Weddings at Sea

Love means different things to different people, but no matter who you ask, they are sure to agree that a special place in which to share their love makes it that much more meaningful. And few settings can compete with the romantic atmosphere aboard a cruise ship. Whether it’s waking up to breakfast in bed, indulging in a couples’ massage, sitting down to a candle-lit dinner, or watching a breathtaking sunset from the ship deck, romance is in the air and it’s the perfect place to spend time with the one you love. It's also a fabulous venue for weddings!

Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to deciding on colours, decorations, menus, the number of guests and where this sacred event will take place. Your wedding is something that should give you great joy, so why not leave it to the professionals, where the only thing you need to do is show up! And where better to tie the knot than aboard a fabulous cruise ship in the destination of your choice?

When getting married on a cruise ship, you'll have a host of professionals trained to accommodate your every need during your cruise wedding. From cakes and tuxedos to accommodations and the reception hall, you won't have to leave the ship for anything… unless, of course, you choose to have your reception ashore, in which case the amenities come to you!

Instead of the traditional walk down the aisle, why not make your way barefoot through warm, white sand to a quaint little chapel on the beach in the Caribbean? Or say your vows on a hillside vineyard in Italy or on the snowy-white glaciers of Alaska. Another option is to book a pre-cruise wedding package in your cruise itinerary’s home port – usually Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Tampa, San Diego, New York City or Vancouver B.C. The possibilities are endless!

You don't have to cruise to be married in a beautiful location. Many cruise lines own private islands, used specifically for this purpose. Half Moon Cay, for example, belongs to Holland America Line and is fully equipped with a chapel and a breathtaking backdrop. And with a host of destination wedding packages available, why not save the cruise for your honeymoon? Start your journey on the shores of Paradise Cove Beach in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and tie the knot beneath towering palm trees in a charming Gazebo before setting sail on your cruise getaway. Wherever you choose to celebrate your big day, it is certain to be unforgettable.

And who says you can’t be cost efficient when it comes to your wedding day? The average cost of a wedding with reception in Canada and the US is $27,899. The cost of a cruise wedding, however, ranges from $1,000* to $4,000*, and generally includes a personalized ceremony, wedding officiant, wedding coordinator services, flowers, cake, champagne, photo album, recorded music, keepsake wedding certificate and a photographer. Spa and hair appointments, as well as tuxedo rentals may also be available. Packages may vary by cruise line. When it comes to getting the best value for your dream wedding, an obvious choice is to say “I Do” on the high seas.

Not only is this a cost efficient option for the happy couple, but for the guests as well. Holland America Line, for example, offers a GAP (Group Appreciation Program) Package, whereby groups of up to 16 people can benefit from exclusive amenities including free wedding cake, a Pinnacle Grill lunch, a private wine tasting, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Chase Limogere Brut in their staterooms. Plus, the wedding couple will enjoy a free stateroom upgrade, with a minimum of eight staterooms booked.

Please Note:

Groups exceeding 16 people will be charged $5 for each additional guest.

Together with the expertise of our specialized partner, Royal Ocean Events, you’re certain to have the wedding you’ve always dreamt of. Our Vacation Specialists will find you the perfect cruise and leave your wedding in the capable hands of these event planning professionals.

Helpful tips to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly:

• The wedding couple is responsible for obtaining a valid marriage license
• Legal ceremonies are not performed at sea; only in port
• We recommend that your wedding party arrives in port at least one day prior to departure to avoid any scheduling mishaps

*Please note that prices provided on this page are general indicators of wedding package costs. They are provided to give a general indication of costs for couples in the early stages of planning their weddings. Stated prices are not guaranteed and do not include taxes.

For the most up to date pricing on Weddings at Sea packages or to book, please contact one of our Professional Cruise Consultants.