April 13, 2023
How much does a wedding cost at Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic?! Hi there! I’m Lilian, a travel agent who helps couples plan their destination weddings. I know how confusing it can be to book an all-inclusive destination wedding with a resort, so I put this guide together on how much it costs to have a wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana in order to help couples decode the packages as well as choose the best resort experience for their destination wedding in the Dominican Republic!
I have previously worked directly with the Sanctuary Cap Cana Wedding department numerous times, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. In my field of work, I know all too well that is not the case with every resort, and struggles & frustrations can arise easily. So yes, picking the right resort, really does matter! I understand the ins and outs and many details of planning a destination wedding. I hope this guide will help you – at least a little – find the perfect package (and cost!) for your wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana!
Why do I Love Sanctuary Cap Cana in Punta Cana?
Sanctuary Cap Cana is a 5-star all-inclusive resort for adults only (yes, you have to be 18 years of age or older to stay on their property). It’s only 15 minutes from the Punta Cana Airport, which is a huge plus! I also love that the resort is located in a private community (so there are no vendors on the beach trying to sell you goods.) But the thing I love most about Sanctuary Cap Cana is that it is a very unique resort!
The rooms and suites at Sanctuary Cap Cana are not your “cookie cutter” run-of-the-mill rooms that you would expect from other resorts! Instead, there are 19 unique categories of rooms. This also includes oceanfront villas, private island suites, presidential suites with enormous terraces, and villas with private pools overlooking the sea! Some of the villas they offer come with one or two bedrooms. Altogether, I find these options to be perfect for members of your wedding party! Using a room option like the villas for your wedding party will allow everyone to stay close together while enjoying the best experience possible.
The rooms at the resort reminded me of Europe’s Mediterranean coast!
There are different styles of buildings at Sanctuary Cap Cana as well. The Colonial (the main building) and The Castle. The Castle is a bit more on the kitsch side and perfect for any couple looking for a stay at a resort with a very unique twist. The Castle feels like a totally different part of the resort as compared to The Colonial. But, no matter where your room is (Colonial or Castle), all guests are welcome to enjoy and spend time in The Castle’s pool & bar. But it’s important to note that all the rooms at The Castle and Villas come with VIP services, including a butler!
Sanctuary has these beautiful oceanfront rooms and villas (but, just a few) right on the sand! My favorite! In all honesty, hosting your wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana comes with the peace of mind of knowing that your wedding guests will receive a first-class stay. If you’re looking for a unique resort with top-notch everything, this is definitely it!
Now for the best part, the wedding packages! You might be wondering how much it costs to have your wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana, so I’m going to break down each of their packages as well as what they include, below!
How Much Does a Wedding Cost at Sanctuary Cap Cana?
***All wedding packages at Sanctuary Cap Cana include a symbolic ceremony. Additionally, all prices listed below are in USD***
Just For The Royal Couple Wedding Package
If you want to have a beautifully intimate elopement, the Just for the Royal Couple Package is for you! Here are the inclusions with this package:
- Pre-planning and onsite services with a professional wedding specialist
- Access to an online wedding planning tool
- Symbolic ceremony and symbolic certificate
- Wedding ceremony location
- Bridal bouquet made with 12 white roses
- Boutonnière made with 1 white rose
- Wedding Palapa
- Sparkling wine toast after the ceremony
- Wedding miniature cake after the ceremony
- Room decoration with flower petals and complimentary wine
- Complimentary online bridal registry
- 10% discount for the couple to purchase top-shelf liquor or high-quality wine
The Just for the Royal couple package can be complimentary if the couple getting married stays (7) nights or more in a qualifying category, which would be the Sanctuary Honeymoon Suite. A complimentary Just For The Royal Couple wedding can only take place Monday through Wednesday between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Complimentary weddings are only available when requested at least 6 months prior to the wedding date. For non-qualifying couples, the package may be purchased. When the package is purchased, it is only available Monday through Thursday in the morning and certain venue restrictions apply.
