Barceló Bávaro Palace — All-Inclusive Destination Weddings in Punta Cana
Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic · Family-Friendly · 4.5-Star · National Geographic Top 10 Beach · 20 km from PUJ Airport
Resort Overview
Barceló Bávaro Palace sits within a spectacular coconut grove on Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana — 20 km from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). A family-friendly 4.5-star all-inclusive with 11 restaurants, 4 pools, a Pete Dye-designed 18-hole golf course, two themed water parks (Pirates Island), a 24-hour casino, and the largest Convention Center in the Dominican Republic. With up to 1,100 guests accommodated at beach events and 5,000 guests in the Convention Center's 24 multipurpose rooms, this is the premier large-scale destination wedding resort in the Caribbean for couples whose group size rules out boutique options. 6 distinct ceremony and reception venues include a beachfront gazebo, an on-site Catholic chapel, and a beach capable of holding 1,100 guests. Weddings run Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM, with up to 4 ceremonies per day — book a minimum of 6 months in advance for preferred dates.
Largest Convention Center in Dominican Republic
79,997 sq ft split into 13 rooms divisible into 24 multipurpose spaces, holding up to 5,000 guests — the largest dedicated event facility in the country. For very large weddings, no competing all-inclusive in the Caribbean comes close.
National Geographic Top 10 Beach
Bávaro Beach is internationally recognized as one of the world's finest — white powder sand, calm turquoise Caribbean water, and a coconut-grove setting that photographs unlike any hotel-built "beach" elsewhere in the portfolio.
Pete Dye Championship Golf On-Site
An 18-hole Pete Dye-designed championship course within the complex — complimentary green fees (golf cart additional). One of the most prestigious resort golf courses in the Caribbean.
Two Themed Water Parks
Pirates Island Water Park — two full themed water parks within the complex. All wedding guests receive a complimentary day pass to Pirates Island as a group wedding benefit, making mid-week activities effortless.
On-Site Catholic Chapel
The San Salvador Chapel (Oratorio Virgen de San Salvador) is the only venue in the complex permitted for Catholic ceremonies — available to couples wanting a full Catholic wedding in a Caribbean all-inclusive setting.
24-Hour Casino
One of the best gaming destinations in the Caribbean — open 24 hours. A genuine wedding-week evening activity for groups who enjoy it, without needing to leave the resort.
Wedding Venues 6 Venues · Up to 5,000 Guests
Weddings take place Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM. Up to 4 weddings per day on busy dates — book at least 6 months in advance for preferred date and venue availability.
| Venue | Setting | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach | Bávaro Beach — National Geographic top 10 beach — directly on the Caribbean. White powder sand, calm turquoise water, and the coconut-grove backdrop that defines the Punta Cana wedding aesthetic. | Up to 1,100 guests | Large beach ceremonies; the resort's signature setting; couples who have chosen Punta Cana specifically for the beach |
| Beachfront Gazebo | An oceanfront gazebo structure with panoramic Caribbean Sea views — the most photographed ceremony venue at the resort. Nature meets architecture directly at the water's edge. | Intimate to medium | Primary ceremony venue for most couples; most romantic photo setting on property |
| Garden Gazebo | An enclosed garden gazebo surrounded by tropical vegetation — more intimate and private than the beachfront gazebo. The setting recommended for smaller ceremonies wanting a "garden" feel. | Intimate · up to ~50 guests | Intimate ceremonies; couples who prefer garden over ocean backdrop; Coconut Paradise package ceremonies |
| Gardens | The resort's lush tropical gardens within the coconut grove — spacious, naturally decorated by palm and coconut trees, and versatile for both ceremony and reception configurations. | Flexible · medium to large | Cocktail hours; welcome receptions; outdoor evening events; ceremony and reception combos |
| Convention Center Ballrooms | 79,997 sq ft of dedicated air-conditioned event space — 24 multipurpose rooms of varying sizes with the latest AV technology. The largest event facility in the Dominican Republic. | Up to 5,000 guests (combined) | Very large formal receptions; rain contingency for any outdoor event; corporate-style celebrations |
| San Salvador Chapel | The on-site Catholic chapel — the only venue in the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort complex where Catholic ceremonies are permitted. Authentically appointed with traditional religious décor. | Indoor ceremony | Catholic weddings; couples wanting a full religious ceremony within the resort |
Barceló Bávaro Wedding Packages
The complimentary entry package — ceremonies restricted to the garden area and garden gazebo (subject to availability). Minister for symbolic ceremony included; civil judge available at additional charge.
- Personal wedding specialist
- Symbolic ceremony — minister included in Spanish or English
- Ceremony setup at garden area or garden gazebo
- Bridal bouquet and groom boutonniere
- Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
- Reserved area for dinner in an à la carte restaurant (up to 20 guests, subject to availability)
- Special room decoration and rose petals on the bed
- Special amenities and bottle of sparkling wine sent to suite
- Late checkout until 3:00 PM (on request, subject to availability)
- Upgrade to next room category for the couple (subject to availability)
- Premium Level services for the wedding couple
Complimentary requires minimum 105 paid room nights. Not combinable with other offers.
Adds legal ceremony option, beauty services, live music, and a 3-hour private reception dinner. Opens all venue options including beach and beachfront gazebo.
