Having your wedding on a cruise ship is an experience like no other. And with the popularity of cruise ship weddings growing (more than 2,000 weddings were performed on cruise ships last year), cruise lines are doing more and more to cater to these couples. From hiring some of the best wedding planners in the country to building wedding chapels on board, lines are making a cruise ship wedding a reality for couples every day.

Cruise Ship Weddings: Planning Made Simple

Depending on the cruise line you choose, you can be as involved as you want to be with planning. Many cruise lines have full-time wedding planners who make planning your cruise ship wedding a breeze. Once you give them the vision you have of your wedding, they will take care of the rest. No searching for florists, caterers, or bands; they take care of it all. Your cruise ship wedding can take place on the ship itself or in one of the ports of call. And with the exception of your clergy member (a few cruise lines provide clergy, though with the growth in popularity of cruise ship weddings, more and more lines are providing clergy), you have nothing to bring except your dress and yourselves!

Is it Expensive?

Just as with any wedding, the cost of cruise ship weddings can vary greatly. Carnival cruise lines have packages that start at less than $800, significantly cheaper than the cost of a traditional wedding. Of course, there are more expensive options as well, but for many couples, a cruise ship wedding allows them to have a luxury wedding at a budget price.

What About Guests?

With a cruise ship wedding, you have a few choices for your guests. You can get married right before the cruise begins (either on the ship or in the port city) with your family and friends, then enjoy the cruise as your honeymoon. Many couples choose to get married in a port city while on their cruise, and have their guests meet them there. The newlyweds then can get back on the ship to enjoy the next few days on their own together. Still others take advantage of cruise lines that allow guests to board the cruise ship for the wedding and reception only (mid-cruise), then get back off before the ship leaves port. And finally, some couples choose to bring their family with them for the entire cruise. This is my favorite part of a cruise ship wedding, as it allows you to extend the celebration for the entire length of the cruise instead of one night.