Wedding on Hideaway Beach, North Coast, Dominican Republic
Ahhh...though as you know, if you spent enough time on my website, I do weddings in Punta Cana and anywhere else in the Dominican Republic, you need to know that Hideaway Beach is a favorite with wedding couples who like a more intimate, more private setting, but don't want to give up luxury either. It totally deserves its name, a little hidden gem you will love if you choose it as your destination wedding "secret." You'll think of it as magical, as I do and most people who have been there and had their wedding there.
The beach is like no other with surf coming in from seemingly miles away and crashing onto a manicured and unspoiled beach. No, it's not an oxymoron; you have to see it to understand, so just take a look at the Hideaway Beach picture gallery. Okay, okay, I admit it, I've got a soft spot for Hideaway Beach. MAZEL TOV if choose it as your wedding destination!
If you wish to have a traditional Jewish wedding at Hideaway Beach, know that I'm fully versed in the traditions of our storied past - you'll read about some lower on this page. That said, if you wish to go a more modern route, well, I'm your Rabbi for that too!
Working with the couples I've married, I have written and conducted special and beautiful wedding ceremonies in the traditional, spiritual, and non-denominational way to be held at Hideaway Beach.
I completely respect that it's your wedding. I will perform it according to your needs and desires. I pride myself on my flexibility in creating a wedding specifically for YOU for any setting.
Traditionial Jewish Wedding Rituals and Customs
Jewish wedding rituals and customs are rich in purpose and significance to marriage. They are among the most soulful and touching marriage traditions. In fact, many of them date back millennia, as they have resulted from established practices described in the Hebrew Bible, many parts of which were written down as early as 922 to 586 BC.
The rites that take place during a traditional Jewish wedding include:
Ketubah: The traditional marriage contract, which is written in ancient Aramaic. It details the obligations of bride and groom and shows that they are mutually supportive. It is signed by the bride and groom and is considered legally binding under Jewish law. The Ketubah is often framed and displayed in the couple’s home.
Bedeken: The bride’s veil is believed to refer specifically to the first meeting of Rebekah and Isaac in Genesis 24:64-65. In this pre-wedding ceremony, the groom covers the face of his bride with her veil, which then legally confirms that she is the woman he will marry.
Chuppah: The cloth wedding canopy, held up by a pole at each of its four corners, dates back at least to the Middle Ages, when weddings were held outdoors and the canopy was used to create a special, separate place for the exchange of vows. It has come to symbolize the new home created by the joining of bride and groom.
Hakafot: The circling of the groom as the bride walks around him seven times represents not only his central role to her life but also the circle of sheltering love she will provide.
Shevah Berakhot: The rabbi recites seven traditional blessings over the newlyweds.
Breaking the Glass: To conclude the ceremony, the groom smashes underfoot a wineglass wrapped in a cloth, after which guests yell “Mazel tov!” (Good luck!). This act may be taken to recall the destruction of the old temple in Jerusalem or the sorrow of Jewish exile; or to represent the fragility of life or the ending of old ways of life for the newly joined couple.
Chair Dance: During the wedding party, it is traditional for strong guests to dance while lifting both bride and groom, each holding one end of a scarf or napkin, into the air seated on chairs. This interpretation of the Talmudic teaching that guests must bring the couple joy literally elevates the couple to the status of queen and king at their celebration.
All of the above symbolize the importance of the husband-wife relationship and their obligations to the marriage union. The Jewish people value their culture of Judaism, and this is reflected in the traditional Jewish wedding ceremony.
Renewal of Vows and Reaffirmation Ceremony
There are many reasons why some couples choose to reaffirm their commitment to each other through a “Renewal of Vows” or “Reaffirmation” ceremony. Maybe you eloped and now want your family and friends to celebrate with you or you want to commemorate a wedding anniversary, or you wish to remind yourselves of what you promised all those years ago.
Or, as most couples who come to Punta Cana to get married do, you got married quietly at home to avoid all the confusing and demanding legalities of getting married here and now wish to have your real ceremony for yourself, your family, and your friends. Shhh...we won't tell and they won't know the difference!
Whatever your reason might be for renewing your vows, I'll be more than happy to work with you to make your special day a highly memorable event indeed!
Hideaway Beach Full Wedding Package
Working with others, I can arrange the catering and the photographer for your Hideaway Beach wedding, as well as officiate. Just Contact us and I'll have my people get in touch with your people, or heck, let's just talk directly to one another and make your day memorable from the wedding ceremony down to the flowers and food and photos. The magical setting is already there, provided by Mother Nature.