Cheap Weddings in Dominican Republic: Best Packages Under $5,000

The Dominican Republic has quietly become one of the easiest places to plan a beautiful Caribbean wedding without spending a fortune. Long stretches of powder-sand beach, warm turquoise water, and a deep lineup of all-inclusive resorts mean you can pull off everything from a 10-person elopement to a 60-person celebration, often for less than what a one-day reception at home would cost.

Most DR destination weddings happen in one of three sub-areas. Punta Cana and the Bavaro Beach strip are home to the biggest concentration of all-inclusive resorts, with a mix of adults-only retreats and family-friendly properties built for big groups. Cap Cana, the gated luxury enclave just south of Punta Cana, is where you’ll find higher-end names like Sanctuary, Hyatt Zilara, and Secrets. La Romana sits a bit further west and tends to draw couples who want quieter beaches and a slower pace.

Couples planning a destination wedding in the DR typically spend well under the $36,000 U.S. wedding average. With a package under $5,000, your venue, officiant, decor, cake, and sparkling wine toast are all bundled in, and at the higher end of this tier, you’ll often get a private cocktail hour and dinner reception too. We’ve pulled together the 20 best Dominican Republic wedding packages under $5,000, ordered by ascending price, so you can find the one that fits your guest count, style, and budget.

Learn more about destination weddings in the Dominican Republic >>

At-a-Glance Comparison: Dominican Republic Wedding Packages Under $5,000

Here’s a quick side-by-side of all 20 resorts and their entry-level packages under $5,000, sorted from lowest to highest price. Use it to narrow down your shortlist based on guest count, style, and sub-area.

Resort	Style	Package	Price	Guests	Sub-Area
Majestic Elegance Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Symbolic	$1,250	60	Punta Cana
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Wedding in Paradise	$1,299+ or comp*	10	Punta Cana
Sanctuary Cap Cana	Adults-Only	Majestic Intimate Elegance	$2,249	10	Cap Cana
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana	Adults-Only	Intimate Elegance	Up to $2,509 or comp*	10	Cap Cana
Barceló Bávaro Palace	Family-Friendly	Strawberry Passion	$3,200	35	Punta Cana
Sunscape Coco Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Sun-kissed Love	$3,449+	30	Punta Cana
Riu Palace Macao	Adults-Only	Royal	$3,599	20	Punta Cana
Riu Republica	Adults-Only	Royal	$3,599	20	Punta Cana
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Love You More	$3,700	32	Punta Cana
Catalonia Royal Bavaro	Adults-Only	Caribbean Fantasy Deluxe	$3,990	30	Punta Cana
Caribe Deluxe Princess	Family-Friendly	Breeze	$4,100	25	Punta Cana
Moon Palace The Grand – Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Classic	$4,198	30	Punta Cana
Iberostar Waves Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Nature of Love	$4,347+	12	Punta Cana
JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar	Adults-Only	Nature of Love	$4,347+	12	Punta Cana
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Modern Enchantment	$4,500	32	Punta Cana
Lopesan Costa Bavaro	Family-Friendly	Eternal Bliss	$4,500	30	Punta Cana
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa	Adults-Only	Eternal Love	$4,549+	20	Cap Cana
Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine	Family-Friendly	Beautiful	$4,589	30	Punta Cana
Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Eternal Love	$4,849+	20	Punta Cana
Grand Palladium Punta Cana	Family-Friendly	Palladium Signature	$4,950	25	Punta Cana

*Complimentary when minimum room-night requirements are met. Speak with your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist for full details.

Top Dominican Republic Wedding Packages Under $5,000

Here’s a closer look at each resort, what’s bundled into the package, and what kind of wedding it’s best for.

Majestic Elegance Punta Cana: Symbolic

4.5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $1,250 GUESTS: 60

The Majestic Elegance Punta Cana is one of the best values in the DR for couples planning a larger wedding on a tight budget. Set on the white sand of Bavaro Beach, this family-friendly all-inclusive lets you bring up to 60 guests under the Symbolic package, which is more than triple what most entry-tier packages allow. Couples also get exchange privileges across the three Majestic Resorts in the area, so guests can resort-hop during their stay.

