Cruise Weddings: All You Need To Know
Destination weddings have long been a romantic and thrilling way to enjoy the fun of travel while starting married life. In recent years, these weddings and other romantic getaways have boomed in demand, especially since people are using these occasions to make time with loved ones rather than waiting for major milestones to go on a big trip. Travel Weekly reports that the romance travel trend is set to continue from 2023 into 2024, considering that the destination wedding market grew from $21.3 billion in 2022 to $28.3 billion in 2023. But aside from hopping on a plane and jet-setting to a new place to get married, some are exploring the novelty and fun of at-sea weddings on cruise ships.
A cruise wedding can be a romantic and unique way to begin your married life. You can enjoy stunning ocean views or visit new destinations while you tie the knot. Cruises can also provide all the essentials for a wedding, such as a dedicated venue, food and drink, overnight accommodations, and other facilities. And with a diverse array of itineraries available across cruise lines, you can choose where to go and have a built-in honeymoon ready to go once you’ve exchanged vows. However, a cruise wedding comes with a lot of considerations you will need to factor in when planning. From choosing a cruise line and package to the number of guests you’ll be bringing, you’ll have to make smart and careful choices for smooth sailing. This guide to cruise weddings can help you navigate the planning process before you embark on a new journey:
Perks of a cruise wedding
Cruise weddings provide a uniquely beautiful and memorable setting and experience for your wedding. Getting married at sea or at a port of call can make for an incredible moment for you, your spouse, and your guests to be celebrated and reminisced for years to come. While cruises may not provide the same flexibility as regular wedding venues, they don’t skimp out on quality. Many cruises offer beautiful indoor or outdoor ceremony locations. You can exchange vows with the ocean as your backdrop or explore elegant indoor venues. The Grand Hall in the Disney Wish ship from Disney Cruise Line showcases how grand these spots can be. The venue comes with a sweeping staircase, a starry chandelier, and a luxurious color palette, which all make for a beautiful wedding environment and a themed one if that’s something on the table for your ceremony. You might not find these venues and views anywhere else either, making it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Cruise lines that allow weddings also pull out all the stops when it comes to organizing your big day. Wedding packages help take care of the details and help you figure out the most affordable option that aligns with your vision. This can make planning much easier, as things like the ceremony, venue, dining, and staff and vendors are already included in the package, giving you less to worry about when planning your wedding. The fun doesn’t have to stop at your ceremony, either. Cruise weddings also provide other facilities and amenities to make the experience more exciting. You and your guests can enjoy relaxing in the spa, take a dip in the pool, go shopping, and explore other onboard activities. You can do all that while being able to travel to new destinations, combining your nuptials and honeymoon into one trip.
Planning your dream cruise wedding
One of the first things on your planning checklist should be to check which cruise lines allow weddings. The most beneficial option would be to find a cruise line that offers wedding packages that align with your preferences and needs. Cruise lines like Princess Cruises are experienced with these romantic occasions and offer great value packages for any proposal, wedding ceremony, and vow renewal vision to be realized, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. These wedding packages include a range of essential services and offerings for a traditional ceremony, such as a captain-led ceremony, decorations, photography, a wedding cake and toast, and other perks like live music, premium dining, and bridal hair and makeup. Different cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line, also offer their own packages with varying benefits for newlyweds.
Not all cruises offer the same wedding benefits or even allow them, even popular names in the business. Though a newcomer to the scene and gaining much popularity and acclaim, cruise line Explora Journeys doesn’t permit weddings as their onboard officers aren’t legally allowed to officiate. The same reason goes for Viking Cruises, which is famous for destination-focused offerings. You may have certain cruise lines you want to try, but it helps to prioritize booking a cruise that allows weddings, can accommodate your guests whether they’ll sail with you or not, and will help you with any logistical or legal requirements.
Things to keep in mind
Cruise weddings can be exciting, but there are considerations to mull over before booking. Legality is a significant factor, and it can be a challenge to work out how to have a legally binding wedding or how to get a marriage license. These can differ depending on your cruise line, where they’re registered, and where you’re getting married. It can also depend on whether your wedding is in port or at sea. Fortunately, cruise lines will help you organize things like finding an officiant for the wedding or arranging your marriage license. Some cruises may also include legal ceremonies in their wedding packages, such as one officiated by the captain or performed by a local officiant in port. You should also research any other paperwork requirements to obtain or fill out before sailing.
Wedding packages may also be convenient, but they’re often limited in their selections and don’t offer much flexibility. There won’t be much room to negotiate about decor, flowers, the number of guests, and other wedding elements. You can customize your wedding ceremony further and enjoy additional perks with more packages that include more personalized touches, but you also have to consider your budget as they’re more expensive. But if you’re willing to let the cruise line take the reins in favor of a unique moment, you can enjoy a stress-free, romantic cruise wedding, no matter the package.
Thinking of a cruise honeymoon?
Weddings aren’t the only way to celebrate your love on a cruise. If you’re really looking to book a dream cruise line but don’t offer wedding packages or permit ceremonies, you can enjoy a cruise honeymoon and travel in style. You can focus more on the travel aspect of cruising instead of the wedding, allowing you to fully take advantage of the ship’s facilities, amenities, and activities. Explora Journeys may not offer weddings, but they can provide you with an immersive and luxurious travel experience with an in-suite welcome bottle of champagne, diverse culinary choices, and a rejuvenating spa experience. You can connect with your spouse as you travel to new horizons, with tours taking you to the Red Sea & Arabian Peninsula or the Mediterranean & Western Europe. These cruise lines can still provide a romantic getaway, even if you don’t get married on the ship. Like with any other regular honeymoon, you’ll still need to do your planning and research. Check out “The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Honeymoon” post on our page to help you figure out your dream honeymoon.
For more on all things weddings, visit Love & Lavender for inspiration, resources, and tips for your big day.
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