Dominican Republic
Destination Wedding in the Dominican Republic
Celebrate on the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, where palm-lined shores meet all-inclusive luxury and genuine island warmth.
Start PlanningHighlights
- World-famous Bavaro Beach
- Exceptional all-inclusive value
- Caribbean-Atlantic meeting point
- Direct flights from major cities
- Wide resort variety and capacity
- Warm Dominican hospitality
Overview
Why Choose Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic, and Punta Cana in particular, has established itself as one of the Caribbean's premier wedding destinations. The appeal is immediate and obvious: some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with 20 miles of palm-lined, powder-white sand meeting the exact turquoise waters you've always imagined. Bavaro Beach, consistently ranked among the world's top ten beaches, epitomizes the Dominican experience—wide expanses of pristine sand, gentle Caribbean waters perfect for swimming, and a landscape that delivers on every tropical dream. It's the point where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating unique light and atmosphere. Beyond natural beauty, the Dominican Republic offers exceptional value. All-inclusive resorts provide comprehensive wedding packages that simplify planning while delivering experiences that rival destinations at twice the price. Direct flights from most major US cities, warm and welcoming local culture, and a well-established wedding industry make this Caribbean paradise an easy choice for couples seeking beach wedding perfection.
Timing
Best Time to Get Married
The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season from December through April offers ideal beach wedding conditions, while summer brings brief afternoon showers and hurricane risk.
Dry Season
December - April
Ideal conditions with minimal rainfall, sub-70% humidity, and temperatures of 25-29°C. Peak wedding season with the best weather guarantee.
Early Wet Season
May - June
Brief afternoon showers begin but mornings and evenings remain sunny. Excellent value with lower prices and fewer crowds. Water remains perfect.
Summer
July - August
Hot (29-32°C) with humidity above 80% and moderate rainfall. Lower prices but weather less predictable.
Hurricane Season
September - November
Peak rainfall (128mm in September) and hurricane risk. September-October best avoided for weddings.
Planning Ahead
Legal Requirements
The Dominican Republic allows legal marriages for international couples, though the process is more complex than some destinations. Many couples opt for symbolic ceremonies and complete legal formalities at home.
Pro Tip
The 10-month waiting period for women to remarry and the requirement for documents to be legalized at a Dominican Consulate makes symbolic ceremonies more practical for many couples. Legal ceremonies require careful advance planning.
What You'll Need
- Valid passports (photocopies required)
- Birth certificates (apostilled by Secretary of State)
- Sworn declaration of being single and eligible to marry (notarized)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if applicable (2 copies)
- All documents must be legalized by Dominican Consulate no later than 3 months before wedding
- Two witnesses (non-family members) with valid passports
Venues
Popular Venue Types
Luxury Resorts
Five-star properties like Tortuga Bay (Oscar de la Renta designed) and Casa de Campo offer sophisticated celebrations with exceptional service and stunning grounds.
All-Inclusive Beach Resorts
Properties along Bavaro Beach—Secrets Royal Beach, Grand Palladium, Hard Rock—offer comprehensive packages with multiple venue options for 20-500+ guests.
Adults-Only Resorts
Elegant properties like Barceló Bavaro Beach and Breathless Punta Cana cater to couples and adult guests seeking sophisticated atmosphere.
Beachfront Venues
Pristine white-sand ceremony locations with palm trees, Caribbean waters, and golden sunset backdrops. Most resorts offer dedicated beach wedding areas.
Garden Gazebos
Tropical garden settings with flowering plants and palm shade provide alternatives to beach ceremonies with natural beauty and wind protection.
Grand Ballrooms
Resort ballrooms accommodate large celebrations up to 1,000 guests with air-conditioning, sophisticated lighting, and flexibility for any weather.
At a Glance
What Makes It Special
Get Started
Plan Your Dominican Republic Wedding
Fill out this form and we'll connect you with expert wedding planners in your chosen destination.