Cruise weddings have become an increasingly popular option for couples looking for a memorable celebration. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the glittering vastness of the ocean, with the gentle murmur of the waves as a witness to your commitment. Cruise lines have understood the romantic potential of their ships and offer unique wedding services to make this day even more special.

Types of Weddings on a Cruise

This dream wedding on the open sea is a legally recognized ceremony performed on board by the captain. The validity of the marriage depends on the legislation of the country in which the ship is registered.

Symbolic Wedding

Due to marriage license rules in some destinations, a legal marriage is not always possible. The couple marries before the cruise, and then organize a wedding ceremony at sea, performed by an officer or staff member of the ship.

Wedding at the port

In this format, the wedding ceremony and reception take place directly on board the ship, before the arrival of the regular passengers. Once the ceremony and reception is over, the participants leave the ship before it departs, while the bride and groom stay on board for their honeymoon. Some or all of the participants may stay on board and accompany the couple on the cruise. This allows you to get married in a port in your country of residence and simplifies the process. It will also allow people who can’t afford to pay for the cruise trip to attend your wedding. However, the number of people who will not be taking part in the cruise that you can invite for the ceremony may be limited.

Destination Wedding

The couple celebrates their wedding on land in a specific port of their itinerary, having taken care to validate the rules regarding the validity of the marriage in that destination. Most of the wedding guests are also present on the cruise. This option also allows religious weddings.

Services offered by cruise lines for weddings

  • Wedding coordination service
  • Celebration of the marriage by an officer
  • Chapel or wedding hall
  • Room decoration and flowers
  • Music
  • Wedding cake
  • Organization of a cocktail and a meal in a private room
  • Wedding photography service
  • Hairdresser
  • Access to the spa for the bride and groom and guests

The services of a travel advisor will be very useful in planning the trip and negotiating with the cruise line. It is important to validate the number of people who will want to accompany you on the cruise and the budget they can devote to it. If you book more than 8 or 10 cabins, your travel advisor may be able to negotiate certain benefits.

Important Things to Consider When Planning Your Wedding at Sea

  • Rule to have your marriage legally validated in your country of residence
  • Rules for marriage in the destination country
  • Required documents: Passports, birth certificate, divorce certificate, affidavit of celibacy, translation of all documents
  • Number of witnesses required depending on the destination