Weddings at the Punta Cana Beach Resort, the Meli? B?varo or the Barcel? Capella in Juan Dolio are lovely. But almost any hotel in the DR will have a special setting for weddings and will be able to assist you with preparations. Note that most hotels are children-friendly. Can think of only one that is adults only -- the Jack Tar Village in Puerto Plata. Visit a travel agent and select the resort that fits your style and budget.
Marriage paperwork:
I. Marriage license requirements:
Passport
Original birth certificate
Single status affidavit in Spanish
Divorce Act in Spanish (Legal transcripts of the single status affidavit and divorce act can be prepared at the Dominican consulate nearest your residence.)
You will also need two witnesses. If these are foreigners, they will need to identify themselves with their passports. If they are Dominicans, "c?dulas" are sufficient.
II. After the marriage:
The justice of peace may deliver the actual wedding certificate the next day, depending on work load. This document is a valid legal document.
Wedding Tips 1. Take advantage of extraordinary features such as a ride on a horse carriage, a music trio or quartet that will play your songs if you let them know in advance.
2. Splurge in flowers, taking advantage of the variety of tropical and exotic flowers and their lower cost.
3. Purchase the photo album and the video, for life-long memories.
4. Design a cake topped and decorated with seashells or fresh orchids. Or send in advance a picture of your dream cake for a custom-made cake.
5. Remember to choose attire proper for the hotter Caribbean weather. Sleeveless gowns are best. Yes, you may wear a long train but don?t expect it to stay immaculately white. The dress can be steam-pressed by the hotel?s dry cleaning department upon your arrival. You may discuss what the hotel wedding assistant (she will be translating the ceremony) will wear, too. She will appear in the wedding photos, too. 6. You will need to come at least three working days in advance. Use those days to get a beautiful suntan for that wedding day.
7. Take advantage of hotel massage or spa facilities to de-stress before the wedding.
8. Request a Plan A ? under the stars ? and a Plan B, in case of a tropical shower.
9. Civil weddings are easy to arrange. Church weddings need more formalities. Check with the hotel of your choice to see if they have had any recent experience with church weddings. An experienced Dominican wedding specialist will help guide you through these formalities. Casa de Campo resort in La Romana will assist you with a church wedding at the lovely San Estanislao church in Altos de Chav?n.
10. Persons who have been divorced in the DR need to wait 24 hours prior to remarrying.
(We prepared these comments for the Hotel & Restaurant Vacation Planner that you can request by calling 1-800-723-6138)
