How to get Married in the Dominican Republic

planner · 2014-10-01T14:36:13+02:00

At the request of some members I am opening this thread. FIRST GENERAL INFO :D Types of Marriages Marriages in the Dominican Republic fall generally into one of two categories: “Civil” marriages are those in which the parties themselves register the marriage with the Dominican government. The person officiating at the wedding ceremony is a government official, usually a Notary Public. It is the couple’s choice whether or not to hold a separate religious ceremony. “Canonical” marriages are those performed by a Roman Catholic priest. Following the ceremony, the church takes responsibility for registering the marriage with the appropriate Dominican government offices. Marriages in religious denominations other than Roman Catholicism are fully legal and permitted. However, only the Roman Catholic Church has the ability to register marriages on the couple’s behalf. In the case of wedding ceremonies in other denominations, both members of the couple must present themselves to the governmental registrar’s office to legalize the marriage. Details on this procedure follow below in the section under “Civil Marriages”. Civil Marriages Marriage in the Dominican Republic is a civil contract between a man and a woman who have freely agreed to marry and have the capacity to do so. In order to get married in the Dominican Republic, a man and woman must meet the following conditions: The parties must express their free will to marry; Men between 16 and 18 years old, or women between 15 and 18 years old may get married without the consent of their parents. Any required consent must be in writing and notarized, unless the person required to give this consent does so while attending the wedding ceremony; and A man younger than 16 and a woman younger than 15 may not get married, even with their parents’ consent, although a judge may grant an exception for significant reasons. No person may be married before a prior marriage is dissolved. A divorced woman cannot get married until 10 months after her divorce has become final, unless her intended husband is the same person she has divorced. The government official performing the civil ceremony has the authority, at the time of the ceremony, to waive any of the above requirements. Such a waiver must be made in writing and outline the basis of the waiver. The official performing the ceremony does so in the presence of the parties and witnesses. During the ceremony, the official asks the parties and witnesses whether either of the parties has been married previously, to each other or to other people. The party who has been married previously must supply the date of that marriage and the name of the person who officiated. The Marriage Certificate includes the complete names of the spouses, the evidence of their written consent, a declaration they have been united in matrimony and the date of the celebration and the signatures of the Officer, the spouses and the witnesses. After the celebration the marriage is registered in the appropriate civil registries. Civil marriage is dissolved by the death of one of the spouses or by divorce. Canonical Marriages A Canonical marriage performed by a Roman Catholic priest has the same legal effect as a civil marriage. As was stated in the introductory section above, however, there is a procedural difference, insofar as the priest in a Canonical marriage is responsible for transmitting the registration documents to the appropriate Dominican government office(s). Even if a civil ceremony has taken place prior to the Canonical ceremony, the officiating priest must still send a copy of the marriage certificate to the government registry. Matrimonial Property Laws Dominican law presumes that the parties in a marriage enjoy Community Property rights. However, if the parties choose to enter into a different type of agreement, this is permitted. Dominican law outlines a number of systems from which the parties may choose. The spouses may also amend any one of these systems or create one of their own, provided that the final agreement is in keeping with Dominican legal principles. When the parties opt for a system other than Community Property (such as Separate Property, outlined beginning on page 4 below), they must put this in writing and have it approved by a Dominican government official. Community Property Systems 1. Legal Community: This is the most common community property system in effect in the Dominican Republic. The following three features are present and essential: The existence of three types of properties -- common property, property owned by the wife, and property owned by the husband. Under legal community systems, all movable property and its earnings, as well as real estate property acquired during the marriage, are common property. The power of the husband over the administration/management of the estate, which cannot be ignored or restrained through any clause or matrimonial agreement; and The existence of guarantees for the woman against bad management of the property by the husband. These guarantees may include, among others, judicial division of the property and/or liens against any real estate owned by the husband. With regard to point (1) above, it is worth noting that “common property” is further sub-divided into “ordinary property” and “reserved property.” Ordinary property enters the marriage having belonged to one spouse or the other but, based on the marriage, becomes the property of both parties. Reserved property, on the other hand, is property that resulted from the personal work of the woman or from savings that arose from such work. Following the marriage, reserved property generally continues to be administered/managed by the woman, but legally it is the common property of both parties. 2. Reduced to the Earnings: Under this system, the composition of the common property varies, based on the respective debts (both present and future) of the spouses. Additionally, the value of their respective movable property (both present and future) is excluded from the common property. 