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The Dominican Republic is an amazing country. Beautiful landscapes, clean beaches, warm waters of the sea and ocean attract romantics here. Therefore, there is no better place to hold a wedding ceremony.

A wedding is an important event in the life of every person. The newlyweds want to make it unforgettable. For this reason, more and more often they choose to hold a ceremony in some exotic country instead of a magnificent celebration in their homeland. Often the choice falls on the Dominican Republic, where nature itself helps create a romantic mood.

A big plus is the opportunity to get great photos that will decorate the first pages of the family album. So, a wedding ceremony in the Dominican Republic: what do you need to know about the features of its holding to make the event truly memorable for a lifetime? Read more about this at ToursDominicana.

What kind of ceremony can be held?

Beautiful ceremony
Everything depends on the wishes of the guests of the republic. Employees involved in organizing such holidays will perform both a symbolic and an official ceremony equally well. What are their differences?

The wedding is symbolic. It is carried out in cases where the newlyweds have already celebrated a joyful event, and now want to relive the tender moments in the tropics once again. Another option is for the couple to celebrate their wedding anniversary while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. In both the first and second cases, the main thing will be a photo shoot: newlyweds or happy spouses on the seashore or ocean, against the backdrop of palm or coconut groves.
The wedding is official. The event is more serious, since the marriage registration procedure itself will be carried out in another country. In order for everything to go according to plan, it is necessary to prepare all the necessary documents in advance and coordinate the ceremony with the Dominican side.

Official and symbolic wedding ceremony

Departing from the standards, one of the lovers wants to legitimize their relationship here. To do this, you will only need to collect the necessary documents in Russia, and it is better to entrust everything else to the wedding agency. A legal wedding ceremony can only be performed by a Dominican judge who speaks Spanish, I want to reassure you right away, an interpreter is provided for the ceremony. A marriage registered here is officially valid in Russia; you will need to provide a legalized Dominican certificate to the passport office to affix a stamp on marriage registration.

A wedding can be both symbolic and official... What you can be sure of is that it will be unforgettable!

The symbolic ceremony includes the same as the legal one, only the marriage is not officially registered, and it takes place in the native language. If you are newlyweds, romantics, or you have been married for a long time and thus decided to bring more unforgettable moments into your relationship or refresh your feelings for the closest person on earth. A great idea for a vacation or honeymoon that will remain in your memory forever in the form of vivid photographs.

Features of an official wedding

An incredible wedding ceremony
You need to take care of registering a marriage in the Dominican Republic even before leaving your home country. The event requires the preparation of a package of documents. It includes:

Copies of the birth certificates of the potential bride and groom.
Confirmation that the man and woman do not have a family in their home country.
If necessary, a certificate of divorce, change of surname, death of a former spouse, etc.

All documents must be certified by a notary, then translated into Spanish and legalized (apostilled) by the Ministry of Justice in your home country. You must have scanned copies of the listed documents and passports with you in the Dominican Republic. The documents themselves are transferred to the agency, which will prepare and conduct the wedding.

FAQ

How much do agency services for organizing an official wedding in the Dominican Republic cost?

The cost of agency services is about $1,100.

You need to conclude an agreement with the agency in advance, since an important part of the ceremony is the registration of marriage in the Dominican Republic registry office. The agency will take over the work of agreeing on the date of the ceremony and submitting documents.

To have a wedding in the Dominican Republic at the highest level, you must pay for the following services:

a beauty salon that the bride will visit before the ceremony;
video and photography - well, how can you do without them in such a place;
musicians, etc.

The ceremony can be held at a hotel, on the beach, on a picturesque island - there are many options. This naturally entails additional expenses.

Symbolic wedding in the Dominican Republic

To hold an original wedding ceremony in the Dominican Republic, while staying within the usual wedding budget, you can organize a symbolic wedding.

A symbolic wedding is held separately from the official marriage. The ritual includes :

oath of allegiance;
exchange of wedding rings;
blessing;
newlyweds' first kiss.

What are the advantages of a symbolic wedding over an official one:

no need to prepare documents and pay for their notarization;
there is no need to pay for the services of an official registrar;
more free dates for symbolic marriage registration;
With less time to prepare, such a wedding can be organized spontaneously in just a few days.

There are several different ways to conduct a symbolic wedding ceremony. Its cost varies from 1000 to 5000 dollars

In this case, the cost of flight tickets and hotel accommodation is paid separately.

The easiest and most affordable way to register a wedding is to organize it on a picturesque beach near a decorated festive arch or in a gazebo. For a symbolic ritual, 5 main scenarios can be distinguished:

in a small church - $2800;
prince and princess style weddings – $2,500;
wedding in the style of sea pirates - $1800;
flower ceremony - $1,750;
Caribbean night – $1600.

