Edison & Luciana

Civil Wedding in Punta Cana: What You Need to Know Before Saying “I Do” in Paradise

While symbolic ceremonies are more popular in destination weddings due to simplicity, many couples still choose a civil/legal ceremony to make their marriage official under Dominican law. If that’s your plan, here’s everything you need to know to help make your day as stress-free and magical as possible:

A civil wedding in Punta Cana is a legally binding marriage performed by a judge (official from the Dominican government). Unlike symbolic ceremonies, a civil wedding is recognized internationally and comes with official marriage documentation.

To get legally married in Punta Cana, you’ll need to prepare and translate several documents before your arrival:

  • Valid passports for both parties
  • Original birth certificates
  • Single status affidavits (certifying you’re legally free to marry)
  • Divorce decree or death certificate, if applicable
  • Two witnesses (with valid passports)

All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized (apostilled). This process takes some time, so we recommend starting at least 2-3 months in advance.

Edison & Luciana’s Civil Wedding in Punta Cana

Recently, we had the honor of capturing Edison & Luciana’s stunning civil wedding celebration in Punta Cana. The couple envisioned a very intimate day, filled with simplicity and elegance, and that’s exactly what they created.

Their wedding preparations took place in a beautiful villa, where we captured special moments just minutes before they walked into the courtyard. The atmosphere was minimalistic yet full of love, making every detail feel intentional and meaningful.

The legal ceremony itself was brief—lasting no more than 15 minutes—but it was filled with heartfelt emotions. After the official “I do’s,” we continued with a photo session where Luciana truly shined. She was an absolute rock star in front of the camera, and we loved her energy and attitude throughout the shoot!

This intimate wedding was the perfect reminder that love doesn’t need extravagance—it only needs two people ready to begin a lifetime together.

Ready to Get Started?

Planning a civil wedding might sound overwhelming, but with the right team by your side, it becomes an unforgettable adventure. If you’re thinking of getting legally married in Punta Cana and want stunning photo + video coverage to match, we’d love to chat and help you bring your vision to life!

Contact us today to get our updated wedding collections or ask anything you need — we’re happy to help!