How to Get Married in Punta Cana: Civil and Religious Requirements with a Real Ceremony at Jesús Maestro Church – Punta Cana Wedding Photographer

Getting Married in Punta Cana: A Dream for Many Couples

Getting married in Punta Cana is the dream of countless couples seeking a romantic and unforgettable destination. With turquoise waters, soft sand, and year-round sunshine, the Dominican Republic has become one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Caribbean.

But beyond the luxurious resorts, Punta Cana also offers beautiful churches for meaningful Catholic ceremonies. One of the most beloved is Jesús Maestro Church in Bávaro, located outside the hotel complexes.

Why does this matter?

Because choosing a church like Jesús Maestro allows couples to hire their own Punta Cana wedding photographer without paying the extra vendor fees that most resorts charge when you bring an external photographer.

Our featured couple, who traveled from Colombia, celebrated their Catholic wedding at Jesús Maestro Church surrounded by family and friends — a heartfelt, faith-filled day that blended culture, tradition, and Caribbean warmth.

Civil Marriage in Punta Cana – Requirements for Dominicans

If both partners are Dominican citizens, the process is simple and handled by the Oficialía del Estado Civil (Civil Registry Office).

Requirements:

• Dominican ID card (cédula) of both partners.

• Certified birth certificates.

• Divorce or death certificates, if applicable.

• Two witnesses (not close relatives).

• Payment of civil registry fees.

Civil weddings for Dominicans are fast and can take place at the registry or at a private location (for an extra fee).

Civil Marriage in Punta Cana – Requirements for Foreigners

If you are planning a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic, these are the documents required for foreigners or non-residents:

Requirements:

• Valid passport for both.

• Birth certificates (apostilled or legalized).

• Single status affidavit or certificate of no impediment.

• Divorce or death certificates if applicable.

• Entry stamps showing legal arrival to the country.

• All documents not in Spanish must be officially translated.

• All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized in the country of origin.

Tip: Many couples handle these steps through their local Dominican consulate or via a certified wedding planner in Punta Cana.

Religious Wedding Requirements in the Dominican Republic

Catholic Church Ceremonies

For a Catholic ceremony, parishes require the following:

• Baptism and confirmation certificates.

• Birth certificates (legalized).

• Civil marriage certificate or proof that civil requirements are met.

• Premarital course (cursillo).

• Authorization letter from your home parish if you belong to another one.

• Witnesses and godparents with valid IDs.

• Health certificates (sometimes required by the parish).

Protestant or Other Christian Ceremonies

For non-Catholic churches, requirements vary, but the church must be legally registered with the Junta Central Electoral (JCE) for the marriage to have civil validity.

Why Jesús Maestro Church Is a Smart Choice for Religious Weddings in Punta Cana

If you’re dreaming of a Catholic wedding in Punta Cana, you’ll find several options.

Some resorts, such as:

- "San Estanislao de Kostka Church" - Altos de Chavón de Campo Resort & Villas,

-"Oratorio Virgen De San Salvador" - Sanctuary Resort Cap Cana,

- "San Charbel Chapel" of Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana,

have their own chapels and churches where couples can celebrate religious ceremonies.

These venues are stunning, but they usually come with a limitation: resorts charge an external vendor fee if you bring your own wedding photographer.

By choosing Jesús Maestro Church in Bávaro, located outside of the resort complexes, couples enjoy more freedom. You can hire the Punta Cana wedding photographer you truly want — without paying hotel fees — and then move easily to a nearby beach or restaurant for your post-ceremony celebration.

This church offers an authentic Dominican atmosphere, with local community warmth and elegant simplicity, perfect for a heartfelt ceremony.

Real Wedding at Jesús Maestro Church – Captured by a Punta Cana Wedding Photographer

Our Colombian couple chose to get married at Jesús Maestro Church in Bávaro — a timeless Catholic ceremony surrounded by love, music, and family.

From the groom’s anticipation at the church entrance, to the emotional moment when he covered his face in tears, every detail reflected genuine emotion.

The exchange of rings, the “Yes, I do”, and the final joyful exit with petals and laughter made it an unforgettable day.

As a Punta Cana wedding photographer, capturing this ceremony was a true privilege. The combination of soft church light, emotional moments, and spontaneous smiles made every frame unique.

Why Hire a Punta Cana Wedding Photographer

• Local expertise: knowledge of churches, beaches, and lighting.

• Experience with both Dominican and international couples.

• Ability to blend elegance and authenticity in every frame.

• Freedom to capture both religious and outdoor moments.

Whether you choose to get married in Jesús Maestro Church or at a resort like Hard Rock Punta Cana, Sanctuary Cap Cana, or Casa de Campo, having the right Punta Cana wedding photographer makes all the difference.

Let us capture your love story — from sacred vows to Caribbean sunsets.

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