"Civil" marriages are those in which the parties themselves register the marriage with the Dominican government. Typically, the officiator is a government official, usually a Notary Public. But this category also covers all religious ceremonies in all denominations, other than marriages performed by the Roman Catholic Church.

"Canonical" marriages are those performed by a Roman Catholic priest. After the ceremony, the church registers the marriage with Dominican government offices.

MARRIAGE PAPERWORK

The Dominican Republic does not require a marriage license, but you need to register with the Oficialía del Estado Civil before your ceremony. The registration fee is RD$50. This is the first step prior to getting a marriage certificate. The following paperwork must be submitted to the Oficialía del Estado Civil for the preparation of your marriage certificate. You may send photocopies in advance and bring the originals with you:

• Passport (original and copy)
• Birth certificate
• Single status affidavit translated by an official translator into Spanish
• Divorce certificate translated into Spanish by an official translator, if applicable

(Sealed legal transcripts of the birth certificates, single status affidavit and divorce certificate need to be prepared at the Dominican consulate in the country where the documents were issued.)

You will also need two witnesses. If they are foreigners, they will need to have passports as identification.

AFTER A CIVIL MARRIAGE CEREMONY:

You will be given a document that proves the wedding took place. You then need to request a marriage certificate from the local Justice of the Peace. The document issued by the Justice of the Peace is a valid marriage certificate.

FOR VOW RENEWALS:

• Original Wedding Certificate required

The preceding legal information is provided as a guideline reference only. Check with the state, county and/or municipality of your wedding site for more detailed and current information. Check with your home state about its requirements for a blood test, license and other documents. A marriage license from your home state may not be valid for a ceremony performed in another state, territory or country. A marriage performed in another state may not be recognized by your home state, unless specific requirements are met.