If you’ve always dreamed of a romantic beach wedding, standing barefoot in the warm soft sand, surrounded by tropical breezes and the sound of waves washing along the shore, a Dominican Republic symbolic wedding ceremony will fill your heart with joy. This piece of paradise showcases the most beautiful beaches in the world, boasts a vibrant, welcoming culture, has the most luxurious all inclusive resorts, and is easy to access from the U.S. and Canada.
So, what is a symbolic wedding ceremony? It is just as heartfelt and meaningful as a legal ceremony but without the stressful legal red tape and paperwork. A symbolic wedding ceremony Dominican Republic style is focused on love, connections, and celebrations. Skip all the expensive hassles and rules required for getting legally married abroad with a symbolic wedding. You can get legally married before or after the symbolic ceremony.
What is a Symbolic Wedding Ceremony in the Dominican Republic?
A symbolic wedding isn’t legal, so there are no time-consuming documents or paperwork to complete. You don’t even need a marriage license! A symbolic wedding is just as heartfelt and wonderful as a legal wedding, but it focuses on your love and commitment to one another. You are free to create a wedding that reflects your personality and unique love story.
Dress in your favorite wedding apparel, walk down the beautifully decorated aisle, exchange vows, and commit to one another without any government approval. Symbolic weddings allow you to enjoy your big day with freedom, creativity, and an unforgettable experience.
How Long Does A Symbolic Wedding Ceremony Last?
The beauty of a symbolic ceremony is the flexibility it offers you. The door is wide open for you to decide if you want a short and sweet ceremony to exchange vows or extend it with a longer church ritual. Include meaningful readings, local traditions, and other touches that reflect your love story. You are free to create a celebration that is perfect for you, whether you decide to have an intimate moment on the beach at sunset or an extravagant affair with your family and friends.
Symbolic Wedding Ceremony Order: What to Expect
The sky is the limit for personalizing your wedding day, but you might want to follow a familiar structure so your day flows smoothly. Make an entrance with a lively procession, including you and your wedding party, to get everything started. Follow with a warm welcome to set a romantic tone for the heartwarming moments to come.
Incorporate readings like poems, spiritual passages, or an emotional letter from someone who couldn’t attend. Then, exchange vows, personal memories, and promises, a DR tradition known as Ceremonia Contada. Finally, seal the deal by exchanging rings, saying “I do” with a kiss.
You can also include Dominican traditions like Arras, the 13 wedding unity coins, or honoring your Padrinos and Madrinas, someone special who has played a significant role in your relationship. After the ceremony, everyone parades to the reception location, singing, dancing, and celebrating the newlyweds.
Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists and the on-site coordinators can help you craft the perfect ceremony.
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Symbolic Wedding Ceremony Décor in the Dominican Republic
Let the Dominican’s natural beauty and breathtaking scenery shine during your wedding ceremony. There’s no need for expensive decorations. Add simple yet stunning accents like centerpieces made with palm leaves, orchids, and hibiscus, elegant floral arches with white flowing drapes lined with loose ribbons, and other natural elements to complement the ocean view.
Highlight the seaside setting with vases filled with seashells, driftwood, and delicate starfish. Lanterns, string lights, and candles add a romantic glow, especially at sunset as the sky transforms into a colorful showcase. One of the best parts of this amazing paradise is that most of the Dominican’s all inclusive resorts offer incredible wedding packages that you can customize and bring your vision to life.
How to Make Your Symbolic Wedding Ceremony Unique
One of the most inspiring and exciting things about a symbolic wedding ceremony Dominican Republic style is that you have the freedom to make it completely yours. You can include personal touches and elements that are exquisitely you while adding cultural elements that honor age-old Dominican traditions.
Rituals like handfasting, where your hands are gently tied together with a ribbon to symbolize unity. Or a Sand Ceremony where you blend different colors of sand into a glass vase that represents two lives becoming one. Other cultural traditions like jumping the broom and a lasso ceremony add depth, warmth, and meaning to your special day.
Write Your Own Vows for a Symbolic Wedding
Write your vows and share how much you love one another. Include how your relationship has grown and your hopes for your future with meaningful memories, heartfelt promises, and future dreams. Keep your vows short enough to be memorable. Speaking from the heart is what matters, so don’t worry about delivering a perfect speech. Focus on what truly matters: the love you share. There won’t be a dry eye in the crowd!
Incorporate Local Dominican Culture Into Your Symbolic Ceremony
Add a touch or two of Dominican culture to your celebration for a rich and authentic flair. Wear traditional Dominican clothing or colorful accessories to create a deeper connection to your wedding destination. Hire local musicians who play traditional meringue and bachata for a joyful, upbeat tone.
Enjoy a La Hora Loca, a wild carnival-style celebration with music, party favors, and costumes held at the end of the reception to liven things up. You can also showcase Dominican flavors with a buffet filled with regional fare and scrumptious beverages. Delicious tostones, empanadas, la bandera, and tropical fruit trays always offer a vibrant nod to the island’s culinary delights. Adding these elements elevates the experience while creating beautiful memories.
Legal Requirements vs. Symbolic Wedding Ceremonies in the Dominican Republic
Simplicity is the best benefit of a symbolic wedding. Unlike legal weddings in the Dominican Republic, which can require multiple documents, you don’t have to show anything. Take care of legal paperwork back home. Make your Dominican Republic wedding celebration all about fun, freedom, and festivity! Plus, symbolic ceremonies are inclusive and welcome to all couples, including same-sex couples. Enjoy a beautiful, stress-free option that focuses on you and your love.
Why Choose the Dominican Republic for a Symbolic Wedding Ceremony?
The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Caribbean. Its breathtaking beaches, warm climate, and inviting atmosphere set the stage for unforgettable celebrations. And it’s easy to get to from most major cities in the U.S. and Canada.
You’re going to love the all inclusive resorts that offer luxurious accommodations, indulgent amenities, stunning ceremony spaces, and world-class service. Everything is tailored to make your wedding one of the most wonderful memories of your life. Plus, all inclusive resorts have incredible wedding packages that bundle everything you need for a seamless experience, including accommodations, dining, drinks, entertainment, and wedding planning services.
Ready To Plan Your Symbolic Wedding in the Dominican Republic?
Is your heart ready to open up to a symbolic wedding ceremony in the beautiful Dominican Republic? Now is the perfect time to start planning. Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists have helped hundreds of couples and are ready to help you, too. Let’s make your tropical “I do” come true! Simply complete our online wedding planning form and get started today.
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