Includes:

• Wedding planning before and during your stay
• Choice of ceremony location
• Services of a civil judge, priest, or wedding coordinator
• Tropical bouquet, boutonniere, and ceremony floral arrangement
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine for all guests after the ceremony
• Non-private dinner for up to 60 guests
• Romantic breakfast and candlelit dinner for the couple
• Room upgrade plus early check-in and late check-out

Learn more about Majestic Elegance Punta Cana and get a free quote today >>

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana: Wedding in Paradise

5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $1,299+ or complimentary GUESTS: 10

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is a boutique-style all-inclusive on Uvero Alto Beach, the calmer northern end of the Punta Cana coast. With a smaller suite count, it has the feel of a private retreat rather than a sprawling resort, which makes it a fit for intimate ceremonies and elopements. The Wedding in Paradise package goes complimentary when you book seven nights in a select room category or five rooms for three nights.

Includes:

• On-site wedding coordinator and personal touch services
• Symbolic ceremony with bouquet and boutonniere
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast for up to 10 guests
• Complimentary room for one half of the couple the night before the wedding
• Turndown service the night of the wedding
• 15% off spa treatments
• Newlywed package with welcome letter, fresh fruit, sparkling wine, and breakfast in bed
• Free anniversary nights with qualifying return stay

Learn more about Zoetry Agua Punta Cana and get a free quote today >>

Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection Resort: Majestic Intimate Elegance

5-Star • Adults-Only

PRICE: $2,249 GUESTS: 10

Sanctuary Cap Cana is one of the most romantic adults-only properties in the Caribbean, with three architecturally distinct sections (Villa, Colonial, and Castle), each with its own design language. It’s tucked inside the gated Cap Cana community on Juanillo Beach, a stretch of fine white sand and crystal-clear water that feels more secluded than most of Punta Cana. The Majestic Intimate Elegance package is sized for small, refined ceremonies.

Includes:

• Pre-planning and on-site services of a professional wedding specialist
• Symbolic marriage ceremony and symbolic certificate
• Wedding palapa and ceremony location
• Bouquets and boutonnieres made with white roses
• One-tier wedding cake and sparkling wine toast after the ceremony
• Complimentary dinner reservation for up to 12 guests at a gourmet restaurant
• 25-minute couples massage and romantic dinner with set menu for the couple
• Late checkout up to 3pm (subject to availability)

Learn more about Sanctuary Cap Cana and get a free quote today >>

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana: Intimate Elegance

5-Star • Adults-Only

PRICE: Up to $2,509 or complimentary GUESTS: 10

Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is one of the most-recommended adults-only properties in the DR among our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists. As one Certified Destination Wedding Specialist describes it: “Outstanding resort on a great beach with great food and service. Close to the airport and in a gated community, so safety is not an issue.” Zilara sits side-by-side with the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva, and Zilara guests can exchange privileges to dine and lounge on either side. The Intimate Elegance package is complimentary with 25 booked room nights from the group.

Includes:

• Pre-planning and on-site services of a professional wedding concierge
• Symbolic ceremony and certificate performed by a bilingual secular officiant
• Bouquets and boutonnieres for the couple
• Sparkling wine toast after the ceremony and wedding cake
• Ceremony table with white linen, folding wedding chairs, and sound system
• Couples massage and romantic dinner for the couple
• Special decoration of the couple’s suite
• Late checkout up to 3pm (subject to availability)

Learn more about Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana and get a free quote today >>

Barceló Bávaro Palace: Strawberry Passion

4.5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $3,200 GUESTS: 35

The Barceló Bávaro Palace stretches across a wide section of Bavaro Beach with seven pools, twelve restaurants, and easy access to the Pirates Island Water Park for younger guests. The Strawberry Passion package is one of the most-included options at this price point, with a three-hour private reception, open bar, a live music trio during the ceremony, and complimentary day passes to the water park for the whole wedding group.

