Punta Cana, Jarabacoa, Constanza, Pico Duarte—destinations in the Dominican Republic are almost as much fun to pronounce as they are to visit. Currently, this country is hot, hot, hot, and we’re not just talking about the temperatures. The DR is one of the most popular locations in the Caribbean thanks to its gorgeous tropical climate and an emerging eco-tourism focus. Here are a few facts about this stunning location, in case you’re still deciding on where to host your destination wedding:
Location: The DR is the second largest Caribbean nation and is located on the eastern part of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Punta Cana is approximately 80 miles from the western coast of Puerto Rico.
Language Spoken: Spanish is the official language, though English is widely spoken.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time
Climate: Tropical maritime, with little seasonal variation. Temperature averages range from 70-86 degrees F, with near-constant trade winds to offset humidity.
Places of Note: The capital, Santo Domingo, is the commercial, cultural, financial, and political hub of the DR, so this cosmopolitan metropolis has it all. Punta Cana is a couple’s paradise, thanks to sugar-white sand and palm tree-laden beaches—perfect for beachfront ceremonies. Samaná offers coves, bays, waterfalls, and mountains to explore, while Puerto Plata is known for its adventurous Atlantic coastline (kite boarding or windsurfing, anyone?), and visitors love La Romana for its beaches and resorts, galleries and shops.
Resort Options: The DR boasts the highest number of hotel rooms in the Caribbean, according to the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association. Boutique hotels, eco-lodges, family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts and big-name hotels are all here, just waiting for you.
Why it’s Great for Weddings: The DR is unique in that it offers both Atlantic-facing and Caribbean-facing beaches; whichever you choose, it will be dynamic, dramatic, and colorful. Breezy and beautiful, this is an outdoor enthusiasts’ haven. Have both your wedding and your reception on the shore. Numerous resorts offer wedding packages and spas, while a host of activities to entertain and enthrall your friends and family awaits, including ziplining, catamaran tours, diving and snorkeling, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding, and so much more. With so many places to see, you can easily hold your wedding events in one city then honeymoon in one (or two, or three!) others!
Ready to begin planning your dream wedding in the Dominican Republic? Remember, with help from Ever After’s Destination Wedding Experts, all of your guests’ travel details and group booking needs are taken care of, so you can focus on creating the perfect destination wedding, no matter where you choose to go! Contact an Expert today at RomanceTravel@everafter.com, call us toll-free at 888.734.4787 or visit our website at everafter.com/destination-weddings.
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