Total cost of the Just For The Royal Couple wedding package at Sanctuary Cap Cana
- 2023 – $799 (Monday-Thursday AM)
- 2024 – $839 (Monday-Thursday AM)
The Majestic Intimate Elegance Wedding Package
The Majestic Intimate Elegance Package is designed for up to 12 in-house guests, including the couple. This package includes the following for the couple getting married and their guests on the day of the wedding:
- Pre-planning and onsite services with a professional wedding specialist
- Wedding Palapa
- Symbolic marriage ceremony and symbolic certificate
- Bridal bouquet made of 12 white roses
- Boutonnière made of 1 white rose
- Ceremony table with white linen and garden chairs for guests
- Sound system for the ceremony
- Sparkling wine toast after the Ceremony
- Wedding cake after the ceremony (1 tier)
- Room decoration with flower petals and complimentary wine for the newlyweds
- Complimentary Dinner reservation for up to 12 guests in one of the gourmet restaurants for the evening of the wedding only
Additional inclusions for the couple prior to or after the wedding
- Access to an online wedding planning tool
- 1 Couple massage (25-minute massage)
- 1 Romantic dinner for the couple (with a set menu)
- Late checkout previously requested and confirmed by the property up to 3:00 pm )subject to availability
- 10% discount for the couple and wedding guest in the purchase of top-shelf liquor or high quality wine
The intimate Elegance package can be complimentary with 25 room nights or more in qualifying categories (Sanctuary Castle – One Bedroom Ocean Front). Complimentary weddings are only available when requested at least 6 months prior to the wedding date. Complimentary Intimate Elegance weddings can only take place Monday through Wednesday from 9 AM-1 PM and certain venue restrictions apply. Otherwise, the Intimate Elegance package may be purchased. Excluding Thursday PM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
Total Cost of the Majestic Intimate Elegance Wedding Package at Sanctuary Cap Cana, For the couple + 10 guests
- 2023 – $2139
- 2024 – $2249
Cost for Additional Guests
- $35.00 per person
- Non-hotel guests pay an additional $120.00 per person for a wedding pass
A wedding pass includes access to the resort 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. The pass concludes at the end of the reception (maximum of 5 hours of hotel stay). It also includes beverages in the hotel bars but excludes food at any of the hotel restaurants.
Gorgeous, Lavish & Opulent Wedding Package
Everything your heart desires for your special moment in time. The inclusions listed below are for the couple getting married and up to 20 resort guests. This package is for valid Monday-Thursday AM only.
Inclusions for the couple and guests on the wedding day:
- Pre-planning & onsite services with a professional wedding specialist
- Choice of wedding location (subject to availability)
- Wedding Gazebo with white linens
- Hairstyling and makeup for the bride in the hotel spa
- Symbolic marriage ceremony & symbolic certificate
- Bridal bouquet made of 12 roses (white or ivory)
- Boutonnière made of 1 rose (white or ivory)
- Ceremony table with white linen
- Garden chairs for guests
- Natural floral centerpiece for the minister’s table
- Sound system for the ceremony
- Sparkling wine toast after the ceremony
- Private one (1) hour cocktail party after the ceremony: includes standard set up, open bar and hors d’oeuvre’s
- Private three (3) hour wedding reception after the ceremony: includes 3 course plated menu or buffet (minimum 50 people), round tables, white Tiffany chairs, white linens, open bar and wait staff
- Wedding cake with choice of filling
- Room decoration with flower petals & complimentary wine for the newlyweds
Additional inclusions for the couple prior to or after the wedding:
- Access to online wedding planning tool
- 1 Couple Massage (25 minute massage for the wedding couple)
- 1 Romantic dinner for the wedding couple with set menu
- 10% discount for the couple and wedding guest in the purchase of top-shelf liquor or special wine
- 15% discount on spa services for the wedding couple
- Late checkout up to 03:00 pm subject to availability
- One (1) complimentary room night for the couple when celebrating their one year anniversary at same hotel (one (1) complimentary room night with five (5) nights booked.
Inclusions for wedding guests staying at the hotel:
- 10% discount on spa services for the wedding guests
Total Cost of the Gorgeous, Lavish & Opulent Wedding Package at Sanctuary Cap Cana
- 2023 – $5569 (Monday-Thursday AM)
- 2023 – $6099 (Thurs PM – Sun)
- 2024 – $5849 (Monday – Thurs AM)
- 2024 – $6409 (Thurs PM – Sun)
Additional Guests:
- $130.00 per person
- Non-hotel guest additional $155.00 per person for a wedding pass
Your guests’ wedding pass includes access to the resort 30 minutes before the start of your ceremony. The pass concludes at the end of the reception (maximum of 5 hours of hotel stay). It also includes beverages in the hotel bars but excludes food at any of the hotel restaurants.
Sanctuary Deluxe Wedding Package
This wedding package at Sanctuary Cap Cana is best designed for 50 guests including the couple, so a grand total of 52 guests.
