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.
Table of Contents
Best Venues for Your Dominican Republic Destination Wedding
About Destination Weddings in Dominican Republic
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic Destination Wedding Planning Tips
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 18 minutes
Number of Rooms: 457
Weddings Per Day: 2
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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The Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa offers unrivaled luxury and elegance. The adults-only resort is on Juanillo Beach, which features crystal blue water and white sandy beaches. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical landscapes, this resort is a dream destination for couples.
Weddings can occur in the Gazebo, Pool terrace, Garden terrace, or beach. The Ballroom and Rosewater are ideal locations for a reception. Its breathtaking environment ensures you and your guests have an unforgettable experience.
Couples and their guests can indulge in spacious suites, many featuring stunning ocean views, private balconies, and Jacuzzis. The resort’s dedication to exceptional service ensures guests feel pampered and well taken care of throughout their stay.
The resort’s expert culinary team will create a personalized menu featuring gourmet dishes and delightful cocktails to impress your guests and elevate the dining experience.
After your wedding, relax with a refreshing treatment at the Spa by Pevonia or swim in one of the infinity pools while the tropical breezes wash over you. You may also take scuba diving courses, perform water aerobics, or enjoy weekly outdoor entertainment and theme evenings.
Guests can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the vibrant city of Punta Cana or the stunning natural wonders of the Dominican Republic.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 30 minutes
Number of Rooms: 1775
Weddings Per Day: 7
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is an exceptional destination that offers an unforgettable experience for couples seeking a remarkable wedding celebration. Located on the pristine shores of the Dominican Republic, this luxurious resort combines the excitement of a Las Vegas-style casino with the beauty of a tropical paradise. It creates an ideal setting for a dream destination wedding.
With 1775 rooms, 9 restaurants, 23 bars/lounges, 3 pools, and a world-class golf course, Hard Rock Hotel guarantees to make your special day unforgettable. It’s also only 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, making it conveniently accessible.
Couples can exchange vows at the beachfront gazebo while enjoying the cold air from the sea or say I do on the beach while taking in the breathtaking beauty of this island. The reception can be held in the ballroom, patio, or pool. The many wedding locations and stunning scenery make Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana the ideal place for your Dominican Republic vacation wedding.
After the wedding, you may dance the night away at the Oro nightclub, try your luck at one of the Caribbean’s largest casinos, or relax with a massage at the Rock Spa. Alternatively, you might try out games such as beach volleyball, tennis, ping-pong, and pool tables or stretch at the fitness facility.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 30 minutes
Number of Rooms: 272
Weddings Per Day: 1
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Are you seeking the ideal tropical environment for your dream wedding? The Iberostar Grand Bavaro might be the best location for you. The adults-only all-inclusive resort is located in Punta Cana, the center of this gorgeous island. This beautiful resort is ideal for couples looking to have a memorable and enchanting destination wedding.
Exchange your vows in the magnificent tropical garden with natural greenery while resting in the pool or on the fantastic Bavaro beach. The natural beauty of the surroundings provides a magical setting for your special day, creating a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere.
The rooms are tastefully decorated, featuring modern amenities, private balconies or terraces, and incredible views of the ocean or gardens. Your guests will appreciate the opulent accommodations and enjoy a truly indulgent experience.
The resort offers abundant activities and entertainment options to entertain you and your guests. In your spare time, go on a diving vacation, learn archery shooting, or take aerobics classes. You might also play tennis or stretch at the gym. Get away from it all with a gentle treatment at the beachside spa or endless golf rounds at the resort.
After your wedding, the Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel and Resort provide the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 38 minutes
Number of Rooms: 822
Weddings Per Day: 4
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: No
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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Nothing is more significant than your wedding day. What better way to commemorate it than at an all-inclusive resort with a stunning palm-strewn beachfront and many activities and perks?
Dreams Onyx Punta Cana offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a destination wedding. Located in the breathtaking Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic, this resort combines luxury, natural beauty, and top-notch service to create an unforgettable experience.
Dreams Onyx Punta Cana also offers various wedding packages and services tailored to every couple’s preferences and needs. Whether you envision an intimate beach ceremony or a grand ballroom celebration, the resort has the perfect venue.
Couples can say their vows in the Fountain Gazebo, which can accommodate 120 people, or the garden area, which can accommodate 100 attendees. There is also the beach, which has a maximum capacity of 250 guests. You can celebrate your big day in the ballroom or pool by sipping drinks and dining on world-class food.
After the ceremony, spend the remainder of the day snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear blue seas. Try new food at one of the 11 restaurants or sipping drinks by the pool. As a family-friendly resort, youngsters will like the smooth waterslide and kids’ clubs with onsite sports.
Average Room Price: $400 to $1000
Drive Time to Airport: 40 minutes
Number of Rooms: 750
Weddings Per Day: 3
All Inclusive: Yes
Adult Only: Yes
LGBTQ Friendly: Yes
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With its modern elegance and refinement, Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa is ideal for couples seeking a dynamic and contemporary experience. The resort is on a stunning stretch of white sandy beach, with crystal-clear turquoise waters gently lapping the shore. The natural beauty of the surroundings creates a romantic and idyllic backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating love.
The resort itself is designed with elegance and sophistication in mind. The architecture seamlessly blends modern luxury with Caribbean charm, creating a visually stunning environment. When you step foot on the property, the resort’s attentive and friendly staff will greet you wholeheartedly. They will ensure that every aspect of your wedding is flawless.
The adults-only all-inclusive resort boasts 750 modern rooms with its patios. Say your vows by the pool, in the sky bar, or on the beach before heading into the Sofrito, Spumante, or Grand Senses ballrooms for your reception.
You and your friends may dine at one of the eight a la carte restaurants, satisfy your thirst at one of the eight modern bars and lounges, or swim in the freestyle pool while sipping luxury drinks. Expect several themed pool parties and top-shelf bars, as this is an adult-only resort. Relax with a Spa by Pevonia treatment, go scuba diving, or indulge in non-motorized water sports.
About Destination Weddings in 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.
Legal Requirements for Weddings in Dominican Republic
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.
However, 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.
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