Dazzling Dominican Republic

Get Married Or Honeymoon In The Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country. It is situated just two hours south of Miami, and it’s known for its warm and hospitable people, vibrant nature, intriguing history, and rich culture.

With the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, this gorgeous tropical island paradise boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here, you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, relax in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican food, or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers, and beaches.

Discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, the country overflows with fascinating history, museums, and exciting cultural experiences like music, art, and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, and coffee.

Dominican Republic delights visitors with 25 designer golf courses amid breathtaking coastlines with mountain backdrops and lush green fairways. With so many beautiful natural settings like romantic waterfalls, breathtaking coasts and idyllic accommodations, Dominican Republic is one of the best wedding destinations in the world. Many world class resorts and hotels provide romantic accommodations and friendly service.

Dominican Republic offers a fantastic combination of environments to capture the imagination and refresh the soul. With eight international airports, paradise has never been easier to explore. Plan a Dominican Republic honeymoon or destination wedding, and discover this breathtaking island sanctuary, where you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

At Absolute Wedsite, we’re experts at planning Caribbean weddings. Contact us today for your free consultation.

All images are copyright of the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism and cannot be used without their sole and explicit consent.

LA ROMANA

La Romana is a flourishing resort district in the southeast area of the Dominican Republic, which offers visitors the perfect opportunity to experience a relaxing beach vacation or an action packed adventure.

Lounge on beautiful beaches, or enjoy an unbelievable variety of sports and recreational activities unmatched in the Caribbean, including golf, polo, horseback riding, tennis, swimming, and many other non-motorized water sports. Water enthusiasts can also enjoy some of the finest snorkeling and scuba diving in the region. Explore vibrant coral reefs and an array of colourful marine life in the clear and tranquil waters.

Eco tourists will revel in the offshore wildlife preserves of Catalina and Saona, virgin islets embraced by stunning natural wonders. Discover the exotic flora and fauna, and bask on pristine storybook beaches. Snorkeling along these living reefs is sure to be an experience of a lifetime.

Just 20 minutes from the city of La Romana, you can find beautiful Bayahibe, renowned for its gorgeous white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. The Bayahibe area also boasts some of the most unique shops and boutiques on the island. Nearby attractions include the “artists village” of Altos de Chavon, a re-creation of a 16th century Italian village with artisan workshops, an archaeological museum, cobblestone streets, and quaint architecture. The National Park of the East is also the focus of international interest as anthropologists continue to unearth traces of the indigenous Taino civilization.

For another unique experience, a visit to the Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) is a must. Journey along a 240 meter footpath that takes you down into a magical cave housing impressive stalagmites and stalactites, along with a wonderful collection of indigenous paintings.

A trip to nearby Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is also worth your while. Rich in historic culture and heritage, the city offers a medley of interesting attractions and sites. Explore the Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone), visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and the Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon), or discover magnificent treasures in one of the city’s many museums. End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Malecon, a waterfront boardwalk home to shops, restaurants, clubs and cafes.

Fringed with palms that shade perfect white sand and accented by warm turquoise waters, La Romana and Bayahibe are the perfect destinations for romance, adventure, rest, and relaxation. Book your Dominican Republic vacation with us, and make your way to paradise today.

PUNTA CANA

The sophisticated East Coast boasts 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the world’s top beaches that are surrounded by turquoise waters and some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, including all-inclusive options, boutique hotels, and to private oceanfront villas.

Beaches – The main draw to this area are the beaches that border the meeting point between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The multi-shaded blue waters of the ocean complemented by pristine white sands create lasting impressions, making for a perfect sunrise or sunset with your sweetheart.

Dolphin Encounter – One of Punta Cana’s newest and most remarkable experiences, visitors are taken to a floating platform located just off the beach where they can snorkel, swim, and take pictures with dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and sea lions.

Punta Cana Ecological Reserve/Foundation – Romance seekers can hold hands as they walk trails that meander through tropical forests filled with local biodiversity. The Indian Eyes Park culminates in a cooling dip in one of the 11 lagoons after winding through deep green tunnels that are home to more than 500 species of exotic plants.

Spas – A spa visit to Punta Cana and Bávaro’s all-inclusive resorts and spa facilities is an ideal way to decompress with your loved one. The East Coast’s world-class brands boast some of the best spas in the Caribbean and specialize in some of today’s hottest and most luxurious spa services. It does not matter if you receive spa treatments outside or indoors, individual or as a couple, for one hour or an entire day, spa professionals customize each and every treatment to the visitor’s needs.

Golf – Punta Cana offers golf enthusiasts the largest selection of world-class golf set among sumptuous resorts in the country. This enchanting region continues to be the top destination for travelers who seek challenging golf at some of the world’s most memorable courses.

PUERTO PLATA

The north coast of the Dominican Republic is on the Atlantic side, and thus the sea is more suitable for energetic water sports than for novice swimmers. Windsurfers, particularly in Cabarate, will be in seventh heaven. All beaches in the country are public, and in this area they are of coarse sand.

The Playa Dorada vacation complex, just east of Puerto Plata, is where you will find the main resort hotels of Puerto Plata, along with three casinos, an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course, bike trails, landscaped gardens and an excellent beach for water sports. Interesting sights include Victorian-styled homes and the Amber museum.

The Beaches are a must see in Sosua. Sosua offers two kilometers of white sand wrapped around a tranquil cove. This cozy town offers a variety of water sports, catamaran tours, restaurants, and nightlife. The North Coast of the Dominican Republic has become known as the “Amber Coast” for its abundance of amber deposits. Shoppers will find great deals on amber jewelry as well as other favourite items such as wicker, hand-painted masks, ceramics, Dominican art, woven goods, and mahogany carvings.