- All Coconut Paradise inclusions
- Legal civil judge included (for legally binding DR ceremony) or symbolic minister
- Witness if required
- Access to all venue options — beach, beachfront gazebo, gardens, ballroom
- Manicure and pedicure with essence for the bride
- Beauty salon package — hair and makeup with strawberries and sparkling wine
- Bridal bouquet of tropical flowers or roses (choice)
- Centerpiece for the ceremony table (tropical flowers or roses)
- Caribbean music trio — 3 guitar pieces for 1 hour during the ceremony
- 3-hour private dinner — set menu in a ballroom or on the beach, with exclusive waiters
Full-service package with Premium Level services, extended reception, photography, and upgraded florals. 20% discount applies Monday–Thursday.
- All Classic Package inclusions
- Premium Level services for the full wedding party
- Extended private reception with upgraded menu options
- Photography coverage of the ceremony
- Upgraded floral arrangements for ceremony and reception
- Priority restaurant reservations for the wedding group throughout the stay
- Spa bridal room available for bride and bridesmaids pre-ceremony ($100 USD / 4 hrs, additional charge)
20% discount applies to all packages for Monday–Thursday ceremonies.
Photo Gallery
Resort, venues, and wedding highlights at Barceló Bávaro Palace in Punta Cana.
Dining — 11 Restaurants
All dining included in the all-inclusive rate. No reservations required at most venues. 11 restaurants cover Japanese, Mexican, international, seafood, and specialty cuisines — giving wedding groups genuine variety across a multi-night stay.
- Japanese restaurant — teppanyaki + sushi
- Mexican restaurant — authentic regional cuisine
- Seafood and fish specialties
- Meat specialties — steakhouse
- Chez Gourmet (Premium Level guests)
- Main international buffet
- Beach grill
- Snack bar and café
- Pool bars (multiple)
- Plus 3 additional specialty restaurants
The U-Spa offers a bridal preparation room exclusively for the bride and bridesmaids (additional charge, $100/4 hours). High tea is not a standard amenity here — couples seeking that program should consider Royal Hideaway Playacar.
Rooms & Suites
All rooms include a private balcony or terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi, daily-refreshed minibar, 32" LCD TV, iPod/MP3 dock, and Raindance shower — the B-room category featuring Raindance showers and terrace Jacuzzis is a genuine upgrade on standard all-inclusive room specifications.
Standard Room (B-Room)
- King or 2 singles with pillow-top mattresses
- Balcony or terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi
- Raindance shower · Fully equipped bathroom
- Golf course, pool, or garden views
Family Suite
- 710 sq ft · private pool + terrace
- Up to 6 guests (2 adults + 4 children / 6 adults)
- Coffee maker, microwave, fridge, minibar
- 4 × 42" LCD TVs · butler on request
Premium Level Rooms Recommended for couple
- Exclusive Premium Level amenities and services
- Butler available on request
- Priority dining and check-in
- Access to Chez Gourmet restaurant
The wedding couple's recommended room category — included in the package room upgrade benefit where available.
Punta Cana — What Wedding Guests Will Experience
On-Resort Activities
- Pirates Island Water Park — 2 themed water parks (free for wedding group)
- Pete Dye Golf Course — 18-hole championship, free green fees
- 24-hour Casino — roulette, blackjack, and Caribbean games
- U-Spa — hydrotherapy, massages, beauty salon
- Escape rooms — 2 themed rooms within the complex
Water & Beach
- Snorkeling + diving — Mesoamerican Reef accessible from shore
- Kayaking + windsurfing — non-motorized water sports included
- Deep-sea fishing — charters bookable via concierge
- Catamaran day trips — popular group activity
Day Excursions
- Saona Island — idyllic sandbar and starfish beach, full-day boat trip
- Santo Domingo — colonial city, UNESCO World Heritage, 3 hrs
- Los Haitises National Park — mangroves, cave paintings, jungle
- Altos de Chavón — replica 16th-century Mediterranean village
Legal Weddings in the Dominican Republic
For couples who want a legally binding ceremony in the Dominican Republic, the Barceló Bávaro Palace wedding team assists with documentation and liaising with the civil judge. Key requirements include:
- Valid passports for both parties
- Original birth certificates
- Sworn declaration of single status (certified)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
- All documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled
- Marriage certificate is issued in Spanish and can be delivered via DHL
Catholic ceremony: The San Salvador Chapel is the only venue in the complex permitted for Catholic weddings. Additional documentation specific to a Catholic ceremony in the Dominican Republic applies — confirm requirements with the resort's wedding specialist well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Couples Say
What Our Couples Say About Their Destination Wedding
Real weddings planned with Vacations For Less
Amanda & Michael
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort · Mexico
Teresa and the team at Vacations For Less made our destination wedding an absolute dream. With over 350 guests traveling, their organization and attention to detail made everything seamless. From the ceremony to the reception, every moment was flawless.
Lisa & Danny
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort · Mexico
Coordinating travel for our beach wedding group was effortless thanks to Teresa from Vacations For Less. She handled all travel logistics, guest reservations, and details so everyone could relax and enjoy the celebration.
Kevin & Grace
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres · Mexico
Teresa and Anna were incredible throughout our destination wedding planning process. They managed every reservation, transfer, and detail for our guests. Our wedding was absolutely perfect from start to finish.
Request a Quote for Your Barceló Bávaro Palace Wedding
Tell us your target dates, estimated guest count, preferred venue, and whether you're planning a symbolic or legal ceremony. We'll send current package pricing, group room rates, complimentary package qualification details, and date availability within 24 hours — free, no obligation.
Free consultation · No obligation · Response within 24 hours
Prefer to talk? Call 1-800-200-2423 · Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5:30 PM PT