Can U.S. Citizens Legally Marry in Punta Cana?
Planning a destination wedding in Punta Cana is a dream come true for many American couples. The turquoise ocean, swaying palms, and laid-back Caribbean energy create the perfect backdrop for a romantic ceremony. But amidst the excitement, one question often arises: Can U.S. citizens legally marry in Punta Cana?
The answer is yes, but with a few important steps to follow.
1. Is It Legal for Americans to Marry in the Dominican Republic?
Yes. The Dominican Republic allows foreign nationals — including U.S. citizens — to marry legally within the country. However, it’s important that the marriage is civilly registered by Dominican authorities in order to be recognized back in the United States.
Religious or symbolic ceremonies, while beautiful, do not carry legal status unless accompanied by a civil registration.
2. Legal Requirements for a Civil Wedding in Punta Cana
To marry legally in Punta Cana, U.S. citizens must present the following:
Valid passports (both parties)
Original birth certificates
Single status affidavit (also called "Declaration of No Impediment") notarized and translated
Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)
Two witnesses with valid identification
All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized (apostilled) in the U.S. before traveling.
3. How to Process the Marriage
Once in the Dominican Republic:
Submit all required documents to the local Civil Registry Office (Oficialía del Estado Civil).
A civil judge or notary will officiate the ceremony.
After the wedding, you’ll receive a Dominican marriage certificate.
That certificate must be apostilled at the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) to ensure international validity.
With these steps completed, your marriage will be fully recognized in the U.S. by simply retaining the apostilled and translated documentation.
4. How Long Does It Take to Finalize the Paperwork?
Document prep in the U.S.: 2–4 weeks
Marriage processing in the Dominican Republic: 1–2 weeks
Apostille and translation after the wedding: additional 5–10 business days
Some couples choose to work with local experts who can streamline the process and avoid delays.
5. Can I Just Have a Symbolic Wedding in Punta Cana Instead?
Absolutely. Many couples opt for a symbolic or spiritual ceremony on the beach and handle the legal paperwork back home. This is often easier and avoids complications, while still allowing for the full destination wedding experience — including vows, rings, and celebration.
People Also Ask (EN):
1. Is a Dominican Republic marriage valid in the U.S.? Yes, if the marriage was civilly registered and the certificate is apostilled and translated.
2. Can I have a beach wedding in Punta Cana that’s legally binding? Yes, but it must be officiated by a civil judge and registered with Dominican authorities.
3. What documents do U.S. citizens need to marry in the Dominican Republic? Passport, birth certificate, single status affidavit, and divorce decree (if applicable), all translated and apostilled.
4. Do we need witnesses for a wedding in Punta Cana? Yes, two witnesses are required, and they must present valid identification.
5. Can we marry at a resort and still have it legal? Yes, if the resort coordinates with a civil judge and processes the legal documentation.
