Thinking of having an off-resort wedding celebration in Punta Cana?

Nowadays, more and more couples are debating between having a wedding celebration at a resort or choosing an off-resort wedding venue. The main reasons: the expensive vendor fees charged by all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the often challenging communication during the wedding planning process. These considerations are leading many to opt for off-resort venues.

That exactly was the situation for Rob & Brittany—a lovely and fun couple who met on Facebook. They started talking online, and on day 52 of the lockdown during the 2020 pandemic, he invited her on an airplane ride. The rest is history for them.

The couple had friends and family all over the U.S., so an all-inclusive resort made the most sense to them. Brittany wanted a resort that offered a lot of on-site activities, so Hard Rock Punta Cana seemed perfect. She had never planned a destination wedding before, so she figured this would be easy…like planning a vacation.

However, Brittany faced several challenges, such as difficulty getting in touch with resort staff, complex and frequently changing rules, and restrictions that limited personalization. This led her to explore off-resort wedding options.

“Another person with a similar experience referred to Kukua Beach Club on the resort’s bridal Facebook page. I emailed Kukua, and Rachel called me within a few hours. She saved our wedding. She got into this field because she had the same experience with her own wedding. She was always accessible, honest, and on our team. She made everything easy, customized, and pampering like I had imagined wedding planning to be,” Brittany told us.

Even though we have great experiences shooting weddings at resorts in Punta Cana and they do an excellent job, the increasing vendor fees for hiring external vendors, slow communication, and high costs to personalize the entire event are significant reasons many couples start looking for off-resort wedding venues.

An off-resort wedding venue in Punta Cana can be an incredibly beautiful and unique choice. Here are some considerations and tips to help plan the perfect wedding:

Beaches and Private Villas: Many stunning beaches and private villas are available for weddings. Look for options that provide privacy and scenic views.

Local Vendors: Hiring local vendors for catering, flowers, and music can enhance the authenticity of your wedding and support the local economy.

Wedding Planner: A local wedding planner can handle the details and coordination, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Nearby Hotels: Ensure there are suitable accommodations for your guests nearby. Consider arranging group rates or block bookings.

Transportation: Provide shuttle services to and from the venue.

Decor and Theme: Highlight the natural beauty of Punta Cana in your decor. Less is often more when you have a stunning natural backdrop.

Cost Management: Off-resort venues can be more budget-friendly, but make sure to account for all additional costs like transportation, permits, and rentals

If you’re considering an off-resort wedding in Punta Cana, we’d love to help capture your special day. Feel free to reach out for more information or to discuss your plans.