The Dominican Republic: More Than Just Beaches
The Dominican Republic offers far more than just white-sand beaches. From cliffside villas and Mediterranean-style villages to hidden beaches and dramatic waterfalls, it’s one of the most visually diverse destination wedding locations for Canadian couples.
Whether you're planning a beach ceremony in Punta Cana, an elegant celebration in La Romana, or an off-the-beaten-path elopement in Samaná, this guide will walk you through the most stunning venues and photo-friendly backdrops across the DR.
Best Wedding Venues in the Dominican Republic
1. Casa de Campo Resort & Villas (La Romana)
Why couples love it: Elegant villas, oceanfront ceremony options, and the iconic Altos de Chavón village.
Best photo spots: Cobblestone streets, stone amphitheatre, lush gardens.
Ideal for: Luxury weddings, cultural celebrations, fine art photography.
Photographer tip: Book a golden hour shoot at Altos de Chavón — the light is unreal.
2. Secrets Cap Cana (Punta Cana)
Why couples love it: Adults-only, upscale, and intimate. Exceptional service and private beach feel.
Best photo spots: Palm-lined beaches, minimalist architecture, and quiet lagoons.
Ideal for: Sophisticated elopements, golden hour portraits, modern editorial shots.
3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Punta Cana)
Why couples love it: High energy, large group-friendly, and a fun atmosphere.
Best photo spots: Guitar-shaped pool, tropical gardens, and beachfront palapas.
Ideal for: Bold, high-energy celebrations and large wedding parties.
Photographer tip: Schedule beach portraits just before sunset to avoid harsh light and crowds.
4. Dreams Palm Beach (Punta Cana)
Why couples love it: Affordable, family-friendly, and visually stunning.
Best photo spots: Sunrise beach sessions, shaded ceremony gazebos, and winding garden paths.
Ideal for: Mid-size weddings, families, and romantic documentary-style photography.
5. Bahia Principe Luxury (Samana)
Why couples love it: Quiet, romantic, and ideal for smaller guest counts.
Best photo spots: Cliffside ceremony spots, ocean-view balconies, and secluded beaches.
Ideal for: Elopements and intimate weddings with an adventurous twist.
Are you still debating if you should hire the resort photographer or bring someone from home?
Read: Why You Should Bring a Canadian Wedding Photographer to Your Destination Wedding.
Looking for a wedding photographer based in Canada with first hand knowledge of the Dominican?
Our resident expert, Keyris Rodriguez, was born and raised in the Dominican and now resides in Montreal. Her first hand knowledge of the island is sure to give you the insider experience while giving you the piece of mind that hiring a Canadian wedding photographer brings.
keyrisrodriguez.com
Best Photo Locations in the Dominican Republic
Not every shoot needs to happen on a resort. Here are some standout photo locations for engagement sessions, day-after portraits, or just a little extra magic.
1. Altos de Chavón (La Romana)
A replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, complete with dramatic architecture, winding streets, and panoramic river views.
Best for: Fine art portraits, engagement sessions, and bridal editorials.
2. Macao Beach (Punta Cana)
This public beach features soft sand, natural cliffs, and fewer tourists than resort beaches.
Best for: Barefoot elopements, day-after sessions, candid golden hour shots.
3. Colonial Zone (Santo Domingo)
Historic, colourful, and full of texture. The perfect mix of old-world charm and Caribbean vibrancy.
Best for: Urban storytelling, documentary-style photography, or cultural engagement shoots.
4. Samaná Peninsula
A region full of waterfalls, mountains, and hidden beaches. Perfect for couples who want a raw, nature-focused elopement or portraits.
Best for: Adventure photography, proposal shoots, and intimate mountain vows.
5. Bahía de las Águilas
One of the most remote and untouched beaches in the Caribbean.
Best for: Destination elopements, drone photos, and unforgettable sunset shots.
Want to learn more about this region? Read Why Choose the Dominican Republic for Your Destination Wedding.
Tips for Photographing in the Dominican Republic
- Time of Day: Plan for golden hour (sunrise or sunset) to avoid harsh midday shadows.
- Resort Restrictions: Always confirm if your resort charges outside vendor fees before bringing your own photographer.
- Transportation: Some locations like Bahía de las Águilas or Samaná require extra travel time — be sure to plan accordingly.
- Weather: December–April is the driest season with the most consistent light.
Don’t forget to check out our Destination Wedding Timelines to help schedule your travel, shoots, and events.
Final Thoughts
The Dominican Republic is full of visually stunning places to say “I do” — and even more to capture the moments around it. From the beaches of Punta Cana to the cliffs of Samaná, you’ll find a location that matches your vision. And with the right photographer, every frame becomes a keepsake.