Why Wedding Cruises Are on the Rise (And How to Plan Yours)

For generations, couples have dreamed of destination weddings — from white-sand beaches to historic European villas. But in recent years, another trend has been quietly growing in popularity: wedding cruises. Picture this: saying “I do” on the open sea, surrounded by loved ones, with the horizon as your backdrop. It’s not just a wedding; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime voyage that blends romance, travel, and celebration into one seamless package.

Here’s why cruise weddings are becoming the go-to choice for modern couples — and how to plan one that’s unforgettable.

The Allure of Cruise Weddings

1. Convenience Meets Celebration

   Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. From managing vendors to worrying about guest logistics, the details quickly add up. Cruise weddings solve much of this by offering all-in-one planning. Many cruise lines have onboard wedding coordinators who handle everything — flowers, photography, music, and even the officiant.

2. Value Without Sacrificing Luxury

   Compared to land-based destination weddings, cruise weddings often offer better value. Packages can start around $4,000–$5,000 for ceremonies onboard, with options to customize. That price typically includes the venue, coordination, décor, cake, and more. Plus, the wedding flows right into a honeymoon at sea.

3. A Built-In Honeymoon

   Why plan two trips when you can combine them? After the vows are exchanged, you’re already sailing to incredible destinations — from the Caribbean to Alaska, Hawaii to Europe. Your honeymoon begins the moment you say “I do.”

4. Unforgettable Experiences for Guests

   Your guests don’t just attend a wedding; they get a vacation too. Whether it’s sipping cocktails by the pool, exploring ports of call, or enjoying live shows onboard, your loved ones will remember this trip for years.

How Cruise Weddings Work

Most cruise lines allow weddings either:

• Onboard the ship (at sea or in port), or

• Onshore at a beautiful destination, with the ship as the backdrop.

Some ships even allow the captain to officiate — a romantic touch couples adore. Others partner with local officiants for legal ceremonies in port.

Weddings typically include:

• Ceremony venue (shipboard chapel, deck, or port location)

• Officiant services

• Wedding coordinator

• Floral arrangements and décor

• Cake and champagne toast

• Photography packages

Upgrades can include live music, videography, themed receptions, and private shore excursions for the couple and guests.

Planning Timeline: Step-by-Step

12–18 Months Out

• Choose your cruise line, ship, and itinerary.

• Decide whether you want an onboard or destination ceremony.

• Reserve a block of cabins for guests.

9–12 Months Out

• Work with the cruise wedding planner on package details.

• Send save-the-dates so guests can plan vacation time.

• Research legal requirements (some countries require paperwork).

6 Months Out

• Confirm guest list and stateroom bookings.

• Plan your attire — remember the cruise ship setting (lighter fabrics for warm destinations).

• Choose excursions and pre/post-cruise events.

3 Months Out

• Finalize ceremony and reception details.

• Work with photographer/videographer.

• Create a wedding website or guest info packet.

1 Month Out

• Double-check documents (passports, marriage license requirements).

• Confirm special requests like menus or music.

• Pack for both wedding and honeymoon.

Tips for a Smooth Cruise Wedding

• Pick the Right Cruise Line – Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity Cruises are known for elegant weddings, while Royal Caribbean and Carnival add more fun and energy. Match your style to the brand.

• Consider Group Perks – With 16+ guests, many cruise lines offer group discounts or amenities.

• Choose Ports Wisely – If guests have limited time, pick a roundtrip cruise from a convenient U.S. port like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Los Angeles.

• Think About Guests – Not everyone may want to sail, so consider an onboard ceremony in port, where guests can board for the day without cruising.

• Plan for Photos – The sea, sunsets, and destinations make perfect backdrops. Work with the ship’s photographer or bring your own.

Real-World Inspiration

Onboard weddings are more popular than ever. For example, Princess Cruises reports officiating up to three weddings per day aboard their ships. Packages start around $3,995 and include a wedding coordinator, flowers, cake, photography, and even a captain-officiated ceremony. It’s easy to see why more couples are choosing the sea as their aisle.

Why Book With a Travel Agency

While cruise lines offer packages directly, booking through a professional travel advisor (like us!) adds exclusive value:

• Help selecting the right cruise line and ship.

• Negotiation of group rates and perks.

• Assistance with legal paperwork and requirements.

• Exclusive amenities on select sailings (private receptions, shore events, onboard credits).

A wedding should be stress-free, and having a trusted advisor means you can focus on the romance, not the logistics.

Conclusion: Your Love, Your Voyage

A cruise wedding is more than a ceremony — it’s an unforgettable journey. Imagine exchanging vows as the sun dips into the horizon, then celebrating with loved ones before waking up to a new destination on your honeymoon.

With thoughtful planning, exclusive perks, and the right travel partner, your wedding at sea can be as seamless as it is magical.

Ready to plan your dream cruise wedding? Contact us today to begin your journey of love at sea.