The Best Dominican Republic Wedding Venues & Marriage Requirements

Are you planning a Dominican Republic wedding?

I can’t think of a better place to tie the knot if you’re looking for a combination of GREAT beaches, history, culture, people, music, and fun!

I know this island well because I visited many times as a child and then again as an adult.  I’ve been from coast to coast and am always amazed at the diverse locales and how there’s always something new to discover.  The Dominican Republic is home to beautiful old towns, striking terrain, the highest mountains in the Caribbean, coral cliffs and an amazing turquoise blue ocean with powdery white sand beaches.

My first memory of a Dominican Republic destination wedding was when my friends got married there many years ago…and it was simply magical!  Nowadays, the Dominican Republic wedding market has become more competitive, which is good news for you because almost every all-inclusive resort offers affordable (or free) destination wedding packages that come complete with an on-site coordinator.

Best locations for a Dominican Republic Wedding

I love Punta Cana for so many reasons.

Not only is it home to some of the most scenic and stunning beaches in the Dominican Republic, but you will also find a big variety of amazing all-inclusive resorts for all budgets. This beach resort town offers romance, adventure, relaxation, a vibrant nightlife, and delicious food.

With so much to offer, it’s not surprising that it has quickly become a top Dominican Republic wedding destination. You can have a picture-perfect and magical destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home.

All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana/Bavaro

You have so many all-inclusive resort options in Punta Cana, that the hard part will be narrowing down your choices. Here are some of our favorites:

Majestic Elegance

This all-inclusive, 5-star deluxe hotel is located on Bavaro Beach.  It has this spectacular roman inspired gazebo that I love!

See more of this destination wedding at Majestic Elegance Punta Cana.

Now Larimar Punta Cana

This is another top-notch wedding venue in Punta Cana known for the Unlimited-Luxury® all-inclusive experience they offer.  Check out this gorgeous real destination wedding at Now Larimar that we published here on DWD.

Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana 

Dreams is a stunning 500-room AAA Four Diamond resort.  And just like its sister resort, Now Larimar, it is part of the AMResorts collection which means they offer the same Unlimited all-inclusive Luxury’experience.  Below are a couple of photos from a real destination wedding at Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana that we published.  Just click the link below the photo to see more photos and read all about the couple’s experience in the bride’s own words.

Hard Rock Punta Cana

The Hard Rock Resort in Punta Cana has won numerous awards and it is arguably one of the best resorts in the region.  The resort has 1,790 rooms, 13 pools, 23 bars/lounges, 9 restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, and celebrity designed wedding packages.  You can check out our review of the Hard Rock Punta Cana Wedding.

Private Wedding Venues in Punta Cana/Bavaro

I love all-inclusive resorts, but have you considered having your Dominican Republic wedding ceremony & reception in a private venue instead of a resort?   This is becoming an increasingly popular option for couples and we are here for all of it.  Just check out some of the real weddings we’ve published right here on the site to see more.  Make sure to click to see more photos of each wedding and read about the newlywed’s experiences in their own words.

Kukua Beach Club & Restaurant

Kukua is a stunning and very popular private wedding venue in Punta Cana.  They are licensed for religious, civil, and symbolic ceremonies and they have a variety of outdoor and indoor options for your ceremony and reception.

Jellyfish Restaurant

With natural materials like wood, stone, and a palm-thatched roof, Jellyfish has a distinctive architecture that we recognize immediately whenever we see a real wedding at this private oceanfront venue.   Their dancefloor is also pretty epic!

Huracan Cafe

This Italian restaurant is another private oceanfront venue in a secluded part of Punta Cana. It is absolutely gorgeous and an ideal venue for an intimate destination wedding.

La Romana

Casa De Campo is an impressive 7,000-acre all-inclusive resort featuring villas and a residential community in the Southeast of the island.

They can host your wedding or reception on-site or just down the street at Altos de Chavon, a stunning replica of a Mediterranean village on a hill high above the Chavón River.  This breathtaking cultural center set along cobblestone streets features dining, shopping, and local artisan art galleries.

A popular spot for ceremonies and receptions is The Church of Stanislaus, a beautiful chapel made of stone with wooden doors.  You can even have a candlelight reception right in the Church’s courtyard which features stone fountains and great views of the river.

There is an abundance of other venues to choose from including the impressive Grecian Amphitheater, a private villa, one of the resort’s restaurants, or a private beach.

Dominican Republic Wedding Requirements

The requirements may seem like a lot at first but your resort coordinator should be able to guide you and answer any questions about what you need to produce to make your Dominican Republic destination wedding legal and binding.  Just to be safe, I suggest you get the process started at least 3-6 months before your ceremony.

Marriage Requirements:

• You must register to be married in the Civil Registry Office (Oficialia de Estado Civil). There will be a fee for this.
• You need two witnesses over 18 who are not family members.

You will need the following documents:

• Original, Valid Passport as well as copies
• Original or certified copies of your birth certificates
• A notarized  “Single Status Affidavit” for each of you certifying that you’re single and eligible to marry. You must bring the originals. This document can be prepared by a lawyer and notarized, then sent to the Dominican Consulate in your country for approval and translation to Spanish
• If you were previously married, you must provide a copy of the divorce or death certificate for your previous spouse
• There is no residency requirement, waiting period or blood tests required for a Dominican Republic Wedding

If you are a US citizen getting married in the Dominican Republic, you can get more info on Dominican marriage requirements here.

Dominican Republic Wedding Resources & Inspiration

If you’ve decided to get married in the Dominican Republic, I’ve put together some helpful resources right here on this site to get you started.

• Browse the Dominican Republic Wedding Venue Directory
• Go to our Dominican Republic Destination Wedding Guide for more articles, tips, and photos
• How to plan a site visit to the best wedding venues in the Dominican Republic

Congratulations and have fun planning!