Dominican Republic, the destination for unforgettable nuptials

Santo Domingo (PRNewswire).- Countless couples are choosing to begin married life with a destination wedding in Dominican Republic. Whether you’re planning a blow-out celebration or an intimate ceremony, Dominican Republic’shistoric charm, lush nature, breathtaking beaches and opulent accommodations combine to create a one-of-a-kind setting for an unforgettable dream wedding.

With eight international airports throughout the country and nonstop flights available on multiple airlines from the United States, Dominican Republic offers an ease of access that makes it a natural selection for couples planning a destination wedding. World-class properties offer on-site, personal wedding planners to handle all of the day-of details, making sure any wedding day is worry-free.

"Weddings in Dominican Republic are truly magical, offering couples a variety of settings to celebrate the start of their lives together," said Magaly Toribio, marketing advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Our hotels, tour operators and wedding vendors are adept at anticipating the needs of family travel groups, making Dominican Republic a wonderful destination for wedding groups both big and small."

What’s your wedding style? Whether you’ve always pictured a sunset ceremony on the beach or dreamed of a traditional wedding in a church that’s rich with historic beauty, Dominican Republic has something to fit every couple’s personal taste and budget.

Old-World Charm: A destination wedding doesn’t have to mean forfeiting the formality of a traditional ceremony. Marry at the ornate Catedral Primada de America in the first city of the new world, the Colonial City within Dominican Republic’s capital ofSanto Domingo. Cobblestone streets harken back to the colonial days to create memories that will last a lifetime. Also in the Colonial City, Iglesia de las Mercedes is a majestic church built more than 500 years ago that provides the perfect backdrop for an elegant Catholic ceremony.

You can also plan your nuptials in Convento de los Dominicos, a 16th-century building, or book your big day at the Museo de las Casas Reales, a museum that once served as the Spanish governor’s royal court. For historic charm outside of the capital, Catholic couples can say "I do" in Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village in the La Romana province. You’ll walk down the aisle in a ceremony in St. Stanislaus Church while overlooking the Chavón River.

Natural Nuptials: Eco-conscious couples will find their own slice of paradise in Dominican Republic. The Samaná Peninsula, known for lush, unspoiled nature and magnificent beaches, takes couples off the beaten path and into one of Dominican Republic’s hidden natural gems. Lovebirds can plan a wedding in quiet Las Galeras, located at the tip of the peninsula and home to numerous small hotels and bed & breakfasts—perfect for an intimate wedding or honeymoon escape. For couples seeking a beachside city vibe, Las Terrenas delivers, offering a mix of distinctive restaurants and bars alongside beautiful white sand beaches dotted with picturesque pastel wooden fishing boats.

After the wedding, escape to Los Haitises National Park, located just south of the Samaná Peninsula. Enjoy a boat tour of the mangroves and find yourself surrounded by countless species of birds, plants and mammals. On Dominican Republic’s north coast, the Puerto Plata province also offers unique natural beauty of its very own, set against a backdrop of mountains and miles of coastline. The area is a hub for thrill-seekers, and adventurous couples will fall in love all over again while climbing the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua and cascading back down by jumping off cliffs or sliding down water chutes.

Seaside Sophistication: Find your fairytale all-inclusive in Punta Cana, which was named the #1 destination in the Caribbean in 2016 by the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. Azure waters and powder-white beaches bring weddings here to life, with hotels offering packages designed to fit all tastes and budgets. Wedding planners help couples work within their budgets to map out every detail, including day-of itineraries, flowers, menus and even hair and makeup. Beyond Punta Cana, couples flock to La Romana for chic accommodations along the water.

Casa de Campo is a favorite getaway among celebrities, and for good reason—the resort and villa complex gives couples exclusive access to La Romana’s marina, along with gourmet restaurants, world-class golf courses and beautiful private beaches. Just off the coast, day trips to Saona Island and Catalina Island offer secluded paradise for honeymooners and newlyweds.

Cosmopolitan Chic: Plan a stylish wedding in the vibrant capital city of Santo Domingo. The JW Marriott Santo Domingo is located in the city’s high-end shopping district. Work with an entire team of wedding specialists for a memorable and luxurious day at this trendy destination, where you and your guests will also be able to take advantage of close proximity to the commercial district, the colonial zone and the airport. Hotel el Embajador is also conveniently located in the capital, just a stone’s throw away from museums, shops and restaurants.

Couples can work with an on-site planner to map out every detail of their special day, planning a ceremony or reception in the hotel’s elegant indoor or outdoor spaces. In Santo Domingo’s historic Colonial City, the Hostal Nicolas de Ovando offers a romantic ambiance for both weddings and honeymoons. Once the home ofSanto Domingo’s founder, the hotel dates back to 1502 and provides the perfect combination of history, charm and upscale amenities.

There’s no need for cold feet when planning your dream wedding in Dominican Republic. For more information on wedding and honeymoon destinations in the country and for details about wedding paperwork and requirements, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.