Kukua Beach Club is one of the most popular off resort venues in Punta Cana and is the one we know and love best! We have photographed dozens of weddings there over the years and we’re happy to share our first hand knowledge with couples deciding where to host their wedding in Punta Cana. Kukua is an elegant beach club right on the sand and has a very private feel that sets it apart from the busy public beaches and the big all inclusive resorts. Their inhouse team handles planning, design, flowers and catering, working closely with couples to really personalize their day! Here we’ll walk you through where you get ready, how the day flows and how we photograph it.
Why Couples Choose Kukua for Their Wedding
Here’s what our Kukua wedding couples have said were the main reasons they chose this venue:
- Boutique venue with a more personalized feel: Kukua photographs more like a destination wedding magazine than a typical all inclusive resort setting. And working with an offsite venue offers you a lot more flexibility to really personalize your day instead of a resort’s cookie cutter wedding day plan.
- Private beach club rather than a busy resort: Your day feels more intimate and there’s no other noisy resort guests wandering around!
- Their onsite team handles everything!: From planning and design to florals and catering, Kukua’s awesome team of professionals are experts in everything weddings!
- Compact layout: Your ceremony, photos and reception all happen within a few steps so the day stays relaxed without the stress of having to transfer to different locations.
Ceremony Locations at Kukua
Kukua offers two main settings for your ceremony:
- Bavaro Beach: the classic beach ceremony with vows on the soft white sand and the Caribbean sea right behind you. Kukua also has a large, clear vinyl tent for the reception area to provide some cover for guests in the case of any tropical showers.
- The Palapa: a covered, more structured space for couples who want shade and a ceremony location even more private than the beach. The Palapa is also a great plan B in case of any weather changes. If it rains, the ceremony or reception can move under the palapa without losing the beachfront feel.
At Kukua, the bridal suite is on the second floor of the venue and it is a genuinely comfortable place to start your day getting ready with your loved ones! It has mirrors and plenty of room to get dressed, have your hair and makeup done, and enjoy the morning with your bridesmaids. The groom usually uses the palapa to change and get ready before the ceremony, which works out great for his getting ready photos!
Part of what makes a Kukua wedding run smoothly is the team on the ground! Maite, who runs the venue, has years of experience and consistently puts together spectacular decor and setups. During the booking process you will usually be in touch with Rachel, who is lovely to work with and quick to answer every question along the way. Knowing the people on site makes a real difference on the day and the team at Kukua are amazing!
What a Kukua Wedding Day Looks Like
A Kukua wedding usually centers on the late afternoon. The light softens with the sunset and newlywed photos are done along the sand by the ocean while guests gather around the pool for cocktail hour. As the sky darkens, the dinner reception begins with the Caribbean sea as the backdrop. Because the venue is private, the day feels relaxed and there are no long walks between locations. That privacy is one of the things couples value most here. Unlike resort areas open to the public, you will not have curious beachgoers wandering through your vows or strangers in the background of your photos.
Best Time of Year for a Kukua Wedding
Punta Cana is best between November and April when the weather is dry and sunny with the kind of late afternoon light that the venue’s design takes full advantage of. May to July is still a good time for a wedding with shorter rain showers and slightly lower pricing for rooms and flights. We avoid recommending August to October without insurance for international guests due to the Caribbean hurricane season even though most days there’s not a cloud in the sky.
Photographing Weddings at Kukua
Kukua allows couples to bring their own photographer and does not charge any outside vendor fee, which is a great advantage and big savings for your budget! As Punta Cana wedding photographers, we’ve photographed dozens of weddings at this venue, so we know the best spots for each moment of the day, how the light changes across the property and how to keep the timeline running smoothly from getting ready to the final dance so you can fully enjoy your special day while we capture it all. Take a look at our wedding photography packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kukua Weddings
Does Kukua charge an outside vendor fee for photography?
No, Kukua does not charge an outside vendor fee for photography which is a huge saving for your budget!
How many guests fit at Kukua?
Kukua works well for intimate to midsized weddings comfortably fitting up to 80 guests for a seated dinner, more for cocktail style events. The venue is private and relaxed which is part of why couples choose it over a large resort.
Can we host both the ceremony and reception at Kukua?
Yes. The ceremony on the beach or under the palapa, newlywed photos around the venue at sunset and a reception dinner with the Caribbean sea as the backdrop, all within just a few steps.
Is there a getting ready space at Kukua?
Yes, Kukua has a beautiful, private, air conditioned bridal room that is included with your wedding booking. The groom usually gets ready in the Palapa when it’s not being used for the ceremony, or at their resort if it is, and we cover both of your getting-ready locations!
Where do most Kukua couples stay?
Kukua is located right in the heart of Bavaro so most couples and their guests stay at one of the surrounding resorts. The drive to and from Kukua is only a few minutes from several resorts which is why this venue works wonderfully for guests traveling internationally.
Our Kukua Wedding Gallery
We have photographed full weddings at Kukua. See a real Kukua wedding from start to finish:
Ready to Plan Your Kukua Wedding?
If Kukua’s modern beach club vibe is what you’re dreaming of for your wedding day, then send us your date and a short note about what you are envisioning and we’ll get back within 24 hours with availability and our wedding package options.
Planning Your Kukua Wedding
Kukua is close to the several Bavaro resorts so your guests can stay anywhere and still reach it easily. It’s perfect for intimate weddings and mid sized celebrations. For more tips to help you plan your perfect day, our free destination wedding guide walks you through exactly what to expect.