Ocean World Adventure Park – A favorite with kids and adults alike, Ocean World allows visitors to get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, and sharks. Swim together with some of the underwater world’s most majestic creatures, creating an undeniable bond.

Victorian Architecture and Amber – Get down on one knee while taking in the beauty of the late 19th and early 20th century preserved Victorian homes and public buildings in the heart of Puerto Plata. Visit the Amber Museum to see this prehistoric gem that is abundant in Dominican Republic.

Fort San Felipe – Built by Spaniards in the 16th century to protect themselves from intruders and pirates, this large fort is the oldest standing edifice in Puerto Plata and the only remnant of the colonial time architecture. Pop the question while peeking through the fort’s potholes.

Mount Isabel de Torres – Get engaged in the heavens, or at least pretty close, while taking a suspended cable car 2,565 feet (781 meters) up to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres at the foot of the shores of Puerto Plata. Among the magnificent views, a statue of Christ the Redeemer can be seen at the peak.

27 Waterfalls of Damajagua – Tap into love while discovering one of Dominican Republic’s best kept secrets just south of Puerto Plata. Climb one of numerous waterfalls in order to “cascade” back down by jumping off cliffs or sliding down water chutes – an adrenaline rush not to be forgotten.

Cabarete – The magic of Cabarete is unveiled in a variety of delicious restaurants that draw couples seeking premier dining experiences. Incredible moonlit views of the golden sand beach make dining here an unforgettable romantic treat. The colorful array of kite surfers in the bay also adds to the magic.

Additional Information

Local Language
The official language is Spanish. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Money!
The currency in Dominican Republic is the Peso. Travelers cheques are honoured by most hotels, however US currency is more widely accepted and recommended.

Getting Married?
Regardless of where you go in the Dominican Republic, beach hotels and resorts have packages ready for weddings and honeymoons. They include everything from a justice of the peace or a minister to the marriage certificate, wedding cake, decorations, photography, videos, banquets and dinners.

In the Dominican Republic, the bride and groom will have a luxurious tropical landscape as the best backdrop for their wedding, while hotels offer newlyweds the best service for an unforgettable honeymoon.

The majority of resorts have specialists on hand to make your wedding as stress-free as possible. In many cases, you can also use your own travel agent to coordinate special requests.

For non-religious ceremonies, make sure to bring the following documents:
1. Photocopies of your passports.
2. Photocopies of your birth certificates.
3. Sworn statement that you are unmarried.
4. In the event that either of the spouses is divorced, a copy of the divorce decree must be submitted.
5. Two adult witnesses with valid passports.
6. All these documents must be legalized by the Dominican Consulate in the country of residence and translated into Spanish.

For religious ceremonies:
1. An authorization from an archbishop in the couple’s country of residence to the local archdiocese, if the couple wishes to marry in the Roman Catholic Church.
2. Pre-marriage Certificate.
3. Civil marriage certificate legalized by the Dominican Consulate, if the couple has already contracted a civil marriage in their country.
4. Baptismal certificates for both bride and groom.
5. Confirmation certificates for the couple and church certificate of annulment (if applicable).

Roman Catholic churches which perform weddings for foreign couples:
– Iglesia de San Estanislao [St. Stanislas Church] in Altos de Chavón (La Romana)
– Basilica de Higüey [Higüey Basilica] or Nuestra Señora de Altagracia  [Our Lady of Altagracia] (Higüey).
– Catedral de San Felipe [St. Philip’s Cathedral] in Puerto Plata (Puerto Plata).
– Catedral Primada de Santo Domingo [Santo Domingo Primada Cathedral] – Catedral de Santiago Apóstol [Apostle James Cathedral] (Santiago).

Synagogue:
– Synagogue of Sosúa (Puerto Plata)

Please note: All information is subject to change at anytime without notice. For up-to-date information, contact the Dominican Republic consulate.

Witnesses required: 2
Documents must be in the following language: Spanish

Entry/Exit Requirements
It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Dutch authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic and its consulates for up-to-date information.

Passport
A valid passport is now required for Canadians intending to visit the Dominican Republic. The passport must be valid for the length of their stay. Check with your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules. Canadian tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.

Visas
Tourist visa: Not required

Children and Travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our specialists for further details.

Entry Tax
Canadians entering the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes must purchase a tourist card, at a cost of US$10, which is valid for 30 days. Those wishing to stay for a longer period must pay a surcharge at the airport upon departure or request an extension by visiting the Department of Immigration in Santo Domingo. Those wishing to work in the Dominican Republic must apply for a business visa. For more information, contact the Embassy of the Dominican Republic.

Foreigners may gain the right to reside in the Dominican Republic by acquiring a residence visa from the Foreign Relations Ministry and a temporary or permanent residence card from the Immigration Department. A student visa is also required. For more information, contact the Embassy of the Dominican Republic.

Departure Tax
A departure tax of US$20 is charged for stays of up to 30 days. The departure tax for stays longer than 30 days varies depending on length of stay and nationality. The tax applies to all international flights, and may be included in the price of the airline ticket.

Drug Screening
The Dominican Republic is actively working to fight drug trafficking by enforcing strict border controls and increasing its capacity to screen narcotics. As part of standard local procedure, you may be subjected to drug screening measures by authorities upon departure from the country. Your luggage may be searched and you may be asked to sign a form (written in Spanish and for internal use only) stating that the search was performed within procedural requirements.  In some cases, you may be required to undergo an x-ray either at the airport or at a local hospital. If your results come back clear, you will be immediately returned to the airport. Should you be found transporting illegal substances, you will be taken into custody. In accordance with Dominican law, a person detained or arrested by the authorities may be held without charges for up to 48 hours before the case is presented to a judge. For consular assistance, please contact the Embassy of Canada in the Dominican Republic.