Cruise Wedding: Inviting Guests To Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but a cruise wedding can be a unique and simple way to tie the knot. If you're thinking of inviting guests to your cruise wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide if your guests will only be attending the ceremony, or if you're inviting them to cruise with you as well. If you want your guests to cruise, be sure to book well in advance to secure a group rate and give them enough time to plan. You'll also need to consider the cost – cruise weddings can be more affordable than traditional weddings, but you'll need to factor in the cost of the cruise itself and any additional expenses such as license fees and à la carte options. When it comes to the legal side of things, a legal marriage can't be performed in open seas unless the ship's captain is also a justice of the peace, minister, or notary public. So, most legal cruise weddings take place either on the ship in port or at a destination port. Keep in mind that some countries have residency requirements for marriages, so be sure to do your research. Finally, don't forget to think about the practicalities, such as how you'll transport your wedding essentials and how to handle any potential changes or cancellations.

Inviting non-sailing guests to the ceremony during embarkation

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but a cruise wedding can be a simple, stress-free option, especially if you want a small event. If you're inviting non-sailing guests to your cruise wedding, embarkation day is the perfect time to hold the ceremony. This option allows your friends and family to attend your wedding and enjoy a private honeymoon without any other guests tagging along.

Most cruise lines offer a variety of services to help you plan your wedding, and many have wedding packages that include a ceremony during embarkation day. For example, Royal Caribbean's "Embark on Romance" package allows non-sailing guests to come aboard for the ceremony before the ship departs. This package includes priority check-in and a pier-to-ship escort for the couple and their guests, as well as a private shipboard venue, a nondenominational officiant, a photographer, and a honeymoon dinner for the couple.

Carnival Cruise Line also offers embarkation day weddings with priority embarkation assistance and a private shipboard venue. Their packages can accommodate a maximum of 50 non-sailing guests in the embarkation ports.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, Cunard Line Cruise Weddings offer a Royal Ceremony at Sea package that includes priority check-in and disembarkation for the bridal couple, an onboard wedding coordinator, and a choice of ceremony venue.

Another benefit of holding your ceremony during embarkation is that it's easier to bring non-sailing guests onboard. You can also have a quick reception and then sail off into the sunset to start your honeymoon. This way, everyone is included, but you still get your private getaway.

When planning a cruise wedding with non-sailing guests, it's important to keep in mind any COVID-19 regulations or other restrictions that may be in place. Be sure to communicate these rules clearly to your guests, as they may need to provide vaccination cards or negative COVID-19 test results.

Verbal or email invitations

If you're thinking of inviting guests to your cruise wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to decide whether your guests will be sailing with you or simply attending the ceremony. This will impact the type of invitation you send out.

For guests who will be sailing with you, a verbal or email invitation can be a great option. When inviting guests verbally, it's essential to provide all the necessary details, such as the date, time, and location of the wedding. Be sure to let them know that they will need to book their own cabins and provide them with the relevant booking information. You could say something like:

> "We're getting married on a cruise, and we would love for you to join us! The wedding will be held on [date] on the [cruise name]. You can book your cabin by contacting [cruise company] directly. We hope you can make it!"

Alternatively, you could send a more formal email invitation, including all the necessary details and a link to the cruise booking page. Here's an example of what you could write:

> "You're cordially invited to share in our joy as we exchange vows and set sail on the high seas! Our wedding will take place on [date] aboard the [cruise name].

> To attend, please book your cabin directly through the cruise company by clicking the link below:

> [cruise booking link]

> We can't wait to celebrate this special day with you!"

It's important to note that inviting guests to a cruise wedding can be costly, as they will need to pay for their own cruise fare. Be mindful that not everyone may be able to afford to attend, and some may prefer to spend their vacation time elsewhere.

For guests who will not be sailing with you, the invitation process is similar. Verbally, you can provide them with the date and time of the wedding, as well as any relevant details about the ship's location and how to board. Here's an example:

> "We're getting married on a cruise, and we'd be honoured if you could attend the ceremony. It will be held on [date] at [time] on the [cruise name], which will be docked at [port name]. You can simply walk up to the port and provide your ID to board the ship."

Via email, you can include these details along with any additional information, such as dress code or gift preferences. Here's a sample email invitation:

> "You're invited to share in our special day as we tie the knot on the high seas! Our wedding will take place on [date] at [time] aboard the [cruise name], which will be docked at [port name].

> Please arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to allow for boarding. And don't forget to bring your ID!

> We hope you can make it to help us celebrate this memorable occasion."