Includes:

• Three-hour private reception with three-course menu and servers
• Three-hour open bar with international drinks
• Symbolic ceremony officiant and wedding cake
• Bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere (tropical or roses)
• Free day pass to Pirates Island Water Park for all wedding guests
• 50-minute massage, manicure, pedicure, and beauty services for the bride
• Two complimentary hotel nights for the first wedding anniversary
• 20% discount on weddings set Monday to Thursday

Learn more about Barceló Bávaro Palace and get a free quote today >>

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana: Sun-kissed Love

4-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $3,449+ GUESTS: 30

Sunscape Coco Punta Cana is a newer build on Bavaro Beach with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe that works equally well for kids, teens, and adults. Its closeness to the Punta Cana airport (under six miles) makes arrival easy for guests, and the Sun-kissed Love package’s 30-guest cap fits comfortably with most mid-size groups. You’ll get a semi-private rehearsal dinner, private cocktail hour, and private dinner reception bundled in.

Includes:

• Symbolic ceremony with ceremony decor and floral centerpiece
• Semi-private rehearsal dinner for up to 10 guests
• Private cocktail hour with Gold-menu hors d’oeuvres for up to 30 guests
• Private dinner reception with Gold menu for up to 30 guests
• Live music trio during cocktail hour (one 45-minute set)
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine for up to 30 guests
• Newlywed package and special turndown service the night of the wedding
• 15% off spa treatments

Learn more about Sunscape Coco Punta Cana and get a free quote today >>

Riu Palace Macao: Royal

4.5-Star • Adults-Only

PRICE: $3,599 GUESTS: 20

The Riu Palace Macao is one of the largest adults-only properties in Punta Cana, set on the wide stretch of Arena Gorda beach. Guests get unlimited access to the Splash Water World water park and Riu’s signature party nights, which makes the resort especially appealing for couples who want celebration energy beyond the wedding day. The Royal package upgrades the entry-tier decor and adds a private dinner reception.

Includes:

• Upgraded ceremony decor with light pink details and recorded music
• Bridal bouquet and matching boutonniere
• Symbolic ceremony with minister
• Private dinner at a select restaurant or location
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
• Romantic room decoration and a surprise gift
• 25-minute couples romantic massage
• 10% discount for the couple and guests on spa treatments

Learn more about Riu Palace Macao and get a free quote today >>

Riu Republica: Royal

4-Star • Adults-Only

PRICE: $3,599 GUESTS: 20

Riu Republica is Riu’s adults-only flagship on Bavaro Beach, with multiple pools, a swim-up bar, and a higher-energy vibe than the more relaxed Riu Palace Macao. Couples who want a celebration-forward atmosphere with their adults-only ceremony tend to lean toward this one. The Royal package matches its sister property’s inclusions exactly, with the bonus of Riu’s club-style nightlife built into the resort.

Includes:

• Upgraded ceremony decor with light pink details and recorded music
• Bridal bouquet and matching boutonniere
• Symbolic ceremony with minister
• Private dinner at a select restaurant or location
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
• Romantic room decoration and a surprise gift
• 25-minute couples romantic massage
• 10% discount on spa treatments

Learn more about Riu Republica and get a free quote today >>

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana: Love You More

5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $3,700 GUESTS: 32

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana is one of the only resorts in the DR built around character experiences, so it’s a natural fit for couples blending a wedding with a family-friendly trip for younger guests. The resort’s wedding department assigns a dedicated wedding designer and offers private group check-in for everyone in your block. The Love You More package includes a one-hour cocktail party with food service.

Includes:

• Dedicated wedding designer and personalized wedding website
• Private group check-in for wedding guests
• Selected wedding arch, altar table, aisle runner, and ceremony chairs
• Bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
• One-hour cocktail party with one food station
• Sparkling wine toast and wedding cake
• Romantic three-course candlelit dinner for the couple
• 15% discount on spa services for all guests

Learn more about Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and get a free quote today >>

Catalonia Royal Bavaro: Caribbean Fantasy Deluxe

4.5-Star • Adults-Only

PRICE: $3,990 GUESTS: 30

Catalonia Royal Bavaro is the adults-only sister to Catalonia Bavaro, situated on a calm stretch of Bavaro Beach with mature palms and a smaller footprint than the mega-resorts further south. The Caribbean Fantasy Deluxe package is one of the more complete sub-$4,000 options, with a private wedding dinner, live music, an upgrade to a Privileged Room, and a couple’s massage all included.