For those who want to hold a symbolic wedding in an original way, you can opt for a wedding at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea . It takes place underwater against the backdrop of an unusual marine world. The wedding ambience is thought out to the smallest detail and you can even choose a specific color scheme in the same style. The cost of such a service is about $5,000.

also order wedding decorations in any style you wish. The most popular are:

Victorian;
Hawaiian;
gangster;
Hollywood;
in Tiffany style.

All these options can be supplemented with your personal fantasies and wishes, turning the wedding ceremony into a real fairy tale. A photo session near the landscapes of the Dominican Republic and against the background of the sunset and the sea will be especially unforgettable for the newlyweds.

Cost of a symbolic wedding

Many newlyweds do the following: register an official marriage in their homeland, and hold a symbolic wedding in the Dominican Republic. This way you can have an original wedding and immediately plunge into your honeymoon.

A symbolic wedding in this hot country will be no less beautiful and fun than an ordinary one, and will bring many unforgettable emotions and impressions

What amounts should you expect when carrying out symbolic marriage registration in the Dominican Republic:

a ceremony on the island of Macau among exotic nature will require about 1200-1300 dollars;
getting married on the territory of the Saon Nature Reserve will cost a little more - 1900-2000 dollars;
a wedding on the Cap Cana coastline costs approximately $1300-1400;
Marriage registration at Gianillo Beach will cost $1,500.

A symbolic wedding can be arranged regardless of when the marriage was registered. This can be a wonderful gift for spouses on their wedding anniversary.

Carrying out the ceremony at the hotel

Wedding in a hotel
Many hotel complexes offer a similar service, since there are always a lot of tourists who want to celebrate a wedding in the Dominican Republic. This option has both pros and cons.

The main advantage is that you don’t have to go anywhere. Some hotel complexes offer the service for free. However, there are many more disadvantages:

In this case, the wedding arch is located on the hotel beach. This means that there will be a lot of onlookers around, many of whom do not hesitate to approach the newlyweds and take photographs of what is happening as a souvenir.
It will not be possible to be in solitude during the ceremony, since there are always a lot of vacationers on the beach.
Additional services, such as photography and videography, will cost more than outside the hotel. At the same time, inviting your photographer is also not an option. You have to pay a lot for this – around $1000. The situation is similar with all other specialists.
Decorators are not allowed into the hotel complex, so you will have to be content with the decoration that the hotel offers. And it, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired.

If you really don’t want to leave the hotel during check-in and there is a specialist who will provide the necessary services, for example, a photographer, you can introduce him as a friend and place him in the hotel in that capacity. Accommodation will definitely be much cheaper.

How far in advance should a symbolic ceremony be planned?

It is better to book a symbolic wedding ceremony at least a month before the trip. Just like for an official ceremony, with early booking there is a better chance of choosing the desired date and time for the wedding ceremony. A wedding in the Dominican Republic is a celebration that is best planned in advance, but: In most cases, we can confirm the ceremony a few days before departure, and also if you are currently in the Dominican Republic. The coordinator will come to you within a few hours. This applies to a SYMBOLIC ceremony ONLY 6. Can options be removed from wedding packages and will the cost change? Unfortunately, services included in wedding packages cannot be removed, but can be added to. You can remove options from the package, but the cost of the packages will not change in most cases. 7. Can I take a photographer with me for photography? Professional photography is prohibited on hotel premises, as is the official policy of the hotels. Filming outside the hotel area is permitted. To shoot outside the hotel, you can invite your own photographer to our ceremonies, but this will not reduce the cost of the package. 8. Where is the ceremony held? When holding a ceremony without reference to a hotel, full Russian-language support is provided. At an official wedding, the hotels provide a notary who speaks Spanish; the hotels provide an assistant who speaks English.

Carrying out the ceremony outside the hotel

Here, too, not everything is so simple. It will not be possible to prepare a wedding on your own due to the time difference and the huge distance. There is only one way out - to hire specialists who will think through everything down to the smallest detail, including transfer.

There are many wedding agencies providing similar services in the Dominican Republic, and there is plenty to choose from. Nevertheless, the issue must be approached responsibly. Before concluding an agreement, you must:

read reviews about the agency on the Internet;
communicate with the coordinator and find out all your questions;
evaluate the communication style of the agency representative, his competence in this area;
discuss every detail, including the cost of all services.

Together with the coordinator, you can visually imagine the future ceremony:

it will take place in a deserted place, for example, on a wild white sand beach, or in a city;
how long does it take to get to the place: quite a long boat ride or drive in less than an hour;
arrange a romantic dinner for two somewhere in a secluded place or in a restaurant with guests.

FAQ

What are the most popular wedding venues in the Dominican Republic?

Most often, tourists prefer to organize ceremonies on the island of Saona, on the beaches of Cabeza de Torro, Bavaro, Juanillo, as well as in the Cap Cana hotel complex.

It is important to consider the following details:

Is it possible to hide in the shade;
is there somewhere to change clothes and clean up;
Is there anything that will interfere with the photo shoot? In this case, we are often talking about algae that floats to the shore.

If you take into account all these nuances, nothing will definitely interfere with holding a luxurious ceremony.

