Cruise Weddings: Everything You Should Know About Saying 'I Do' on the Water

Considering a wedding at sea? Cruise weddings offer a range of benefits, including a dedicated planner and a built-in honeymoon—ideal for couples seeking a more intimate celebration. Cruise ships are also great for elopements. But before you commit, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of this unique wedding option.

Imagine a cruise ship as your wedding venue on the water, with all the amenities you could need—meals, drinks, and lodging for your guests. You'll have the flexibility to host pre-wedding events like a cocktail hour, a spa day, and a brunch the next day. Plus, with professional staff on board, including photographers, bakers, and DJs, you'll be able to enjoy stunning wedding photos with the vast ocean as your backdrop.

"Cruise weddings are for everyone," says Liz Bernal, a travel planner who specializes in cruise-based nuptials. "They’re not just for first-timers, but also for those on their second or third marriages."

If you're thinking of exchanging vows on a cruise, remember that it’s not all about 'Love Boat' fantasy. You'll need to make key decisions such as whether to marry at sea or at a port, and understand how these choices affect your guest list, cancellation policies, and the legalities of your ceremony. One of the biggest decisions is whether or not to invite friends and family to join you on your honeymoon.

Before committing to a cruise ship wedding, use this guide to determine if it’s the right choice for you and to help you navigate the logistics of tying the knot at sea.

Should I exchange vows on the ship or at a port destination?

One of the first decisions couples must make is whether to hold their ceremony on embarkation day, while at sea, or in a port during a stopover.

"Most couples choose to tie the knot on embarkation day, allowing their non-sailing guests to join the ceremony on the ship," says Matt Lupoli of Carnival Cruise Line media relations. This option lets you invite family and friends without needing to have them on the cruise, while also enjoying a private honeymoon—without the extra company of your in-laws or best man.

Another favored choice is to marry while the ship is at sea. This gives you more time and flexibility compared to an embarkation day wedding, and allows you to enjoy all the ship's activities or time in port without rushing.

A potential downside of a wedding at sea is that weather conditions like high winds or rain may force the ceremony indoors, and you'll need to work around the ship's schedule for venue availability, including other weddings. Additionally, if you want to invite guests, they'll need to book the full cruise (or you'll have to cover their cabin costs).

One unique perk of an at-sea wedding is the opportunity to have the ship's captain marry you, available on select cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Cunard, and Royal Caribbean when sailing in international waters. While your photos will be unforgettable, keep in mind that unless the captain is also a judge, notary public, or minister, the ceremony will be symbolic, not legally binding.

The final option is getting married at a cruise line's private island or during a port stop abroad. You could add a local touch to your ceremony, like reggae music in Ocho Rios or giving guests leis in Honolulu. However, a wedding in port means you can't control every detail, such as having a ceremony on a public beach.

One thing is certain: The Caribbean's sun-kissed ports remain a top destination for couples looking to say 'I do.'

"We're seeing more weddings on the islands, whether the couple's entire group is sailing with them or meeting up on the islands," Bernal shared.

Is it legal to get married on a cruise ship?

The short answer is yes, in most cases. However, you'll need to ensure all your paperwork is in order well before the big day.

If you're tying the knot on embarkation day at a U.S. port like Miami, Seattle, New Orleans, or Fort Lauderdale, you can bring your own officiant to perform a legal ceremony, just like at any land-based wedding venue. For ceremonies during the cruise, a local notary public (in U.S. ports) or a non-denominational officiant (in international ports) will make the ceremony official.

No need to stress about finding an officiant in places like Jamaica or the Bahamas—the cruise line's wedding planners will handle that for you.

Once you've secured an officiant, what about the marriage license? Each country has specific requirements for both in-port and at-sea weddings, and the cruise line's wedding team will guide you through the process and help you obtain the necessary paperwork. For instance, to marry in the Bahamas while the ship is docked, you'll need to acquire a marriage license from the country, which can take up to 90 days. In U.S. ports, however, you only need a license from the state you’re married in.

How many guests can attend a cruise wedding?

Cruise weddings can vary greatly in size, from small, intimate ceremonies with just 10 guests to larger weddings with 25 to 40 attendees, or even more. However, cruise lines do set limits based on venue size. Generally, the maximum capacity for a cruise wedding is about 150 guests.

