Help CenterYes, you can have a wedding onboard a cruise ship, and many cruise lines offer customizable wedding packages for both onboard ceremonies and destination weddings in port. Whether you're looking for an intimate elopement or a grand celebration at sea, cruise weddings can be romantic, memorable, and surprisingly easy to plan.
💍 Types of Cruise Weddings
| Wedding Type | Description |
|---|---|
| At Sea (Captain officiates) | Ceremony held onboard while the ship is sailing, often officiated by the ship’s captain (available on select cruise lines only). |
| Dockside (before sailing) | Held onboard while the ship is in port, usually before embarkation. Guests who aren’t sailing can attend. |
| Destination Wedding (in port) | Held at a beach, resort, or landmark during a port stop. Ideal for tropical or cultural backdrops. |
🚢 Cruise Lines That Offer Weddings
| Cruise Line | Wedding Services Offered |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Onboard, at-sea, and destination weddings through Royal Weddings |
| Carnival | Shipboard and port weddings, including Weddings by Carnival |
| Norwegian | Onboard and destination weddings with NCL Wedding Packages |
| Princess Cruises | Tie the Knot at Sea program with captain-officiated weddings |
| Celebrity Cruises | At-sea and destination weddings with personalized packages |
| MSC Cruises | Wedding ceremonies and vow renewals on select ships |
| Disney Cruise Line | Fairy-tale weddings onboard or at Castaway Cay |
🎁 What’s Included in a Cruise Wedding Package?
Typical packages may include:
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Wedding coordinator (onboard or shoreside)
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Ceremony venue and setup
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Officiant (either the captain or a licensed celebrant)
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Bouquet and boutonniere
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Wedding cake and champagne toast
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Photography services (with optional add-ons)
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Live music (e.g., pianist or guitarist)
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Marriage license arrangements (in some cases)
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Priority embarkation for the couple and guests
📄 Legal Considerations
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Marriage licenses must be arranged in advance. Some cruise lines assist with this, especially for at-sea or international port weddings.
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At-sea weddings are only legal on some cruise lines (e.g., Princess, Celebrity) where the ship is registered in countries that permit the captain to officiate.
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For destination weddings, legal requirements vary by country, so you may choose to have a symbolic ceremony at sea and handle the legal paperwork at home.
💡 Tips for Planning a Cruise Wedding
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Book early, especially if sailing during peak seasons or with a group.
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Consider a wedding planner from the cruise line’s wedding department.
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Offer guests a group cruise package for easier coordination.
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Add extras like spa services, welcome parties, or group excursions.
✅ In Summary:
| Feature | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Onboard Wedding | ✅ Yes | On most major cruise lines |
| At-Sea Captain-Officiated | ✅ On select lines | Princess, Celebrity, and some others |
| Port/Destination Wedding | ✅ Yes | Often in Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, etc. |
| Legal Marriage License Assistance | ✅ Sometimes | Depends on cruise line and destination |
A cruise wedding combines romance, travel, and celebration in one seamless experience—making it ideal for couples who want a stress-free, scenic, and unforgettable wedding day.