How to Plan Your Dream Wedding in the Dominican Republic

If you’ve always dreamed of having a tropical destination wedding, the Dominican Republic might be the perfect choice for you. This Caribbean island offers stunning beaches, lush rainforests, rich culture and history, and a variety of venues and vendors to suit your style and budget. But how can you plan your wedding in the Dominican Republic if you live in the United States? What are the legal requirements, the best time to go, and the most important tips to know? In this post, we’ll answer these questions and more, so you can start planning your dream wedding in the Dominican Republic.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in the Dominican Republic

Before you book your flight and pack your bags, you need to make sure you have all the necessary documents and paperwork to get legally married in the Dominican Republic. According to the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, these are the main requirements:

• You and your partner must be at least 18 years old, or have parental consent if you are between 16 and 18.

• You must obtain a Single Status Affidavit (also known as a sworn declaration of eligibility to marry) from your local consulate or embassy in the Dominican Republic. This document must be notarized and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

• You must obtain a valid passport, birth certificate, and divorce or death certificate (if applicable) from your country of origin. These documents must also be notarized and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

• You must pay a fee of $1000 Dominican pesos (about $17 USD) for the marriage license at the Central Electoral Board (JCE) in Santo Domingo or any other branch office in the country.

• You must have two witnesses who are not related to you or your partner, and who have valid passports or Dominican ID cards.

Once you have all these documents ready, you can choose any civil or religious ceremony you prefer. The officiant will issue a marriage certificate in Spanish, which you can then register at the JCE and legalize at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can also request an apostille (a special seal that certifies the authenticity of a document) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will make your marriage certificate valid in the U.S. and other countries that are part of the Hague Convention. Best Time to Get Married in the Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and sunny days throughout the year. However, there are some factors that you should consider when choosing the best time to get married there. These include:

• The hurricane season: The Dominican Republic is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms from June to November, with September being the peak month. Although these events are unpredictable and rare, they can cause disruptions to travel plans, flights, and services. If you decide to get married during this season, make sure you have travel insurance and a backup plan in case of emergencies.

• The high season: The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, especially during the winter months from December to April. This means that prices for flights, hotels, venues, and vendors tend to be higher and availability lower. If you want to save money and avoid crowds, consider getting married during the low season from May to November (except for holidays like Easter and Christmas).

• The weather: The Dominican Republic has different microclimates depending on the region and elevation. Generally speaking, the north coast is cooler and wetter than the south coast, which is hotter and drier. The mountainous areas are also cooler and more humid than the lowlands. The average temperature ranges from 77°F to 86°F throughout the year, but it can vary by 10°F or more depending on the location and time of day. If you want to enjoy the beach and outdoor activities, avoid getting married during the hottest months of July and August.

Tips for Planning Your Wedding in the Dominican Republic Planning a wedding in another country can be challenging, but also rewarding and fun. Here are some tips to help you plan your wedding in the Dominican Republic with ease:

• Hire a local wedding planner: A local wedding planner can help you find the best venues, vendors, and deals for your wedding in the Dominican Republic. They can also handle all the logistics, paperwork, and coordination on your behalf, saving you time, money, and stress. Plus, they can give you insider tips on how to make your wedding unique and memorable.

• Choose a venue that suits your vision: The Dominican Republic has a wide range of venues to choose from, whether you want a beachfront resort, a colonial mansion, a rustic farm, or a modern hotel. Think about what kind of atmosphere and style you want for your wedding, as well as how many guests you want to invite and what amenities you need. Some venues may offer all-inclusive packages that include catering, entertainment, decorations, photography, and more. Others may require you to bring your own vendors or pay extra fees for certain services. Compare different options and read reviews before you book your venue.

• Research the local culture and customs: The Dominican Republic has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its African, European, and indigenous influences. It is also a predominantly Catholic country, with some traditions and beliefs that may differ from yours. For example, some Dominicans may expect a religious ceremony, a large guest list, a long reception, and a lot of dancing and music. Others may prefer a more intimate and casual affair. To avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts, research the local culture and customs before you plan your wedding. You can also incorporate some elements of the Dominican culture into your wedding, such as the merengue dance, the Dominican cake, the carnival masks, or the cigars.

• Be flexible and have fun: Planning a wedding in the Dominican Republic can be an exciting and enjoyable experience, but it can also come with some challenges and surprises. You may encounter language barriers, cultural differences, weather changes, or unexpected delays. Instead of stressing out or getting frustrated, try to be flexible and have fun. Remember that your wedding is not about perfection, but about celebrating your love and happiness with your partner and your loved ones.

Questions and Answers Q: Do I need a visa to get married in the Dominican Republic? A: No, you do not need a visa to get married in the Dominican Republic if you are a U.S. citizen. You only need a valid passport that does not expire within six months of your arrival date. However, you will need to pay a $10 tourist card fee upon entering the country. Q: How much does it cost to get married in the Dominican Republic? A: The cost of getting married in the Dominican Republic depends on many factors, such as the venue, the number of guests, the season, the vendors, and the extras. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study2, the average cost of a destination wedding in 2019 was $32,000, which is slightly lower than the national average of $34,000. However, this does not include travel expenses for you and your guests, which can vary depending on the location, duration, and mode of transportation. Q: What are some of the best places to get married in the Dominican Republic? A: The Dominican Republic has many beautiful and diverse places to get married, depending on your