Civil Vs Symbolic Ceremony

My fiance and I are planning our wedding for February 2014 in Punta Cana.

I was wondering if anyone could give us some helpful tips on the difference between the civil ceremony and the symbolic ceremony?

We are leaning more towards the symbolic ceremony... However, I am unclear on a few things. How long does the ceremony last? Do you get to say your vows? Is the ceremony in Spanish or English? Do they pronounce you husband and wife and you get your first kiss?

Any tips or information would be great! Thank you!

HI guys!

I am not in DOminican but I am sure it is the same as in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The civil ceremony is legally binding and has paperwork and bloodwork and actual official documents and a judge involved. The symbolic ceremony is offered by someone either you pay for at the hotel, the venue or your planner finds for you OR a friend you love and trust that could say a few words. A la Meet the parents with Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson haha.

Basically you can go legal, symbolic and the other one is religious but that one could only be officially recognized by the churh if you are not catholic. Catholics do not allow marriage outside of the church. They will offer a Blessing however, so that is fine if you are not religious (catholic).

So, in conclusion, if you are not religious and do not care to be legally married in Dominicana then go with the symbolic ceremony and have a non-denominational spiritual "blessing" by the MC and say your vows Like I said, if you have a cool friend with style and grace and a powerful soothing voice then go with that  

Well, I hope this helps. Most of my brides get married in a Justice of the peace for 25 dollars in the US or Canada and have a symbolic ceremony on the beach. A few have the church wedding...

Personally I did both a legal and a Blessing on the beach but I am Mexican so it was necessary and practical. 

www.martoca.com for more information or visit https://www.facebook.com/martocaweddings?ref=tn_tnmn if you like. I will give you tips if I can. I know it is not Dominicana but most Latin American countries are about the same

Gracias

Jimmy

You have been SO helpful! Thank you so much for your imput, its greatly appreciated!!!

Hey Jimmy--

I posted this same question that you responded to on theknot.com and I have had a lot of nasty comments about doing the symbolic ceremony. They are saying that it's so rude of me to have people pay all that money to come to the DR and not see me actually get married.... What are your thoughts?

Originally Posted by Soon2BeKeeley22 

 

Hey Jimmy--

 

I posted this same question that you responded to on theknot.com and I have had a lot of nasty comments about doing the symbolic ceremony. They are saying that it's so rude of me to have people pay all that money to come to the DR and not see me actually get married.... What are your thoughts?

Oh Girl... lots of DW brides do it. I'm one of them. Ignore the rude comments.

I've been referencing my civil ceremony at home as "paperwork"... it's just paperwork. I'm getting MARRIED in Jamaica in November.

MelB2012--

Thank you so much...These people on theknot.com have really had me upset and thinking twice about doing the symbolic ceremony. You have just made me look at in a whole new way! "Paperwork" -- I like that! Good luck with all your wedding planning! Jamaica is beautiful!! Enjoy it!!!

Thanks again so so much!

Never mind the "nasty brides". Symbolic or Civil, it is still a wedding ceremony (presuming you will have the paperwork done at home before you go if you opt for the symbolic ceremony!) Happy planning

Originally Posted by Soon2BeKeeley22 

 

Hey Jimmy--

 

I posted this same question that you responded to on theknot.com and I have had a lot of nasty comments about doing the symbolic ceremony. They are saying that it's so rude of me to have people pay all that money to come to the DR and not see me actually get married.... What are your thoughts?

Oh my goodness. IGNORE them!

You do not even need to tell people you are legally married ahead of time. We are calling it our "legal day". No wedding word in there at all. We do not exchange rings or anything until our wedding in the Dominican. Only FI's parents and good friends of ours (who at the last minute will be unable to come to our DW and so will be our witnesses here) even know about our legal day.

I would say that probably 3/4 (if not more) DW are symbolic. It is easier, more cost-effective, and generally just as special. I've heard some girls say it is even moreso.

Stay away from those nasty comments. Ridiculous!

I agree!! Ignore the comments from the "mean" girls!!

Originally Posted by Soon2BeKeeley22 

 

Hey Jimmy--

 

I posted this same question that you responded to on theknot.com and I have had a lot of nasty comments about doing the symbolic ceremony. They are saying that it's so rude of me to have people pay all that money to come to the DR and not see me actually get married.... What are your thoughts?

My thoughts about the brides that would jump on you for this...O___o.  Are they planning to pay for your legal ceremony?  The extra days you have to spend to be in the country?  Please!  I think whatever you decide is fine and your wedding will be great either way!