Options for on-site registration

In addition to official marriage in the Dominican Republic, symbolic weddings are considered quite popular.
This type of wedding ceremony is especially suitable for those couples who have already registered their relationship in Russia, but want to relive the exciting emotions surrounded by exotic things.

A symbolic wedding, although not supported by legal laws, is an important solemn event, the purpose of which is to lift the spirits of the spouses, as well as the guests present at the ceremony. Options for holding weddings, both official and symbolic, can be very diverse.

The gala event can be played in the following picturesque places:

on the island of Saon, on whose territory there is a fabulous nature reserve;
on famous beaches along the Caribbean coast, such as Macau, Calenton, Costa Del Amor and many others;
in the bay of the blue lagoon Hoyo Azul, famous for its natural beauty;
under the roof of elite Italian clubs, with enchanting music and luxurious interiors;
within the walls of the chapel in Cap Cana, where you can not only celebrate the ceremony, but also touch the historical and architectural sights of the Dominican Republic, which undoubtedly deserve attention.

For those wishing to seal the bonds of marriage in extreme conditions, there is the possibility of holding a wedding ceremony in a hot air balloon, as well as in the company of exotic fish, subject to the wedding at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea.

Wedding on Saone

Beautiful ceremony in Saona
This island is very often chosen for a wedding ceremony. The main difficulty that arises is the road. The island can be reached by yacht or boat. Here are some tips on how to properly organize a wedding in Saona:

If possible, it is better to book a yacht - it has a cabin. In this case, you won’t have to worry that bad weather will catch you on the way or that the bride’s hair will become disheveled.
If you have to travel by boat, you need to sit down so that splashes of water do not get on your face - your makeup will smudge. Optimally, with your back in the direction of travel.
If your budget allows, you need to order a separate boat for the event organizers and the necessary decor. There are at least three advantages: you won’t have to crowd; the organizers will go to the island earlier and arrange everything for the arrival of the bride and groom; It will be possible to leave Saona without waiting for all the decorations to be removed. Only a photographer and a videographer will sail in the boat with the newlyweds.

Immediately upon arrival on the island, you can change into your outfits and begin the ceremony. And it’s better to leave it at the moment while all the decorations are still in place.

Wedding ceremony in the Dominican Republic

How to organize a wedding in the Dominican Republic

Currently, a wedding in the Dominican Republic is quite affordable for couples with an average income who are looking for interesting and memorable adventures. Newlyweds who succeed in carrying out their plans are guaranteed amazing emotions, incomparable to any other experiences in life.

The service in the Caribbean is of excellent quality. For those wishing to get married, the organizers will offer dozens of original options for holding the ceremony. Whether it’s an evening for two or an event with a large number of guests, a wedding according to local original customs or a traditional European ritual - you just have to choose the option to suit your taste.

For couples who do not want to deal with organizational issues on their own, travel agencies have a wide range of programs. Moreover, you can choose the most suitable option while still at home, depending on financial resources:

An inexpensive but favorite option for newlyweds is getting married on a wild beach in the country.
Religious ceremony in an ancient Dominican temple.
Wedding mini-cruise on a yacht.
A chic feast on the shore of the warm sea.

Where to hold a wedding ceremony in the Dominican Republic

Marriage outside their homeland is a common occurrence; today many seek to legalize relationships on the most beautiful islands of the planet. Therefore, local hotels professionally organize prestigious events for lovers. The surroundings of the Dominican Republic amaze with their unearthly beauty, which is why it is not so easy to choose a specific place for a wedding. And first, you should take a closer look at what paradise under the sultry sun of the Dominican Republic offers to lovers.

On the beach in Macau

Getting married on the beach in Macau will be unpretentious and luxurious at the same time. Wild beaches, birdsong, rustling surf, huge palm trees. A photo session against the backdrop of ancient rocks, azure waves and sleepy fishing boats is all you need for a chic wedding album. We recommend that you carefully read how the ceremony itself is conducted:

The date and place of marriage are set, to which you will be solemnly taken in a presentable car.
A magnificent arch entwined with tropical flowers, installed on the ocean shore - the beginning of your future happiness.
A ceremonial host and a festive bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice are waiting for you near the arch.
With a friendly smile, the bride is presented with a bouquet of tropical flowers, and the newlywed is given a matching boutonniere.
A traditional ceremony will be performed in your native language accompanied by musical accompaniment of your choice.
After a symbolic “yes,” the spouses sign a special certificate as a reminder of the event.
The Macau feast is a rich buffet for the number of guests and a luxurious cake for the newlyweds.
A professional photo session that will capture the most successful moments.