Inclusions for the couple and guests on the wedding day:
- Pre-planning & on-site services with a professional wedding specialist
- Complimentary online registry and wedding website
- Wedding location (subject to availability)
- Symbolic marriage ceremony, performed by a bilingual secular officiant
- Wedding Gazebo with white linens
- One Flower arrangement with white roses and greenery for the gazebo
- Hairstyling and makeup for the bride in hotel’s spa
- Shave treatment & haircut for the groom
- Pressing of the bride’s wedding dress and groom’s suit
- Deluxe bridal bouquet made of seasonal white flowers
- Delux boutonniere matching bouquet (white flowers)
- Natural floral centerpiece for the minister’s table
- Ceremony table with white linen
- Garden chairs for guests
- Sound system for the ceremony
- Sparkling wine toast after the ceremony
- Private one (1) hour cocktail party after the ceremony
- Private four (4) hours wedding reception after the ceremony: includes your choice of gourmet buffet or a “connoisseur plated dinner”, round tables (each seating 10 guests), white Tiffany chairs, white linens, open bar, and wait staff
- Five (5) white roses centerpieces for the dinner table
- Four (4) hours basic DJ service
- Three (3) tier wedding cake with your choice of filling (does not include cake topper or décor)
- Room decoration with flower petals and complimentary wine for the newlyweds
- Private two (2) hours welcome cocktail one day prior to the ceremony, including a standard set up, open bar, and four (4) tray-passed hors d’oeuvre per person
- One (1) couple’s massage (25 minutes)
- One (1) romantic dinner for the wedding couple (with set menu)
- 10% Discount for the couple and wedding guest’s to purchase of top-self liquor or high-quality wine
- 15% Discount on spa services for the wedding couple
- Late checkout for the couple (subject to availability)
- One (1) complimentary room night for the couple when celebrating their one-year anniversary at the same hotel (One (1) complimentary room night with five (5) nights booked)
- 10% Discount on spa services for wedding guests
- Package inclusions have no cash value and any unused items and/or services of the wedding package are not refundable or exchangeable for other items or services. Items and or services are also not transferable, or interchangeable, and substitutions are not permitted. Any upgrades to the features offered under the wedding package are also subject to additional charges.
- Sanctuary Cap Cana is proud to be committed to the environment. They have great respect for our planet and therefore, do not allow the throwing of any of the following items during your wedding ceremony, reception, cocktail party, or any of the other wedding events: rice, balloons, paper lanterns, or confetti. Additionally, they strongly dissuade their couples from releasing butterflies or doves during their wedding.
The following services are NOT included as part of the wedding package but can be added on or hired by the couple at an additional cost:
- Priest, minister, or judge services
- Legal documentation and other related fees in connection with the ceremony
- Photography
- Entertainment
- Music
- Floral
- Lighting (illuminations)
- Décor
Please note that the Wedding Package is subject to the following terms and conditions:
Any additional last-minute requested services (less than 45 days before the wedding date) will be subject to availability. Additionally, payment will be due once the service has been confirmed as available.
All the wedding day events shall be continuous. Segmentation or separation of events will incur a $600 charge and is subject to availability.
Optional Add-on Services
- DJ Service /Sound & lighting Equipment (up to 4 hours and up to 80 guests) – $1,125
- Extra DJ, – starting at $300/per hour
- Light up Dance Floor 16×16 – $1,250
- Wooden Dance Floor up to 16×16 -$550
- 2 Cold Fire – $250
- Cocktail & Reception Sound System& 1 Mic – $450
- La Hora Loca, 3 Artists – starting price $750
- 3 Artist Fire Show 10 min – $750
- Violin-Sax-Flute 45 Min – $590/per musician
- Cigar Roller 1.30 hrs – staring at $370
- Rum Tasting 1 hr – $400
- Charge for Set up decor – starting at$2.00 per item
If any non-hotel guest wants to attend other events planned by the couple (aside from the wedding), each guest will be required to purchase a regular hotel day pass for each day they want to enter the hotel. As indicated above, any additional services such as entertainment, floral, décor, lighting, photography, videography, etc., are not included in the rates listed and therefore are subject to additional charges.
Total Cost of Sanctuary Cap Cana’s Deluxe Wedding Package
- $16,500.00 (for 50 guests)
- Additional guest fee of $120 per guest who is staying at the hotel
- Additional guest fee of $170 per guest who is not staying at the hotel (includes day pass)
The above rates include all service charges, gratuities, and, of course, applicable taxes. Package prices include 28% taxes and may be subject to change without prior notice according to government regulations.
