With palm-lined beaches, affordable resorts, and a well-established tourism industry, the Dominican Republic is one of the most popular — and accessible — destination wedding locations for Canadians.
Most couples flock to Punta Cana, but there’s more to consider when deciding if the DR is the right fit for your wedding. Here’s what to love, what to watch out for, and how to get the best experience possible — especially when it comes to photography.
Top Wedding Destinations in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana
- Most popular with Canadians
- Dozens of all-inclusive resorts with wedding packages
- Known for long white beaches and calm turquoise water
La Romana
- Slightly quieter, less touristy
- Luxury resorts and golf resorts
- Beautiful ceremony spots with sea cliffs and gardens
Puerto Plata
- Northern coast, more local culture
- Increasingly popular with budget-conscious couples
- Limited resort variety but strong value
Want to compare destinations? Read Why Choose the Mayan Riviera for Your Destination Wedding or Why Choose Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Why Canadian Couples Love the Dominican Republic
Affordable All-Inclusive Packages
- Resorts in the DR are often less expensive than similar ones in Mexico or Jamaica
- Great option for mid-size weddings (30–60 guests)
- Packages often include venue, food, flowers, and basic photography
Straightforward Travel
- Direct flights from major Canadian cities year-round
- Punta Cana International Airport is well-equipped and tourist-friendly
- No visa required for Canadian citizens (as of writing)
Great for Guest Experience
- DR resorts tend to be large, guest-focused, and packed with amenities
- Beaches are calm and swimmable
- Lots of entertainment, excursions, and group activity options
If you're just getting started, our How to Plan an All-Inclusive Destination Wedding covers everything you need to know about packages, timelines, and location logistics.
What to Watch Out For
Midday Ceremony Scheduling
- As with many resorts, ceremony times are limited
- 1–3 PM is common, which means harsh light and sweaty photos
- Consider a day-after session or first look for better photo conditions
Photography Restrictions
- Some resorts lock you into using their in-house photographer
- Bringing your own Canadian photographer may require an outside vendor fee (typically $500–1,000)
- Always confirm policies before booking
Should I Hire the Resort Photographer? breaks down the risks and red flags.
And if you're on the fence, Why You Should Bring a Canadian Photographer gives you all the reasons why it's worth the fee.
Weather
- Hurricane season: June to October (with higher risk in August–September)
- Best time to go: December to April (cool, dry, and beautiful light)
Read our Destination Wedding Timelines to help plan around peak seasons and avoid common pitfalls.
Photographer Insight
“The beaches in the Dominican are gorgeous, but resort policies can be restrictive. If photos are a priority, bring your own photographer and plan a golden hour shoot off-resort.”
Ideal for Couples Who…
- Want to stretch their budget without sacrificing beach beauty
- Are inviting a larger guest list and need space + amenities
- Prefer convenience and resort support over personalization
- Are planning a wedding between December and April
Want to make the most of your wedding in the Dominican Republic?
Work with a Canadian photographer who knows the ins and outs of Punta Cana resorts — and how to help you capture more than just the standard shots.