Carnival typically hosts weddings of various sizes. "The average guest count is around 40, but we accommodate weddings of all sizes—whether it's just the couple or large celebrations," Lupoli said.

Can I invite guests who won’t be joining us on the cruise?

In addition to the total guest count, each cruise line has specific regulations regarding how many non-sailing guests can attend your embarkation-day wedding. For instance, Royal Caribbean permits up to 75 wedding guests to visit the ship for the ceremony but they must leave before the ship sets sail.

Shoreside ceremonies—held at a port of call on the ship's itinerary—also allow nonsailing guests, but capacity is usually limited. Venues at the port can only accommodate so many people. This option can be tricky since you're typically only in port for a single day. What if a guest's flight is delayed? They might miss the ceremony entirely.

Despite these challenges, Bernal observes a growing trend in the Caribbean. "Guests will often fly to the island, meet the couple there, and stay for a few days," she says. "It's also possible for non-guests to board the ship at a port of call, but more commonly, couples choose to leave the ship and get married on the beach."

"The usual practice for in-port weddings is to have the entire group sail together," she says, rather than having guests fly in just for the ceremony.

Which cruise lines offer weddings, and how do I choose the right one?

Most major cruise lines offer wedding services, but one notable exception is Viking, which does not provide weddings on its ships.

The key is selecting a ship that fits your personal style and offers the amenities you want. However, a few cruise lines are particularly known for their excellent wedding packages.

Princess Cruises made history as the first cruise line to offer legal marriages performed by the captain while at sea.

Princess Cruises offers three distinct wedding packages — the Perfect Pair Wedding, the Timeless Ceremony at Sea (ceremony only), and the Timeless Wedding at Sea (ceremony and reception). Each package includes all the essentials for a flat fee, and a registry is available so guests can help enhance the honeymoon experience. (Note that legal weddings at sea are unavailable on Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, and Majestic Princess.)

Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises offer family-friendly amenities like waterslides and expansive kids' clubs, making them great choices for couples planning to invite guests of all ages. Royal Caribbean offers four wedding packages for weddings at sea with sailing guests, embarkation-day ceremonies with both sailing and nonsailing guests, portside events worldwide, and elopements for the couple or up to 10 guests. MSC also has four wedding packages, including ceremonies on its private destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

True to its theme parks, Disney offers Fairy Tale Weddings aboard its ships. Disney Cruise Line has six venues to choose from, including indoor and outdoor options on its ships (accommodating up to 40 guests) and at Castaway Cay (the private island in the Bahamas, which can host up to 75 guests). You can even have Mickey and Minnie join the ceremony for photos or opt for a Dole Whip unity ceremony, as one couple did.

The festive spirit of Carnival "Fun Ships" makes them a natural fit for a cruise wedding. "People meet, get engaged, marry, and renew their vows on Carnival ships," said Lupoli. "Our weddings and vow renewals are an extension of how couples love to experience cruising with Carnival, and our experienced planners ensure every celebration is unforgettable for couples and their loved ones."

Instead of fixed wedding packages, Azamara offers personalized wedding experiences tailored to each couple. Availability is subject to your itinerary, as local laws in different countries and ports may apply. Azamara does offer a vow renewal package, including the ceremony, a romantic dinner for two, a sparkling wine toast, and other special touches.

Additionally, Margaritaville at Sea presents three wedding packages that include a dedicated wedding coordinator, an officiant, a three-tier cake, a bridal bouquet, a matching boutonniere for the groom, and several other services. The packages also feature a celebratory margarita toast for the newlyweds (naturally).

Windstar Cruises offers an intimate, yacht-style experience that attracts many couples planning a cruise elopement, whether it's just the couple or a small group of guests. Many couples enjoy the chic, laid-back atmosphere of getting married on a private yacht, where the focus is on gourmet dining, relaxing on the deck, and exploring new destinations, rather than large-scale ship activities like rock climbing and shows.

Virgin Voyages has announced plans to host weddings on all its ships. Starting this fall, Sailors (as the line calls its guests) will be able to book their wedding for April 2025 and beyond. To mark the occasion, Virgin Voyages held three weddings on the Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Scarlet Lady, all officiated by Sir Richard Branson himself. Although Virgin has not yet released the details on wedding packages and prices, updates will follow as they become available.