Includes:

• Symbolic ceremony with ceremony setup and recorded music
• Bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
• Private one-hour cocktail with sparkling wine and appetizers
• Live music (choice of mariachi trio, saxophonist, or violinist)
• Private wedding dinner with three-course gala menu
• Two-tier wedding cake
• Upgrade to a Privileged Room with King size bed
• 30-minute couples massage and hydrotherapy circuit

Learn more about Catalonia Royal Bavaro and get a free quote today >>

---

---

Caribe Deluxe Princess: Breeze

4-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $4,100 GUESTS: 25

Caribe Deluxe Princess is part of the Princess family of resorts on Bavaro Beach, with a tropical garden setting and a strong focus on wellness and dining. The Breeze package includes a bamboo or wooden ceremony arch with tropical florals, plus a one-hour open bar with chef-selected canapés. Couples also get a 30-minute hydromassage at the spa as part of the inclusions.

Includes:

• Symbolic officiant with certificate
• Bamboo or wooden ceremony arch with white draping and tropical floral arrangement
• Tropical bridal bouquet and matching boutonniere
• Three cocktail tables, five chef-selected canapés per person, and one hour of national open bar
• One-tier white wedding cake
• 30-minute hydromassage for the couple at the spa
• Romantic room decor with petals and wedding breakfast in-room next morning
• Complimentary room upgrade and late checkout (subject to availability)

Learn more about Caribe Deluxe Princess and get a free quote today >>

Moon Palace The Grand – Punta Cana: Classic

5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $4,198 GUESTS: 30

Moon Palace The Grand – Punta Cana is one of the largest Palace Resorts properties in the DR, with hundreds of acres on Bavaro Beach, multiple pools, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and a Flowrider surf simulator. The Classic package leans into a modern-luxe aesthetic with a complimentary wooden ceremony structure, soloist set, and one-hour photo coverage with a 30-image digital gallery.

Includes:

• Symbolic ceremony with complimentary wooden ceremony structure
• Bouquet, boutonniere, and basic audio system
• 45-minute soloist set (violin, guitar, or saxophone)
• Sparkling wine during the ceremony and sweet wedding cake
• Plug-and-play audio package with speakers, audio mixer, and microphone
• Six uplights (LED floor lamps) for ceremony lighting
• One-hour photo coverage with 30-image digital gallery
• 15% discount on spa services for the entire wedding group

Learn more about Moon Palace The Grand – Punta Cana and get a free quote today >>

Iberostar Waves Punta Cana: Nature of Love

4-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $4,347+ GUESTS: 12+

Iberostar Waves Punta Cana has a more intimate footprint than most Punta Cana resorts, with 427 rooms set on a quieter stretch of Bavaro Beach. The Nature of Love package is structured to let you mix and match: pick any three complimentary services from a list of six, on top of the included cocktail hour and private dinner. Couples who book the full ceremony, cocktail, and dinner combo also unlock a complimentary bridal hair trial and couples massage.

Includes:

• Dedicated on-site wedding coordinator and personalized flowers
• Decorated ceremony location with full setup
• Choose any three: officiant, recorded music and microphone, sparkling wine toast, wedding cake, or à la carte semi-private dinner for up to 32 guests
• One-hour cocktail hour with decorations, open bar, and appetizers
• Three-hour private dinner with three-course menu or buffet
• Three-hour open bar during dinner reception
• Room upgrade and late checkout for the couple
• Complimentary bridal hair trial and 30-minute couples massage with the full ceremony, cocktail, and dinner booking

Learn more about Iberostar Waves Punta Cana and get a free quote today >>

JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar: Nature of Love

5-Star • Adults-Only

PRICE: $4,347+ GUESTS: 12

JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar is Iberostar’s adults-only redesign of the former Iberostar Grand Bavaro, with a relaxed-luxury aesthetic and a quieter atmosphere than most adults-only resorts in Punta Cana. The Nature of Love package mirrors Iberostar Waves’ inclusions in an adults-only setting, with the same cocktail-and-private-dinner structure built in.

