Wedding FAQs

Where do I start?
Cost of a Destination Wedding
Wedding Details & Decor
Legalities
Miscellaneous Questions

Where do I start?

Do you hold destination weddings at your resort?

Yes, we hold weddings at all of our resorts

Is there a dedicated wedding planner on site? Can they be reached by email?

There is a dedicated wedding planner on site at Secrets Royal Beach. The wedding planner can be reached at: weddings.serpc@secrestsresorts.com

What services does your wedding planner provide? Is there a fee?

There is no fee for the use of our wedding coordinator. A specialist will be with you to assist prior to and on your special day!

How much time would we need to reserve our wedding in advance?

Weddings should be reserved at least three months in advance but one year is preferable if you have exact dates in mind.

How can we confirm our wedding date?

There is a Wedding Request Form listed on the Secrets Royal Beach weddings page. Just fill out this form and if the date is available, the wedding department will be happy to confirm availability. The wedding will be considered confirmed only when you receive a written communication stating so.

What if we want to reserve on short notice?

You should contact the wedding coordinator directly.

How many days do we need to arrive prior to the ceremony?

The Dominican Republic requires that you be in the country at least three business days prior. Saturdays, Sundays and Dominican holidays do not count. Your arrival day does not count toward the "business day" requirement. You must arrive three FULL business days prior. Be sure to confirm dates and arrangements with your wedding planner to be sure requirements are being met.

What is the difference between legal (civil), religious and symbolic ceremonies?

A civil ceremony is performed by a judge and religious ceremony is performed by a Catholic priest (please note that Catholic ceremonies cannot be performed on the beach). The required paperwork will need to be arranged directly with the priest. Both civil and religious ceremonies are legally recognized. Symbolic ceremonies and renewal of vows are performed by the wedding coordinator and have no legal bearing.

Do we need to send any documentation prior to arrival?

The wedding department needs to have copies of the documentation (for approval) prior to arrival. The copies can be sent via email or fax.

Why do weddings have an additional charge, when Secrets Royal Beach is an all inclusive resort?

Secrets Royal Beach includes Unlimited Luxury service, under this service all meals, beverage and entertainment are; however private functions, like weddings, events, etc, require a different set up, menu, and staff. Therefore, all these services will require additional charges.

Do you have an online photo gallery or can you email me pictures of other destination weddings that have taken place at your property?

We have a few wedding images on our website, but please feel free to contact our wedding coordinator for additional photos. And be sure to browse our resort's online photo gallery as well.

What do you offer in the way of decorations?

We can decorate the area with flowers, beautiful seating arrangements, etc. Please speak with your wedding coordinator to discuss any special arrangements.

What time of day do most destination weddings occur? Why?

We recommend having your wedding between 4 and 6:00PM for the best light – and to be sure there is plenty of time to take pictures after the ceremony.

What time are the sunset and the approximate temperature an hour before?

Depending on the season, sunset can be anywhere from 5:30 – 7 pm.

Will there be other weddings taking place during the same time as ours?

Your special time is yours and yours only however, there may be other weddings performed on the same day at different times or locations.

If we want our wedding on the beach, what is the set-up?

The beach set-up is an elegant arrangement of a decorated arch for the ceremony as well as decorated chairs for the guests.

How do I get the free wedding that is advertised?

This complimentary wedding package is available when staying 7 nights in the specified room category or book 5 rooms in any category for a minimum of 3 nights. See full wedding package details or speak with the wedding coordinator to book.

Is it performed in English or Spanish?

Most ceremonies are performed in Spanish with an English translator. Some judges speak English, however, we cannot guarantee which official will perform the ceremony. Ministers are fluent in English and are able to perform symbolic ceremonies in either language.

How do I get all of the information to my guests and keep everything organized?

Most destination brides chose to have an official wedding website. Some samples are available at www.eweddings.com and also www.destinationweddings.com.

Cost of a Destination Wedding at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

What is the cost of a destination wedding at your resort, or is it included in the price of our stay?

