Planning A Cruise Wedding: A Guide To Tying The Knot

Planning a wedding on a cruise ship can be a great way to have a unique and memorable celebration. There are many advantages to getting married on a ship, including the availability of various amenities and facilities such as beautiful spaces, photographers, musicians, flowers, and even a built-in honeymoon. However, it's important to remember that there are additional costs and legal requirements involved, such as marriage license fees and non-refundable deposits. With careful planning and the help of experts, you can create a cruise wedding that's tailored to your imagination and budget.

Budgeting for your cruise wedding

When budgeting for your cruise wedding, it's important to remember that the cost of legal documentation and permits is extra and needs to be planned in advance. Marriage license fees for in-destination weddings can range from $200 to $700, while a shipboard maritime license fee is around $900. Be cautious of non-refundable deposits and remember that legal weddings have an additional fee compared to symbolic (or non-legal) ones.

The advantage of a wedding on a ship is that a lot of amenities and facilities are available, although sometimes at an extra charge. These can include beautiful spaces, photographers, musicians, DJs, flowers, wedding assistants, bars and restaurants, the option to arrange a separate meal/buffet for your guests, a salon and spa, and of course, a 'built-in' honeymoon.

You can also book the Love Ashore package, where couples can tie the knot in a beach or garden ceremony, and add on the Diamond Enhancement Package, which comes with perks like a mimosa-fuelled breakfast.

Cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer wedding packages that can be customized to fit your budget. These packages can include everything from a simple open bar and hors d'oeuvres reception to an elegant sit-down luncheon in the ship's formal restaurant.

Choosing a destination

When it comes to choosing a destination for your cruise wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, decide whether you want to get married on the ship or off the ship. If you choose to get married on the ship, you can select a port city that holds a special meaning for you and your partner. This way, you can make the city where you officially tie the knot a memorable part of your wedding story.

Alternatively, if you prefer a beach or garden ceremony, you can opt for an off-ship wedding. Some cruise lines offer packages for this, such as the Love Ashore package, which allows couples to exchange vows in a romantic beach or garden setting.

It's important to consider the legal requirements and additional costs for your chosen destination. Marriage license fees can vary depending on the location, with in-destination weddings ranging from $200 to $700, while a shipboard maritime license can cost around $900. Remember to plan and budget for these extra expenses, giving yourself ample time to obtain the necessary legal documents and permits.

When selecting a destination, think about the amenities and facilities available. Cruise ships often provide access to beautiful spaces, photographers, musicians, DJs, flowers, wedding assistants, bars, restaurants, and even salons and spas. You can also choose to add extra packages to enhance your wedding experience, such as a mimosa-fuelled breakfast or chocolate-covered strawberries.

Whether you choose a shipboard or off-ship wedding, the right destination will depend on your personal preferences and the unique touches you want to incorporate into your special day.

Selecting a package

When selecting a package for your cruise wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, decide on the type of wedding you want. Do you want an intimate elopement or a larger celebration? This will help you narrow down your package options.

Next, consider your budget. Cruise weddings can range in price, from the cost of legal documentations and permits to the additional fees for extra amenities. Be sure to factor in any non-refundable deposits and the cost of your chosen package.

When choosing a package, think about the amenities and facilities that are important to you. Most cruise lines will offer packages that include an officiant, cake, champagne, music, and more. You can also add on extra packages for things like an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, or a sit-down luncheon.

Additionally, consider the location of your wedding. Do you want to get married on the ship or off the ship in a beach or garden ceremony? This will also impact your package selection.

Finally, don't forget about the honeymoon! One of the advantages of a cruise wedding is that your honeymoon can start as soon as you say "I do". Many cruise lines offer honeymoon packages or enhancements that can be added to your wedding package.

Legal documentation

Planning a wedding on a cruise ship can be a dream come true, but it's important to remember that there are legal requirements that need to be met. Here is some information on the legal documentation you will need to plan your special day.

Firstly, it is important to note that there are additional fees for legal weddings compared to symbolic or non-legal ones. These fees can vary depending on the location and type of wedding you choose. For example, marriage license fees for in-destination weddings can range from $200 to $700, while a shipboard maritime license fee is typically around $900. It is also important to plan for these costs far in advance, as they can take at least 90 days to process.

In addition to the marriage license, there may be other legal documents that you need to obtain depending on the specific requirements of the cruise line and the port of call. These could include birth certificates, passports, and other forms of identification. It is important to carefully review the requirements of the cruise line and the local laws of the port of call to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation.

Another important consideration is the legal status of the marriage. While a wedding on a cruise ship can be legally binding, it is important to understand the specific laws and regulations that apply. For example, the marriage may only be recognised in certain jurisdictions, or there may be additional steps that need to be taken to register the marriage in your home country.

Finally, it is always a good idea to seek legal advice or consult with a wedding planner who has experience with cruise ship weddings. They can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that all the necessary documentation is in order. By planning ahead and taking care of the legal details, you can ensure that your cruise ship wedding is not only memorable but also legally valid.

Honeymoon planning

Planning a honeymoon on a cruise ship is a great option for newlyweds. There are many advantages to this type of honeymoon, including the fact that many amenities and facilities are available on board, such as beautiful spaces, photographers, musicians, DJs, flowers, bars and restaurants. You can also often arrange a separate meal or buffet for your guests, and there may be a salon and spa on board where you can get ready for your ceremony.

When it comes to budgeting for your cruise honeymoon, it's important to remember that the cost of legal documentation and permits is extra and needs to be planned in advance. Marriage license fees for in-destination weddings can range from $200 to $700, while a shipboard maritime license fee is around $900. Be sure to also factor in the cost of any non-refundable deposits.

There are a variety of cruise lines that offer honeymoon packages, such as Royal Caribbean Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line. These packages can be customized to fit your budget and imagination, and often include extras like an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, or a sit-down luncheon in the ship's formal restaurant.

When choosing a cruise line for your honeymoon, be sure to research the different ports of call and choose a city that you'll remember forever as the one where you made it official. You can also opt for a beach or garden ceremony off the ship, which can be a dreamy and romantic way to tie the knot.

Frequently asked questions