Are you interested in how to get married in Dominican Republic Punta Cana? If you’ve been considering a destination wedding for your big day, Punta Cana is one of the most popular destinations.
The romantic beachside atmosphere and convenient location make it an attractive option for US and Canadian couples looking for the ultimate wedding destination. With a tropical climate, plenty of extra activities, and numerous all-inclusive resorts, you can plan the perfect intimate wedding surrounded by your family and friends.
However, a destination wedding often has different legalities than your home country. If you’re wondering how to get legally married in Punta Cana, this article will go over the legal requirements and everything you need to know, so you can prepare for your destination wedding.
How to Legally Get Married in Punta Cana
The most important aspect of planning your destination wedding in Punta Cana is to understand the legal process to get married there. Regardless of the laws in your hometown, you must follow those set by the authorities in Punta Cana to ensure your marriage is perfectly legal. There are certain documents that must be provided, along with translations in certain situations. Understanding the requirements will help you avoid any problems that could result in delaying your wedding.
Required Legal Documents
The first aspect of getting married in Punta Cana is the legal documents each individual must provide to the local authorities. These documents are meant to verify each party’s identity and their eligibility to get married. You will need the following documents:
- Passports (these must be valid and also presented at the ceremony)
- Birth certificates
- Single status affidavits (sworn, notarized statements are also accepted if an official affidavit can’t be obtained)
- A divorce decree or death certificate (for any party that was previously married)
Most documents, except for passports, must be translated into Spanish and notarized. They must also be legalized at the Dominican Consulate in your home country before arrival.
Working with our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists will guarantee that you have all the documents you need before your big day. They can help you arrange for translations and legalization as well to reduce your stress. We aim to make sure that your wedding is valid and legally recognized, so you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying each other.
Legal Marriage Timeline
While you have some flexibility in your timeline, here are the basic times you should aim for in your preparations:
- Begin gathering documentation and arranging for official Spanish translations about six to eight months before your wedding.
- Get your documents notarized and legalized four to six months ahead.
- Send copies of your documents to your Certified Destination Wedding Specialist two to three months before the wedding.
- Hand the original documents to your wedding specialist as soon as you arrive in Punta Cana.
After your civil ceremony is complete, you will receive an official Dominican marriage certificate in Spanish. You may have to get this document translated into English and legalized in order to recognize the marriage in your home country.
Punta Cana Legal Marriage Cost
Your overall costs for your Punta Cana marriage will vary depending on the resort, the wedding package, and other add-ons you choose for your special day. However, there are some set costs associated with legalizing your marriage. Be sure to factor these costs into your budget.
- When both parties are foreign, the cost of a civil ceremony is about $340.
- A judge to perform the ceremony can cost $300-600.
- Full packages that may include translations, an apostilled marriage certificate, and shipping can cost anywhere from $1350 to $1700.
- Apostille services typically cost $20-100 per document.
- Translations can cost $15-30 per page.
RELATED: Punta Cana Destination Wedding Cost Guide
Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings
When getting married in Punta Cana, you generally have two choices for your wedding ceremony: legal weddings and symbolic weddings. Knowing the differences between the two will help you choose the one that’s right for you and your situation. For the most part, legal ceremonies require the appropriate documents and are legally binding, while a symbolic wedding is easier and stress-free, but must also have a civil ceremony at home or somewhere else.
Civil Marriage
A civil marriage is the only legally recognized method of getting married in Punta Cana. This ceremony requires you to submit the required documentation with translations and legalization to qualify for the marriage. These ceremonies are typically completed by a judge and are simple ceremonies that are perfect for those looking for a non-denominational ceremony. A civil marriage allows couples to legally get married in a way that is recognized in their home country.
Religious Ceremony
Some couples prefer to have a religious ceremony similar to what they would have in church at home. These ceremonies are available for numerous denominations, such as Catholic, Protestant, and more, and are performed by a religious official. However, it’s important to note that religious ceremonies are often not legally binding on their own and must typically be combined with a civil ceremony to ensure legality. Otherwise, it is more similar to a symbolic ceremony.
Symbolic Ceremony
Finally, a symbolic ceremony is a lower stress option for those who simply want to have a destination wedding in a beautiful location without worrying about the hassle of providing documentation. These ceremonies can be performed by just about anyone and offer the couple the chance to get amazing pictures for their wedding album.
In order for these marriages to be legally recognized, a civil ceremony is required. Many couples choose to have their legal ceremony in their home country, with a more romantic symbolic ceremony in Punta Cana. This is one of the most popular options for couples who want a stress-free destination wedding experience.
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What to Do When You Return Home
After getting married in a place like Punta Cana, one of the most common questions is what the couple should do once they return home. The answer varies depending on where you live, but in many cases, you will need to register your marriage with the local authorities. To do so, you will likely need additional copies of your marriage certificate, often translated into English and legalized through a similar process to the documents you provided in Punta Cana.
Keep in mind that a symbolic ceremony won’t require any legal follow-up. These weddings are not legally binding without an accompanying civil ceremony, so you are not legally married until you have a legal wedding.
Start Planning Your Legal (Or Symbolic) Wedding in Punta Cana Today!
“Can I get married in Punta Cana?” The answer is a resounding yes, whether you want to have a legally binding ceremony or simply want a beautiful symbolic wedding for all of your friends and family. If you’re ready to start planning your legal or symbolic wedding in Punta Cana, we invite you to fill out our online wedding planning form to discuss your expectations and requirements with one of our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists. We’re excited to help you plan the perfect celebration of your unity, whether you want a legal ceremony that starts your married life together or a symbolic ceremony to complement your civil ceremony.
Let us help you fulfill your vision of a perfect wedding day!
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