We offer three packages. The package details can be found on the wedding page of the resort's website. Rates and inclusions depend on which package you prefer.

Do you offer a set destination wedding package, or do we choose the elements individually?

We have three set packages, however; you may add anything extra that you wish. Be sure to review our Wedding Guide for more details, or speak with the wedding coordinator to discuss additional requests.

Can you email a price list to me? Do you expect those prices to change by the date of my wedding?

Prices for our wedding packages are included on our website. For those little extra touches, a separate price list can be obtained from the wedding coordinator. Until a contract is signed, these prices are subject to change as services are provided by outside vendors.

If I want to bring friends and family members, do you offer a discount on the price of rooms?

Group rates are available when booking 10 rooms or more. We suggest our wedding couples re-quote the room rates with a Travel Agent or Tour Operator.

How many guests are permitted at your standard destination wedding? What do you charge if we exceed that number?

Packages are valid for either 10 or 20 guests. Additional guests would incur an additional charge.

Do you require a down payment? How much? When is the balance due?

Yes. Wedding in Paradise Package requires $100 USD deposit; Secrets of Love and Secrets Ultimate Packages deposit and payment terms are determined by the contract that you enter with the wedding coordinator at the resort upon booking your wedding. The first deposit is made after initial communication to hold and confirm the wedding dates. The balance is due upon your arrival at the resort and final details are confirmed with the wedding coordinator.

What is your cancellation policy?

No cancellation penalties will be assessed if cancelled at least 6 months before the wedding. However, the deposit will not be refunded if wedding is cancelled without the 6 month notice.

Wedding Details & Decor

Who performs the ceremony at your resort?

A symbolic ceremony is included in the wedding packages. Should you wish to have a minister or judge officiate, there will be an additional government surcharge.

What if we want a ceremony that honors a particular religion; can someone of that faith be provided?

No, but feel free to bring your own official of that religion.

On the other hand, what if we want a ceremony that does not bring in religion?

Non religious ceremonies are definitely an option.

How long is the ceremony?

The ceremony itself only lasts about 20 minutes, however the cocktail and reception shortly follow.

What do brides and grooms typically wear at your resort for destination weddings?

Brides usually wear a beautiful white gown, while grooms usually prefer khakis and a white dress shirt. Most couples also prefer bare feet on the beach, of course.

Will someone be available to iron my wedding dress?

Wedding gown preparation is included in our wedding packages.

What do you do if I schedule an outside ceremony and reception—and it rains? Do you have a picture of the back up plan?

Our back up plan is the ballroom. Please contact the wedding coordinator directly to request a picture of that area.

What types of flowers are available locally? Is there a florist onsite?

Almost all kinds of flowers can be provided, some at an additional cost. We work with local florists to make sure there is a great selection to choose from.

Is live music available?

Yes. The wedding coordinator can send you details and recommendations and you can also see further details in the Wedding Guide found on the wedding page of the website.

Can we supply our own music on CD?

Yes, though sound system equipment has an additional charge

Can you email me suggested menus for the reception?

Yes, our wedding coordinator can give you many different menu options to choose from. Please also refer to select menu options in the Wedding Guide found on the resort's main wedding page.

What can you supply in the way of a wedding cake?

We have numerous wedding cake options available. Pictures of different cakes can be emailed to you or once you arrive at the resort you can meet with the wedding coordinator to choose your cake.

Do you provide photography/videography services? What is the cost and what do we get for that amount?

Yes, we have numerous video and photography options. The cost will depend on the service you choose.

Legalities

Is there someone who can handle the legal details for us and will guide us through the process?

Yes, the wedding coordinator deals directly with the local officials to coordinate the legalized wedding process.

What are the requirements to get a marriage license in the Dominican Republic?

