Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
We can’t think of a more beautiful location for your destination wedding than Punta Cana, with its white sandy beaches, coconut palms, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. However, there are many things and requirements to keep in mind when planning your Dominican Republic wedding. The biggest piece of advice we can give is to plan ahead. Planning a wedding in a foreign country will require some time to sort out the logistics and legal requirements. Think about your budget, wedding venue, dress, flowers, meals, guests, music, and honeymoon, as well as excursions and things to do while in Punta Cana.
Punta Cana Wedding Requirements for a Legal Marriage
If you plan to get married in Punta Cana or anywhere in the Dominican Republic, you must meet the following legal requirements:
REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEGAL CEREMONY (CIVIL CEREMONY) IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
- Valid passport; birth certificate; if widowed, the death certificate; if previously married, a divorce decree
- Certificates indicating that both parties are legally single individuals, duly signed and stamped by Dominican law, are essential. The Justice of the Peace prepares this document, and a legal translator provides the official translation
- Address and occupation of both people who will be married
- Names of Parents and their addresses
- Names of Grandparents
- Names of Best Man and Maid of Honor, their addresses, names of their parents, and a copy of each person’s valid passport or identification
- The Destination Wedding Specialist must receive all copies of your documents 14 days before the ceremony. The Justice of the Peace reviews and approves them before the wedding proceeds. Original documents are to be submitted upon arrival to your Hotel Wedding Coordinator
Read about: Things to Do in Punta Cana.
Religious Punta Cana Wedding Requirements
- Catholic ceremonies are performed in Spanish (translators may be used).
- The Wedding Planner must receive copies of all required documents before the wedding date.
VALID DOCUMENTS FOR A RELIGIOUS CEREMONY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
- Valid passport, birth certificate, baptism certificate, and confirmation certificate. If widowed, a death certificate must be presented; a release from your Church authorizing the marriage in the Dominican Republic; and a prenuptial certificate from your local parish indicating you have received instructions from the Church.
- Your address and occupation
- Names of Parents and their addresses
- Names of Grandparents
- Names of Best Man and Maid of Honor, their addresses, names of their parents, and a copy of each person’s valid passport or identification
- You should arrange the ceremony directly with Church Officials, with support from the Wedding Specialist
- A Catholic Ceremony does not require witnesses. After the service, the priest provides the Canonical Marriage Certificate
Note: Most all-inclusive resort wedding coordinators are on-site and available for questions. The best part is that wedding coordinators are typically included in the cost of your wedding packages!
Read: Punta Cana: Things to Know Before You Come!
Tips for Planning a Punta Cana Wedding by the Beach
- Consider the timing: Be aware of the hurricane season when planning your wedding date. Punta Cana Weather
- Create a wedding website: This can help keep your guests informed about travel arrangements and wedding details.
- Explore symbolic ceremony options: If you prefer to handle the legal aspects at home, a symbolic ceremony can be a beautiful alternative.
- Consult a destination wedding specialist: They can help navigate the intricacies of planning a wedding abroad and assist with marriage requirements.
- Choose the perfect wedding venue: Whether it’s directly on the beach or at a private venue within an all-inclusive resort, make sure it fits your vision.
Last, but certainly not least, relax. Take a breath and enjoy! Let yourself take in all of the elements that you have worked so hard to plan out and create memories that will be with you for a lifetime. Congratulations on your destination wedding in Punta Cana!
