Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is one of the most visually stunning resorts in the Dominican Republic—turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and modern luxury amenities. It’s no wonder couples from the U.S., Canada, and Europe are flocking there for destination weddings.
But behind the glamour, many brides and grooms discover a long list of unexpected wedding charges, often tucked away in fine print or only revealed during the final planning stages. These hidden costs can seriously impact your budget and create stress in what should be a joyful time.
As seasoned Punta Cana wedding planners, Sertuin Events has helped dozens of couples navigate Hyatt Ziva’s pricing structure. In this blog, we’ll show you exactly which fees to look out for, how to ask the right questions, and how to avoid overpaying for your dream wedding.
1. The Service Charge + Taxes Combo: Up to 38% More Than You Expect
The most common—and most underestimated—hidden cost is the combined service fee and taxes. At Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, a 15–20% service charge is added to nearly every element of your wedding, including:
The base wedding package
Food and beverage
Décor and upgrades
Vendor coordination
Additionally, an 18% Dominican Republic ITBIS tax applies on top of that. This means that a $10,000 wedding can quickly become $13,800 without any added services.
SOLUTION: Ask your Hyatt Ziva wedding coordinator to give you a final quote with all service fees and taxes included, not just “base rates.” If you're working with Sertuin Events, we help review and break down quotes to avoid budget shocks later.
2. Ballroom vs. Beach: Location-Based Set-Up Fees
While Hyatt Ziva advertises beach weddings, what’s not immediately clear is that additional setup and permit fees may apply depending on the location you choose—beach, gazebo, rooftop, or ballroom.
Couples opting for private beach ceremonies are often surprised by:
“Logistics fees” of up to $1,200
Extra rental charges for chairs, flooring, or weather tents
Sound system charges for outdoor audio
SOLUTION: Before selecting your location, ask which setup fees apply. At Sertuin Events, we can also offer off-site beach setups with no resort markup, maintaining the oceanfront vibe at a fraction of the cost—perfect for couples who want a luxury wedding in Punta Cana with full transparency.
3. Mandatory Guest Minimums That Trigger Upgrades
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana offers wedding packages that start small (like the Lavish & Opulent package), but you’ll often be forced to upgrade packages or pay per-person surcharges once you exceed a certain number of guests.
For example:
Packages may only include 20 guests
Each additional guest can cost $90–$120
Guest count minimums for private events may push you into higher-tier packages
SOLUTION: Confirm guest count limits before signing anything. Sertuin Events helps you customize the setup to stay within limits or create alternative seating/dining layouts that avoid triggering those thresholds while keeping the guest experience exceptional.
4. Outside Vendor Fees: Creativity Comes at a Cost
Want to use your own photographer, videographer, or hairstylist? Be prepared for outside vendor fees of $500–$1,000 USD per vendor. Some couples are shocked to learn this after booking a third-party vendor independently.
Sometimes the hotel requires external vendors to purchase day passes or even stay on the property—at the couple’s expense.
SOLUTION: Negotiate a vendor waiver before committing. If you're using a planner like Sertuin Events, we often act as the “official vendor” to bypass these fees, and we coordinate with your preferred creatives directly to ensure seamless execution.
5. Decor Restrictions That Lead to Overpriced Upgrades
While Hyatt Ziva allows basic customization, many couples find that the included decor is minimal—and anything more sophisticated requires purchasing decor “enhancements” from the resort’s catalog, which can be overpriced and limited in style.
You may also face restrictions on:
Candles or real flame
Hanging décor or ceiling installations
Live music (due to resort policies or timing)
SOLUTION: Ask for the décor catalog early in the planning process. At Sertuin Events, we provide our own luxury decor, floral design, and furniture options—often for 30–40% less than resort prices. This allows you to elevate the aesthetics of your Punta Cana destination wedding without unnecessary upsells.
💡 How Sertuin Events Protects Your Wedding Budget
Couples trust Sertuin Events not just to plan beautiful weddings—but to protect their budget, their time, and their peace of mind.
When dealing with complex resort pricing like Hyatt Ziva’s, we:
✅ Review every clause of your wedding contract ✅ Identify hidden fees and unnecessary upgrades ✅ Offer alternative venues or setups when needed ✅ Coordinate directly with resort staff to defend your vision ✅ Deliver high-end results without premium markups
If you're planning a wedding in Punta Cana, don't navigate these waters alone. Let us be your advocate, stylist, and financial guardian.
People Also Ask
What is the service charge at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana weddings?
Usually 15–20%, applied on top of the wedding package and extras. It’s also taxed an additional 18%.
Are outside vendors allowed at Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana?
Yes, but they typically charge $500–$1,000 per vendor. Some also require a room booking or day pass.
Do wedding packages at Hyatt Ziva include decor?
Yes, but it’s basic. Most elegant or themed décor elements are considered “upgrades” and cost extra.
Can I avoid setup fees for my Hyatt Ziva beach wedding?
Setup fees are common, but working with a planner like Sertuin Events may help you avoid or negotiate them—or plan an off-resort beach ceremony.
Is Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana good for destination weddings?
Absolutely—but only if you go in informed. With expert help from Sertuin Events, couples can enjoy a seamless and stunning experience without the stress.
Final Thoughts
Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana delivers breathtaking scenery and premium service—but unless you're prepared for the hidden fees, your budget can quickly spiral out of control. Don’t let financial surprises take away from the joy of your big day.
Work with Sertuin Events to build the wedding of your dreams—beautifully executed, fairly priced, and stress-free from start to finish.
DR Web Studio
