Carnival Vow Renewal: Using Wedding Packages For Your Special Day

Carnival Cruise Line offers wedding packages for couples looking for a unique wedding experience. The cruise line also offers vow renewal packages for couples who want to reaffirm their commitment. The packages include everything from wedding planning to the ceremony and honeymoon. The ceremonies can be held on embarkation day, at sea, on the ship in a destination, or on land in a destination. The cruise line offers a range of enhancements to make the day more memorable, such as a couple's massage, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a Carnival Weddings Exclusive Beach Kit. The cost of the wedding package does not include cruise fare, and it is recommended to book at least 60 business days in advance.

Vow renewals at sea are not legally binding

Vow renewals are a beautiful way to honor your relationship and recommit to your spouse. They are usually held on milestone wedding anniversaries, but there is no "right" reason to host a marriage vow renewal. It is a chance to go back to the basics with your spouse and remind them of the love and dedication that brought you together.

Vow renewals at sea are a popular option for couples, with cruise lines offering various packages to suit different budgets and preferences. These packages typically include a cruise line officiant (sometimes the captain), cake, music, flowers, champagne, photography, and the services of an event planner. While these ceremonies are a convenient, romantic, and stress-free option, it is important to note that they are not legally binding.

At-sea marriages and vow renewals are symbolic in nature and have no legal or binding effect. This is because vow renewals are considered a symbolic ceremony with no legal requirements to fulfill. Since they are not legally binding, there is no need for another marriage license. Couples can exchange vows, recalling their original promises and adding new ones if they wish.

While the ceremony structure is flexible, it typically includes an exchange of vows, readings by children, close relatives, or friends, ceremony music, and an exchange of rings. The ship's captain may officiate the ceremony and sign a certificate to seal the deal, but this is not a legal marriage certificate. The focus of a vow renewal at sea is on the couple's commitment and love for each other, rather than the legal aspects of marriage.

Overall, a vow renewal at sea is a memorable and romantic way to celebrate a relationship, without the legal implications of a wedding.

The ship's captain can officiate vow renewals

Carnival Cruise Line offers two vow renewal packages, which are performed by the ship's captain while at sea. The basic package is priced at $825 and includes a ceremony performed by the ship's captain, a certificate signed by the captain, a sparkling wine toast, a single rose for the wife, a matching boutonnière for the husband, recorded ceremony music, and a wedding photograph. This package accommodates up to eight guests, including the celebrating couple, with additional guests incurring a $14 fee per person.

The deluxe package, priced at $1,450, includes all the amenities of the basic package, plus a reception with a one-hour open bar and hot and cold canapés. This package accommodates up to 20 guests, with additional guests incurring a $30 fee per person.

Carnival Cruise Line recommends booking your cruise before booking your vow renewal package. You must book your vow renewal package at least 60 business days before sailing, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

While the legality of a ship captain officiating a vow renewal ceremony varies by jurisdiction, Carnival Cruise Line's ships registered in the Bahamas and Malta can offer these services.

Carnival offers two vow renewal packages

The second package is designed for couples who want to celebrate with a larger group of friends and family. This package includes a private shipboard venue, priority embarkation assistance, a longer ceremony, and a honeymoon dinner for the couple. It also offers additional services such as photography, decorations, and a canvas print.

Both packages provide a unique and memorable way to renew your vows, with the stunning backdrop of the ocean or a picturesque island location. Carnival's professional staff will take care of the details, ensuring that your special day is stress-free and enjoyable.

For those seeking a truly customised experience, Carnival also offers enhancements to their packages. These include a couple's breakfast with mimosas, chocolate-covered strawberries, a Beach Kit, and a 30-minute couple's massage. With these options, couples can create an even more personalised and luxurious event.

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To start planning your vow renewal, you can contact Carnival's Wedding Department, who will guide you through the process. They recommend booking your cruise first and then confirming the availability of your desired wedding date, time, and location with their team. Their planners will work with you to bring your vision to life and ensure that your special day is everything you hoped for and more.

Vow renewals include wine, music, cake and more

Carnival Cruise Line offers a vow renewal package that includes wine, music, cake and more. The package is designed to be a fun and memorable way to celebrate your special occasion. It includes a ceremony performed by the ship's captain, while at sea, followed by a reception with music, a cake, and a sparkling wine toast. The package also includes a honeymoon dinner for the couple, photography services, and a keepsake wedding certificate. Additionally, you can choose to add on a diamond enhancement package that includes extras such as a couple's continental breakfast, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a 30-minute couple's massage.

• Involve your loved ones: Include your family and friends in the ceremony to celebrate their support. You can involve them in various ways, such as having your children walk you down the aisle or asking your best friends to do a reading.
• Symbolic gestures: Incorporate symbolic elements like unity candles or a sand ceremony to add meaning to your vows. These rituals represent the merging of two lives and families.
• Personal touches: Add personal touches to the ceremony, such as exchanging vows in a spot that holds a special memory or serving your signature cocktail. You can also incorporate your shared passions, experiences, and aesthetic choices into the theme and vibe of the event.
• Music and entertainment: Create a playlist of meaningful songs or hire a band or DJ to perform your favourite music genre.
• Food and drinks: Serve a meal or your favourite drinks to your guests. If you're having a small gathering, you could even ask your guests to bring a dish to create a potluck reception.
• Decorations and venue: Decorate your venue with flowers, photos, and mementos of your relationship. You can also choose a venue that holds a special meaning for you, such as your home or a place that holds a significant memory.

Vow renewals can be customised to fit your budget

Renewing your vows is a wonderful way to celebrate your love and commitment to your partner. Whether you're planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, it's important to keep in mind that vow renewals can be customised to fit your budget. Here are some ideas to make your vow renewal special while staying within your financial means:

Choose a Venue That Suits Your Budget

The venue you choose for your vow renewal can have a significant impact on your budget. Consider holding the ceremony and reception at home or in a public garden, park, or community space. These options can be more affordable and provide a unique and personalised setting for your celebration. If you're a member of a church, you may also be able to use their facilities at no additional cost.

Keep Catering Simple

Catering can be one of the biggest expenses in any celebration. To stay within your budget, consider providing light refreshments instead of a full meal. Finger foods, such as sandwiches, canapes, or a variety of salads, can be a more affordable option. If you want to include a main course, opt for budget-friendly and filling options like pasta with a simple sauce.

Get Creative with Decorations and Flowers

Decorations and flowers can add up quickly, but there are ways to keep costs down. Consider using potted flowers from your local nursery or placing single flowers in assorted vases on each table. You can also ask friends and family to borrow vases or decorations to create a beautiful setting without breaking the bank.

Music and Entertainment

Music is an integral part of any celebration, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Create a playlist of your favourite songs and use a portable Bluetooth speaker to fill the space with music. If you have access to a good sound system through your church or venue, that can be a great way to save on entertainment costs.

Personalise Your Favours

Favours are a thoughtful way to thank your guests for joining your celebration. Get creative and make your own favours, such as homemade candles or jars of honey. Personalise them with custom labels or packaging to add a special touch that reflects your style as a couple.

Photography

Hiring a professional photographer can be expensive, but that doesn't mean you have to skip having beautiful photos of your vow renewal. Ask friends and family to take pictures, or reach out to local photography students who may be willing to build their portfolio by capturing your special day.

Remember, the most important aspect of your vow renewal is celebrating your love and commitment. By focusing on what matters most to you and your partner, you can create a memorable and budget-friendly celebration.

Frequently asked questions