Cake by the Ocean: Experiencing the Magic of a Sanctuary Cap Cana Destination Wedding

Two tuxedos, 50 guests, four events, unlimited drinks and one unforgettable experience — to say that our wedding day was the best of our lives would be an understatement. Trust me, we've watched our recently completed wedding video no less than 15 times in the last two days, and we still can’t get enough.

After weeks of searching for the perfect venue that captured the essence of culture, cuisine, architecture and fun, we decided that Sanctuary Cap Cana would be the perfect idyllic backdrop for our big day.

Let’s break down what we loved most about our week celebrating in paradise.

The Property:

Sanctuary, an all-inclusive Luxury Collection Resort, is located in the gated Cap Cana community of the Dominican Republic, where turquoise waters meet pastel sunrises and breezy afternoons. The property is conveniently situated just 15 minutes away from Punta Cana airport, making the journey from the tarmac to the pool bar an easy feat for our guests.

The resort grounds are stunning and unlike any other all-inclusive I’ve visited. Picture colonial Spanish architecture, rattan furnishings and a splash of tropical flair. Countless intimate spaces await discovery, from pool cabanas to rooftop castle hideaways, making exploring the property a real treat. With over 19 room categories ranging from castle suites to private villas, there were plenty of options to accommodate our guests.

With friends and family scattered across the globe, an all-inclusive resort venue was a must for us. We loved the idea of offering an extended vacation to our guests while celebrating our love. This provided the opportunity for us to mingle with guests throughout the week. We hosted a Welcome Soiree to kick off the festivities and countless other celebratory events throughout the week, holding onto some wedding traditions and axing others.

Hospitality and Service:

The service that the staff at Sanctuary provides is unmatched. From the warm welcome and refreshing coco limonada upon arrival to being greeted by name at dinner reservations and even standout butler service (Thanks, Frank!), everyone was so kind and truly made our stay unforgettable.

Rosanna, our wedding coordinator, was gracious and patient throughout the planning process. She flawlessly executed our vision — even surprising us with small added details and experiences that we’ll never forget. The collaborative efforts of the entire team, from Peña Ortega Events, the resort's floral vendor, to Mika from Wedding Photography Punta Cana, surpassed our expectations.

The Food:

Oftentimes, all-inclusive resorts can be known for skimping on the culinary experience, however, that certainly was not the case at Sanctuary. With five à la carte restaurants to choose from, small eateries in Sanctuary Town, and 24-hour room service, there were plenty of options to satisfy every craving.

For our wedding reception, we enjoyed a plated dinner service that was gastronomic heaven. After dancing the night away on our “must-have” led dance floor at the reception, we ended the evening with catered late-night snacks before heading to the resort's disco venue, hoping the day would never end.

Final Takeaway from our Wedding:

We would choose Sanctuary Cap Cana as our destination wedding venue a million times over. In full transparency, we visited the reservations desk not once, but twice, to extend our stay, nearly refusing to leave.

We absolutely loved having our friends and family together to celebrate our love over the course of a week, and the beauty and hospitality that Sanctuary provided was the icing on the cake.

I recommend Sanctuary to my clients who are looking to celebrate their wedding, anniversary, or even those who are looking for a picturesque backdrop at a property that values attention to detail. Sanctuary Cap Cana's staff, from butlers to wedding coordinators, ensure an unparalleled level of hospitality. Every detail is meticulously crafted to make your stay unforgettable.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to the Dominican Republic. In need of further inspiration? Check out Kierra DeVolder’s guide, Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic.