You get married on a cruise ship by booking a wedding package, completing legal paperwork, and holding the ceremony onboard or at a port.
Getting married at sea feels romantic, yet the day rests on paperwork, timing, and cruise line rules. Once you know how those pieces fit together, a ceremony on deck can be relaxed and lawful.
This guide walks you through how do i get married on a cruise ship?, from the first call with the wedding team to the moment you head to dinner as newlyweds on board.
Why Cruise Ship Weddings Appeal To Many Couples
A cruise ship wedding folds travel, celebration, and time with friends into one plan. You sail to several ports, share meals, and then step into a ceremony with the ocean as your backdrop.
Many couples like that the cruise line handles planning. You usually pick a package, add upgrades, and work with a coordinator who knows the ship well. Guests unpack once, enjoy shows and activities, and still have free time around wedding events.
Getting Married On A Cruise Ship Step By Step
The steps to a cruise ship wedding fall into three broad areas: early decisions, legal tasks, and onboard details. Move through them in that order so your plans stay clear.
Big Cruise Wedding Decisions At A Glance
Before you pay a deposit, talk through the choices below. They shape price, paperwork, and how relaxed your wedding day feels once you walk up the aisle.
| Decision Area | What You Choose | How It Shapes The Day |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Or Symbolic Ceremony | Whether your cruise wedding creates the legal marriage or acts as a celebration after a home town license | Changes which country’s marriage laws apply and what documents you must file |
| Ship Flag Country | The nation where the cruise ship is registered | Some lines offer legal weddings at sea under flag state rules, others require a port based ceremony |
| Embarkation Port | The city where you board the ship | Local marriage license rules may apply if you hold the ceremony while the ship is in that port |
| Ceremony Location | Onboard while sailing, onboard in port, or at a venue ashore during a port stop | Impacts travel time, weather back up plans, and how long guests spend off the ship |
| Guest Count | Total number of guests sailing and any day guests boarding only for the wedding | Drives venue size, reception layout, and per person catering costs |
| Wedding Package Level | Basic ceremony only or package with decor, music, photos, and open bar | Sets the base budget and how many tasks the cruise planner handles for you |
| Season And Itinerary | Time of year and region where you sail | Shifts weather, daylight hours, port rules, and cruise fares for you and your guests |
| Reception Style | Short cake and toast event, sit down meal, or dance heavy party | Determines the timeline, music needs, and how much energy you and your guests need that day |
Check Legal Rules Before You Book
A marriage on a cruise ship is only valid if it meets the legal rules of a specific place. That place could be the country where the ship is registered, the port where you marry, or the country whose license you hold.
Many couples choose a simple office ceremony at home for the legal part, then treat the cruise wedding as a celebration. Others want the legal moment to happen on board. Both paths can work as long as you follow the law for the place that controls the marriage.
If you are a United States citizen, the U.S. Department of State marriage abroad page explains how overseas ceremonies are treated. Couples from the United Kingdom can use the official guidance on getting married abroad to see which documents are required.
Work With The Cruise Line Wedding Team
Once you have decided where the legal side will sit, speak with the wedding department for your chosen cruise line. Major brands have set packages that include venue time, a planner, an officiant or coordinator, flowers, cake, and music.
Ask clear questions about what is included and what needs outside vendors. Some lines own photo and video services on board. Others allow you to bring vendors who sail with you or meet the ship in port, subject to security rules and fees.
Secure Your Marriage License And Officiant
After you know whether your wedding will be legal on board or at home, start the license process. Many destinations require a passport, birth certificate, and proof that any previous marriage has ended. Some ask for a waiting period between license issue and ceremony.
The cruise line may tell you that the ship’s officer, a local registrar, or a clergy member will lead the ceremony. The myth of the captain wedding every couple only works when local rules allow that officer to sign the license.
