas
- Late checkout for the couple depending on availability
- Free anniversary nights
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa
Boasting modern elegance and sophistication, Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa is a perfect venue for couples looking for a vibrant and contemporary experience.
Situated on the northeast coast of the Uvero Alto region of Punta Cana, the adults-only all-inclusive resort has 700 contemporary suites with private terraces.
Say I Do at the pool area, sky bar, or by the beach before heading in for your reception at the Sofrito, Spumante, or the Grand Senses ballroom.
You and your guests can sample meals in one of the eight a la carte restaurants, quench your thirst at eight trendy bars and lounges, or take a dip at the freestyle swim zone while enjoying premium cocktails. Being an adult-only resort, expect many themed pool parties and top-shelf bars. Relax and enjoy a spa treatment at Spa by Pevonia, go scuba diving, or participate in non-motorized water sports.
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa has a first comes love package that includes:
- A dedicated wedding coordinator
- A symbolic ceremony
- Bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
- Wedding cake
- Sparkling wine for up to 10 guests
- Wedding night turndown service
- Late checkout for the couple upon request
- 20% off spa treatments
Dominican Republic Destination Wedding Legal Requirements
Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but you need to meet a few legal requirements before you get down to the details.
Here are some legal requirements to have in mind.
Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings
You can choose to have a legal wedding or a symbolic ceremony in the Dominican Republic.
Couples who would rather not deal with all the legal requirements in DR can opt for a civil ceremony back home and have a symbolic wedding. You won’t require any paperwork. Furthermore, a designated member or wedding planner can officiate the ceremony.
If you don’t mind submitting the required legal documents and are happy to have your civil wedding the same day you have the ceremony, a legal wedding would be an excellent option.
The choice between a legal and symbolic wedding narrows down to your preferences as a couple.
Required Legal Documents & Cost
The Dominican Republic requires couples to be at least 16 years to be legally eligible to marry.
Civil Marriage Documents
For a civil wedding, you need to provide the following documentation:
- Original passports and copies of the passport
- Copies of the last entries’ stamps
- Tourist card if not a resident of the Dominican Republic
- Sworn declaration of being eligible to marry and single before a notary public
- Copies of birth certificate and a legal translation of the certificate
- A copy of the divorce certificate if divorced and a legal translation of the certificate
- Two witnesses who are not family
Religious Ceremony Documents
For a religious ceremony in the DR, you need to get an authorization form from an archbishop in your country of residence. The form must be submitted to the local Dominican archdiocese.
Some of the documents required are:
- A pre-matrimonial certificate
- Baptism certificates
- Certificates of confirmation
- Certificate of civil marriage legalized by the Dominican consulate if already married
- Church annulment certificate if applicable.
Moreover, according to Dominican law, you need a published notice of the intended marriage before the ceremony. All documents must be translated and authorized by the Dominican Consulate before your arrival to the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Consulate must also legalize the documents three months before the wedding date.
Fees
Expect to spend about $350 in fees if you and your spouse are non-residents of the Dominican Republic.
The cost of receiving extra copies or translating documents can increase this fee.
Legal Marriage Timeline
You must arrive two business days before your ceremony for a symbolic wedding and three days before a legal ceremony in the Dominican Republic. Note that your arrival day counts as day zero.
Dominican Republic Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Are you thinking of having an unforgettable wedding experience? Here are a few tips on how to get to this Caribbean state and budgeting tips to ensure your special day runs smoothly.
How to Get There
The Dominican Republic has eight international airports.
You must choose the right airport close to your destination as the island is big. For example, it can take seven hours from Puerto Plata airport to Punta Cana airport.
There are frequent and affordable flights from New York and Miami. JetBlue flies from New York to Santo Domingo for 6 hours and 43 minutes.
All flights must go through New York City from outside the U.S.
Flights from New York to Puerto Plata take 6 hours and 39 minutes, and from New York to Punta Cana, 9 hours and 21 minutes.
Dominican Republic Weather
The Months of December to Mid-April are dry if you plan to schedule your wedding during this time. Santa Domingo and Punta Cana are warm and dry along the south coast and the inland valleys.
In some regions like Sabana de la Mar and Samana provinces on the northern coast, February and March have the least chance of rain.
May has the most rainfall. Avoid planning your wedding this month if you dream of a beach wedding.
Between June to September is the summer period in the Dominican Republic. The north-western coast and southwest coast don’t rain often. A part of the south coast to the east of Santo Domingo to Punta Cana also receives slight rainfall.
Budgeting Tips
Are you worried that the Dominican Republic might be out of your budget?You’ll be surprised that this state might be the Caribbean destination of choice for couples on a tight budget. Here are a few budgeting tips.
Opt For an Off-Season Wedding
It’s possible to plan a Dominican Republic wedding for less than $5,000, including flights, ceremony, and accommodation during the off-peak season in all-inclusive resorts. That allows you to have an intimate ceremony with fewer crowds and save some money that can go into your honeymoon.
Use Public Transport
In areas like Punta Cana, you can move around and use public transport for about 60 DOP, equivalent to $1.
Hwever, public transport can take time and you need to be patient. Make sure there’s a connection to where you plan to go.
Explore Free Activities
If staying in your hotel or resort all day sounds boring, you can explore free things to do around the state. In Punta Cana, you can go to Macao Beach, visit Higuey and Cathedral, ride a bicycle to Can Cana or explore downtown, Bavaro.
When visiting Cabarete, you can visit Bozo Beach, stop by the liquid blue Cabarete concept store, or get something at the Dollar Shop.
Best Time of Year to Get Married in the Dominican Republic
The best time of year to get married is from December to April. The weather is perfect, and your guests will love exploring activities on this island.
Nonetheless, this is also the Dominican Republic’s peak season, with many tourists and high rates in hotels and resorts. Plan on booking your accommodation and flights in advance.
If you’d rather stay away from crowds and don’t mind the weather being a bit hot, your best bet is between June and October. You’ll have a chance to enjoy an intimate ceremony without the crowds.
