Get Married at Sea: Here’s Your Guide to Planning a Nautical Wedding

If you and your partner are passionate about sailing and discovering new destinations, a cruise ship wedding might be the ideal choice for you — complete with numerous built-in perks and amenities. As T+L A-List travel advisor and Q Cruise + Travel president Rob Clabbers notes, “One of the biggest advantages of a wedding at sea is the abundance of amenities and facilities available — though some may come at an additional cost: stunning venues, photographers, musicians, DJs, floral arrangements, wedding coordinators, bars and dining options, and even a salon and spa for your pre-ceremony preparations, not to mention a ‘built-in’ honeymoon.” Whether you envision a cozy elopement or a grand celebration, we consulted multiple experts to cover everything you need to know about cruise weddings, including costs, logistics, accommodations, and more.

Key Insights 

After you've chosen to tie the knot on the water, there are important considerations. Farah Barhorst, a director at Holland America Line, advises that couples should clarify where, when, and how they wish to marry, along with the number of guests. Many cruise lines limit the number of non-sailing guests, so it’s vital to know your guest list. Additionally, couples should think about their preferred wedding site, as guest capacity may vary depending on the destination or port.

As Clabbers points out, it’s essential to understand the marriage laws of both the ship's country of registration and the location where the ceremony will take place. Many cruise ships are registered in places like the Bahamas, Bermuda, or Malta, meaning that specific legal regulations will govern any ceremonies conducted on board in international waters. For instance, certain countries may not allow same-sex weddings, as is the case in the Bahamas and Bermuda.

For these reasons, Keith Willard, a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings, highlights the need for thorough preparation. He emphasizes the significance of obtaining a marriage certificate: the best practice is to secure a marriage license within 60 days of your wedding and take it along. Stacey Johnston, a travel advisor with Marvelous Mouse Travels, agrees, stating that you'll need to arrange your marriage license in advance, depending on your wedding's location and your cruise itinerary.

To sidestep issues with locations and permits, many couples opt for a wedding celebration on a cruise while legally tying the knot elsewhere. For example, on a Holland America Line ship, the captain can officiate a ‘symbolic’ ceremony that holds no legal weight, according to Barhorst. If you’re seeking the experience of a wedding at sea without the complexities, this option might be ideal.

Wedding Packages and Offerings

Clabbers notes that numerous cruise lines providing wedding services offer an array of packages, accommodating ceremonies with anywhere from two to over a hundred guests. These packages may include an officiant, a venue for the celebration, music (live or recorded), cake, beverages like Champagne for guests, a dinner for the couple, and additional perks. To assist engaged couples in setting expectations, we've gathered examples of various packages from different cruise lines.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line presents a selection of wedding packages, such as the Symbolic at Sea Package. According to Barhorst, this package features a non-legal ceremony conducted by the captain or an officer, assistance from onboard and pre-cruise wedding coordinators, recorded music for the ceremony, a commemorative wedding certificate, basic photography services (including one 8” x 10” photo of your choice and a keepsake wedding album), sparkling wine, a nine-inch wedding cake, and a bridal bouquet consisting of a dozen roses along with a matching boutonniere for the groom. The Anchors Away Package offers everything mentioned but includes a legal ceremony led by a non-denominational officiant, plus priority check-in for the couple during embarkation. For couples seeking a genuine destination wedding, the Ashore Package allows them to officially wed on a beach, in a garden, or at a glacier, as stated by Barhorst. This package includes a seasonal bridal bouquet and boutonniere, along with pre-cruise and ashore wedding coordinators to ensure a seamless experience.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises provides three unique packages through its Princess Perfect Weddings department. The Perfect Pair Package accommodates the couple and up to two guests, while the ceremony-only Timeless Ceremony at Sea package is designed for the couple and up to eight guests. Finally, the Timeless Wedding at Sea package is the most elaborate option, featuring a ceremony and reception for the couple and up to 18 guests, along with additional perks like salon services and specialty dining reservations for the bride and groom. Each of these Princess packages includes fresh floral arrangements, photography, and an indoor or outdoor ceremony officiated by the ship’s captain.