On the island of Saona

The size of the island, unique flora and fauna have made this place a state reserve, which, however, is cordially open to newlyweds. It will be useful for you to know that another name for the island is Bounty. And that's it! The landscape of Saona inspires with its magical beauty, and your wedding here will be held according to the following program:

A wedding car will be delivered to your hotel or bungalow. If desired, the bride can use the services of a makeup artist and hairdresser, and the driver will take her to the salon to a master who speaks Russian.
To get to the wedding venue, you will be taken to the Bayabé pier and from there transported to the chic snow-white island.
Before the ceremony, a romantic film in the spirit of “Love Story” is filmed.
To the whisper of the surf, you are declared husband and wife.
The celebration scenario includes an exquisite buffet of ocean delicacies for guests and newlyweds.
As a logical conclusion to a wonderful fairy tale, you can order a ceremonial swimming or diving in the Caribbean Sea. While sailing, you can enjoy the unique spectacle of the seabed with all its inhabitants.

On the beach of Cap Cana

The organizers offer young couples a full-fledged event on the Cap Cana beach with all the components: a spacious hall for a feast, service staff, refined and plentiful cuisine. This wedding in the Dominican Republic will satisfy everyone present with its pomp. The newlyweds and guests will find the following scenario:

A well-organized luxury transfer.
Booking a private VIP beach for any half of the day, pleasantly surprising with its chic appearance.
A touching wedding ritual on the shore and a subsequent buffet consisting of exquisite dishes and drinks.
Create beautiful professional photographs.

At Juanillo Beach

Juanillo Beach, untouched by civilization, is the most romantic place on earth. A wedding ceremony in such a place is a real love adventure in an oasis of wild nature. Choose this place without a doubt, and you will be provided with a range of the following services:

Comfortable trip to the beach.
Wedding arch on the sandy shore, decorated with the brightest flowers.
A small feast in the form of a buffet table and cold champagne.
A beautiful ritual accompanied by romantic music in your native language.
Issuance of a solemn certificate of marriage.
Photography against the backdrop of local tropical beauty.

Wedding scenario in the Dominican Republic

A detailed description of marriage in the Dominican Republic looks something like this:

The ceremony usually begins in the morning so that participants can enjoy the beauty of a sunny day on a beautiful island. The bride in an airy light dress, as if from a fairy tale, gets into a luxury car that takes her to a beautiful Caribbean beach. On the special day, the groom should be dressed like a native of the tropics: light rolled-up trousers, a snow-white shirt, bare feet.
The path to the wedding arch is paved with a parade path along which the nervous bride slowly walks.
The groom patiently waits for his beloved to the tune of a touching melody. The bride approaches, and the newlywed gives her a bouquet of delicate fragrant flowers.
Having joined hands, the lovers stand side by side for a formal registration.
After the required words and oaths, they are given a document to sign, simulating a marriage certificate.
This is followed by the traditional lovers' kiss.
A fun and relaxed wedding in the Dominican Republic begins. Tables for guests are placed near the surf so that they can enjoy beautiful views of the seascape. Popular musical tunes are played to lift the mood, glasses are raised in honor of the newlyweds, toasts and congratulations are made.
During the celebration, a photo session is held against the backdrop of nature, as a souvenir with guests, during a mating dance on the sand and in other touching moments.
The culmination of the holiday can be fireworks or the sunset of a blazing sun slowly plunging into sparkling water.

How much does a wedding ceremony cost in the Dominican Republic?

The main expense item for future spouses is plane tickets. The remaining services of the Dominican Republic are quite accessible to the middle class of our country. There are many hotels on the islands with varying prices to suit every budget. Your decision has not changed, and are you planning to have a wedding in the Dominican Republic? Then it would be a good idea to find out about upcoming expenses.

Prices for a symbolic ceremony

Among newlyweds, a very popular way to celebrate their personal holiday is a symbolic ceremony that completely repeats the domestic event without visiting the routine registry office.

In the Dominican Republic, such a ceremony will not surprise anyone. Couples in love are officially registered in their homeland without any hassle and fly abroad to have a fun and beautiful ceremony on an exotic beach. In addition, after the symbolic ceremony comes a real and simply fantastic honeymoon on the shores of the majestic ocean. Check out the approximate prices for such an event.

The exotic beach of Macau will hospitably open its arms to you for $1,200.
The price of a wedding in the Dominican Republic among the beauty of the protected Saona starts from $1900.
A buffet on the snow-white sands of Cap Cana costs about $1,300.
A beautiful ceremony in the real tropics “Juanillo Beach” can cost the newlyweds $1,500.

Cost of the official ceremony

A wedding in the Dominican Republic can also be registered in an official way. You will be given a certificate drawn up in accordance with all legal norms in the state language of the country - Spanish. Upon arrival in your home country, you will need to submit a certificate for official translation and legal confirmation.

To register in the Dominican Republic, prepare the following package of documents:

Birth certificate of the bride and groom with an official translation into Spanish.
Application in Spanish for permission to marry in the Dominican Republic.
A certificate from the Russian registry office stating that neither spouse is married.
Color photocopies of passports.

