God, homeland, freedom

If you choose to get married in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic can provide your perfect setting. The Dominican Republic (DR) shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is the second largest and most diverse country in the Caribbean in geography, nature, and people. The landscape ranges from the highest peak in all the Caribbean region, Pico Duarte at 10,164 feet, to the lowest body of (hypersaline) water, Lago Enriquillo, 141 feet below sea level.

This lush tropical paradise has 250 miles of some of the world’s best beaches, a fantastic array of resorts, hotels and eco-lodges and a variety of sports, recreation, and entertainment. You can relax and soak up the sun, rejuvenate at one of the luxurious properties, dance to the pulsating sound of merengue, explore monuments and ancient relics, delight in delicious Dominican cuisine or enjoy an eco-adventure in one of the national parks, rainforest or rivers.

Dominican culture is a fusion of European, African and Taino customs, values and traditions and is very pronounced in their food, music, family structure and religion. Dominicans are warm and hospitable, known for a great sense of humor.

Baseball or “Pelota” as it’s known in the DR, is not just the favorite sport but Dominicans have a boundless love and passion for the game. The game also symbolizes hopes and dreams for a better future to every young man who sees the possibility to become the next Sammy Sosa, David Ortiz, José Reyes, Miguel Enrique Andújar, or any of the other hundreds of locals who have made it to Major League Baseball in the USA.

Having your family and friends witness you saying “I Do” to the love of your life on a white sandy beach, palm trees swaying in the cool breeze and the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop, is only one of the many options this vast country has to offer. Hotels and resorts provide wedding packages and services including the hiring of wedding planners, taking care of all aspects of your wedding arrangements and leaving you free to enjoy each other.

Marriage Requirements for Dominica

The Oficialía del Estado Civil (Civil Registry Office) of the Dominican Republic can process a marriage request from any citizen of the world in the process of marriage, regardless of whether the marriage takes place between a foreigner and a Dominican or between two foreigners, under the law of the Dominican Republic.

For those seeking a tropical setting, but still wanting a religious ceremony, it is possible to arrange a church wedding in Dominican Republic. Local hotels have experience arranging church weddings and a Dominican wedding specialist will be able to better assist you through the formalities including obtaining of the Marriage License. They will also hire event planners to take care of all the intricate details including preparing invitations, hiring of photographers, booking spa treatments, ordering a personalized wedding cake, catering, music, securing floral arrangements, and all other necessary services to make your wedding day the most perfect and memorable one.
Photocopies of required documents, as listed below, can be sent in advance. The couple must bring the originals when arriving in the country. All documents must be legalized and translated into Spanish by an official translator.

Civil Marriage

For preparation of the Marriage Certificate, submit the following documents to the Civil Status Office before the ceremony:

• Original passport with photocopy of the identification page, and the last entries to the country
• Affidavits of marital status, certifying that the bride and groom are single
• Original birth certificates
• Divorce Certificate(s) or Death Certificate(s), if applicable
• Two or more witnesses with valid passports, other than family

Religious Ceremony

Those wishing for a religious ceremony in the DR’s paradisiacal setting can make their dream come true. The main requirement is to obtain authorization from an archbishop in the couple’s country of residence and deliver it to the local Dominican archdiocese. The documents needed include:

• Pre-matrimonial Certificate
• Certificate of Civil Marriage legalized by the Dominican Consulate, if the couple has already married in their country
• Baptism Certificates
• Certificates of Confirmation
• Church Annulment Certificate(s), if applicable

Birth certificates are also necessary, and an Affidavit of Marital Status, usually obtained from the Dominican Consulate of the country where the documents were issued.

Important Links for the Dominican Republic

To learn more about Dominican Republic, please see the important links below:

Entry Requirements for Dominican Republic

https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/travel-to-dr/getting-here

How to Get to Dominican Republic

https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/travel-to-dr/air-sea-travel

Where to Stay in Dominican Republic

https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/travel-to-dr/accommodations

Things To Do/Experiences in Dominican Republic

https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/experiences

Getting Around Dominican Republic

https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/travel-to-dr/getting-around-dr

Events in Dominican Republic

https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/events

Dominican Republic Cuisine

https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/about-dr/gastronomy