Margaritaville at Sea

Margaritaville at Sea debuted in April 2022, offering sun-soaked sailings from Palm Beach and Tampa. It features three well-named wedding packages: Paradise, Elation, and Bliss. The Paradise package is the most luxurious, including live music, comprehensive photography services, and an upgraded venue with stunning panoramic views. Elation serves as the mid-tier option, providing a reception dinner, DJ services, and ceremony photography, while Bliss is the simplest package designed for intimate gatherings. All three options grant couples benefits such as a dedicated wedding coordinator, an officiant, a keepsake wedding certificate, a bridal bouquet with a matching boutonniere, priority check-in, a dinner at the onboard steakhouse, and a wedding cake.

Royal Caribbean

This expansive cruise line features four wedding packages, including the Vows at Sea Package, which lets couples select from various onboard venues and includes a dinner for two at a specialty restaurant, a bottle of sparkling wine, special decorations in the stateroom, and more. With the Embark on Romance Package, you can invite both sailing and non-sailing guests to witness your nuptials on embarkation day, encompassing many of the same amenities as well as priority check-in for the couple. The most compact at-sea option, Intimately Yours, offers a ceremony for the couple and up to 10 guests, while the Destinations I Do package is perfect for those seeking an exceptional land backdrop for their wedding. With Destinations I Do, couples can choose to marry either onboard or on land while the ship is docked, with transportation provided for the on-land venue.

Carnival Cruise Line

Another prominent cruise line, Carnival offers three distinct wedding packages. The Signature Ceremony is the smallest option but still provides a wealth of benefits: a ceremony for up to 10 guests (including the couple), pre-recorded music for the ceremony, a pre-cruise wedding planner, priority embarkation assistance, a local officiant, a keepsake wedding certificate, a cake, a sparkling wine toast, photography (including a canvas print), shipboard decorations, and a honeymoon dinner for the newlyweds. Service charges, covering gratuities, are also included. For those wishing to host a reception onboard after the ceremony, the It’s a Celebration! package accommodates a minimum of 20 guests, including the couple. Alternatively, couples can say “I do” off the ship with the Love Ashore package, offering a picturesque beach or garden ceremony. For added luxuries, the Diamond Enhancement Package can be added, featuring perks like a mimosa breakfast, chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to the couple’s stateroom, a bottle of bubbly, a 30-minute couples massage, and more.

Disney Cruise Line

For a wedding that feels like a fairy tale at sea, Disney Cruise Line is the perfect choice. Their standard cruise ceremony package accommodates up to 16 guests (not including the couple), with additional food and drink services, floral arrangements, and entertainment available for an extra fee. Couples also have the option to tie the knot off the ship at Disney’s private paradise, Castaway Cay. For more details, including specific venue choices, visit the Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons website.

Planning the Ceremony and Reception

As mentioned earlier, many cruise lines provide wedding coordinators to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, allowing you and your fiancé to relax and enjoy the joyous atmosphere. When it comes to the ceremony and available venues, Clabbers notes, “There can be quite a variety.” For instance, “Some ships feature a dedicated chapel or space for weddings, while others might utilize a lounge, restaurant, or private room.” Since options differ by cruise line and the specific package you choose, it’s wise to research wedding package offerings online or contact the company directly.

The same applies to receptions, according to Allison DePesa, a travel advisor with Marvelous Mouse Travels. For example, “You might choose a dinner in a specialty restaurant or a more lavish setting in the main dining room, which would provide ample space for guests and a DJ.” Willard also advises couples to keep in mind that the timing of their onboard reception will largely depend on the cruise line’s availability, potentially occurring between 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., or even 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He explains, “A traditional five-hour event, including a one-hour ceremony on the cruise between 5 p.m. and midnight, is rarely feasible for groups larger than 20 people.”

Guest Accommodations and Activities

Great news: Couples who choose to marry on a cruise can enjoy discounts and various perks. DePesa explains, “By booking as few as eight cabins, you qualify as a group with most cruise lines. This means you can receive discounted rates, onboard credits, cocktail parties, and more, depending on the number of staterooms reserved.” Barhorst adds that similar benefits are available with Holland America, stating that if a couple books eight staterooms for their wedding party, they can be “eligible for a complimentary upgrade to a higher stateroom category, even up to Suite level.”

Johnston advises that when organizing your room block, it’s wise to provide multiple category options — she suggests reserving balcony, oceanview, and interior staterooms — as wedding guests may have differing budgets. Willard also mentions, “Unlike hotel room blocks, cruise rates can fluctuate for guests, making it crucial to book early” since “the sooner you book, the better the price tends to be.” Just remember to keep an eye on cut-off dates; some cruise lines may deactivate contracted room-block rates and links a certain period before the sailing (like 90 days), meaning guests who book afterward will need to find their own staterooms.