Please note that an official wedding in the Dominican Republic incurs some expenses. You should add about $1,400 to the price for a celebration on the selected Caribbean beach. As a rule, these expenses include the preparation of travel documents at a travel agency, the services of a lawyer for the preparation of a marriage certificate, the travel of a local registrar to the selected wedding venue in the Dominican Republic, payment of state fees, translation into Russian and legalization of the marriage document, preparation and delivery of a certificate on the territory of the country in case of newlyweds' vacation within 10 days.

If you fly home immediately after the ceremony, you will also have to pay for the delivery of the document to Russia, which will take about two weeks.

Video: holding a wedding ceremony in the Dominican Republic

The decision to have a wedding in the Dominican Republic is an excellent idea that you will not regret for a minute. To confirm the correctness of your choice, we have prepared for you a wedding film about happy lovers who have already visited the picturesque Caribbean islands to get married. Look at the amazed faces of the young people, admiring the beauty of the exotic country. Maybe you’ll take note of the newlyweds’ original ideas, or maybe you’ll come up with an exclusive scenario for your personal celebration. You decide!

Photos of weddings held in the Dominican Republic

Such a magnificent journey to distant shores should never be erased from memory. It is very important to choose a true professional photographer who will skillfully convey unique footage of a wedding in the Dominican Republic. Here you have the perfect opportunity to capture a beautiful reunion story of a lifetime against the backdrop of the ancient Atlantic Ocean, swaying coconut trees, luxury yachts cutting through the waves and pearly sand.

You can see what a romantic story in a wonderful tropical country will look like in the photographs presented.

What a photo shoot could be like

Choose a photographer yourself or use the services recommended by the coordinator - it depends on the conditions set by the wedding agency. But even if you are not allowed to invite a third-party master, you need to familiarize yourself with the work of all the photographers working in the agency and clarify who exactly will be photographing the ceremony. This way it will be clear from the very beginning what results should be expected.

You can hire an outside photographer:

through an agency - some of them not only allow you to invite a specialist, but also provide the work of masters with whom they often collaborate;
independently - look at the work of photographers on specialized sites.

In the second case, you must definitely review the package of services offered by the agency and make sure that a photo shoot is excluded from it.

If you don’t have the desire or funds to organize a magnificent celebration, you can limit yourself to a photo shoot. This option is common in the Dominican Republic, and therefore finding a specialist with the appropriate decorations will not be difficult. Of course, in this case the event will hardly be called a wedding due to the absence of its main elements, but the pictures will turn out excellent.

Wedding ceremony on Saona Island

"Fairytale Island" Saona Island, Caribbean Sea

After a half-hour sea voyage, you will find yourself in a protected area - one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean. Snow-white powder sand, a picturesque palm forest against the azure background, unusual shallows where you can wander far from the shore and look at fields strewn with starfish... A photo shoot in the Dominican Republic in a natural pool, what could be better? This exotic island is often used in filming and advertising because it is ideal for the role of a lost tropical paradise. In particular, the famous advertisement “Bounty - heavenly delight” was filmed here. It is not surprising that the dream island of Saona is protected by the state and is part of a national natural park. A wedding on the islands is truly a heavenly experience.

Services included in the package:

Transfer to the hotel - ceremony-hotel. Car up to 6 people + boat up to 6 people, shared transfer with the TraveService team;
Wedding photo session - 1.5 hours, more than 150 photos with processing on CD (80 lightroom, 20 photoshop);
Bamboo gazebo with white fabric - included;
Decoration of the ceremonial arch. Colors to choose from: white, blue, pink, purple, red, green, yellow;
Decorated table for signing certificates - included;
Decorative stand for rings - included;
Musical accompaniment (stereo system);
Bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the groom. To choose from TSR-01 to TSR-16 (see additional services);
Ceremony: symbolic with a Russian leader + “Sand of Unity” ceremony;
Certificate: symbolic;
Champagne: 1 bottle;
Organization - included;

Cost: from 1450 USD.

“Love on the waves” yacht trip and ceremony on the island. Saona

What could be more romantic than traveling on a sailing yacht across the vast expanses of the Caribbean Sea? The pictures that appear before your eyes are breathtaking: the bright sun, the turquoise sea, the wind and your loved one nearby! Doesn't it really sound like a dream? A wedding ceremony awaits you on the beautiful island of Saona and swimming in crystal water with starfish. Feel the spirit of true freedom and endless love!

Services included in the package:

Transfer "hotel - harbor - hotel". Trip on a yacht and back to the island of Saona;
Champagne and fruit on the yacht - included;
Wedding photo shoot. Photographer for the whole day, more than 400 photos (photo session with starfish in a natural pool);
Bamboo gazebo with white fabric - included;
Finishing a bamboo gazebo. Colors to choose from: White, blue, pink, purple, red, green, yellow;
Petals - included;
Decorated table for signing certificates - included;
Decorative stand for rings - included;
Wedding cake - included;
Musical accompaniment - stereo system;
Bridal bouquet and boutonniere for the groom. To choose from TSR-01 to TSR-16 (see additional services);
The ceremony is symbolic with a Russian host + the “Sand of Unity” ceremony;
Lunch on a yacht with lobsters - included;
The certificate is symbolic;
Champagne: 1 bottle;
Organization - included;

Cost: from 4200 USD.