Includes:

• Dedicated on-site wedding coordinator and personalized flowers
• Decorated ceremony location with setup
• Choose any three: officiant, recorded music and microphone, sparkling wine toast, wedding cake, or à la carte semi-private dinner for up to 32 guests
• One-hour cocktail hour with decorations, open bar, and appetizers
• Three-hour private dinner with three-course menu or buffet
• Three-hour open bar during dinner reception
• Room upgrade and late checkout for the couple
• 10% discount on spa services for wedding guests

Learn more about JOIA Bavaro by Iberostar and get a free quote today >>

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana: Modern Enchantment

4.5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $4,500 GUESTS: 32

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is a perennial favorite among our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists. As one DW Specialist describes it: “All-time favorite. Wonderful accommodations, great food and beverage, and a beautiful beach. Great nightlife, amazing kids’ club, and something for everyone.” The Modern Enchantment package leans into the dramatic with a white circular ceremony structure dressed in sparkling teardrop curtains, a soloist for the ceremony, and a ground fireworks display after the vows.

Includes:

• White circular ceremony structure with sparkling teardrop curtains and white flowers
• 32 acrylic Napoleon chairs and a white vinyl aisle runner
• Themed bouquet with white florals and matching boutonniere
• Themed two-tier wedding cake for up to 32 guests
• Symbolic ceremony with non-denominational minister
• Soloist for the wedding ceremony (violin, saxophone, or guitar)
• Ground fireworks display after the ceremony
• Sparkling wine for 32 guests and With Love Honeymoon Package

Learn more about Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and get a free quote today >>

Lopesan Costa Bavaro: Eternal Bliss

5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $4,500 GUESTS: 30

Lopesan Costa Bavaro brings a slightly more European resort feel to the Bavaro Beach strip, with multi-level pools, a rooftop terrace ceremony option, and OM Spa wellness amenities baked into the package. The Eternal Bliss package gives you three venue choices (beach, rooftop, or terrace), a circular ceremony arch with greenery, and a semi-private dinner for up to 30 guests.

Includes:

• Choice of ceremony venue: beach, rooftop, or terrace
• Circular wedding arch decorated with greenery and gold Tiffany ceremony chairs
• Tropical bouquet, boutonniere, and matching ceremony table centerpiece
• Non-denominational symbolic minister with full sound system
• Sparkling wine toast and two-tier wedding cake
• One-hour cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres and 45-minute Caribbean trio
• Semi-private dinner reservation for up to 30 guests with standard restaurant decor
• 45-minute hydrotherapy session for the couple at OM Spa

Learn more about Lopesan Costa Bavaro and get a free quote today >>

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa: Eternal Love

5-Star • Adults-Only

PRICE: $4,549+ GUESTS: 20

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa sits on Juanillo Beach inside the gated Cap Cana community, with sister-property exchange privileges to nearby Dreams properties. The Eternal Love package at this price tier crosses into premium territory for an under-$5,000 option. It includes a private cocktail hour and three-hour dinner reception (Gold menu), live music during cocktails, and a 50-photo digital album plus edited ceremony video.

Includes:

• Service of judge or minister and on-site wedding coordinator
• Semi-private rehearsal dinner for up to 10 guests
• Ceremony decor with 20 white-covered chairs, ceremonial table, and aisle runner
• Private cocktail hour with Gold-menu hors d’oeuvres for up to 20 guests
• Private dinner reception with Gold menu for up to 20 guests
• Live music during cocktail hour (one set)
• 50 digital ceremony photos with wedding album and edited ceremony video
• Choice of one couples spa treatment

Learn more about Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa and get a free quote today >>

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine: Beautiful

4.5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $4,589 GUESTS: 30

Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine is one of the newer Bahia Principe properties in the DR, with a more contemporary design and a tighter, family-friendly footprint. The Beautiful package includes a private wedding dinner with the Beautiful set menu and open bar, a 45-minute live music set, a 25-minute couples massage, manicure and pedicure for the bride, and two complimentary nights for the couple (special conditions apply).

