Documents Needed to Get Married in Dominican Republic

If you are planning a legal wedding in the Dominican Republic, understanding the required documentation is one of the most important steps of your planning journey. While the process is straightforward with the right guidance, missing or incorrect documents can cause delays.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the documents required for a legal marriage in the Dominican Republic, including options for couples who prefer a simpler symbolic ceremony.

Many international couples choose a symbolic ceremony in Punta Cana for its simplicity and beauty

Legal Marriage vs. Symbolic Ceremony

Before diving into documents, it is important to understand that international couples getting married in the Dominican Republic have two options:

• Legal wedding ceremony — A legally binding marriage recognized in most countries worldwide. Requires documentation, a legal procedure at the Dominican Civil Registry, and typically 3–5 business days to process.
• Symbolic wedding ceremony — A non-legal ceremony that includes all the beauty and emotion of a wedding without any legal paperwork. The couple later registers their marriage in their home country. This is the most popular choice among international couples for its simplicity.

Required Documents for a Legal Wedding in Dominican Republic

If you choose a legal wedding, here are the documents you will need:

1. Valid Passports

Both parties must present valid, original passports. The names on the passports must match the names on all other documents. If you have recently changed your name, bring documentation of the name change.

2. Original Birth Certificates

Both parties need original birth certificates. If the certificate is not in Spanish, it must be translated by an official translator in the Dominican Republic. We recommend having an apostille certification on your birth certificate (see below for apostille details).

3. Apostille Certification

The Dominican Republic is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. This means that your birth certificates and any other required documents must have an apostille from the country where they were issued. The apostille certifies that the document is authentic and will be recognized in the Dominican Republic.

In the United States, apostilles are obtained from the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued. In Canada, from the provincial authorities. In the UK, from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

4. Declaration of Marital Status

A sworn statement (declaración jurada) declaring that you are not currently married. This document is typically prepared by a Dominican lawyer and notarized. Your wedding planner or resort coordinator can help arrange this.

5. Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (If Applicable)

If either party has been previously married, you must provide:

• A certified copy of the final divorce decree (with apostille and Spanish translation), or
• A certified copy of the death certificate of the former spouse (with apostille and Spanish translation)

6. Medical Tests

Some jurisdictions in the Dominican Republic require blood tests or medical certificates. These can usually be arranged locally within a day or two of arrival. Your wedding coordinator will advise whether this applies to your specific location.

7. Witnesses

You will need at least two witnesses for the civil ceremony. They must present valid identification (passport or ID card). Witnesses can be friends, family members, or provided by the resort.

The Legal Wedding Timeline

If you choose a legal wedding, plan for this timeline:

1. 2–3 months before: Obtain apostilles on your birth certificates and any divorce decrees. Arrange Spanish translations.
2. 1 month before: Send copies of all documents to your wedding coordinator for pre-approval. Bring originals with you.
3. Upon arrival in Punta Cana: Submit original documents to the resort coordinator. They will handle the submission to the Civil Registry.
4. 3–5 business days later: The civil ceremony takes place. You receive a marriage certificate (Acta de Matrimonio) which is internationally recognized.

Many couples choose to arrive in Punta Cana 5–7 days before their wedding date to allow time for the legal process.

Symbolic Ceremony — The Easier Alternative

For couples who want to avoid the paperwork and waiting period, a symbolic ceremony is an excellent alternative. The ceremony is identical in beauty and emotion — same venue, same floral arrangements, same photographer, same celebration — without the legal requirements. The couple simply registers their marriage in their home country before or after the trip.

Most international couples choose this option. It is simpler, faster, and eliminates the risk of document issues. At Destinos 1a, we guide you through both options and help you choose the best path for your situation.