Estimated cost of a wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana with 150 guests for the Deluxe Wedding Package
- Deluxe Wedding Package $16,500.00 (includes 50 guests)
- Additional cost per hotel guest $120.00 x100 guests = $12,000.00
- Wedding Day Pass for non-hotel guests $170.00 x0 = $0.00
- Estimated Total Cost $28,500.00
Deposits And Pre-Payment
To book your wedding with a confirmed date, the hotel requires a signed agreement and an initial deposit of $500. The deposit schedule is outlined below, and the final deposit (due 45 days before the date of your wedding) may be adjusted if the number of guests is increased or decreased or if you request any additional items or extra services Any additional items or extra services requested less than forty-five (45) days before your wedding day will need to be paid in full upon confirmation of the availability of the service.
Deposit Due Dates
- $500.00 Non-refundable initial deposit to hold your wedding date with the resort. This is important! Before paying your deposit to hold the date I usually start working on the room block. We want to make sure the resort has enough rooms available for the week of your wedding. I work together with the wedding department to find the date for your ceremony and the number of rooms needed for your guests.
- 50% of the estimated total cost, plus 50% of any additional services or add-ons – 3 months before the wedding
- 100% of the estimated total cost and 100% of the additional services or add-ons – 45 days prior to the wedding. If your total guest count has changed, your final deposit will be adjusted.
Commonly Asked Questions I Receive About Planning a Destination Wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana
“Can I use the “private two (2) hours welcome cocktail one day prior to the ceremony”, included in this package 2 days prior to the wedding?”
Yes, you can!
“We are a same-sex couple. Is it possible to adjust our package as needed?”
Yes, the resort is flexible and will work with you! For example, instead of hairstyling and makeup, the resort can offer shave treatments & haircuts, or a 25-minute massage. Instead of a bridal bouquet, you can use the florals to decorate your ceremony!
“Can guests stay at another resort and attend the wedding?”
At least 80% of your guests must stay at the property to host your wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana. It’s best for all of your guests to stay at the same resort as the wedding. This will allow them to spend more time together at the beach, or pool, or enjoying the activities at the resort. In my experience, 99% of destination wedding guests stay at the same resort as the wedding. But sometimes a guest cannot stay at the same resort for one reason or another.
Given that the hotel is an all-inclusive resort, any guests not staying on the property must purchase a mandatory wedding day pass to enter the hotel and attend the wedding. The cost is $170.00 USD per non-hotel guest attendee. Wedding day passes are effective thirty (30) minutes before the wedding ceremony scheduled time. They are valid until the end of the wedding reception (up to five (5) hours from the wedding ceremony scheduled time). Wedding attendees using a wedding day pass are welcome to visit any of the hotel bars. Hotel restaurant dining is excluded.
“Can we bring food and beverage from outside the hotel?”
All food and beverage served on the hotel’s property must be supplied & prepared by the hotel. A final guarantee of attendance is required for all private meal functions. This will be confirmed at least twenty (20) days before the scheduled event.
“How late can we party?”
Please note that the Hotel has a noise curfew of 11:00 p.m. for all outdoor sound amplification. Speakers should be placed facing the ocean unless otherwise approved.
“Can I hire outside vendors?”
The hotel has contracted with certain providers of services (e.g. florists, bands and entertainment, audio-visual services, etc.) that you may elect to retain to provide services for the wedding. Although the use of such contracted vendors is encouraged, should you elect to use any other outside vendors to provide these types of services, you must notify the wedding specialist of your intention to use such providers at least thirty (30) days before the wedding date.
Please note that using any type of drone by your guests and/or wedding/event attendees within the hotel premises is strictly prohibited. You may hire a professional photographer for purpose of taking pictures and/or videos at the wedding ceremony, wedding reception, or any of the other wedding events. If the photographer offers drone services, you must obtain the hotel’s prior written authorization setting forth all the conditions under which the professional photographer within the hotel premises may use the drone. Please note that an additional fee of one thousand USD ($1,000) shall apply for any outside vendor you hire directly for each service.
“Can I bring my own décor?”
