ldyVelvet

I'm bringing my own minister to Punta Cana as well. This is what I know- you can bring them and have them perform your service but the marriage will not be legal there. You have to get your marriage certificate in the States and then sign it in your hometown for your marriage to be legal. As far as in the Dominican, you would have a "renewal of vows" ceremony or a "symbolic" ceremony at your location in Punta Cana. There are no restrictions to having this ceremony so don't worry! The ceremony packages are usually a little cheaper this way because you don't have to use one of their judges. Your minister would then just perform the marriage ceremony and your marriage certificate will be waiting on you in the States. We are looking forward to having our own minister there because my soon-to-be husband has grown up with him so it will be very special. If you have any more questions, let me know and I'll try to fill you in! Happy planning!

July 2008 Jenna & Steve: July 1, 2008 - Sunscape Casa del Mar Erica & Jorge: July 5, 2008 - Iberostar Punta Cana Valerie & Richard July 10, 2008 - Ocean Blue Lindsay & Billy: July 11, 2008 - Paradisus PC Kristin & Justin: July 11, 2008- Dreams Punta Cana Terina & Roger: July 26, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana August 2008 Jazlyn & Albert: August 2, 2008 - Excellence Punta Cana Kirk & Christina: August 8, 2008 - EdenH Real Arena Punta Cana October 2008 Chris and Monica: October 4, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real November 2008 Danielle & Derek: November 6, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real PC Shelley & Jamie: November 6, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Camila & Louie... November 8, 2008 - Bahia Principe Punta Cana Amy & Jordan: November 12, 2008 - Gran Bahia Principe in Punta Cana Caitlin and Joe: November 14, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Kasia & Rob: November 17, 2008 - Majestic Colonial Louise & Brian: November 18, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Anil & Pam: November 20, 2008 - Ocean Sand Jessica & Dominique: November 22, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Cassie & Brad: November 24, 2008 - EdenH Punta Cana Lucy & Tom: November 24, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Erica & Larry: November 30, 2008 - Grand Palladium Palace December 2008 Miriam & Herman: December 5th, 2008 - Bavaro Princess, Punta Cana Taude & Jay: December 10, 2008 - Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana Tracy & John: December 11, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Kyle & Daina: December 12, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana January 2009 Jelena and Bojan: January 3, 2009 - EdenH Arena Michael and Nicole: January 8, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Heidi & Derek: January 10, 2009 - Colony Bay Resort Punta Cana Erin & Martin: January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Lindsay & Jamie : January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro Chantal & Sheldon: January 30, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Theresa & Stan: February 20, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana March 2009 Nuc Med Bride & FI: March 19, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe April 2009 Kim & Chris: April 4, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Raquel & Dominick: April 17, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jennifer & Eliu: April 18, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Michelle & Jeff: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical DRBride2009: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical Aliya & Joey: April 24, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana Brittany and Jay: April 23rd (I think) - Occidental Grand May 2009 Shawn & Jeremy: May 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort) Karen & Anthony: May 2009 - Grand Palladium Bavaro Punta Cana Yadira & Alexander: May 2, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana jhildebr: May 11, 2009 - Majestic Elegance Jennifer & Adam: May 11, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Meagan & Jeff: May 15, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Omar: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Kristen & Craig May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Velvet & James May 8, 2009 - Riu Palace Punta Cana June 2009 melnb & FI: June '09 - Paradisius FYB87 & FI: June '09 - Resort undecided Summer 2009 FutureMrsRust & FI - Summer 2009 - Resort Undecided July 2009 Nadia & Julian: July 3, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Jenn & Chris: July 31, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana November 2009 Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial January 2010 Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess

Thanks for the valuable info!

So glad to see another person is getting married at the Riu Palace. I'm getting married there on May 8, 09. I've heard great reviews of the resort and very few complaints. I haven't started working with the wedding coordinator yet but will begin to within the next month or so. I'm wanting to have a private reception but am unsure whether to have it on the beach or in one of the restaurants. Does anyone have any info on the rules regarding a private reception? The Riu seems to be a beautiful place and I'm looking forward to making the arrangements for the wedding but just like enabella, I'm lacking information. So, if anyone can help let me know!

I'm getting married in PC in May 09. With airfare on the rise we are going with a budget of $27,000 for 30 guests. We are also bringing down our own photographer though. We are paying for everyones accomodations and airfare too so that increases the budget.

Hello all! I've recently signed up with Best Destination Weddings and I'm looking forward to talking with you all. I'm eager to learn from brides that have had a destination wedding and also those who are planning one as well. My wedding date is May 8, 2009 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Our resort is the Riu Palace in Punta Cana. I'm excited to speak with you! Thanks, Velvet Griffith