How to Get Married Legally in Punta Cana: Requirements & Tips
Planning a destination wedding in Punta Cana? Besides choosing the perfect beach or venue, you need to meet legal requirements. Here’s how to get legally married in the Dominican Republic, so your big day is official and stress-free.
1. Is a Punta Cana Wedding Legally Valid?
- Yes. Couples married by a civil judge in the Dominican Republic have legally binding unions recognized worldwide.
- Religious or symbolic ceremonies only are not legally valid unless followed by a civil ceremony.
2. Required Documents
Make sure you have:
- Valid passports for both partners
- Original birth certificates
- Notarized Affidavit of Single Status, translated into Spanish
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
- All documents must be apostilled, and translated to Spanish
📌 Missing any requirement can delay your wedding process.
3. Legal Process & Timeline
- Submit documents at least 30 days before the ceremony
- A Dominican civil judge must officiate the ceremony
- Many resorts assist with paperwork and coordination
🗓 Start early to avoid last-minute issues.
4. Use of Wedding Planner or Resort Coordinator
- Most resorts include wedding planners in their packages
- They handle translations, filings, and ceremony setup
- Planners save you time and ensure legal compliance
💍 Especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with local rules.
5. Types of Ceremonies
- Civil Ceremony: Required for legal marriage
- Religious Ceremony: Valid only after civil ceremony
- Symbolic Ceremony: No legal force—great if you legally married back home
6. Translation & Apostille Services
- Required for all official documents not in Spanish
- Apostille adds international legal validity
- Many planners include these services in their wedding packages
📝 Verify that everything is done well ahead of the ceremony date.
7. After the Wedding: Marriage Certificate
- Issued in Spanish by the Dominican civil registry
- Get it translated and apostilled for use in your home country
- Processing may take a few weeks, so plan accordingly
Quick Tips for a Legal Wedding
- Begin paperwork 2–3 months before your date
- Use professional services for translations and filings
- Consider a symbolic ceremony in Punta Cana if civil steps are done home
- Ensure you have two witnesses, both adults with valid ID
ЧАСТО ЗАДАВАЕМЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ
Can same-sex couples legally marry in Punta Cana?
No, same-sex marriage is not yet legal in the Dominican Republic.
Is it easier to marry at home and do a symbolic ceremony here?
Yes—arranging the legal civil ceremony at home and doing a symbolic one in Punta Cana is a smart, stress-free option.
Do we need witnesses?
Yes—two adults with valid ID are required at the civil ceremony.
Заключительные размышления
A legal beach wedding in Punta Cana is totally possible with proper planning. Whether you want an intimate barefoot vow or a grand celebration, follow the steps above to get legally married in paradise—and make your day unforgettable.
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