Includes:

• Symbolic officiant and ceremony venue
• Bouquet, boutonniere, and ceremony floral arrangements
• Sound system with speaker and microphone
• Live music (45-minute set) and ceremony toast
• Private wedding dinner with the Beautiful set menu and open bar
• Two-tier wedding cake
• 25-minute couples massage plus manicure and pedicure
• Romantic in-room breakfast, room upgrade, and two complimentary nights (special conditions apply)

Learn more about Bahia Principe Escape Aquamarine and get a free quote today >>

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana: Eternal Love

4.5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $4,849+ GUESTS: 20

Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana sits on a coveted stretch of Bavaro Beach and is the only Punta Cana resort with an on-site mangrove grove (couples can paddleboard through it). The property splits between a family-friendly main side and the adults-only Preferred Club section, so multi-generational groups with both younger guests and adults-only friends can stay together. The Eternal Love package, the resort’s mid-tier option, includes a private cocktail hour, private Gold-menu dinner, and 50 ceremony photos.

Includes:

• Service of judge or minister and on-site wedding coordinator
• Semi-private rehearsal dinner for up to 10 guests
• Ceremony decor with 20 white-covered chairs, ceremonial table, and aisle runner
• Bouquet, boutonniere, and wedding party flowers (up to four members)
• Wedding cake and sparkling wine for up to 20 guests
• Private cocktail hour with Gold menu for up to 20 guests
• Private dinner reception with Gold menu for up to 20 guests
• 50 digital ceremony photos, wedding album, and edited ceremony video

Learn more about Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana and get a free quote today >>

Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa: Palladium Signature

4.5-Star • Family-Friendly

PRICE: $4,950 GUESTS: 25

Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa shares an enormous beachfront complex with sister properties Grand Palladium Bavaro and Grand Palladium Palace, so guests can dine and lounge across the entire sister-resort network. The Palladium Signature package keeps a tight 25-guest cap but bundles ceremony, sound system, decor, semi-private dinner, and the resort’s on-site wedding coordinator into one all-in price.

Includes:

• Non-denominational minister for symbolic union
• Basic ceremony sound system
• Circular ceremony structure with white flowers and greenery
• Four aisle floral arrangements and personal flowers for the couple
• Minister table with white floral centerpiece
• Sparkling wine toast after the ceremony and white ceremony chairs
• Semi-private wedding-day dinner at one of the restaurants
• Wedding cake with naked or buttercream frosting

Learn more about Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa and get a free quote today >>

What’s Typically Included in a Dominican Republic Wedding Package Under $5,000

Whether you’re spending $1,250 or $4,950, every package at this tier covers the same core elements. Here’s what to expect across almost any resort in the DR:

• Ceremony venue: beachfront, gazebo, garden, or rooftop location
• Symbolic officiant: a non-denominational minister to perform the ceremony
• Basic decor: chairs for guests, an arch or altar table, and a sound system
• Personal flowers: bouquet and boutonniere for the couple
• Wedding cake: typically a one- or two-tier themed cake
• Sparkling wine toast: served after the ceremony
• On-site wedding coordinator: handles day-of logistics and resort vendors
• Honeymoon perks: turndown service, late checkout, romantic breakfast, and welcome amenities

At the higher end of this tier (around $3,500 and up), you’ll often also get a private cocktail hour, a private dinner reception (typically 20 to 30 guests), live music during the ceremony or cocktail hour, and a small amount of included photography.

What’s Not Included (Common Add-Ons)

Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists see the same surprise costs come up at this tier. Knowing them up front makes budgeting easier:

• Photography upgrades: typically $500 to $2,500, even when basic photo coverage is included
• DJ or extended live music: $800 to $1,500 for a few hours of reception entertainment
• Floral upgrades: $300 to $1,500 above the package’s basic decor
• Lighting: as one of our Specialists puts it, “Most outdoor venues provide little to no lighting beyond basic safety lights. String lights, uplighting, and pathway lighting often need to be rented separately.”
• Outside vendor fees: $200 to $1,000+ per outside photographer, DJ, or hair/makeup artist
• Per-person reception fees: when guest count exceeds the package cap
• Resort fees and taxes: usually added on at the final invoice

From Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists: Best Picks for Tight Budgets, Adults-Only, and Family-Friendly Weddings

For couples who want the most out of a tight budget, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists most often point to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana. As one DW Specialist describes it: “All-time favorite. Wonderful accommodations, great food and beverage, and a beautiful beach. Great nightlife, amazing kids’ club, and something for everyone.” Hard Rock’s Modern Enchantment package gives you a real production at $4,500 (fireworks, a soloist, a themed two-tier cake for 32 guests), all built in.

