With one wedding season done and over with, our Groups, Weddings & Honeymoons Expert, Karly Simpson, is already excited and prepared for the next one. Karly recently went to the Dominican Republic to do some challenging research, which included testing out some of the island's best all-inclusive luxury resorts. She had to sample the cuisine, test out the beaches, explore the resort's lush oceanside, and try to enjoy herself with an unlimited quantity of luxury top-shelf beverages, all courtesy of AMResorts.
If you're considering getting married in the Dominican Republic, read through Karly's rundown of resorts and fall in love with the one perfect for you and your guest list.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting six of AMResorts' best all-inclusive luxury resorts in the Dominican Republic to see first-hand why they're known as being the destination wedding specialists. Each resort exudes luxury; from the impressive food selections to the helpful attentive staff and the perfectly manicured, picture-perfect on-site wedding locations. Here are a few of the highlights:
Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa
The Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa is a beautiful all-inclusive resort, “off the beaten path” when it comes to vacationing in the Dominican Republic. La Romana is a stunning area 45 minutes from the Punta Cana airport (or you can also catch a seasonal charter flight directly into La Romana airport).
This resort is perfect for couples and families and offers Unlimited Luxury: unlimited premium brand international and domestic beverages, no reservations at specialty restaurants, pool and beach wait service, and 24-hour room service, etc.
If you're looking for a tranquil getaway with the perks of a beach and ocean view without all the sand, this resort is perfect. The garden gazebo feels extremely private and has a large grassy area beside it, perfect for ceremonies and dinner receptions. It's an ideal spot for cocktails and a champagne toast after you tie the knot. Order the lobster ceviche tarts - they are divine!
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana is an adults-only masterpiece in an area famous for its palm tree-lined, breathtaking beaches - the island's best. It's only 25 minutes from the Punta Cana airport and is flanked by two family-friendly properties, the Now Larimar Punta Cana and the Now Garden Punta Cana resorts.
Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana also offers the benefits of the Unlimited Luxury concept. To really indulge though, consider renting a two-level Bali bed hut on the beach for only $100USD per day!
Now Larimar Punta Cana
The Now Larimar Punta Cana is an all-inclusive, Unlimited Luxury resort with a fun, family-friendly vibe perfect for multi-generational wedding guests. On the other hand, brides and grooms with guests who prefer adults-only properties will be pleased to know that there's one right next door - the Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.
The resort's stunning garden gazebo has a grand walkway that would make for a beautiful entrance and the garden area feels very private.
Now Garden Punta Cana
The Now Garden Punta Cana is the only non-beachfront all-inclusive resort in the AMResorts chain. It's also a smaller property with 180 rooms, compared to Now Larimar's more than 540 rooms next door. Now Garden guests are welcome to the restaurants and beach area of next-door neighbour, Now Larimar, including the pool and swim-up bar.
This is the perfect location for a large wedding because you could basically just take over the resort. The ballroom at the Now Larimar is also available for the guests of the Now Garden and is a gorgeous venue! The Now Garden also offers Unlimited Luxury.
The Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa is a pristine all-inclusive resort that looks like it was designed to accommodate the most beautiful, elegant weddings. Walking into this resort feels like entering a verdant paradise. There's certainly a wow factor here and it's evident everywhere, but especially the lush green gardens that seem to go on for days.
Brides and grooms can exchange vows on the beach, the terrace or the garden. The garden gazebo is at the very heart of the resort and feels like its own private island. The Unlimited Luxury concept applies here too.
Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana
The Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana is one of the area's newer family-friendly all-inclusive resorts. With all of the benefits of Unlimited Luxury, this resort feels like a little slice of heaven. It's smaller than the Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa and feels noticeably more intimate. There are many designated areas for families, and alternatively, an adults-only section in the preferred club members area too.
Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa
The Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa is the perfect all-inclusive destination wedding location for an adults-only guest list that likes to party! There's plenty of action to be found here. This Unlimited Luxury resort offers extended pool hours, DJs from around the world, a nightclub, swim-up bar and more.
After all of the action from the games and dancing dwindles down, find a quiet little corner to yourself by the beach or pool and enjoy a nice, relaxing afternoon. One of the many cool features about Breathless is that the main pool can be converted into a floating reception area to party the night away on.
Serene and divine - this is the best way I can describe the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana. I feel instantly calm and relaxed as soon as I walk through the front doors of this all-inclusive resort and I'm handed a refreshing passion fruit cocktail. I suddenly want to sign up for the next yoga session. If you're looking for a peaceful escape, look no further. This is the perfect mix of luxury and wellness with the most Zen feeling you could possibly imagine.
The Zoetry Agua Punta Cana allows children, however, they pay the adult rate and there aren't really any children's activities. Whether this is where you choose to have your wedding or honeymoon, you will leave this resort feeling fully refreshed and recharged.
One of the unique things about the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is the free one-way helicopter transfer you get when you book seven nights or more in an oceanfront room category or higher! Annnnd, on top of the free helicopter transfer, you get a free 20-minute massage and 40-minute horseback ride on the beach, too! The garden gazebo at this resort is surrounded by natural beauty - the perfect space to exchange vows in.
Karly's AMResorts Travel Tips
- Stay in the Preferred Club/Xhale Club/Sun Club sections. The private pool and beach area are worth it alone but you also receive multiple additional benefits including concierge service, a private lounge area, and daily a la carte breakfast and lunch options.
- Download the app! Anyone needing to stay connected can download the resort app for free. All of the Dreams, Now, Secrets and Breathless resorts offer an 'Unlimited Connectivity' app which allows you to enjoy free Wi-Fi and free calling to the US and Canada.
- Take advantage of the Sip and Savour program. You can experience a “night out” on your vacation at another AMResorts sister property. Zoetry, Dreams, Now, Secrets and Breathless properties offer you the opportunity to dine at a nearby participating AMResorts from 6pm-1am.
Ready to say 'yes' to the wedding venue of your dreams?
Our Travel Experts make dreams come true!
