White sand. Aqua water. Palm trees that actually sway in the breeze. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, all-inclusive wedding with built-in beauty, Excellence Punta Cana delivers exactly that. Located on a private stretch of beach in the Dominican Republic, this resort is ideal for couples who want a tropical, intimate celebration without stress or excess.
As a destination wedding photographer, I love the flow of weddings here — unhurried mornings, oceanfront vows, golden hour portraits, and warm, starlit dancing.
A Real-Feeling Wedding Story
Jess and Ryan invited 35 of their closest people to join them in Punta Cana for a week of celebration. “We didn’t want a wedding that was over in six hours,” Jess said. “We wanted time.”
Their ceremony took place on the beach — barefoot, breezy, with soft petals underfoot and waves just a few feet away. Cocktails followed by the pool, dinner under a thatched roof, and dancing under market lights. They ended the night in the sand, champagne in hand, fire pits glowing nearby.
Why Couples Choose Excellence Punta Cana
- All-inclusive luxury in a quiet beachfront setting
- Multiple ceremony locations (beach, garden, gazebo)
- On-site planning team to help with everything from flowers to hair
- Intimate feel with resort exclusivity and adult-only atmosphere
- Great for extended weddings — think 3–5 day celebrations
It’s the kind of place where no one’s checking their watch — and every part of the experience invites you to slow down and celebrate.
What I Bring as a Destination Photographer
- Calm, timeline-aware presence for travel weddings
- Story-focused photography that captures the environment + connection
- Knowledge of tropical lighting and beachfront portrait flow
- Combined photo + video options for multi-day destination coverage
- Support with scheduling and travel tips
Best Times for a Punta Cana Wedding
December to April: Dry season, mild temps, and consistent sun
May to August: Slightly hotter, but fewer crowds and more color
September to November: Off-season — more affordable, but with light rain risk
Similar Tropical Venues to Explore
- Excellence Playa Mujeres – Mexican Caribbean sister property with modern design
- Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana – Quiet, wellness-focused beachfront resort
- Casa de Campo Resort – Larger resort with marina, golf, and luxury add-ons
Let’s Photograph It With Calm and Clarity
If you’re planning a destination wedding at Excellence Punta Cana, I’d love to document every moment — from welcome drinks to first dances, with intentional storytelling and a relaxed approach.
Contact me here to start planning.
Explore more:
Destination Weddings
Wedding Planning Resources
Some weddings don’t just happen in one day—they unfold over an entire week of sun, laughter, and memory-making in a place that pulls everyone a little closer together. For this couple, their Excellence Punta Cana wedding was exactly that: a celebration filled with emotion, beauty, and a story they wouldn’t trade for anything.
Here’s how it all came together—straight from the bride’s heart.
Why They Chose a Destination Wedding
The planning process began with a semi-traditional wedding in their home state. But after meeting with venues and tallying up costs, they realized something wasn’t right.
“We were spending more time talking about honeymoon options than the wedding itself. The excitement wasn’t there—and we knew something had to change.”
Eventually, the couple decided to switch gears entirely. They leaned into the idea that made their hearts light up: a destination wedding. Most friends and family were on board, though a few had reservations about travel. In the end, everyone was glad they made the leap.
Finding the Right Place
Legalities, logistics, and cost were all part of the research process. The Dominican Republic felt right—but the extra fees and translation requirements for legal ceremonies led them to a symbolic wedding instead.
“We had our friend—an ordained minister—marry us in a ceremony that felt entirely real to us. We made it official at home, but this beach wedding is the one we’ll always hold in our hearts.”
They discovered the perfect resort with help from Shannon Grunewald at Blissful Honeymoons and Destination Weddings. The final pick? Excellence Punta Cana, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that offered the perfect blend of relaxation, elegance, and comfort for first-time international travelers in their group.
Wedding Morning Moments
This wedding didn’t begin with the aisle—it began with quiet, meaningful connection.
They chose to spend the night before the wedding together. The groom then got ready with his brother and the guys, while the bride shared a slow, quiet morning with a dear friend who had traveled all the way from South Korea.
Hair and makeup followed, with bridesmaids, sisters, and both mothers all getting ready together. The bride had never worn makeup before, and while the initial look was shocking, it photographed beautifully.
The Ceremony: A Moment to Remember
The ceremony was late (as most great ones are), thanks to some extra time needed in the bridal suite. But when the moment finally arrived, it was unforgettable.
“I arrived in a horse-drawn carriage with my dad. It was such a special moment—we even laughed halfway through when the horse did what horses do, and it broke the tension perfectly.”
She walked down the aisle to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, a song she had promised her late uncle would play on her wedding day. When the song played, a rainbow appeared in the distance—captured in a photograph she now cherishes as one of the most meaningful from the day.
The Reception
Dinner and dancing followed the ceremony. The couple took a risk by hiring the resort DJ without a preview—but it paid off. The energy, music, and mood were everything they hoped for.
“The only challenge was the beach lighting for photos during speeches. But even then, the disco lights created such a fun vibe in the dancing photos.”
Then, just 20 minutes before the reception was set to end, the skies opened up.
Rain fell. The music stopped. But something incredible happened.
“That’s when we got our favorite photo of the day. Ben and Alex grabbed their lights, set up the perfect frame, and captured us kissing in the rain. That image now hangs above our bed.”
Their Favorite Moments
Throughout the week, the couple organized excursions and adventures for their guests—from beach hangouts to group outings—which their photographer and videographer joined in on.
“They didn’t just show up for the wedding. They captured our whole experience. It made the photos and video feel so personal and so full of life.”
The couple kept their decor simple and focused their budget on what mattered most: experience, photography, food, and adventure.
Finding the Right Photographer
Their search for the perfect photographer started with local recommendations and resort packages—but nothing felt quite right. The prices didn’t align with the style they wanted, and communication with the resort photographers was limited.
Eventually, a high school friend recommended Boxcar Photography, and as soon as they saw Ben’s work, they both agreed—it was a perfect fit.
“After our first video call, we were all in. Ben was kind, enthusiastic, grounded, and knew exactly how to bring our vision to life.”
They hired Ben and Alex for both photography and videography—and couldn’t be happier with the results.
Final Thoughts
“We had a whole week with the people we love most. We came back with a heart full of memories, incredible photos, and a video that brings us to tears every time we watch it.”
For this couple, their Excellence Punta Cana wedding wasn’t just a destination—it was a beginning. A joyful, messy, beautiful, rain-soaked, rainbow-filled beginning to a lifetime of adventure together.