Have you ever dreamt of saying “I do” on a cruise ship? Just imagine you standing across from your partner, bathed in the sunset glow, waves crashing in the background. A wedding is quite an important aspect of your life, right? You’d want it to be magnificent and forever etched in your heart. But can you get married on a cruise ship?
Having a cruise ship wedding is now simple and possible with the right planning. You can make your dream come true and make your wedding day memorable. Find out how to plan your dream wedding on a cruise ship with your beloved!
Getting Married on a Cruise Ship: Is It Possible?
Yes, your dream of getting married on a cruise is possible now. You just need to plan and organize the events accordingly. Destination weddings are preferable nowadays, and a cruise wedding is your perfect choice for this!
Why Should You Choose Cruise Weddings?
Many people prefer destination weddings because they want their celebrations to be extraordinary. However, planning a destination wedding can be quite difficult, given the number of venues, food options, guest lists, etc.
Cruise ship weddings offer everything you need in a single place. A great venue, great food, staying options for you and your guests, and a mini honeymoon after the wedding, all of it is possible on a cruise. You can relax and save yourself from the hectic planning of traditional weddings.
How to Get Married on a Cruise Ship
Getting married on a cruise ship is certainly a dream, but what does it actually take? You do need to take certain steps before you can get married on a cruise.
- Decide on the cruise line: All cruises don’t allow marriage ceremonies on them. So, firstly, you need to decide on the cruise line and the ship you want to get married on.
- Select the package: The packages offered by different cruise lines vary based on the venues, the officiant, the decor, the itineraries, and so on. Decide on a package that aligns well with your requirements.
- Plan the wedding: A wedding, especially on a cruise, requires quite a lot of planning! You need to decide on the decor, food options, guest list, and legalities. The legal procedures need to be completed beforehand, and only the ceremony is allowed on the cruise.
- Cost breakdown: Planning your budget is crucial for any wedding. Can you believe that cruise weddings might cost less? Instead of paying for multiple venues, food, and halls separately, you can find everything in one place. This saves you the hassle of breaking down the budget for every tiny detail.
- Guest List: This part might be a bit tricky for you! A lot of guests aren’t allowed at cruise weddings. If you’re having your wedding on embarkation day, then guests who aren’t sailing can attend. The wedding ceremony will take place before the wedding, and the guests are boarded off the ship after.
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Pros and Cons of Getting Married on a Cruise Ship
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What Are Some Key Things to Consider Before Getting Married on a Cruise Ship?
So, you want to get married on a cruise, and it is difficult to find out every detail needed. Don’t worry, we’re going to cover all the important things you need to know about marriage on a cruise!
What is the Difference Between Onboard and In-port Ceremonies?
While considering having a cruise ship wedding, you need to decide whether you want an onboard wedding or an in-port wedding. The main difference between the two is that onboard weddings occur when the ship is either docked or at sea, while in-port weddings take place on land.
In-port weddings allow you to have non-sailing guests present at the wedding, and in some cases, it can also be performed legally. Onboard weddings are always just symbolic. You must complete your legal procedures prior to boarding the ship.
What Is the Estimated Cost for a Cruise Wedding?
The cost usually ranges from $2000 to $7000 for the ceremony, cake, officiant, and decorations. Other things like the reception dinner, staff gratuities, and marriage license fee have additional costs that vary for different cruise lines. Even then, cruise weddings are usually cheaper than traditional ones.
What’s Included in a Normal Cruise Wedding Package?
There are different packages for each cruise line, but usually each package includes a coordinator, officiant, cake, bouquet, venue, and decorations. Other inclusions may require you to pay extra for them.
What Are Some of the Most Romantic Destinations to Get Married At?
The Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Bahamas are the top romantic destinations where you can have an in-port wedding.
What Are the Usual Guest Limits for Cruise Weddings?
The number of guests allowed for cruise weddings is lower than that for traditional weddings. If you prefer a wedding with only a limited number of people, onboard weddings would be better, as they allow 10-20 guests. In-port weddings typically allow you to have 50-200 non-sailing guests. They can attend the wedding at the location before cruising.
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Which Cruise Line Allows You to Get Married Aboard?
There are about ten cruise lines that let you get married aboard. All of them have different procedures and formalities. You can choose the one that aligns with your preferences the most.
Disney Cruise Line
Number of guests: 18 (including a couple).
Average cost: $4000 – $6000.
Legal formalities: Not available; you need to complete the legalities before the cruise.
Shoreside destination: Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (75 guests allowed here).
Who officiates the wedding: The ship captain or a Bohemian official for Castaway Cay.
Carnival Cruise Line
Number of guests: 10-50 (including couple, depending on the package selected).
Average Cost: Signature ceremony: $1799 (10 guests)
It’s a celebration: $2899 (up to 20 guests)
Love ashore: $2659 (50 additional non-sailing guests)
Legal formalities: Both symbolic and legal ceremonies are possible.
Shoreside destination: Love ashore package includes destinations like beaches or gardens.
Who officiates the wedding: The symbolic ceremonies are officiated by the ship captain, and a local officiant handles the legal ceremonies.
