Everything you need to know about cruise weddings
Fancy saying I do (or I do again) at sea? Here’s everything you need to know about getting married on a cruise ship.
What do you get?
Given that many cruise ships are essentially floating cities at sea, you can actually have a very traditional ceremony. You’ll be officially married or renew your vows, take some photographs around the ship and then celebrate with champagne and canapés or a sit down meal. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can add in all sorts of extras like flowers, music, cake and tuxedo rental. It’s your day and you can customise it to include just about anything you want – all with a stunning, ever-changing backdrop.
Who will come?
Whoever you like! You can invite as many of your family and friends as you like to join you on the cruise. They will get to be a part of your ceremony and have an added holiday to boot. Cruises are great value, so it’s generally not a huge financial outlay for guests. And don't worry about the other passengers onboard stickybeaking on your big day. Ceremonies are usually held in the chapel or another private area of the ship and you’ll have a dedicated space for the reception away from the rest of the guests.
What does it cost?
Budget is always one of the most important considerations for a wedding. Given that the average Australian nuptials can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 (yikes!), a cruise ship ceremony can offer great value. A simple wedding or vow renewal ceremony performed by the captain usually costs less than $1,000. Then you can choose from a reception package for your guests, starting from around $2,500. And it becomes even better value when you realise you’re getting a wedding and a honeymoon in one.
How do I do it?
Cruise lines will have a dedicated wedding concierge that will handle all the details. Your travel agent or the cruise booking team will put you in touch with them and you can organise a sit down meeting or phone conference. They will take you through all the options, work out your budget and pull everything together. That way, you just have to step onboard and get ready for romance.
Have you ever been to a cruise wedding? Or had one yourself? Share your experience in the comments below.