How to choose the right date for the ceremony

Wedding ceremony on the coast
It would seem that the issue does not require special attention, but in the case of a trip to another country, this is a rather important moment. Several factors should be taken into account that may make adjustments to plans:

Difference in time.
FAQ
What is the time difference between Russia and the Dominican Republic?
The time difference between Moscow and Punta Cana is 7 hours.
Weather. On the coasts of the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean it is unpredictable, and therefore it is impossible to predict on what day the sun will shine and when it will pour torrential rain. For this reason, it is necessary to discuss in advance with agency representatives the possibility of postponing the holiday and determine a second date.
The effect of the Dominican sun on the body and skin. Very often, people who find themselves on the seashore in a hot country get sunburned literally on the first or second day. To prevent this from happening, you need to take measures: visit the beach immediately after arrival only in the morning and evening hours.
Number of people on the beach. If the ceremony is planned there, it is necessary to take into account that there will definitely be more vacationers on weekends.

The best option is to schedule the celebration around the fourth day of your stay in the Dominican Republic. This time is usually enough for a person to adapt to new conditions. And definitely don’t plan a wedding on the last day of your stay in the republic. If something goes wrong, there will be no way to fix it.

As for the possible postponement of the ceremony, this also has its own nuances. Here are just a few points:

If the possibility of transfer was not discussed in advance, the agency will issue penalties. The same applies to cases where the ceremony is postponed for an unexcusable reason. Why is quite clear: preparation requires time and financial investment. And if the first one is even easier, then, for example, flowers (bridal bouquet, decorations, etc.) will become unusable in a day.
Penalties are usually not imposed in the event of illness of the bride or groom, bad weather (rain, prolonged rain, etc.).
The specialists participating in the event may be busy with another event on the day to which the wedding is postponed. This means that the finished script will have to be redrawn on the fly.

Thinking through every step to the smallest detail is a guarantee that everything will go according to plan.

How to choose wedding dresses

Beautiful girl in a chic dress
When the wedding is held on the beach, this is a very important moment.

First, you need to understand that the average temperature in the republic is about +30 °C. Therefore, outfits should be light, made from natural fabrics. Possible options:

Dress for the bride: floor-length, but a few centimeters shorter than the standard version; long with a slit; short or transformer.
Suit for the groom: summer trousers and shirt.
Shoes: comfortable for walking on sand, and at the same time elegant, with ribbons or lace.

This choice is quite understandable: the bride and groom will have to move not on the carpet, but on wet sand. Therefore, you need to think about how, after a short time, the hem of the wedding dress does not turn into something resembling a rag, and that the men’s suit does not hinder movement. Moreover, in such a situation the latter would not be appropriate at all.

If you are planning a photo shoot, you need to stock up on replacement outfits. This way you can diversify your photos and create several images.

How to decide on style and decor

Agencies often offer two options for designing an arch and other decor:

standard;
individual.

The second option, naturally, will cost more. But even with a standard design, the effect can be amazing if you pay attention to a few points:

For the beach, the combination of turquoise and white colors is very successful.
First you need to decide on the location of the ceremony and only then select the decor. This way you will be able to choose an arch and other details that will fit well into the landscape.
It is better to avoid bright colors in the decor - they cause glare on the skin, and this affects the quality of the pictures.
You can bring with you individual decorative elements: things dear to your heart, an original pillow for rings, etc. This way the ceremony will gain individuality.
It is better to make the arch from artificial flowers - this way it will retain its original appearance until the end of the ceremony.

Particular attention should be paid to flowers. It is advisable to order those that can withstand hot weather. In addition, they must be selected in the same color scheme.

The main thing when discussing details is not to be afraid to talk about your wishes to the organizers of the ceremony. Although, it is possible that additional financial expenditures will be required to implement some ideas.

What additional services do agencies offer?

Beautiful wedding ceremony
What the wedding ceremony will be like depends to a large extent on the personal preferences of the bride and groom and their financial capabilities. If you have already decided to hold the ceremony in such a fabulous place as the Dominican Republic, you should pay attention to what other services, in addition to the mandatory ones, are offered by wedding agencies. Here is just an approximate list of them:

arch of unusual shape;
instead of a traditional bridal bouquet, an unusual one - made of fruits; although a bouquet of rare species of flowers would also be a good solution;
live music;
a bright convertible, a retro car, a horse and even a helicopter - all this is suitable for making the trip to the ceremony site memorable forever;
a cake decorated in the same style as the entire decor;
dinner for two in a romantic setting by the ocean.

To this should be added the holding of a bachelor and bachelorette party - if, of course, there is someone to invite to them. The services of a professional stylist will not be superfluous - after all, there is a photo shoot ahead.