Regarding onboard activities and programming, Willard points out that “there are ample opportunities for shared group experiences.” For instance, “Dining in the main dining hall can accommodate groups of up to 20 people per table,” while groups of 30 or more might be able to reserve entire private sections of the dining room. On the other hand, cruising is also advantageous because every group member — or wedding party guest — can pursue their own activities without adhering to a rigid schedule. Some may prefer to relax by the pool or unwind in the spa, while others could take advantage of onboard attractions like escape rooms, laser tag, waterslides, and more, depending on the specific cruise line and ship.

Budgeting 

While standard wedding packages vary based on the cruise line and guest count, Clabbers notes that they can “range from around $2,000 to $5,000 and beyond,” a sentiment echoed by most advisors we consulted.

That being said, budget-savvy couples can discover several options under $2,000, such as the Signature Ceremony package on Carnival and the Symbolic at Sea package on Holland America Line, both priced at $1,800. Additionally, Holland America Line may impose “seasonal price surcharges of $100 to $200 during peak wedding times and holidays, like Christmas Day, Valentine's Day, and the start of summer,” according to Barhorst. While some packages designed for intimacy may limit the number of guests, it’s often possible to add extra guests for a per-person fee. Be sure to ask about any additional charges, especially for on-shore events.

When planning your cruise wedding budget, keep in mind that “the costs for legal documentation and permits are additional and should be arranged well in advance — ideally at least 90 days prior,” advises Clabbers. Sue Allen, a travel consultant at Destination Weddings Travel Group & Celebration Travel, echoes this, noting that “legal weddings incur an extra fee” compared to symbolic (or non-legal) ceremonies.

According to the expert, “Marriage license fees for destination weddings typically range from $200 to $700,” while a maritime license fee for ceremonies onboard is approximately $900. Allen also warns couples about the potential for non-refundable deposits. Although the initial cruise cost may seem lower, “if unforeseen circumstances arise and you cannot travel, you will lose your deposit or incur a fee to alter your travel dates.” Therefore, it’s always advisable to consider purchasing cruise insurance.

Lastly, DePesa reminds couples that “the wedding fee does not cover the cost of the cruise itself.” In fact, cruise fares can fluctuate significantly based on the season, length of the itinerary, and cruise line. If you’re not sailing with a truly all-inclusive line, expect to pay extra for services like Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and alcoholic drinks. Additionally, remember to account for airfare if you’re flying to the embarkation and disembarkation ports.

Tips for Planning a Cruise Wedding

Reserve early and plan thoughtfully.

To lock in the best rates for your stateroom block, Johnston suggests starting your planning as early as possible. Willard concurs, advising T+L that budget-conscious couples should aim to create their block at least a year in advance. Additionally, he mentions, "Most cruise lines will offer incentives as well."

As part of your planning, DePesa recommends that couples “gather an idea of your guest list, understand who can travel with you, assess budget constraints, and identify the best time of year” to ensure you choose a sailing that meets both your and your loved ones’ needs and preferences.

Stay flexible and trust your coordinator.

“When organizing a wedding at sea, it's wise to maintain an open mind,” Barhorst advises. This approach goes hand-in-hand with placing your trust in the cruise wedding planner. By doing so, she says, “it will be less stressful (and easier) for [the couple] to enjoy their time together during the cruise.”

Understand the legal aspects.

As previously highlighted, the legal requirements and specifics of a cruise wedding can vary significantly based on the ship's registration, the ports of call, and other factors. Keeping this in mind, DePesa encourages couples to invest time in researching and understanding the legal obligations to see if “a symbolic ceremony might simplify matters.”

Consider if a cruise wedding is right for you.

Before diving into booking a cruise wedding, it’s essential to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to determine if this style of nuptials is genuinely what you desire. Furthermore, Willard points out that “a cruise wedding isn't solely about you aside from the ceremony itself.” Instead, “it’s about the shared experience, and your guests might find other activities more appealing on different days.” He also warns that cruise weddings may lead to fewer guests RSVPing due to time commitments, budget limitations, and other factors.

If you choose to proceed with a cruise wedding, Barhorst advises that “it’s wise to manage the wedding party’s expectations, as the dynamics of cruise weddings differ from traditional ceremonies.”