3. Universal Community: All properties, present and future, are common property. The spouses equally agree under this system that only their present or future property will be common property. Note: It is possible for the spouses to reject any of the community property systems described above and instead choose their own system. However, it is important to note that doing this will not automatically grant the wife rights to administer her property or to receive its earnings. Property the wife brought into the marriage is considered as awarded to the husband for the purpose of meeting the expenses of the marriage. The spouses may, however, include in their property agreement a clause authorizing the wife to receive a part of her annual earnings for her personal living expenses and needs. Separate Property Systems Separate Property systems do not provide for common property, but rather for property owned by each one of the spouses and over which each one has administration/management, disposition and enjoyment rights. Nonetheless, the wife does not have the right to dispose of her properties without the consentof the husband or a judicial authorization. This system requires the spouses to contribute to the maintenance of their home. Furthermore, movable goods individually owned by each of the spouses are intertwined in reality and must be liquidated in the event the marriage is dissolved. A wife's property can be subjected to claims of creditors for her debts arising before and during her marriage, as well as debts related to the maintenance of a marital home incurred by either spouse, or in case of the insolvency of her husband. The husband, for his part, is responsible for his debts arising before or during the marriage and for the debts contracted by the wife when acting as representative of the marriage. One variation of the separation of property system is the dowry system. The dowry system is a system of separation in which the woman, instead of contributing some or all of her income to the couple's obligations, hands over some or all of her property to her husband, who has the administration and legal enjoyment of it. The wife possesses, in addition to the dowry property, property that is not affected by the home-related obligations, also called "paraphernalia." This type of property is enjoyed by the wife but cannot be disposed of without the consent of the husband or judicial authorization. SECOND here is the information for AMERICAN CITIZENS - taken from the US Embassy website: :D Legal Options For Marriage in the Dominican Republic The following information is for the guidance ONLY of civilian U.S. citizens contemplating marriage in the Dominican Republic. U.S. Diplomatic and Consular Officers DO NOT have the legal authority to perform marriages. Marriages CANNOT be performed within the Embassy or within a U.S. Consular Office in the Dominican Republic. General Requirements for Foreigners to Marry in the Dominican Republic In order to get married in the Dominican Republic, a man and a woman must be of a certain minimum age (16 for men, 15 for women), be legally eligible to marry, and be entering into the marriage contract of their own free will. Failure to comply with any of these basic criteria could mean that Dominican authorities will decline to register the marriage as legal. Additionally, foreigners who wish to get married in the Dominican Republic must comply with the following requirements and present the following documentation: The original passport and copies of the passport bio-page; Copies of last entries stamps; Proof of Dominican residence (if not a resident of the Dominican Republic, an additional fee applies and tourist card must be presented); Sworn declaration before a notary public, of being single and eligible to marry; the sworn declaration then needs to be legalized at the Offices of Procuraduría General de La República. If the Sworn declaration is done before a U.S. notary, it then needs to be legalized at the closest Dominican Consulate in the U.S. (In the past, the U.S. Embassy allowed U.S. citizens to swear such an affidavit of eligibility to marry before a U.S. consular officer. The Embassy discontinued this practice several years ago, however, because local officials were interpreting these documents as meaning that the Embassy had actually verified the content of the citizens’ statements, when in fact the consular officer was merely attesting to the fact that the individual in question had made the statement. U.S. citizens needing to comply with this requirement should instead present themselves to a Dominican notary –as specified above-.) Copy of foreign birth certificate and a legal translation of the certificate; central authorities in both the United States and the Dominican Republic now authenticate their own public documents, such as birth, death or marriage certificates, with a certificate of apostille (name of the authentication stamp). You can get your document apostille at the office of Vital Records in your state. If divorced, copy of the divorce certificate and legal translation of the certificate; 2 witnesses (not family). Additionally, Dominican law requires that notice of the intended marriage must be published prior to the ceremony. Fees Celebration of marriages at the Civil Registry Office “Oficialia Civil”: Both the bride and groom are foreigners not residents of the Dominican Republic - RD $20,000.00 One is a foreigner not resident of the Dominican Republic - RD $10,000.00 Both the bride and groom are foreigners residents of the Dominican Republic - RD $3,000.00 Celebration of marriages outside the Civil Registry Office (if the Civil Registry Officer goes somewhere else than the “Oficialia Civil” to celebrate the marriage): Both the bride and groom are foreigners not residents of the Dominican Republic - RD $20,000.00 One is a foreigner not resident of the Dominican Republic - RD $15,000.00 Both the bride and groom are foreigners residents of the Dominican Republic - RD $10,000.00 **For updated information on the fees, visit the Junta Central Electoral´s oficial fee webpage (information available only in Spanish)