How Do I Get Married On A Cruise Ship? Planning Timeline
When people ask that question, the real answer is that timing matters as much as location. A clear timeline keeps vendors, guests, and legal tasks in order.
12 To 9 Months Before Sailing
Start by choosing a region and season that match your budget and weather comfort level. Caribbean sailings, Alaska routes, Mediterranean trips, and short coastal runs all bring different scenery and climate patterns.
Check package offerings across a few cruise lines. Compare prices, guest limits, deck spaces, and what each package includes. Pick a line and sailing date, then contact the wedding team before you book cabins so you confirm that a wedding slot exists on that day.
9 To 6 Months Before Sailing
With the ship and date set, secure your wedding package with a deposit. Review sample menus, decor options, and venue photos for both ceremony and reception.
Start the legal process during this window, especially if you want the cruise wedding to be the legal one. Read the marriage rules for the country of the ceremony and gather any records that may take time to order.
6 To 3 Months Before Sailing
Use this period to shape the feel of the event. Choose music for the walk down the aisle, first dance, and main reception moments. Pick color palettes that fit the ship’s spaces and the sea views in your photos.
Confirm photo and video plans. If you use the cruise line’s in house team, review sample albums from that ship. If you bring your own photographer, make sure they have written approval from the cruise line and understand embarkation rules.
Final Weeks And Onboard Details
In the month before sailing, complete any last steps for the marriage license. Double check that names and dates match across all documents and that you have certified copies where needed.
A week or two before departure, confirm final guest counts and menu choices with the wedding planner. Once on board, attend any meeting the planner schedules early in the cruise so you can walk through venues and event timing.
Cost, Guest Experience, And Practical Tips
A cruise ship wedding budget can range from modest to lavish. Package prices often start with a simple ceremony and cake and rise with each upgrade. On top of that, you have cruise fares, travel to the port, and any add ons such as open bar or premium photo packages.
Sample Cruise Wedding Budget Breakdown
Every line prices weddings differently, yet many budgets share the same parts. The table below shows a sample structure to help you shape your own plan.
| Expense Category | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony Package | 1,200 – 3,500 | Includes venue, planner, basic decor, cake, and recorded music |
| Reception Package | 1,000 – 5,000 | Varies by guest count, menu type, and bar service |
| Marriage License And Legal Fees | 100 – 500 | Depends on country, translations, and document handling |
| Photo And Video | 800 – 3,000 | Cruise line packages may cost less than bringing an outside vendor |
| Travel To Port And Hotels | Varies | Plan to arrive at least one day before sailing to avoid flight delays |
| Attire, Rings, And Beauty | Varies | Ship salons can handle hair and makeup, though many brides bring a stylist friend |
| Extra Decor And Favors | 200 – 1,000 | Keep items compact so they travel easily and meet ship safety rules |
Keeping Guests Happy On A Cruise Wedding
Your guests are committing both money and vacation time to share your wedding. Clear communication helps them enjoy the cruise as much as the ceremony.
Share packing tips so guests bring suitable clothes for formal night, pool time, and ports. Provide a loose schedule that marks group dinners, the ceremony, and any port outings you plan.
Practical Tips For A Smooth Cruise Ship Wedding Day
Pack your wedding attire, rings, documents, and any sentimental items in your carry on bag. A delayed suitcase with your dress or license can cause stress you do not need.
Think through sun, wind, and motion when you pick venues and outfits. Light fabrics, secure hairstyles, and low heels often work better on deck than long trains or tall stilettos.
Is A Cruise Ship Wedding Right For You?
A cruise ship wedding suits couples who love travel, want long stretches with guests, and feel drawn to the sea. The setting brings a built in holiday for your group, though it also brings fixed timelines, port rules, and ship routines that you cannot change.
If you crave a huge guest list, late night parties ashore, or elaborate custom decor, a land venue may fit better. If you prefer a smaller group and shared days at sea, a cruise wedding answers how do i get married on a cruise ship? in practice for you and your guests.