Princess Cruises
Number of guests: 2-18 (depending on package).
Average Cost: Perfect Pair (2 guests): $2995 (symbolic), $3495 (legal).
Timeless Ceremony (up to 8 guests): $3995 (symbolic), $4495 (legal).
Timeless Wedding at Sea (up to 18 guests): $5995 (symbolic), $6495 (legal).
Legal formalities: Both symbolic and legal procedures are available for all packages.
Shoreside destination: Their “Ashore” package allows weddings at different exotic ports.
Who officiates the wedding: The ship captain normally, or a local officiant for the Ashore package.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Number of guests: This varies depending on the package.
Average Cost: Onboard wedding: $1100-$1450.
Destination wedding: Cost is higher depending on location.
Legal formalities: Local civil officials officiate the legal ceremony.
Shoreside destination: Venues from Santorini to Jamaica are available.
Who officiates the wedding: A local officiant.
Royal Caribbean International
Number of guests: 10-75 (depending on package).
Average Cost: Intimately Yours (10 guests): $1950.
Vows at Sea (up to 50 guests): $3850.
Embark on Romance (up to 75 non-sailing guests): $5600
Legal formalities: If a marriage license is purchased, legal ceremonies are possible.
Shoreside destination: Scenic destinations like beaches, glaciers, and wineries.
Who officiates the wedding: The ship captain or a local non-denominational officiant.
Celebrity Cruises
Number of guests: 40-200 (depending on package).
Average Cost: Nautical Nuptials at Sea: $2995.
Test the waters: $275 per couple (have a preview of the wedding)
(Onboard ceremonies accommodate up to 200 guests (150 non-sailing). Shoreside ceremonies accommodate guests depending on the rules at the location.
Legal formalities: Legal ceremonies are possible both onboard and shoreside.
Shoreside destination: Scenic destinations like Santorini, Greece, Europe, etc.
Who officiates the wedding: Captain for onboard ceremonies, for shoreside ceremonies, A notary public in America, or a local non-denominational officiant for other ports.
Holland America Line
Number of guests: Depends on venue, embarkation day weddings (150 guests allowed; 100 non-sailing).
Average Cost: Anchors away: $1395.
Renewal of vows: $129.
Legal formalities: The couple must obtain a valid marriage license from the jurisdiction where the ceremony takes place.
Shoreside destination: Half Moon Cay (private island), Santorini, Sydney.
Who officiates the wedding: The ship captain (symbolic ceremonies) or a non-denominational officiant (legal ceremonies).
Cunard Line
Number of guests: 10-50 (depending on venue).
Average Cost: Cunard Ceremony Package: $3600.
Legal formalities: Legal ceremonies are possible.
Shoreside destination: Only onboard ceremonies.
Who officiates the wedding: The ship captain or deputy captain.
MSC Cruises
Number of guests: Up to 8 (including a couple).
Average Cost: Romantic Symbolic Ceremony: $2100.
Iconic Symbolic Ceremony: $3800.
Ocean Cay Symbolic Package: $2800.
Legal formalities: Legal ceremonies are not possible except for ships like MSC Seaside and MSC Divina.
Shoreside destination: Scenic destinations like the Mediterranean, Europe, and Dubai.
Who officiates the wedding: The ship captain.
Virgin Voyages
Number of guests: 2-50 (depending on package).
Average Cost: Tier 1 (couple only): $4000+
Tier 2 (up to 4 guests): $6000+
Tier 3 (up to 50 guests): $8000+
Legal formalities: Only symbolic, legal procedures must be done prior.
Shoreside destination: Only onboard weddings available.
Who officiates the wedding: The ship captain.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a wedding at sea will definitely be a great decision if you want an intimate and special wedding. You can have an unforgettable day with your loved ones at the best venue and cherish it forever. That said, it might not be for everyone, as you need to consider a lot of factors when it comes to cruise weddings. With the right planning, you can have a dreamy yet intimate wedding at sea.
Your Questions Answered!
Is a cruise wedding legally binding?
Well, it depends on the kind of wedding you have. Onboard weddings are usually ceremonial, but in-port ceremonies can sometimes include legal procedures.
Does cruise length matter for a wedding?
A short cruise is best if you want to have a small and budget-friendly wedding. Long cruises last over 7 days, which is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and peaceful experience.
Can I go on a honeymoon cruise after the wedding?
That is the main advantage of cruise weddings. You can actually turn it into a honeymoon after your ceremony.
Sources:
Cruise Weddings & Destination wedding Packages | Royal Caribbean Cruises. (n.d.). Royal Caribbean. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/plan-a-cruise/cruise-weddings
Line, C. C. (n.d.-a). Cruise Weddings and Honeymoons | Carnival Cruise Line. https://www.carnival.com/wedding-cruises
Cruise wedding. Symbolic Weddings | MSC Cruises. (n.d.). https://www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises/special-occasions/symbolic-weddings
Wedding Cruises – Cruise ship weddings & honeymoons. (n.d.). Cruises – Cruise Vacations – Find Best Cruises. https://www.princess.com/en-int/ships-and-experience/celebrations/romance/wedding-cruises
