Legal Requirements for Getting Married in the Dominican Republic: A Complete 2025/2026 Guide

Dreaming of a destination wedding in paradise? The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for couples from around the world — and for good reason. With its golden beaches, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture, it’s the perfect place to say “I do.”

But before your wedding day, it’s important to understand the legal requirements for getting married in the Dominican Republic. This complete guide explains everything you need to know about paperwork, legalizations, translations, and official procedures to ensure your marriage is legally recognized worldwide.

1. Civil vs. Symbolic Wedding in the Dominican Republic

When planning your wedding in the DR, you can choose between two types of ceremonies:

Civil Ceremony (Legal Wedding)

A civil wedding is performed by a Dominican judge or legal official and is recognized internationally. It requires official documents to be translated and legalized before the ceremony.

Symbolic Ceremony

A symbolic wedding is not legally binding but is perfect for couples who prefer to handle the legal paperwork in their home country and simply celebrate their union in paradise.

💡 Tip: Many couples choose to do their legal ceremony at home and a symbolic one on the island to simplify the process and reduce costs.

2. Required Documents for a Legal Civil Wedding

Foreign citizens need to prepare the following documents before traveling to the Dominican Republic:

For Both Partners

Valid passport (original + photocopy)
Original birth certificate
Single Status Affidavit (Declaration of Single Status), signed before a notary and legalized or apostilled – might be possible to do in DR. Ask us for more info!
Divorce Decree (if applicable) – legalized or apostilled
Death Certificate (if widowed) – legalized or apostilled
Names and passport copies of two witnesses (cannot be family members)

✅ Important:
All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized with an Apostille (if your country is part of the Hague Convention). If your country is not part of the Hague Convention, then you will have to legalize your documents at the Dominican Embassy in your country.

3. Residency and Waiting Period

There is no residency requirement for foreigners getting married in the Dominican Republic. You can arrive just a few days before your wedding.

Still, it’s recommended to be on the island 3–5 days prior to ensure all paperwork is reviewed and approved by the local civil office or your wedding planner. can often handle this process and send the fully legalized certificate to your address once completed.

4. Step-by-Step Legal Wedding Process

Prepare your documents in your home country.
Translate and apostille all documents into Spanish.
Send scanned copies to us, your wedding planner or your venue before arrival to confirm all legalizations.
Send originals once aprooved to your wedding planner/venue with a courrier.
Civil ceremony performed by an authorized official.
Marriage certificate issued in Spanish.
Legalize your marriage certificate with the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Translate your certificate into your native language to register it back home or in DR.

5. Legalization of Your Marriage Certificate

After your ceremony, your Marriage Certificate (Acta de Matrimonio) must be legalized by the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cancillería) to make it valid internationally.

We can manage this for you and mail the legalized certificate once ready — usually within 4–8 weeks after your wedding.

6. Fees and Timeframe

Estimated costs for a legal Dominican Republic wedding:

Civil ceremony: USD $300–$600
Document translation & legalization: USD $150–$400
Certificate legalization: USD $100

Our all inclusive fee is USD 1’850.- which includes sending fees, translations and legalizations in DR. Timelines can vary slightly depending on your location and chosen wedding planner.

7. Tips for a Smooth Legal Process

Start preparing documents at least 2–3 months before your wedding date.
Double-check that names and spellings match your passports exactly.
Ensure translations are done by an accredited translator.
Use us, your local wedding planner to manage the legal details and avoid delays.
Consider a symbolic ceremony if you prefer a stress-free and affordable option.

8. Why Get Married in the Dominican Republic

Beyond its simple legal process, the Dominican Republic offers:

World-class beach resorts and private villas
Experienced help through us, as your wedding planner
Warm hospitality and cultural charm
Direct international flight connections

It’s not only easy — it’s unforgettable.

9. After Your Wedding

Once your marriage certificate is legalized and translated, register it with the civil registry in your home country to make it fully valid under your national law. It is recommended to check prior to the wedding with your civil registrty office at home, what they might require additionally to register your marriage license once you’re back.

Final Thoughts

Getting legally married in the Dominican Republic is a straightforward process with the right preparation and guidance. From sandy beaches to lush tropical gardens, your Caribbean wedding can be both romantic and officially recognized.

If you want expert help organizing your legal or symbolic ceremony, Bodas&Mas – Wedding & Event Planner Dominican Republic offers full-service destination wedding planning — including paperwork assistance, translation, and legalization.

✨ Let us handle the details so you can focus on what truly matters — celebrating love in paradise.