All decorations and/or display signage intended to be used by you during your events must be pre-approved by the hotel before arrival and conform to local fire regulations and hotel policy. A décor fee based on the volume and quantity of décor applies when bringing your own décor. Items may not be attached to walls, ceilings, windows. Additionally, decor items may not be affixed with nails, staples, tape, or any other substances unless written approval by Hotel is given in advance. Any damage incurred by the unauthorized attachment of décor materials will also incur an additional fee. This fee must be settled before departure. Any specific set-up outside of hotel premises maybe subject to additional fees and/or formalities, including but not limited to regulatory permits.
I personally recommend not bringing your decor unless it is something special to you that you want to use. Or something easy to place like small party favors on a table. There will be a fee if you require the resort to set up the decor you brought from home. The fee starts at $350 and goes up from there depending on the complexity and volume.
“Can I ship items to the resort ahead of my wedding?”
The hotel has limited storage facilities and therefore, is not able to store decorations or materials for a period longer than 5 days prior to the wedding date. Additional handling charges may apply based on sizes, weight, time, and storage. Please advise your wedding specialist of any shipping requirements for your wedding as soon as possible.
“Can the hotel deliver welcome bags to my guests’ rooms?”
Yes, the delivery fee is $6 “per item” not per room. So let’s say you have 3 people in one room, it will cost you $18 for just one room delivery. If you are inviting 100 people, then the delivery of welcome bags will cost you $600. To save money, I always recommend my couples deliver welcome bags to their guests at the welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or welcome cocktails!
“Is Sanctuary Cap Cana and The Dominican Republic LGBTQ friendly?”
YES! They are! I’m currently working with one of my couples to plan their same-sex wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana right now. So please, do not hesitate to reach out to me if this is a concern for you and you want to plan your dream wedding day at Sanctuary Cap Cana! Your beautiful love story will be welcome here with open arms!
“How can I work with you?”
Many of my couples come to me because of information overload. They are stressed out about all the information they find online, and unable to decipher all of the “resort lingo” and terminology. Or even worse, they are frustrated because they’ve reached out to several resorts and they have yet to hear a reply. I handle everything for you directly to make it easier, less stressful, and faster. This creates an overall better wedding planning experience for you because I am able to use my network of connections paired with my planning services!
“How do you help us plan our destination wedding?”
- You’ll have my direct number to call or text me when a question pops up for you in the middle of the day. You won’t need to wait for a resort to reply to your email (which can sometimes take weeks!).
- Aside from helping you find a destination & resort, I help by negotiating the best rate for your room block. I also help you choose the type of rooms to pick for the block, and show you how to avoid penalties
- Furthermore, I’ll assist in securing your ceremony date with the resort
- I’ll be the single contact for your guests! Eliminating the need to call an 800 number. Your guests will have my cell number and they can call or text me with any questions (and guests have so many questions!)
- I provide you with a very easy way for your guests to reserve their rooms. If needed I can also assist them with setting up a monthly payment plan
- I’ll create a beautiful custom wedding website for you, and you’ll make it your own by adding the unique details of your love story including the details of your engagement and photos of the two of you over the course of your relationship
- I provide you with a digital wedding organizational tool, which is 100% ready to use! This will help keep you informed about upcoming due dates, and more!
- I’ll go over with you, in detail, how a room block contract works. I understand the way resorts lay things, which can be very confusing. I’m here to help you!
- I’ll provide you with weekly updated room reservations. The best way to keep up with RSVPs!
- Lastly, I’ll make the transportation arrangements for all your guests. Generally, this includes travel from the airport to the resort and back again!
“When should I contact you to start planning my destination wedding?”
Undeniably, 16 to 18 months ahead of the preferred wedding date is a good time! But if you have a very specific date in mind like 04/24/2024 or you are set on booking your wedding at a hard-to-get resort I recommend calling me ASAP! Please remember, now that Covid is pretty much over, most companies are starting to plan incentive travel again which causes resorts to book up a lot of space, fast. So it doesn’t hurt to start early!
“Can I visit the resort and have my stay credited to my wedding package?”
Yes, if you visit before you reserve your date and room block. It’s called the BIG DAY PREVIEW, however, it’s only available from Monday-Wednesday and no holidays, with blackout dates. It also has to be pre-approved by the wedding department. Your preview will be for a total of 2 nights in a Junior suite with an ocean view. During this time, you’ll also have an exclusive tour of all the wedding venues with the onsite wedding specialist, tasting menu, mini wedding cake tasting, spa preview, and meet with the spa for hair and make-up consultation (for a trial run there’s an additional charge). The package price is $600 (however, this cost will be applied to your final invoice!). Additionally, the tasting menu is $65 per person. But the tasting menu feel will not be applied to your final invoice.