What are some examples of cruise wedding packages?

The specific details of wedding packages depend on the cruise line, whether the wedding is at sea or in port, and the type of package you choose.

Wedding coordinators and event managers are included with all cruise wedding packages, simplifying the planning process. These professionals will assist in finalizing details ahead of time, ensuring you can enjoy a stress-free experience on board. For instance, Windstar offers two wedding packages, the Starstruck Romance Package and Starstruck Romance Plus, both of which include an onboard "Romance Director" to help manage all the finer points. Some cruise lines even collaborate with third-party planners who specialize in cruise weddings.

Typically, most cruise wedding packages feature a private, dedicated venue for the ceremony, a photographer, floral arrangements, and a private reception space, whether you're planning a simple cake-cutting or a full plated meal. Some packages may also include Champagne for a celebratory toast to the newlyweds.

Optional add-ons may come with additional fees, such as videography, photography, or live entertainment for the ceremony or reception. For example, Carnival Cruise Line charges over $150 for certain musical options to accompany your celebration.

"We begin with a package and customize your ceremony to reflect your unique vision," said Bernal. "There are countless possibilities."

Bernal shares that one couple arranged a spectacular fireworks display off the coast of Puerto Rico and coordinated with the cruise line to halt the ship in the middle of the ocean for the best view. It’s becoming increasingly common for couples to schedule multiple events aboard the ship during the wedding week. Examples include whiskey tastings, afternoon teas, bachelorette parties, or intimate private dinners for guests the day after the wedding.

How much will a cruise wedding set you back?

On average, a cruise wedding will cost you about $7,000, according to GroupTravel.org. This is significantly more affordable than the typical land wedding, which averages around $30,000. Your final cost will depend on the cruise line, the package you select, and any additional options or upgrades you choose.

For a more budget-friendly option, Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises offer wedding packages starting around $1,799. If you're looking for something more upscale, Cunard's Ceremony Package begins at $3,600. Remember, these prices only cover the wedding itself — you'll still need to pay for your cruise fare, and your guests will have their own costs too.

The advantage of these all-inclusive wedding packages is that you’ll know exactly how much your wedding at sea will cost upfront, so there are no surprise expenses down the line.

How far in advance should I schedule my wedding?

To give your guests plenty of time to book their cabins, flights, and take advantage of early-bird pricing, the sooner you book, the better. Booking far in advance can also help your guests secure their preferred room categories and locations. Keep in mind that cruise ships only allow a limited number of weddings each week, so booking early is key to securing your spot.

However, booking well in advance comes with some risks. The further ahead you plan, the more likely it is that the itinerary could change, or a ship might be taken out of service. Instead of promoting specific destinations like Aruba or focusing on a particular ship, it’s best to let guests know it’s a Caribbean cruise — flexibility will be important.

Bottom line

If you’re not comfortable being the center of attention, a cruise wedding might not be your ideal choice. Expect plenty of eyes on you as you make your way down the aisle, both on the ship and in port. Additionally, this type of wedding may not suit couples looking to invite a large crowd or those who want total freedom in selecting vendors for things like catering, photography, cakes, flowers, or entertainment.

For those looking for a simple, no-stress wedding, a cruise offers the perfect solution. Cruise weddings are ideal for couples who prefer a small, intimate ceremony and want the convenience of having all the details handled by the cruise line.

Then there’s the honeymoon. Many couples choose to use their cruise as a romantic getaway, eliminating the need for additional planning. However, if your guests are also joining the cruise, privacy might become an issue. Consider how you’ll balance time alone with family and friends if you want to maintain some intimacy during your romantic trip.

If sharing your honeymoon with extended family sounds less than ideal, an embarkation-day wedding might be a better option. You’ll get to say goodbye to your guests after the reception, although your ceremony on the pier may not offer the same sweeping ocean views as an onboard wedding.

In the end, if you're seeking a hassle-free, all-in-one wedding experience with a built-in honeymoon, tying the knot at sea, in port, or ashore might be exactly the kind of celebration you're dreaming of.