Documents and registration rules

Firstly, the newlyweds need to decide in what form they want their wedding to take place in the Dominican Republic: symbolic, with vows and rings, or full registration.

The legislation of the Dominican Republic allows you to register the marriage of two foreigners. First, they need to contact the Consulate of their country and obtain a document stating that there are no obstacles to marriage. A Dominican judge can then perform the ceremony and issue a marriage certificate. This paper will need to be apostilled and translated into Russian. After this, the marriage document will be legal, just like a Russian-style marriage certificate obtained from the civil registry office.

It is important! It is not necessary to register a marriage in the Dominican Republic in court or other government agency. You can invite the judge right to the beach!

Of course, the newlyweds themselves are unlikely to want to organize a wedding: look for a judge, a suitable beach, negotiate transfers and other services, especially since the population of the Dominican Republic mostly speaks Spanish, less often French, but not everyone speaks Russian tongue. Therefore, if such a complex celebration as a wedding in the Dominican Republic is held, the organization of this most often falls on the shoulders of specialized agencies that provide wedding packages for newlyweds.

You can find people offering similar services without leaving your home country. Some travel agencies and tour operators sell wedding tours to the Dominican Republic, which already include a wedding ceremony. Or you can find a wedding agency on the Internet and conduct the first consultations via Skype, this makes it clear how a wedding takes place in the Dominican Republic.

Photos, videos, websites, forums and reviews... there is enough information on the Internet to try to organize such a holiday yourself. But it’s still better to negotiate with Dominican agencies upon arrival on the island - there you can see everything with your own eyes and discuss the upcoming celebration in detail with company representatives.

The most popular option is the so-called symbolic wedding ceremony in the Dominican Republic. Your marriage will not be officially registered (as a rule, such a ceremony is ordered by already married couples), but you can get a lot of impressions and vivid emotions by exchanging marriage vows in such a magical place as the Dominican Republic.

What are the advantages of stylist services?

Hiring the services of a professional when creating your own image is a smart decision. That's why:

It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to create a hairstyle that will last all day on your own. The Dominican Republic has a humid climate, and therefore it is problematic to style your hair so that it retains its shape for a long time. A stylist familiar with these problems has considerable experience, and for $120-130 he will create a hairstyle that will withstand the test of both the humid wind and the scorching sun.
The same goes for makeup. A professional will make sure that the mascara does not smudge and that the lips look luscious all day long - in such cases, waterproof cosmetics are used.

And in general, it’s much more pleasant to be looked after on such an exciting day than to do everything yourself. Especially if there are no relatives nearby - except for the groom, of course, but he is not an assistant here.

How to behave on your wedding day

A beautiful arch for a ceremony.
This is an exciting event, even if we are talking about a symbolic wedding. That’s why you need to get a good night’s sleep – your well-being, mood and appearance depend on it.

Many people are upset by cloudy weather in the morning. This is not a reason to panic. Firstly, in the Dominican Republic the weather changes several times a day. Secondly, pictures in such weather usually turn out better. Finally, you won’t have to fight the heat on such an important day.

Now some tips on how to start the day:

be sure to have a hearty breakfast - drinking champagne on an empty stomach can ruin the whole day;
Prepare and take bottles of water with you in advance;
call the organizer if the driver is suddenly delayed (not a rare occurrence in the Dominican Republic).

If a visit to a stylist is included in the services, a professional will do everything at the highest level. Otherwise, the bride will have to clean herself up before the ceremony on her own.

As for visiting a stylist, there are three options for the development of events:

The bride and groom go to the salon together. A man waits for his beloved in a coffee shop (if there is one nearby) or in the salon itself. This option is not very convenient for the groom - he will have to sit just like that for about a couple of hours.
The bride is taken to the salon, and the groom waits for her at the hotel. Having picked up the elegant bride, the driver picks up the groom. In this case, both feel more comfortable. The man rests before the ceremony, and does not languish while waiting for the spell to be cast on his beloved. The bride gives herself entirely into the hands of the stylist, since no one is watching the transformation taking place. The only drawback of this option is that the lovers go to the place of celebration together, which means the groom will see the bride in her dress before the ceremony begins.
The lovers arrive at the ceremony site separately. The groom sees the bride, elegant and beautiful, just before the ceremony begins, which adds intrigue. The disadvantage is that you will have to order transfers for the bride and groom separately.

Most often, the bride and groom choose the second option.

The Dominican Republic is one of the most luxurious places in the world for a wedding and honeymoon

Most wedding ceremonies in the Dominican Republic take place on the coast. The cherished “yes”, lovers say to each other under the rustle of the surf. And on the wedding night, the music of the waves accompanies a love ode consisting of tenderness, passion and endless romance. Tropical vegetation, sea air, beautiful flowers, white sandy beaches and warm waves make the Dominican Republic a real paradise for a wonderful wedding ceremony.