Remember, when inviting guests to a cruise wedding, it's essential to provide clear instructions and all the necessary details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Honeymoon cruise

A honeymoon cruise is a great way to combine your wedding and honeymoon, with the added benefit of a built-in honeymoon. This means less planning and preparation for you, as the cruise line will take care of most of the details. All you need to decide is your dream destination and the cruise line will organise the entertainment, food, and accommodation.

A cruise honeymoon offers a variety of experiences, from relaxing by the pool to enjoying a couple's massage at the spa. You can also take advantage of the many onboard amenities, such as live music, specialty dining, and romantic packages that include intimate dinners and breakfast in bed.

If you're looking for a more adventurous honeymoon, consider a cruise to the Galapagos Islands or a European cruise, which offers a range of destinations such as the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, and the Baltics. For a classic honeymoon experience, the Caribbean is a great choice, with its idyllic beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

When it comes to booking your honeymoon cruise, it's important to do so well in advance, especially if you plan on having guests join you. This will ensure that you can secure group rates and that your guests have enough time to plan their vacation and request time off work.

To make your honeymoon cruise even more special, consider adding a honeymoon package or gift. This can include beverage packages, specialty dining, and romantic extras like chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to your room.

Wedding packages

There are several factors to consider when deciding how to invite guests to a cruise wedding. Firstly, it is important to determine whether the wedding will take place on embarkation day, at sea, or in a port of call. This decision will impact the number of guests that can be invited, as well as the logistics of their attendance.

Most cruise lines offer a variety of wedding packages to choose from, and it is important to select a package that aligns with your vision and budget. Here is an overview of some popular wedding packages offered by different cruise lines:

Royal Caribbean Wedding Packages:

• Embark on Romance Package: This package invites sailing and non-sailing guests to share in the special occasion during embarkation day. It includes a choice of venues, VIP treatment, a bottle of Moët & Chandon, dinner for two, chocolate-covered strawberries, priority check-in, and more.
• Destinations I Do Package: Celebrate with a seaside romance at your chosen destination or onboard during a port day. This package includes a choice of venues, a bottle of bubbly, transportation to and from the port venue, and more.

Carnival Cruise Line Wedding Packages:

• Signature Ceremonies: This package is ideal for couples with a small guest list. It includes priority embarkation assistance, a private shipboard venue, a 15-20 minute ceremony, pre-recorded music, a keepsake certificate, a sparkling wine toast, a honeymoon dinner, photography services, and more.
• It's a Celebration: For couples who want to add fun to their wedding day, this package includes a ceremony followed by an onboard reception. It offers similar inclusions to the Signature Ceremonies package, with additional features such as a one-hour reception with hors d'oeuvres and a premium beverage package.
• Love Ashore Wedding Package: For couples dreaming of a destination wedding, this package offers idyllic island settings. It includes a ceremony performed by a wedding officiant, transportation, a champagne toast, a honeymoon dinner, photography services, and more.
• Diamond Enhancement Package: For a truly memorable experience, this package adds extras such as a couple's continental breakfast with mimosas, chocolate-covered strawberries, a couple's massage, a keepsake silk floral bridal bouquet, and more.

Princess Cruises Wedding Packages:

Princess Cruises, known for being the "Love Boat", offers a range of wedding packages, including the "Timeless Wedding at Sea" for up to eight guests, starting at $4,495.

Disney Cruise Line:

Disney offers "Fairy Tale Weddings" on its ships, with six venues accommodating up to 40 guests, and on its private island in the Bahamas, accommodating up to 100 guests.

When choosing a wedding package, consider the inclusions, the cost, the number of guests, and any additional services or enhancements that can be added to create a personalised and unforgettable celebration.

Legal requirements

The legal requirements for a cruise wedding vary depending on the location of the ceremony. If the wedding takes place in a domestic port, such as Miami, Seattle, New Orleans, or Fort Lauderdale, the legal requirements are similar to those of a land-based wedding in the same location. This includes bringing your own officiant to conduct the ceremony.

On the other hand, if the wedding is held during the cruise, either a local notary public (for US ports) or a non-denominational officiant (for international ports) will preside, making the wedding legal. In international waters, a ship's captain can perform the ceremony, but unless they are also a justice of the peace, minister, or notary public, the marriage will not be legally recognised.

Each port has its own requirements for obtaining a marriage license, and it is the couple's responsibility to ensure they have the correct documentation, which should be completed and submitted approximately two to three months before the wedding. For example, if you are marrying in a Florida port, you must obtain a marriage license according to the state of Florida's guidelines. Obtaining a marriage license for a wedding in the Bahamas, for instance, can take up to 90 days.

Same-sex marriages are possible in countries where they are recognised, and couples can also opt for a symbolic ceremony, which is not legally binding.

Frequently asked questions