Dominican Republic Destination Weddings

Prior to the marriage ceremony, couples are required to submit photocopies of the documents listed below. Upon arrival in the country, originals must be presented. All documents must be legalized and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

Civil Marriage:

To prepare the Marriage Certificate, the following documents must be submitted to the Civil Status Office before the ceremony

• Original passport with a photocopy of the identification page and the last entries to the country.
• Affidavits of marital status certifying that the bride and groom are single.
• Original birth certificates.
• Divorce Certificates or Death Certificates, if applicable.
• Two or more witnesses with valid passports, excluding family members.

Religious Ceremony:

For those desiring a religious ceremony in the Dominican Republic's picturesque setting, the main requirement is obtaining authorization from an archbishop in the couple’s country of residence and delivering it to the local Dominican archdiocese. The necessary documents include:

• Pre-matrimonial Certificate.
• Certificate of Civil Marriage is legalized by the Dominican Consulate if the couple has already married in their country.
• Baptism Certificates.
• Certificates of Confirmation.
• Church Annulment Certificates, if applicable.
• Birth certificates, along with an Affidavit of Marital Status usually obtained from the Dominican Consulate of the country where the documents were issued.

The government recognizes a legal wedding in the Dominican Republic and holds legal validity within and internationally. Couples opting for a legal wedding must adhere to specific legal requirements, including obtaining a marriage license, presenting necessary documentation, and following procedures outlined by Dominican authorities. Typically, legal weddings in the Dominican Republic require couples to arrive a few days before the ceremony to complete paperwork and fulfill residency requirements. Following the ceremony, the marriage is registered with the Civil Registry Office in the Dominican Republic, and couples receive a marriage certificate as proof of their union.:

Symbolic Wedding

A symbolic wedding, also referred to as a commitment ceremony or non-legal ceremony, is purely symbolic and does not possess legal recognition. Often chosen by couples who prefer a wedding ceremony in a destination of their choice without the hassle of meeting legal requirements, symbolic weddings do not entail fulfilling residency requirements or obtaining a marriage license. However, most hotels and resorts may still require couples to arrive a few days in advance to prepare for the ceremony. While the ceremony resembles a traditional wedding, with vows, ring exchange, and rituals, the marriage itself is not legally binding."

Typically, there isn't a residency requirement for getting married in the Dominican Republic. However, some regions may require you to be present in the country for a certain period before the wedding. You should check with local authorities or your wedding planner for specific requirements in the region where you plan to get married.

When is the best time of year for a Dominican Republic destination wedding? The best time for a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic is generally during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period typically experiences pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies and celebrations.

The Dominican Republic boasts numerous stunning wedding destinations, including: Punta Cana: Known for its pristine white sand beaches and luxury resorts, Punta Cana is a popular choice for beach weddings.
La Romana: Home to exclusive resorts and beautiful beaches, La Romana is another favored destination for weddings, offering a mix of luxury and natural beauty. Puerto Plata: With its picturesque landscapes and diverse attractions, Puerto Plata provides a romantic setting for weddings, from beachfront ceremonies to mountain vistas.