A wedding in the Dominican Republic has the following features and advantages:

A visa is not required to visit the Dominican Republic.
An officially registered marriage is legal in the vast majority of countries.
Financial inclusion. The cost of a wedding ceremony starts from 598 USD.

The Dominican Republic offers an excellent opportunity to combine a wedding and honeymoon. World-class hotels that welcome guests on an all-inclusive basis, excursions for every taste and other tourist attractions make a romantic vacation rich and enjoyable.

At the same time, a wedding in the Dominican Republic is by no means limited to the fabulously beautiful coastline. The ceremony is possible in any style and with any concept. You can take an oath of love and fidelity either surrounded by rose petals against the backdrop of the turquoise sea, or among breathtaking waterfalls. It is possible to organize a wedding in a tropical garden, in a picturesque church or on a snow-white yacht. For lovers of luxury, the ceremony is held in a fashionable tourist complex or in an elite villa. Lovers of romance will be pleasantly surprised by the authentic and endlessly romantic Altos de Chavon, and lovers of extreme sports will be pleased with a wedding in the air or at sea.

An exclusive scenario is possible for a wedding in the Dominican Republic. Live music, horseback riding, yacht rides, hot air balloon rides or helicopter rides are available as additional services for any wedding. And every ceremony always includes a photo session. Video recording is also available as an option. Including in exotic places. In addition, a wedding in the Dominican Republic involves various Caribbean rites and rituals, dance shows, a wedding banquet or a romantic candlelit dinner at sunset. The choice is limited only by the imagination of the young. Just make a wish and your wedding will become a real fairy tale!

How the ceremony itself is carried out

View of the wedding ceremony
How exactly the special day will take place depends on the services offered by a particular wedding agency. Most often, a wedding goes like this:

The bride and groom make vows to each other. Many organizers recommend that young people write them in advance and read them during the ceremony. The advice deserves attention already because in a calm atmosphere on the eve of the celebration it is easier to formulate the thoughts that you want to convey to your loved one at the exciting moment of the wedding.
A sand ceremony is held. To do this, the organizers prepare two vessels filled with multi-colored sand for the newlyweds. At the right moment, the bride and groom pour the contents of their vessels into one common one and watch how the sand mixes. This moment symbolizes the unity of their souls and lives. The newlyweds take a vessel with multi-colored sand with them as a souvenir.
The bride and groom sign the certificate.
The ceremonial part ends with festive congratulations, accompanied by the opening and drinking of champagne.

All this usually takes about 25 minutes. There is no need to pay attention to the photographer during the ceremony - everything should happen naturally. If necessary, some additional footage can be filmed after the end of the official ceremony.

End of the day

Happy newlyweds
After the ceremony, the organizers usually give the newlyweds some time to have a snack and relax. After all, there is an equally exciting part of the wedding ahead – the photo shoot. It lasts an hour or more - all this is decided in the process of choosing a package of services and concluding an agreement with the photographer (if he does not work for an agency).

Question to the expert

How long will it take for photos and videos to be ready after the ceremony?

As a rule, newlyweds receive wedding photos in 2 – 3 weeks; the video may take longer to edit.

Usually, photos and videos are recorded on disk and given to the newlyweds or posted on a file sharing service. In the second case, it is enough to go online - personal meetings with the photographer or event organizers are not necessary. For those who want to share wedding photos with loved ones on the same or the next day, there is a way out - take a few frames on your phone.

The solemn day will end with dinner - for the two of us in a romantic atmosphere and with family and friends, if they also flew to the Dominican Republic. Therefore, after the photo shoot and return to the hotel, it is recommended to rest a little.

Organizational aspects

To organize a wedding celebration in the Dominican Republic - symbolic or official, you can choose one of three options. This year's wedding season began in February. By December, prices usually drop as demand for weddings becomes lower.

The simplest, but not the cheapest option is to contact a tour operator. The Dominican Republic has become one of the most popular destinations in the wedding tourism market. Thanks to this, many operators already have sufficient experience in sending newlyweds to this paradise. Just look through the websites of travel agencies and read reviews from real people. The next step is to meet and discuss payment and details.
Thanks to the fact that the Dominican Republic has opened its doors wide to wedding tourism, almost every hotel has a wedding planner on site. When booking a hotel, you can find out about the possibility of holding a wedding ceremony - both official and symbolic. Prices will depend on the venue, number of guests and dinner menu. Typically, the manager’s package of services does not include photo and video shooting. You will have to pay extra for it.
One of the most successful options in terms of price-quality ratio is to find a Russian-speaking organizer living in the Dominican Republic. He will help organize a wedding taking into account all wishes, and the price will be much lower than that requested by wedding tourism operators.

Reviews from those who held a wedding in the Dominican Republic are filled with words of gratitude to the organizers - if the operator conscientiously fulfills all the agreed upon details. Also, among those who organized the ceremony themselves, the goodwill and desire to help of local stewards runs through the red line. It is only worth considering that a picture of a wedding should be formed in the head of the newlyweds. Then you can discuss all the details and achieve an excellent result.