Cruise Ship Weddings

Cruise ship weddings are a remarkable way for a couple to begin their life together as they set sail into their happily ever after. With customizable options and a variety of choices, there is a perfect wedding on the water for every bride and groom.

Set sail for matrimony.

Wedding cruises are a popular option for many couples who want to tie the knot easily and affordably. Carnival Cruise Line hosts more than 2,000 weddings annually, and other cruise lines are equally popular for oceanic nuptials. There are many different types of cruise ship weddings, however, and all cruise lines offer customization options for couples to create a truly unique and special occasion.

Most cruise lines offer a range of different packages for brides and grooms to choose from. The exact features of each package vary depending on the cruise line, the departure port, dates, and size of ship, but common features include:

• Wedding coordinator services
• Non-denominational officiant
• Live or recorded music
• Tuxedo rental
• Flowers
• Personalized stationery
• Refreshments and wedding cake
• Souvenirs for the happy couple
• Photography services
• Spa treatments
• Cabin decorations
• Ice carvings for the reception
• Priority embarkation check-in
• Wine or champagne

The cost of a cruise wedding will vary based on several factors, including the cruise line and precise ship, the sailing itinerary and departure port, the exact date, the size of the wedding party and guest list, and the exact features selected. A simple package for just the couple or a very few guests may be as low as $500, while larger, more elaborate celebrations can cost $2,000 or more. These fees typically do not include marriage license requirements to ensure the ceremony is legal, but the ship’s wedding coordinator can help the couple make the necessary arrangements. The wedding package cost is also in addition to the standard cruise fare that will be based on the couple’s sailing details, including their choice of cruise ship cabin.

Cruise weddings may be lovely affairs, but they are not suitable for everyone. Couples should carefully consider the pros and cons of getting married at sea before they make cruise reservations for their wedding.

Pros:

• Affordability: Cruise weddings often cost less than similar land-based celebrations.
• Customization: Couples can pick and choose different options to include with minimal hassle.
• Ease: The services of an experienced wedding coordinator can make a wedding at sea less stressful than planning one on land.
• Travel: By getting married on a cruise, a couple automatically has an exotic honeymoon to enjoy.

Cons:

• Exclusivity: Several couples may be married on the same cruise ship so the day may not feel as individually unique.
• Size: While some ships can accommodate many guests, most cruise ship weddings are smaller affairs.
• Port Restrictions: Couples will have some restrictions on their wedding planning if they choose to get married on a cruise ship. For example, no live flowers can be brought onto the ship – if couples want to supply their own arrangements, they will need to use silk wedding flowers.
• Pre-Cruise Travel: If the couple needs to travel to the cruise port, they may need to leave before their wedding day to ensure there are no missed connections or delays.

To plan the perfect wedding on a cruise ship, couples can follow a few simple steps.

1. Decide if a cruise wedding is right for you. Couples who have never cruised before may not want to spend their wedding night battling seasickness.
2. Research cruise lines and itineraries. Different lines, ships, and cruise destinations have very different features and atmospheres to choose from.
3. Book the cruise vacation. Before setting up a wedding package, couples will need to have their vacation confirmed. Ideally, a couple should book a wedding cruise at least three months in advance, though weddings can fill up quickly during holidays and the months of May and June.
4. Contact the wedding coordinator. The cruise line’s wedding specialist will help the couple plan the details of their special day.
5. Pick out cruise wedding attire. Couples who get married on cruise ships can wear formal attire or more casual dresses and suits. Be sure the attire can travel well and will look stunning after being in the luggage.
6. Coordinate wedding plans. Sending invitations, planning pre-wedding parties, and arranging other festivities are the same for cruise weddings as for land-based weddings. Couples may want to plan an at-home reception after they return from their cruise to celebrate with family members and friends who don’t set sail with them.
7. Arrange appropriate paperwork. Couples will need to adhere to the proper marriage license requirements for the ship’s departure port, and all cruise passengers will need a valid passport. Time requirements and fees will vary.
8. Set sail and say I do!

Happily Ever After

If a couple decides a cruise wedding isn’t right for them, they can still enjoy a honeymoon cruise or arrange for a romance package on their next cruise vacation. Many cruise lines also offer vow renewal packages and are happy to acknowledge a couple’s special anniversaries. Couples could even plan a beach wedding or cruise-themed wedding without setting sail at all.

Cruise ship weddings are economical and elegant, and they offer many options for all couples to consider. For more information about planning the perfect wedding on or off the water, visit LoveToKnow Weddings.

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