Riu Palace Punta Cana — All-Inclusive Destination Weddings
Playa Arena Gorda, Bávaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic · Family-Friendly + Adults-Only Area · 900+ Rooms · Largest RIU Complex in Punta Cana
Resort Overview
Riu Palace Punta Cana sits on the pristine Arena Gorda beach in Bávaro — part of the largest RIU resort complex in Punta Cana, with four sister hotels and shared amenities. Over 900 rooms across the main building and 12 exclusive villas, with sleek contemporary design and a dedicated adults-only area featuring swim-up rooms. Wedding groups get unlimited complimentary access to Splash Water World (an aquatic park with numerous attractions) and free entry to the resort's signature RIU Party events. With Indulgence Beachfront Bliss exclusively available here — a 50–350 guest private oceanfront event — this is the flagship Punta Cana RIU property for couples planning a larger celebration.
Arena Gorda Beach
One of Punta Cana's most paradisiacal beaches — tropical vegetation, crystal-clear turquoise water, and direct beach access for ceremonies and photography.
Unlimited Splash Water World Access
Complimentary, unlimited access to Splash Water World — the shared aquatic park across the RIU complex. A genuine activity draw for wedding groups with families.
RIU Party Access
Free entry to RIU's signature pool party experience — top DJs, live shows, and entertainment included with the all-inclusive stay.
Adults-Only Area with Swim-Up Rooms
A dedicated adults-only section with swim-up access rooms — a quieter retreat option within the same property as the family-friendly main resort.
Elite Club by RIU Available
The premium room and service tier — better-located rooms with additional exclusive perks for guests wanting an elevated stay.
Caribbean Street — 700m Away
A short walk to jewelry shops, a pharmacy, a photo studio, and the lively Pacha discotheque. A waterpark and shopping center sit 5km from the resort.
Wedding Venues Beach (150) · Garden · Indulgence Bliss (350)
| Venue | Setting | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach | Arena Gorda beachfront with turquoise Caribbean water — the resort's signature ceremony backdrop. | Up to 150 guests | Classic beachfront ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception |
| Garden | Open-air garden enveloped by lush greenery — a picturesque alternative to the beach. | Medium | Ceremonies, receptions, or cocktail hours wanting a tropical garden setting rather than open beach |
| Indulgence Beachfront Bliss Exclusive | 6-hour private event — ivory-themed ceremony, private cocktail with 45-min live music, and 4-hour reception with open bar and DJ, directly on the beach. | 50–350 guests | Large-scale celebrations wanting the most complete, fully-produced wedding experience available at any RIU Punta Cana property |
RIU Wedding Collections
All ceremony essentials included at zero package cost when your group meets the room minimum.
- Wedding coordinator support
- Ceremony setup · bouquet and boutonniere
- Recorded music · semi-private dinner
- Wedding cake and sparkling wine (10 guests)
- Romantic room décor · spa gift
- Minister/judge fees not included
All Free Collection inclusions plus a 10% spa discount for the couple.
- Wedding coordinator and setup
- Bouquet and boutonniere
- Recorded music and semi-private dinner
- Wedding cake and sparkling wine (10 guests)
- Romantic room decoration and spa gift
- 10% spa discount (couple only) · minister/judge fees not included
Extends reception to 20 guests with room upgrade and couple's massage.
- All Classic Collection inclusions
- Dinner, cake, and toast for 20 guests
- Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
- Couple's massage and spa gift · 10% spa discount for couple and guests
Full bridal beauty package and breakfast in bed for 40 guests.
- All Royal Collection inclusions
- Dinner, cake, and toast for 40 guests
- Full spa treatment for the couple
- Hairstyling, manicure, and pedicure
- Romantic breakfast in bed and late checkout
- Chocolate-dipped fruit and sparkling wine · minister/judge fees not included
The most complete package — a 6-hour event combining ivory-themed ceremony, private cocktail with live music, and a 4-hour private reception with open bar.
- Upgraded ivory-colored decoration · minister for symbolic ceremony
- Additional bouquet for maid of honor + boutonniere for best man
- Private cocktail + 45-min live music (sax, violin, or solo guitar)
- 4-hour private reception — special menu, open bar, DJ with lighting
- Romantic room decoration and surprise gift
- Room upgrade and late checkout (subject to availability)
- Wedding night turndown — chocolate-covered fruit + sparkling wine
- Photo session credit (pre/post wedding)
- Breakfast in bed for newlyweds · complimentary 1-night anniversary stay
- 50-minute couple's massage · 10% spa discount for couple and guests
Wedding Group Benefits
RIU recognizes a group when 10 or more rooms are booked together. Complimentary nights can be taken as certificates valid for 24 months from the wedding date.
Complimentary Room Nights — 6th Person Free
1 complimentary person for every 5 paid guests. Refunded after travel once the final rooming list is verified.
Room Category Upgrades
1 complimentary upgrade to the next room category for every 10 rooms booked. Unused upgrades have no cash value.
Semi-Private Group Dinner
Semi-private group dinner for up to 40 guests — included with qualifying group bookings.
VIP Arrival Gift
Fruit basket and wine in the room for one VIP guest upon arrival.
Minimum 10 rooms for 3 nights required to qualify. All bookings must be under the group wedding contract.
View current RIU wedding promotions →Resort Amenities
- 24-hour all-inclusive — meals, drinks, room service
- 900+ rooms — main building + 12 exclusive villas
- 3 outdoor pools + dedicated kids pool with slides
- Unlimited complimentary Splash Water World access
- Renova Spa
- RiuLand Kids' Club (ages 4–12)
- RIU Party — free access to pool party events
- Elite Club by RIU premium tier
- Adults-only area with swim-up rooms
- Gym, RIU Fit, golf (surcharge), water sports
What Wedding Guests Will Experience
Caribbean Street (700m)
- Jewelry shops and a photo studio — quick errands for the wedding party
- Pacha discotheque — lively pre- or post-wedding nightlife
- El Cortecito village — local charm just steps away
Water Excursions
- Saona Island day trip — secluded beach + natural pool
- Catamaran snorkeling tours — open bar included
- Deep-sea fishing charters — popular bach group excursion
Shopping & Adventure (5km)
- Shopping center — 5 km from the resort
- Waterpark — 5 km from the resort
- ATV and horseback riding tours — local excursion operators
Frequently Asked Questions
What Couples Say
What Our Couples Say About Their Destination Wedding
Real weddings planned with Vacations For Less
Amanda & Michael
Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort · Mexico
Teresa and the team at Vacations For Less made our destination wedding an absolute dream. With over 350 guests traveling, their organization and attention to detail made everything seamless. From the ceremony to the reception, every moment was flawless.
Lisa & Danny
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort · Mexico
Coordinating travel for our beach wedding group was effortless thanks to Teresa from Vacations For Less. She handled all travel logistics, guest reservations, and details so everyone could relax and enjoy the celebration.
Kevin & Grace
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres · Mexico
Teresa and Anna were incredible throughout our destination wedding planning process. They managed every reservation, transfer, and detail for our guests. Our wedding was absolutely perfect from start to finish.
Request a Quote for Your Riu Palace Punta Cana Wedding
Tell us your target dates, estimated guest count, and whether you're interested in Indulgence Beachfront Bliss. We'll send current pricing, group room rates, and Free Collection eligibility within 24 hours — free, no obligation.
Free consultation · No obligation · Response within 24 hours
Prefer to talk? Call 1-800-200-2423 · Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5:30 PM PT











