How to Plan a Cruise Wedding: Step-by-Step Guide

Cruise weddings offer a unique blend of adventure, romance, and convenience, making them an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a memorable destination wedding. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right cruise line to handling legal requirements, budgeting, and making your big day truly unforgettable.

Why Choose a Cruise Wedding?

• All-in-One Experience: Get married, honeymoon, and vacation with loved ones—all in one trip.

• Stunning Backdrops: Exchange vows with breathtaking ocean views or at exotic ports of call.

• Stress-Free Planning: Most cruise lines offer comprehensive wedding packages and dedicated coordinators to handle the details for you.

Step-by-Step Planning Guide

1.Start Early and Research Thoroughly

• Begin planning 12–18 months in advance to secure your preferred ship, date, and itinerary.

• Research cruise lines and compare their wedding packages, amenities, and destinations.

• Consider the best season for your chosen destination to avoid bad weather or high prices.

2.Compare Cruise Wedding Packages

Cruise Line	Ceremony Location	Package Inclusions	Unique Features	Booking Window
Carnival	Onboard or Port	Officiant, coordinator, cake, décor	Group rates, customizable packages	Book early advised
Princess	Wedding chapel onboard	Photographer, coordinator, flowers, cake	Dedicated wedding chapels	10+ weeks prior
Royal Caribbean	Onboard or Destination	Officiant, planner, music, cake, photos	Decorated stateroom, specialty dining	90+ days prior
Celebrity Cruises	Onboard or Destination	Captain-led, coordinator, music, photos	Gift registry, live music options	10+ weeks prior
Cunard	Onboard	Captain-led, floral, live music, champagne	White Star bellman escort	1 year+ recommended

Cruise Line	Ceremony Locations	Package Inclusions	Unique Features	Legalities	Starting Price
MSC Cruises	Onboard (at sea or docked), select ports	Wedding coordinator, bouquet & boutonniere, cake, sparkling wine, music, photography	Italian-inspired décor, customizable packages, honeymoon perks	Symbolic ceremonies at sea; legal weddings in port	$1,500–$3,000+
Princess Cruises	Onboard chapel, at sea (legal), select ports	Captain-led ceremony, coordinator, flowers, cake, photographer, live music	Dedicated wedding chapels, live webcasting, in-cabin breakfast	Legal at-sea weddings (select ships)	$2,000–$4,000+
Royal Caribbean	Onboard (at sea or docked), private islands, select ports	Officiant, planner, cake, flowers, music, photography, specialty dining	Private island weddings, group perks, themed packages	Symbolic at sea; legal in port	$2,500–$5,000+
Celebrity Cruises	Onboard (at sea or docked), select ports	Captain/officiant, coordinator, flowers, cake, music, photography	Modern décor, customizable menus, spa packages, exotic destinations	Some legal at-sea weddings; otherwise symbolic/in-port	$2,500–$6,000+

Tip: Ask about group rates and perks for your guests, such as room upgrades or group excursions.

3. Legal Requirements: What You Need to Know

• Marriage License: You must obtain a marriage license for the port or country where the ceremony takes place.

• Residency Rules: Some destinations require a minimum stay before the ceremony—research these in advance.

• Documentation: Gather passports, birth certificates, and any required legal documents well ahead of time.

• Cruise Line Assistance: Most cruise lines have wedding coordinators who will guide you through the legal process.

4. Budgeting Your Cruise Wedding

• Sample Budget Breakdown:

  • Cruise wedding package: $2,000–$5,000+

  • Guest cabins (group rates): $1,000–$2,500 per cabin

  • Extras (photography, flowers, excursions): $500–$2,000

  • Legal fees and marriage license: $100–$500

  • Cost Comparison: Cruise weddings can be more affordable than traditional destination weddings, especially with group rates and bundled services.

5.Planning Timeline

• 12–18 Months Ahead: Research destinations, cruise lines, and book your sailing.

• 10–12 Months Ahead: Block rooms for guests, send “Save the Date” cards, and set up a wedding website.

• 6–9 Months Ahead: Choose your package, book vendors (photographer, florist), and finalize guest list.

• 3–6 Months Ahead: Obtain marriage license, finalize ceremony details, and coordinate travel logistics.

• 1–2 Months Ahead: Confirm all bookings, order favors/gift bags, and do a final guest roll call.

• Day Before: Arrive early at the port city to avoid last-minute issues.

6. Unique Ideas and Trends

• Personalize Your Ceremony: Bring your own décor, photos, and favors to make the event uniquely yours6.

• Onboard Gift Registry: Many cruise lines offer registries for spa treatments, excursions, or specialty dining6.

• Themed Weddings: Some lines offer themed packages, from nautical to tropical.

• Live Streaming: Share your ceremony with friends and family who can’t attend in person.