Dominican wedding documentation expert Isabel Gonzalez says the newly approved procedure of the “apostille” has limited application to wedding documentation for foreigners seeking to marry in the DR. She recommends that couples wishing to marry in the DR continue the same procedures to avoid paying for a procedure that could end up being incomplete.
The apostille only applies to government/state-issued documents. “The single status affidavit is the most important of the required documents and it is not issued by the government/state and therefore must be translated to Spanish and certified by the Dominican Consulate,” she says. “To ensure a smooth process and further international validity, all legal documents must be translated into the official language of the country where the couple will marry.
“The legal requirements have not changed because the documentation is still requested translated into Spanish and the translations are certified by the Dominican Consulate. The same is true when foreigners present their wedding certificate to the authorities,” she explains.
She says, nevertheless, that in this case the apostille does simplify matters because it “certifies the authenticity of the document.” This provision will also work for Dominicans when a document that has been issued by the Dominican government is presented abroad.
Wedding certificates issued in the DR to foreigners can be “apostilled” for their authentication, says Gonzalez. “But remember that the authorities will anyways require them to be translated and certified by the Dominican Consulate. The translated and certified wedding certificates are necessary to change one’s last name or for any legal procedure”.
While the civil registry charges approximately US$300 for a civil marriage ceremony, going through a resort adds benefits that reduce the cost considerably. Free wedding packages may be offered to couples committing to stay a minimum number of nights at the hotel, or bringing large groups of friends. Some resorts may even offer upgrades and/or other incentives.
Given the rising costs of getting married abroad, a Dominican resort wedding now makes more sense than ever before. All-inclusive properties are perfect for large family and friend reunions, and everyone can enjoy for one fixed price.
Gonzalez estimates that 200-400 weddings are carried out monthly in the DR.
She says that translations continue to be required for birth certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, etc. and these still need to be certified by the Consulate.
For further inquiries, write to Isabel Gonzalez at isagon@wedo.com.do