Planning a Dominican Republic Wedding: Other Considerations
The Dominican Republic is easily one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world. And while tying the knot here can mean less stress for couples (as destination weddings usually do), there are some extra considerations to keep in mind. The fact is, getting married abroad is not the same as getting married at home. Before packing your bags, it is important to research the specific seasons, venue options, and marriage requirements of the Dominican Republic.
Your Wedding Date
Here in the U.S., "wedding season" is generally considered to take place from late spring to fall. But when it comes to destination weddings in the Caribbean, there are other factors to consider. The Dominican Republic experiences warm weather year-round, but hurricane season (June-November) can impact plans for a dreamy day on the beach. You may want to avoid planning your wedding within these months to avoid any challenges for you and your guests. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of your dream wedding date with your Destination Wedding Specialist, who can help you determine the best dates to avoid adverse weather conditions, spring break vacations, and other travel factors that you may not encounter in the U.S.
Your Wedding Place
As noted above, the different areas of the Dominican Republic vary greatly, and so do the many various wedding venues. Upon determining your ideal destination, you will need to start thinking about the exact location you want to say "I do." You may dream of exchanging vows on a white-sand beach, in a lush rainforest, or up on a mountain with breathtaking ocean views in the backdrop. True romantics may decide to tie the knot in an ancient chapel or tucked away in a quiet colonial village. Once you have pinpointed the style and setting you prefer, a Destination Wedding Specialist will guide you through the various local wedding venues.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in the Dominican Republic
Before jet setting off to paradise, it is important to understand the legal requirements at hand. To keep things simple, many destination wedding couples will opt for a symbolic wedding ceremony in the Dominican Republic, and legalize their marriage at home, either before or after the trip. However, if you are a U.S. citizen and would like to have a legal ceremony in the Dominican, you will need to meet the following guidelines, as outlined by the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic.10
- The basics: You must be of age (16 for men, 15 for women), must be legally eligible to marry, and must be entering into the marriage on your own free will.
- Proper documentation: You will both need to present a birth certificate, passport, and tourist card. An additional civil marriage fee will apply for non-Dominican residents. You will also need sworn declaration before a notary public, which then needs to be legalized at the Offices of Procuraduría General de La República or a Dominican Consulate in the U.S. If divorced, a copy of the divorce certificate will also be needed.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses (not family) are needed to stand with you at the ceremony. If you're planning on eloping, your resort wedding coordinator should be able to help supply witnesses as part of your wedding package.
Once you're officially married in the Dominican Republic, the next step is to ensure your marriage is legally recognized back home, as well. A Destination Wedding Specialist – a specialized travel agent with foreign wedding expertise – can help you determine what is needed to make your marriage official. This Specialist will be experienced in Dominican Republic weddings and will ensure you have all the proper documentation prepared before saying "I do."
Canadian citizens getting married abroad should click here to learn more.