Can Italians get married in the Dominican Republic?
Italian nationals are permitted to marry in the Dominican Republic and have their marriage legally recognised there and abroad (once properly documented). Dominican authorities allow marriages for foreigners, including Italians, provided all local legal conditions and paperwork are met.
Types of Marriages in the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, the primary types of legally recognised marriages are Civil Marriages, performed by a government official (like a Notary Public), and Religious Marriages (including Roman Catholic and other denominations), which, to be legal, must be registered with the state, often handled by the church itself.
Civil Marriage
A civil marriage is performed by a Dominican civil registry officer (Oficial del Estado Civil). This is the most common and legally binding option for foreign nationals and is fully recognised once registered.
Religious Marriage
Religious marriages (most commonly Catholic) may be performed, but they must be registered with the Dominican civil registry to be legally valid. Once registered, they hold the same legal status as a civil marriage.
Symbolic/Non-Legal Ceremonies
These are for couples who want the experience of a wedding without the legal paperwork in the DR (perhaps they married elsewhere). They don't require the same extensive documentation or arrival times as legal weddings. It's also not a legally recognised type of marriage process in the Dominican Republic or Italy
Civil marriage remains the preferred route for Italian citizens due to simpler documentation and faster processing.
Marriage Requirements in the Dominican Republic for Italian Citizens
Italian nationals must comply with Dominican marriage laws and local civil registry requirements.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
Both parties must be at least 18 years old
Valid proof of identity is required
Both parties must be legally free to marry
Two adult witnesses are required
Witnesses must present valid identification
Certificate of No Impediment: Italian citizens must provide a Nulla Osta / Certificate of No Impediment, issued by the Italian authorities, confirming no legal obstacle to the marriage.
Documents Required for Italian Citizens Getting Married in the Dominican Republic
Italian nationals planning to marry in the Dominican Republic must submit the following documents. All documents must be translated into Spanish, certified, and legalised (apostilled) where applicable:
Valid Italian passport
Full birth certificate issued in Italy
Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta) issued by Italian authorities
Civil status certificate (single, divorced, or widowed)
Divorce or annulment decree, if previously married
Death certificate of former spouse, if widowed
Parental consent, if applicable under exceptional circumstances
Translayte can provide certified translations of these documents to meet Dominican legal standards.
Apostille and Certified Translation Requirements
All Italian-issued documents must:
Be apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention
Be accompanied by certified Spanish translations
Uncertified or informal translations may result in application delays or rejection. Translayte offers certified translations accepted by Dominican civil authorities.
Step-by-Step Marriage Process in the Dominican Republic for Italian Citizens
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify that both parties meet Dominican legal requirements for marriage.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect all required documents from Italy and ensure they are apostilled.
Step 3: Translate Documents into Spanish
Obtain certified Spanish translations from a recognised provider such as Translayte.
Step 4: Submit Documents to the Civil Registry
Submit documents to the Oficialía del Estado Civil where the marriage will take place.
Step 5: Schedule the Marriage Ceremony
Once approved, schedule the civil or religious ceremony.
Step 6: Attend the Marriage Ceremony
Both parties and witnesses must attend. An interpreter may be required if the parties do not speak Spanish.
Step 7: Register the Marriage
The marriage is officially registered, and a Dominican marriage certificate is issued.
Step 8: Register the Marriage in Italy
To ensure recognition in Italy, the marriage certificate must be:
Certified Document Translation for Marriage in the Dominican Republic
Certified translation is a legal requirement for foreign marriages. Translayte provides certified document translations for:
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Passports
Civil status documents
All translations comply with Dominican and Italian legal standards.
Tips for a Successful Marriage in the Dominican Republic for Italian Citizens
Start document preparation several months in advance
Confirm requirements with the local Dominican civil registry
Arrange apostille and translation early
Use only certified translation providers
Consider legal assistance for complex cases (previous marriages, dual citizenship)
Cost of Getting Married in the Dominican Republic
Getting married in the Dominican Republic can range from $1,000 for a simple elopement to $15,000+ for a luxury affair, with most all-inclusive resort packages for 30-60 guests averaging $6,000 to $9,000, often including free options with room bookings. Costs vary by guest count (e.g., 2-10 guests start around $1,000, 50 guests $7,500-$9,500), package inclusions (decor, food, music), resort tier, and whether you choose a symbolic or legal ceremony
Civil ceremony: $300 – $600
Document translation & legalisation: $150 – $400
Certificate legalisation: $100
Interpreter fees, if required
Additional costs may apply for expedited services or ceremonies outside standard office hours.