Last activity 16 June 2024 by copescloud

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bryankieronlynchActive member02 December 2023 11:57:09

#241

@Shestheone i used an online company with a 2 day turnaround. It was easy. You actually just photogragh the document and bingo. It comes with certs as well.

ShestheoneActive member02 December 2023 18:38:38

#242

@planner

🤣 🤣

Thank you planner! And yes, I was ready to steer back on path, just jad to ask that question quickly, and didn't feel a need for a new forum on it. Just a quick question, so thank you very much. Funny reply lol. 😇😄

ShestheoneActive member25 January 2024 03:36:45

#243

Hi again everyone, happy new year to you all. Got a few questions for your expertise please:

1. I'm about to start getting things translated and then apostilled here in the states. I read that the declaration of single status needs to be done at the closest dominican Consulate in the U.S., for Massachusetts, can I send that declaration to the same place as the birth cert and divorce decree to be apostilled, which is the Secreatary of the Commonwealth??? They say it needs to be "legalized"...

2. How do I go about getting the intended marriage published in DR? any idea about how much it will cost? Any time frame before the marriage happens that this needs to be done? Do I need proof or documentation of it for myself, or will it be obtained or confirmed on their end in some database?? If so, what proof do I ask for to retain?

3. Having been previously married, I must supply the date and the name of the person who officiated it.... is that all? I don't need the marriage cert, and have to get it translated and apostilled, either or all of those?? I can just tell the the date and name of the person???

*If I must go to the dominican Consulate for the declaration of single status....its kinda far and of course their office hours are my work hours. Any way around this, mail service, etc.??

4. What is the best way to retrieve a ring internationally from a person??? Besides going to get it? I just don't trust that it can survive a 2 customs check without going missing or being lost.

Thank you.

ShestheoneActive member25 January 2024 03:44:39

#244

@bryankieronlynch

I'm about to do the same, how much per doc for yours? I finally settled on 1 at $39 each. And it may have to be done in my state, as I read some states require it to be done there. Btw, how the interview for your wife go? I hope well?? After the translation I ha e to scramble apostille birtch cert and divorce decree. I'm trying to figure out how I can best get the single status declaration done if it can't be done at the same place. And I'm confirming with you all if I need the previous marriage cert at all.

plannerDominican Republic Expert25 January 2024 10:42:58

#245

17046

I am almost no help here in this. I will ask a lawyer to come have a look at these posts.

As to proof of publishing, there is no database. Once you publish in a nationally circulated newspaper you will need hard copies for proof. That is what I have had to do with other issues as recently as 18 months ago. No idea if it has changed.

ShestheoneActive member25 January 2024 19:52:03

#246

I can't even reach anyone at the local DR Consulate. Then I called a different local one and they told me to call the other one...that keeps forwarding calls to a full.vpicemail. ridiculous!!!

ShestheoneActive member27 January 2024 15:21:05

#247

@Shestheone i used an online company with a 2 day turnaround. It was easy. You actually just photogragh the document and bingo. It comes with certs as well.

-@bryankieronlynch

Did you have to publish your intent to marry in the newspaper too???

ShestheoneActive member28 January 2024 18:17:53

#248

@planner

Hi planner, any luck having someone look these over?

ShestheoneActive member28 January 2024 18:25:19

#249

@DominicanadaMike

Hello. I just read your post. I will be doing all of this in about 3wks. Can you tell me what offices, stamps, and purposes all this running around was for please?

plannerDominican Republic Expert28 January 2024 19:12:06

#250

17046

It's a long weekend here so no one is working....

Oscarsahony SanchezContributor28 January 2024 20:00:44

#251

188

who is having a superbowl party? we should one somewhere?

49rs all the way if playing the chiefs, wife is a chief hahah

ShestheoneActive member28 January 2024 20:27:03

#252

@planner

Oh, Thank you.

