Wedding problem in Punta Cana

[donnaparadise]

Thanks, Laurajane

I've been to weddings in PoP that were performed in Imbert, PoP, etc by Justices of the Peace. I've also attended weddings in hotels (again, on the north coast) that were performed by an officiant and not necessarily by a judge. It is curious that things are done differently in Punta Cana. And, given how many hotels there are down there and how much weddings are marketed, one would think that it would be clearer from the onset.

I understand that the papers are signed and legal but it feels a bit 'off' somehow to be playacting, as it were.

As I said, given your description of how things go, it is probably better this way in the long run, however how does one know going in. The way it is presented, it feels like one is being duped somehow, even though it is likely to turn out for the best for all concerned.

I do appreciate the responses and I personally feel a lot better about the whole thing, ... hopefully, the wedding party will too.

 

[Sharron]

Until very recently I was a wedding planner for 2 years in Punt Cana.

There are only two people that can legally marry you in Punta Cana, The Judge or the Catholic Priest. Anybody else conducting the ceremony is considered symbolic.

The Judge is a government employee and has an assistant. They cover all the hotels in the whole area from Cap Cana all the way up to Uvero Alto.
The way it should work is that the bride and groom request a date, the hotel checks the availability with the Judge, and then the hotel confirms the date. It would appear that this did not happen in this case.

To get legally married in the DR by the Judge there is a lot of paperwork to complete and get translated into Spanish and stamped by the DR consulate before arriving in Resort. Marriage certificates take up to 12 weeks in this area to be delivered to the hotel who will then send them on to the client. It is in Spanish so a legalized translation will be needed in English. If you want more details about the legalities look at wedo.com.

Of course all of this has to be paid for and then there is the cost of the Judge. The government charges RD$15,000.00 and most hotel pass this charge onto the client, although some do it at a reduced rate.

What Laura was saying is basically correct, most ceremonies in the hotels are symbolic, just because the Judge can only be in one place at a time, but if Melia are not explaining this my guess is that he?s not available on the date that they want. If they really want to do the legalities here, check with the hotel as to what dates he is available during their stay.

Personally I wouldn?t bother ?with the legalities here, suggest they get legally married at home and go for a symbolic ceremony at the Resort-
Symbolic ceremonies can be personalized to the couples needs, they can have a friend or family member perform the service for them if they wish. Or families and friends can participate with readings of poems, sing a song, say a prayer etc. Something that will make their service unique, truly memorable and significant to them and their guests.

The other thing about symbolic weddings is that they can choose the time they want the ceremony I would suggest 4 or 4.30pm, it should be cooler, but still allow enough time for photos after with good daylight.

If you need anything let me know via Laura, as I don?t participate in this board very much

Good luck

 

[donnaparadise]

WoW!

Thank you so much for all the useful information..... I will pass this onto the mother of the bride and I'm sure they will all feel much better now.

I do appreciate you taking the time to respond so completely and thanks, Laura for passing this onto Sharron.

Truly grateful!

 

[laurajane]

Until very recently I was a wedding planner for 2 years in Punt Cana.

There are only two people that can legally marry you in Punta Cana, The Judge or the Catholic Priest. Anybody else conducting the ceremony is considered symbolic.

The Judge is a government employee and has an assistant. They cover all the hotels in the whole area from Cap Cana all the way up to Uvero Alto.
The way it should work is that the bride and groom request a date, the hotel checks the availability with the Judge, and then the hotel confirms the date. It would appear that this did not happen in this case.

To get legally married in the DR by the Judge there is a lot of paperwork to complete and get translated into Spanish and stamped by the DR consulate before arriving in Resort. Marriage certificates take up to 12 weeks in this area to be delivered to the hotel who will then send them on to the client. It is in Spanish so a legalized translation will be needed in English. If you want more details about the legalities look at wedo.com.

Of course all of this has to be paid for and then there is the cost of the Judge. The government charges RD$15,000.00 and most hotel pass this charge onto the client, although some do it at a reduced rate.

What Laura was saying is basically correct, most ceremonies in the hotels are symbolic, just because the Judge can only be in one place at a time, but if Melia are not explaining this my guess is that he?s not available on the date that they want. If they really want to do the legalities here, check with the hotel as to what dates he is available during their stay.

Personally I wouldn?t bother ?with the legalities here, suggest they get legally married at home and go for a symbolic ceremony at the Resort-
Symbolic ceremonies can be personalized to the couples needs, they can have a friend or family member perform the service for them if they wish. Or families and friends can participate with readings of poems, sing a song, say a prayer etc. Something that will make their service unique, truly memorable and significant to them and their guests.

The other thing about symbolic weddings is that they can choose the time they want the ceremony I would suggest 4 or 4.30pm, it should be cooler, but still allow enough time for photos after with good daylight.

If you need anything let me know via Laura, as I don?t participate in this board very much

Good luck

Thanks Sharron!! I knew you would be the best person for this one