legal papers needed to get married in the DR

[lovelytlc]

I have a question. If you are having your legal ceremony in hte DR is the actual ceremony conducted in Spanish? This is my determining factor in picking DR. I want to have my ceremony in English. Some TA have told me the majority of the cermonies are in spanish. There are some english speaking ministers but those are hard to find.

 

Please let me know. thanks

[SSNM]

All the places I looked at so far said they conducted the ceremony in spanish (mind you I didn't look at very many). What your TA said is probably accurate. They do translate the ceremony but the minister/officiant does speak the native tongue unless you are able to find an english-speaking minister. I would ask the WC at the places you are considering to see if they can arrange an english ceremony.

[taratoons]

Hi!

 

I'm pretty sure that no matter what resort you use, or judge/minister, a Dominican ceremony must be performed in Spanish to be legal, and the WC will translate to English. You do NOT have to do your vows in Spanish though. However, if you do the legal ceremony here at home, then just do a symbolic ceremony, the whole thing can be in English. That's what my WC told me, anyway.

 

I agree that I would prefer to do the whole thing legally if people are coming to the ceremony, but with all the stress that would have to be dealt with only 3 months before the wedding, and the possibility of spending $1000, we are debating possibly just doing the legal thing here, then a symbolic ceremony there. No one has to know it's not legal. A legal ceremony also limits the time of your ceremony, since you can't just pick a time, the judge has to tell you when he is available. For some resorts they tend to come early, around 11 am and 12 pm, and others around 6 pm or 7 pm, and neither of these time periods is ideal for me!

[Keiths_wife_2B]

I just contacted the Domincan Embassy here in Washington, DC....and they have informed me that as of September 1, 2009 they no longer do legalizations. So I'm---LOST as to where to turn to now. For those who have used WeDo, and have been successful----please let me know!

[SSNM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keiths_wife_2B I just contacted the Domincan Embassy here in Washington, DC....and they have informed me that as of September 1, 2009 they no longer do legalizations. So I'm---LOST as to where to turn to now. For those who have used WeDo, and have been successful----please let me know!

That sounds really wierd. So how do you legally get married in the Dominican Republic? Maybe someone at the embassy is confused? Is there a consulate in the area that will do it? Unfortunately, I am in Canada, so I don't have much information for you. I would ask your WC for advice on that -- they may know more of the situation. Even WEDO has to send your papers to the embassy/consulate for legalization so if they don't do it, then who would?

[jenmyl]

Thank you for all the helpful info! I find this very confusing but since I live in Ottawa I think I'll just go to the Embassy in person to get things done!

[Tam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by taratoons Hi! I'm pretty sure that no matter what resort you use, or judge/minister, a Dominican ceremony must be performed in Spanish to be legal, and the WC will translate to English. You do NOT have to do your vows in Spanish though. However, if you do the legal ceremony here at home, then just do a symbolic ceremony, the whole thing can be in English. That's what my WC told me, anyway. I agree that I would prefer to do the whole thing legally if people are coming to the ceremony, but with all the stress that would have to be dealt with only 3 months before the wedding, and the possibility of spending $1000, we are debating possibly just doing the legal thing here, then a symbolic ceremony there. No one has to know it's not legal. A legal ceremony also limits the time of your ceremony, since you can't just pick a time, the judge has to tell you when he is available. For some resorts they tend to come early, around 11 am and 12 pm, and others around 6 pm or 7 pm, and neither of these time periods is ideal for me!

That's what we're going to do now.. I think. It's just too much of a hassle for me right now and a lot of translating/notarizing etc. My FI was married before too, so that adds even more paperwork.. not into that.. we won't be telling anyone but my parents that we are doing it ahead of time..(the day before we leave). I do feel kinda guilty about it, but the judge couldn't come until after 6 so it would be a symbolic anyway with a lot more cost.. $300 US just for the judge to sign papers.. crazy.

[LovesJakeyPoo]

bummed can't get a hold of consolate here in LA any suggestions?

[cdc150]

It was so complicated and expensive we decided to get married before we go

[GreekFood]

Same here, the civil ceremony just seemed to be much more hassle than it's worth. My FI and I feel that the Dominican ceremony is the real one, and that's all that matters. The civil ceremony is just a formality.