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Taking the plunge: Planning the wedding of your dreams in the Dominican Republic

Wedding on the beach at the Melia Caribe Tropical

It’s summer again, which means amor is in the air. And while it seems that you're spending the summer attending everyone's wedding but your own, by the end of this season of love it may just turn out to be you planning the fiesta of your dreams.

So if you find yourself dreaming about saying your vows on a quiet beach while wiggling your toes in the hot, white sand, you may want to consider the Dominican Republic as your island of choice. But there are a lot of challenges involved with planning a destination wedding in a foreign country, where the normal stress of wedding planning is compounded with the pressures of taming your hair in the humidity and scrambling to remember your 8th grade Spanish. So we'ved done some legwork for you and we've hand-picked six resorts in the Dominican Republic that we know will take marvelous care of you – and the wedding of your dreams. So if you're in the planning stages – or even just the dreaming stages – of your nuptials, below we'll tell you about our six favorite spots in the Dominican Republic to take the plunge (and we don't mean into the ocean).
Want to see more photos of our top picks? Check out our slideshow of destination wedding hotels in the Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana Hotel

Average Price: $77/night
Rating: 4.0 Pearls
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

For what you get -- a beautiful setting, great service, and food that is far superior to what you get at most of the all-inclusive resorts -- the Punta Cana's prices are very fair. And unlike at the all-inclusive resorts, most wedding details are up to you -- a great advantage, if you want a personal touch and don't mind a little extra legwork. Read more about weddings at the Punta Cana Hotel.

Sanctuary Cap Cana looks like a small Spanish village perched on a cliff by the ocean.

Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana

Average Price: $477/night
Rating: 4.5 Pearls
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Straightforward options, minimal fees, and top-notch beach and spa facilities make the Sanctuary Cap Cana a solid (and easy) luxury choice. Read more about weddings at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana.

Catalonia Royal Bavaro

Average Price: $196/night
Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This quiet, adult-only resort offers standard wedding package fare, but with fewer options (though less hassle) than some of its neighbors. Read more about weddings at Catalonia Royal Bavaro.

Natura Cabanas

Average Price: $180/night
Rating: 3.5 Pearls
Location: Cabarete and Sosua, Dominican Republic

These eco-friendly bungalows offer intimate, low-key weddings on a beautiful beach with delicious food. Read more about weddings at Natura Cabanas.

Casa Colonia Beach and Spa is discreet and tucked away.

Casa Colonial Beach and Spa

Average Price: $279/night
Rating: 4 Pearls
Location: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

The stylish, luxurious Casa Colonial has delicious food and top-tier service, but the beach is less than exclusive and the prices for food and drinks are especially steep. Read more about weddings at Casa Colonial Beach and Spa.

Melia Caribe Tropical

Average Price: $231/night
Rating: 3 Pearls
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The beautiful restaurants and outdoor spaces make this a picturesque place to tie the knot, and the package options are easy and plentiful. Read more about weddings at Melia Caribe Tropical.