Riu Republica — All-Inclusive Destination Weddings
Carr. El Macao – Arena Gorda, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic · Adults-Only (18+) · 1,300+ Rooms · Macao Beachfront
Resort Overview
Riu Republica sits on the pristine white sands of Macao beach (also referred to as Arena Gorda) in Punta Cana — a modern, adults-only resort with over 1,300 rooms across three buildings, built with a contemporary teal and marine-themed design language throughout. Opened in June 2016 with a further expansion in November 2017, this is one of the newest large-scale properties in the RIU Punta Cana complex. Eight pools — some with swim-up bars, submerged cocktail tables, and water slides — give the resort a genuinely lively, social atmosphere. Nine restaurants including Olé, an Indian specialty restaurant, two Kulinarium venues, and a Jerk grill, plus ten bars, ensure wedding groups have real variety across a multi-night stay.
Macao Beachfront
One of the Dominican Republic's most famous beaches — couples exchange vows by the beach and walk with their photographer along natural sand dunes before joining guests for cocktail hour.
8 Pools
Multiple pools throughout the resort, some with swim-up bars, submerged cocktail tables, and water slides — designed for genuine relaxation and social energy.
9 Restaurants Including Indian Cuisine
Olé, an Indian specialty restaurant, two Kulinarium venues, and a Jerk grill — a genuinely varied culinary program for the wedding week, plus 10 bars.
1,300+ Rooms, 3 Buildings
One of the largest adults-only properties in the RIU Punta Cana complex — marine-themed décor, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private balconies or terraces (some ocean view).
Splash Water World Access
Complimentary access to the shared Splash Water World aquatic park and RIU Party events across the broader Punta Cana RIU complex.
Direct Beach Access + On-Site Spa
Direct access to the beach plus a full-service spa for pre- and post-wedding relaxation — a calmer counterpoint to the resort's lively pool scene.
Wedding Venues Beach & Garden
| Venue | Setting | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Beach | A romantic, intimate ambiance on the Caribbean coastline — couples exchange vows by the beach, with natural sand dunes as part of the photography backdrop. | Classic beachfront ceremony; couples wanting an intimate rather than grand open-beach feel |
| Garden | A picturesque garden backdrop — the perfect space to exchange vows and celebrate within a more enclosed, tropical setting. | Ceremonies wanting a tropical, photogenic alternative to open beach |
RIU Wedding Collections
A complete ceremony package at no package cost — the most common entry point for groups who have already committed to a qualifying room block.
- Wedding coordinator to assist on the day
- Decoration set up for the ceremony location
- Bouquet and matching boutonniere
- Recorded music during the ceremony
- Semi-private dinner at a specialty restaurant
- Wedding cake + sparkling wine toast (10 guests)
- Romantic room decoration · surprise spa gift
- Minister/judge fees, documentation, and taxes paid separately on arrival
If your own minister travels with the group and stays at the resort, the package itself remains $0. 80% of the total guest count (and the couple) must stay at this property.
Upgraded aquamarine décor with a fully officiated ceremony — civil, religious, or vow renewal.
- Wedding coordinator
- Upgraded aquamarine-colored decoration
- Bridal bouquet + matching boutonniere
- Recorded music · semi-private dinner for couple
- Wedding cake + sparkling wine (couple)
- Minister/Judge service + marriage certificate
- 10% spa discount for the couple
Extends dinner, cake, and toast to 20 guests with a room upgrade and couple's massage.
- All Classic Collection inclusions
- Dinner, cake, and toast for 20 guests
- Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability, excl. Jacuzzi Suites)
- RIU T-shirts for the couple · surprise gift
- 20-minute romantic massage for the couple
- 10% spa discount for couple and guests (online reservation)
The most complete option below Indulgence — full bridal beauty package and breakfast in bed for 40 guests.
- All Royal Collection inclusions
- Dinner, cake, and toast for 40 guests
- 50-minute romantic massage for the couple
- Hairstyle, manicure, and pedicure for one member of the couple
- Late checkout + breakfast in bed the morning after
- Chocolate-dipped fruit + sparkling wine · two bags of petals
RIU's most complete and intimate package — full spa circuit, rehearsal cocktail, and romantic dinner for the couple.
- Wedding coordinator, minister/judge, marriage certificate
- Dinner, cake, and toast for 20 guests
- Aromatherapy, facial, exfoliation, and massage for the couple
- Spa manicure and pedicure · hairstyle for one member
- Rehearsal cocktail the night before · romantic dinner
- Room upgrade, late checkout, breakfast in bed (subject to availability)
Wedding Group Benefits
RIU recognizes a group when 10 or more rooms are booked together. Complimentary nights can be taken as certificates valid for 24 months from the wedding date.
Complimentary Room Nights — 6th Person Free
1 complimentary person for every 5 paid guests. Refunded after travel once the final rooming list is verified.
Room Category Upgrades
1 complimentary upgrade to the next room category for every 10 rooms booked. Unused upgrades have no cash value.
Semi-Private Group Dinner
Semi-private group dinner for up to 40 guests — included with qualifying group bookings.
VIP Arrival Gift
Fruit basket and wine in the room for one VIP guest upon arrival.
Minimum 10 rooms for 3 nights required to qualify. All bookings must be under the group wedding contract.
View current RIU wedding promotions →Photo Gallery
Resort, venues, and wedding highlights at Riu Republica.
Resort Amenities
- 24-hour all-inclusive — meals, drinks, room service
- 9 restaurants incl. Olé, Indian, 2x Kulinarium, Jerk grill
- 10 bars — some swim-up
- 8 pools — slides, swim-up bars, submerged cocktail tables
- Renova Spa
- Beach volleyball courts
- Splash Water World access (4 slides)
- RIU Party access
- Direct beach access
- Free WiFi throughout
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 Riu Republica Wedding
Tell us your target dates, estimated guest count, and which Collection interests you. We'll send accurate current pricing, group room rates, and Free Collection eligibility 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