Huracan Café in Punta Cana is one of the most sought-after beach venues for couples dreaming of a chic, bohemian-style wedding with stunning ocean views. Located directly on the beach, Huracan Café offers a blend of rustic charm and tropical elegance, making it a perfect backdrop for a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with essential tips and insights to help you plan your perfect wedding at Huracan Café.
- Secure Your Date Early
Huracan Café is a popular venue for weddings, and its intimate setting means that availability can be limited. To avoid disappointment, book your wedding date as early as possible. The venue’s cozy size makes it ideal for medium to smaller weddings, so knowing your guest count early can also help you plan better.
Tip: If you’re flexible with your wedding date, consider getting married during the shoulder seasons (April or November) when the weather is still beautiful but the demand is slightly lower.
- Understand Huracan Café’s Unique Style
One of the biggest draws of Huracan Café is its bohemian, beach-chic aesthetic. With natural wood décor, dreamy lighting, and an unbeatable beachfront location, the venue embodies a laid-back yet stylish vibe. Couples often choose this venue for its authentic and relaxed feel, perfect for a destination wedding where the focus is on nature and romance.
- You can enhance the natural beauty of the venue with minimalist décor that complements the beachy atmosphere. Think greenery, soft linens, and simple floral arrangements to allow the setting to speak for itself.
Pro Tip: If you’re into DIY, Huracan Café offers the flexibility to add your own personal touches, from hand-crafted centerpieces to custom signage.
- Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator
While Huracan Café provides a beautiful setting, the logistics of planning a destination wedding can be overwhelming without the help of a local expert. Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator who knows the venue and the area is crucial to ensure a smooth process. They’ll help you manage everything from local vendors to the timing of the day.
- Some wedding planners in Punta Cana specialize in Huracan Café weddings and can guide you through everything from legal paperwork to design choices.
Tip: Look for planners who have experience working at Huracan Café to ensure they are familiar with the venue’s layout and what works best for this unique location.
- Plan for the Weather
Punta Cana’s tropical climate is beautiful but can also be unpredictable, with occasional showers and high humidity. Since Huracan Café is an open-air venue, it’s essential to plan for the elements.
- Consider having a backup plan for rain. The venue offers indoor spaces, but you may want to rent tents or umbrellas if you’re hosting a larger event.
- For daytime weddings, provide fans or parasols for your guests to stay cool under the Caribbean sun.
Pro Tip: The golden hour, just before sunset, is a magical time for both the ceremony and photos, offering cooler temperatures and a soft, romantic light.
- Personalize the Venue with Local Touches
Take advantage of the Dominican Republic’s rich culture by incorporating local elements into your wedding at Huracan Café. Whether it’s the cuisine, music, or décor, infusing your day with the local vibe will make it even more memorable.
- Serve up a traditional Dominican feast during your reception. Local favorites like fresh seafood, tostones (fried plantains), and mofongo (mashed plantains) are always a hit.
- For entertainment, consider hiring a local band to play merengue or bachata, giving your guests an authentic taste of Dominican music.
Tip: Add in tropical flowers like hibiscus and bougainvillea to complement the lush surroundings and bring a pop of color to your décor.
- Maximize the Beachfront Views
One of the main reasons couples choose Huracan Café is for its unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea. To make the most of this stunning setting, arrange your ceremony with the ocean as the backdrop. The natural beauty of the sea and sand will create an unforgettable atmosphere.
- The venue’s beachfront deck is a popular location for ceremonies, allowing guests to enjoy the view while being just steps away from the ocean.
Pro Tip: Use simple, natural décor to highlight the beauty of the surroundings rather than overpowering it.
- Opt for a Sunset or Evening Ceremony
Because of Huracan Café’s beachfront location, an evening ceremony as the sun sets is particularly magical. The colors of the sunset reflect off the water, creating a romantic and dramatic ambiance for both your ceremony and reception.
- After the sun sets, you can use soft lighting such as candles, string lights, and lanterns to keep the space intimate and warm.
Tip: Consult with your photographer about capturing sunset shots; the natural lighting at this time of day makes for breathtaking wedding photos.
- Understand the Legal Requirements
If you’re planning to legally marry in the Dominican Republic, it’s important to know the legal requirements ahead of time. Non-residents need to submit certain documents, including birth certificates, passports, and single status affidavits. These documents must be translated into Spanish and notarized.
- Some couples opt to have a legal ceremony in their home country and then hold a symbolic ceremony at Huracan Café, which simplifies the process.
Tip: Work with your wedding planner to ensure all documents are in order well before the wedding day to avoid any last-minute stress.
- Accommodations for You and Your Guests
While Huracan Café is not a hotel, it is conveniently located near several resorts and hotels in Punta Cana. Many couples book a nearby hotel or resort for themselves and their guests, offering both comfort and convenience.
- Popular options nearby include Secrets Royal Beach and Now Larimar, both of which are all-inclusive and provide luxury accommodations. Many hotels also offer group discounts if you book a block of rooms for your wedding guests.
Pro Tip: Consider organizing group transportation from the hotel to Huracan Café to ensure everyone arrives on time and stress-free.
- Hire a Professional Photographer Familiar with the Venue
Your wedding photos are one of the most important keepsakes from your big day, and Huracan Café offers a range of picturesque backdrops—from the beach to the lush garden areas. Make sure to hire a photographer who has experience shooting at the venue and knows the best spots for those iconic Punta Cana beach shots.
- Work with your photographer to time your portraits around the best natural lighting—early morning or late afternoon usually provide the best conditions.