Parties must be at least 18 years of age.
Valid passport or photo ID
Original copies or certified photocopies of birth certificates, adoption certificates (if applicable) and name deeds (if applicable)
Apostille (see description of document in following question)
Single Status Affidavit in Spanish for each party. A joint affidavit is not acceptable. These must be notarized and state whether the bride or groom has ever been married, divorced, or widowed. Originals must be brought with you to the property.
Original and photo copies of the court decree absolute if divorced. Bride must be legally divorced for a minimum of 10 months
Two witnesses with passport or photo ID, provided by the hotel if needed. The witnesses cannot be family members.
Original and photocopies of death certificates, if applicable
Full name of both parents
Blood test and advanced travel are not required

What is an Apostille?

This is a documentary device by which a government department, usually the State Department, Justice Ministry or Foreign Ministry, authenticates a document as genuine, thereby legalizing it for use in another member country.

An Apostille consists of the following:

Name of country from which the document emanates
Name of person signing the document
The capacity in which the person signing the document has acted
In the case of unsigned documents, the name of the authority which has affixed the seal or stamp
Place of certification
The authority issuing the certificate
The number of the certificate
Seal or stamp of authority issuing the certificate
Signature of authority issuing the certificate

What is a Single Status Affidavit and where do I get it?

A Single Status Affidavit clearly states that both parties are eligible to marry. It should be prepared by a lawyer and notarized, then sent to the Dominican Consulate for approval and translation. These documents should be brought with you and valid up to 90 days before the wedding.

Are witnesses required?

Yes, two witnesses are required as well as copy of their passports and tourist card (blue sheet received at the airport and must be present at the ceremony). The witnesses cannot be family members.

What if I don't have a witness?

If there are no witnesses available, they can be provided by the resort.

I was divorced less then one year ago. Can I have my civil ceremony at the resort?

Unfortunately no. If you have been divorced you will need to wait at least one year before remarrying, and you must bring a copy of your divorce decree.

Do we need proof of any medical tests?

No, there is no need for any medical tests in the Dominican Republic.

If we have to travel offsite to get the license, does your resort provide transportation?

The wedding coordinator provides the license to you immediately after the ceremony, no transportation required. The Judge will duly register your Wedding Certificate at the Central Civil Board, and legalize it with the Foreign Affairs Department of the Dominican Republic.

If my name is different from the passport and birth certificate will this present problem?

Yes, first, middle and last names must show up identically in all of the following documents: passport, affidavit declaration and birth certificate. If not the Civil Judge might refuse the wedding.

Will the judge perform the ceremony if all of our documents are not in order? Are there any exceptions?

No, there are no exceptions. All documents must be presented, and they must be in order for the ceremony to take place. If not, there is no ceremony.

How long will it take to get our pictures back, and can they be quickly posted on an online album?

If you choose a photographer provided by our wedding coordinator, expect to receive your photos and photo album within 72 hours after the ceremony. Depending on the package chosen, your images will appear on DVD or in a lovely album that also includes the negatives.

Miscellaneous Questions

What type of Internet access is available at your property?

High speed Internet connection is available in rooms and some public areas of the resort.

Can you arrange a special tour or activity for our guests?

These may be arranged through the preferred tour company set up in the resort lobby. They are more then happy to arrange the best group outing to fit your needs.

Do I need any immunizations before traveling?

No immunizations are necessary

What is the time zone?

The Dominican Republic is located in the Eastern Time Zone.

Can I drink the water?

We do not recommend drinking the water from the tap. All water and ice served in the restaurants and bars is purified and bottled water is provided to guests. Please be careful when venturing out of the resort.

Can I bring dollars?

Yes, American dollars are recognized and accepted in the Dominican Republic

Is it easy to enter the Dominican Republic?

You must have a valid passport to enter. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for details.

Do you mind me asking all these questions?

Not at all! Our wedding coordinator is happy to assist you in planning your perfect day, so please feel free to ask away.

Contact the wedding coordinator directly at weddings.serpc@secretsresorts.com.

And be sure to browse the Secrets Royal Beach Wedding Guide for further details.