For adults-only couples wanting a Specialist-favorite property, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is the strongest recommendation. Per one of our Specialists: “Outstanding resort on a great beach with great food and service. Close to the airport and in a gated community, so safety is not an issue. Family-friendly Ziva side-by-side with adults-only Zilara, with adults booked at Ziva having exchange privileges at Zilara.” The Intimate Elegance package is potentially complimentary with 25 booked room nights, which makes it one of the best comp-package values in the Caribbean.

Tips for Staying Under $5,000

A few practical strategies our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists recommend for keeping your DR wedding under $5,000:

• Choose a complimentary or deposit-only package. Several resorts (including Majestic Elegance, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Zoetry Agua, Dreams Royal Beach, and Sunscape Coco) waive the package fee with a minimum room-night booking.
• Keep your guest list under 32. Most packages at this tier cap at 20 to 32 guests, and per-person overage fees add up quickly.
• Book in the off-season. May, June, September, and early November deliver the lowest rates with reasonable weather. Avoid the December-to-April peak if you can.
• Use the resort’s in-house vendors. Outside vendor fees can run $200 to $1,000+ per vendor.
• Skip elaborate decor. Beach and garden venues at these resorts do most of the visual work themselves, so the natural setting is the wow factor.
• Book early. Per our Specialists, group rates lock in best when you reserve 10 to 12 months in advance for groups of 30+, or 6 to 8 months for smaller groups of 20 or fewer.

Dominican Republic Wedding Packages Under $5,000 FAQs

How much does a typical Dominican Republic wedding cost?

A typical Dominican Republic destination wedding costs the couple between $8,500 and $9,000 on average, well below the $36,000 U.S. wedding average. Most resort packages start at around $1,250 and climb to $5,000 or more, with complimentary packages available at many properties when minimum room-night bookings are met.

Which Dominican Republic resorts offer complimentary wedding packages?

At least five DR resorts in the under-$5,000 tier offer complimentary wedding packages when room-night minimums are met: Majestic Elegance Punta Cana, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana, and Sunscape Coco Punta Cana. Most require seven nights in a select room category or five rooms booked for at least three nights.

Are weddings in the Dominican Republic legally recognized in the U.S.?

Symbolic ceremonies in the Dominican Republic are not legally binding, so most couples handle the legal paperwork in the U.S. before or after the trip. Civil ceremonies in the DR are legally recognized but require more advance paperwork (often translated and apostilled). A few resorts, like Majestic Elegance, include civil ceremony legal fees in their package.

What’s the best time of year to get married in the Dominican Republic?

The dry season runs from December through April, with peak demand and pricing in February and March. May, June, and early November are great shoulder months with lower rates and fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs roughly June through November, but the DR is less affected than other Caribbean destinations.

How many guests can attend a Dominican Republic wedding under $5,000?

At this tier, most resort packages cap at 20 to 32 guests, but a few outliers go higher. Majestic Elegance Punta Cana’s Symbolic package allows up to 60 guests, and Barceló Bávaro Palace’s Strawberry Passion goes up to 35. Anything over the cap is usually charged per person at $50 to $100+ per additional guest.

Plan Your Dominican Republic Destination Wedding Today

You don’t have to sacrifice your dream celebration to stay under $5,000. The Dominican Republic gives you white-sand beaches, full-service all-inclusive resorts, and packages that bundle everything from the ceremony to the cake into one all-in price. Whether you’re planning a 10-person elopement at a boutique adults-only retreat or a 60-person celebration with multi-generational guests, there’s a DR resort built for it.

Ready to say “I do” in paradise? Fill out our online wedding planning form and receive personalized recommendations for the best destination wedding resorts in the Dominican Republic. Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists will help you find the resort, package, and date that fit your budget and your vision. Celebrate your love in style. Your dream wedding is waiting for you right here in the Dominican Republic!