Just in fyi, I am wondering what immediate steps I should take upon successful marriage while physically there during my short stay to get the ball rolling on (then) wife and her kids to come to u.s., especially during the long wait period for the forms for legality. I'm so excited and anxious, very happy....

plannerDominican Republic Expert28 January 2024 21:04:21

#253

17046

You will need to go through the process as directed by American consulate or website. It's time consuming and will take years to get approvals. Latest one I know of being approved was well over 2 years.

ShestheoneActive member31 January 2024 02:25:11

#254

@planner

Even for them to stay with me while awaiting the full process??? Because that time frame matches the actual process if so.😫😫

Which form is that that I would file for them to be allowed to stay here while awaiting approvals??

plannerDominican Republic Expert31 January 2024 11:00:27

#255

17046

No there is no process that gets them there quickly!

ddmcgheeDominican Republic Expert31 January 2024 13:12:50

#256

1709

@Shestheone Maybe you can apply for a travel visa (B1/B2) while awaiting the fiance/wife visa? I'm not sure if it's possible to have applications in for both types, but a visa is required for any Dominican to visit the US. Even the B1/B2 visas can be a difficult and time-consuming process.

plannerDominican Republic Expert31 January 2024 13:31:56

#257

17046

Even visitors visas are almost impossible to get. For most its a waste of money. Does she have a long term bank account with money in it regularly? Does she have land or property? Does she have a long term stable job? Does she have a vehicle in her name?

Without a combination of these its a hard no for visitors visas and it would be for her ONLY. The likelihood of her getting visas for her and the kids to visit is close to zero.

Sorry to be the messenger of bad news. A very good friend of mine is a really good American immigration attorney, he advises me on these on a regular basis. He would not even look to take this case for a visitor visa as it would be taking your money for nothing.

ShestheoneActive member31 January 2024 16:58:59

#258

@planner

Well, thank you very much it looks like I'll just have to file the regular documents for them to come here after the marriage and shouldn't waste time on any other applications since it's all going to be around the same time frame and more money. Thank you for the honest information and good information, to each of you thank you.

plannerDominican Republic Expert31 January 2024 19:02:00

#259

17046

You are very welcome. Keep us updated on your process and best of luck!

ShestheoneActive member05 February 2024 17:01:18

#260

@planner

I definitely will. You all have been helpful and others will come after, seeking the same info and looking for the most detailed info possible, and the hands on experience. So I will do my part to help add those details.

ShestheoneActive member07 February 2024 16:30:08

#261

Can anyone list the different places, prices, and procedures if different, that are options to conduct the marriage ceremony/officiating (not the celebration and event with people)?? The JCE, I believe is the name.of the place this is going through, wants the money tomorrow...we just spoke to them today????😳 they haven't done anything yet and want the full amount already?? And also the date is a few days outside of when I am returning back home. So right now...this isn't working. The money, I should have next week. I've read this can be done through other places, but don't have that info. So...looking for all the details I can get for all.of the options I can get.

In the meantime, I told my fiance to talk to them about the date, and to find out about the money, what the policy is about refunding it in case of a change of plan or somethings falls through. And to get it in writing. I don't like playing games with hard earned money🤨 lol.

plannerDominican Republic Expert08 February 2024 14:53:25

#262

17046

Your fiancee can find out everything easily. Let him do the work. And as you are (I assume) an expat it's more expensive. Let him do the legwork!

ShestheoneActive member08 February 2024 18:13:16

#263

Your fiancee can find out everything easily. Let *HER do the work. And as you are (I assume) an expat it's more expensive. Let *HER do the legwork! -@planner

I corrected the gender above, my fiance is a woman, i am a man.

She is trying, but it's all new to her. I sent her the money to book the date anyways....now I just have to finish arranging and modifying on this end to meet that date.

Waiting for an update from her. In the meantime I'm fighting with my job over the days needed. Smdh...

I'm not willing to let other people and things stand in the way of this happy union. So, I will achieve the goal no matter what.

plannerDominican Republic Expert08 February 2024 18:54:32

#264

17046

Oppps I am sorry! My Excuse I had a medical procedure yesterday and I am on drugs!

I applaud your tenacity!

ShestheoneActive member14 February 2024 02:47:52

#265

@planner

If you only knew what I AM going thru at work for this.....insane, wrong, ridiculous. BUT I WILL MARRY. we have the dress, I have my clothes. Still haven't packed yet because of how busy I've been and dealing with work bull. No return flight, still deciding on a place....this work issue is ruining things. Thanks!

plannerDominican Republic Expert14 February 2024 10:56:20

#266

17046

I am sorry your are struggling. It takes some. Of the joy out of your process!

ShestheoneActive member15 February 2024 01:22:14

#267

Hello,.Quick emergency question. Can I travel without having my return flight yet??? Can I get it while I'm there?? Seems like a yes but.....

plannerDominican Republic Expert15 February 2024 11:03:28

#268

17046

You take your chances. Some airlines check and some do not

CHRISTOPHER DAVID56Serial expat15 February 2024 18:05:58

#269

327

@planner very true.. extremely long qait times now..for US..VISA..

Even a work visa I read it 8 month wait

GyllaActive member15 February 2024 18:36:38

#270

@Shestheone you can book a return flight on certain airlines (frontier, for example) and then cancel within 24 hours. if you need to show a return flight when you really dont know the date yet.

ShestheoneActive member19 February 2024 14:28:04

#271

I made it, but it hasn't been at all easy, not by a Longshot. And my finances are not as readily available due to quite a few things, and covering expenses in 2 places. Everything, and I mean everything has been off. Even had a 1st argument, that's how rough the road here has been. Here now, and honestly...idk...I've got some thoughts on some things now.....I'll leave it at that for now.

plannerDominican Republic Expert19 February 2024 14:49:46

#272

17046

Wishing you the very best!

ShestheoneActive member22 February 2024 18:22:25

#273

It's been a rough one, almost time though. Not too many days together due to work but...I knew she couldn't get freed up as much during this time.

Anyways, I'm trying to plan some things now, I hear they've switched out some of the horse carriage rides for electric ones, but I cannot find where they are when I search, only articles speaking of it, no locations etc. Does anyone know where in santo domingo to find them?

Also I seen in a photo a street artist in zona colonia, does anyone know where to find that exact spot/person/people where a picture can be created?

I'd also love to have a caricature picture done too, I've always wanted one, never found one.

Anyone know the best priced place for beautiful flowers/roses? so that I can afford a bunch at a great price, and with delivery?? Please and thank you experts!

One more... how about great, private, preferably free but okay it not, romantic scenery for after wedding photos? Anyone know?

plannerDominican Republic Expert22 February 2024 20:23:00

#274

17046

In the colonial zone - walk the Conde and you find the street artists etc. They are not always there and not always in the same spots! On the east end of the Conde there is an art studio and often you can find someone for a portrait and it caricatures!

Carriage rides no idea. Florist for cheap, maybe the market but no delivery I don't think!

Photography - lots of locations in the colonial zone. A 10 minute walk finds dozens and all free. Maybe not private though!

ShestheoneActive member22 February 2024 21:11:02

#275

In the colonial zone - walk the Conde and you find the street artists etc. They are not always there and not always in the same spots! On the east end of the Conde there is an art studio and often you can find someone for a portrait and it caricatures!
Carriage rides no idea. Florist for cheap, maybe the market but no delivery I don't think!

Photography - lots of locations in the colonial zone. A 10 minute walk finds dozens and all free. Maybe not private though!

-@planner

I knew you'd come through😉😊.

Thank you.

ShestheoneActive member22 February 2024 21:12:30

#276

@planner

Why are these carriage rides so hidden online? Especially the new electric ones. Lol.

ShestheoneActive member24 February 2024 03:45:53

#277

How safe is el Conde st.?? Is it worth going to nowadays in 2024? Seen some mixed reviews and also on scammers etc.....

Any streets to avoid in zona colonial?

ShestheoneActive member24 February 2024 03:46:51

#278

@Shestheone

I'd like to arrange one for the marriage...

plannerDominican Republic Expert24 February 2024 10:49:33

#279

17046

Go to the Conde anytime up to about midnight. There are tourist police everywhere. Stick to areas with a lot of people and you are fine.

plannerDominican Republic Expert24 February 2024 10:50:36

#280

17046

@planner
Why are these carriage rides so hidden online? Especially the new electric ones. Lol.

-@Shestheone

No idea. Maybe as sometimes the horses are badly treated and overworked and they get some bad press? No idea on electric ones

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