Getting Married On the Water? Tips for Setting Sail to Tie the Knot

Tired of the traditional church or garden wedding? Want to make a splash on your big day? Look no further than a yacht wedding! 

Imagine exchanging your vows on a luxury vessel, surrounded by the vast open seas, with the wind in your hair and love in your heart. It’s a unique experience that will surely make your big day unforgettable.

It’s time to chart a course towards the wedding of your dreams with our complete guide on getting married on the water, which includes additional tips!

Benefits Of Getting Married On The Water

Weddings are significant events, and each couple wants theirs to be remarkable. With that said, there are many benefits to having a wedding at sea. So, before you plan, ask yourself if getting married at sea suits you and your partner. 

One Venue for Your Entire Event

Since everything takes place on board, the logistics and additional transportation expenses between the ceremony and reception are less of a worry. You can set sail to your marital voyage with a full-blown ceremony, cocktail hour on the open deck, and an elegant dinner in the dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Scenic View

The picturesque harbor, skyline, and coastal views, especially sunsets, make the entire event a visual treat. You’ll get incredible wedding photos of your venue, bridal attire, and the backdrop, and your guests will be in awe of the panoramic scenery. If timed right, you can also exchange your vows during the renowned golden hour moment as the sun slips below the horizon.

All-Inclusive Packages

Many boats offer all-inclusive packages covering almost everything from on-site coordination, linen, and decor to catering, bar, and even wedding cake. Some even provide a house DJ and an onboard lighting and sound system. With the ship’s Captain often being a licensed officiant, you can relax and enjoy your day, knowing everything is in place. This convenience will relieve the stress of planning and allow you to focus on the joy of your special day.

Affordability

A wedding on the water is a unique experience and budget-friendly. Whether you book a private room or charter the entire boat, many vessels offer packages that meet different budget requirements. Since most of them are all-inclusive, you also get more value for your money.

How To Plan A Wedding On The Water

Planning a destination wedding on the water means working within the constraints of the specific vessel and considering Mother Nature’s changing weather conditions.

So, here’s how you can plan a wedding on the water.

Taking Care Of Legalities

You can have a civil ceremony at home to obtain your legally binding marriage license, then have your celebratory ceremony in your boat rental and destination. In this scenario, you’re not relying on the wedding to legally seal the deal. 

It’s a way to have friends and family witness your union and informally share in the festivities with them. Obtaining a legally binding wedding certificate at your travel destination may be better since you’ll still need to have it recognized by your local government; this is the perfect option for most people, as it ensures the most critical part of your union is taken care of at home.

We suggest several boat options to cater to this scenario. Specifically, on almost any boat rental, you have the option of adding on a hotel pick-up so you can focus on the critical details of the day, fully stocking your boat with champagne or coordinating a dinner to have on board. Ask your sales agent about what options are available for your budget, destination, and dates.

Find A Boat And Captain

If you choose the Captain to officiate your wedding, ensure he has the legal right. It’s widely believed that all captains or skippers can legally wed couples, but this is false. Generally, a ship’s Captain does not have this right. He has to be a judge, a minister, or an officially recognized officiant. Still, in some situations, this is not legal.

For example, the 1913 Code of Regulations in the U.S. states that even the commanding officer cannot perform a marriage ceremony on board his ship or aircraft, even more so when the vessel or aircraft is outside the United States territory. 

The only exceptions are specific local, state, territory, or district laws of the couple’s domicile. Even then, a U.S. diplomatic or consular official is a must. They must consent to issuing the certificates and make the required returns as per regulations.

All to say that the local laws and the laws of the country where the ship, boat, yacht, or cruise is registered have the final say on whether a marriage at sea is recognized. Check your local laws to ensure a boat wedding is legally recognized when you’re on dry land.

Location, Time, and Weather

Whether you’re choosing to charter a boat, planning a yacht party, or hosting a wedding reception on a cruise ship, time, location, and weather are important factors to consider. Weather can significantly impact a waterfront or boating event and quickly change the guest experience and comfort.

When planning, check your pickup location and the weather of that day. Many coastal areas have zones where gale-force winds may appear fast and unexpectedly. So, a backup plan for chilly, windy temperatures is necessary. If it’s too windy, some boats or yachts won’t sail, which may delay or even cancel your event until conditions improve.

Suppose you want to explore the crystal-clear Adriatic waters on a luxury yacht in Croatia, Italy, or Montenegro. The best time of the year to plan your wedding would be between June and September because of the pleasant sunshine and warm Mediterranean bliss. However, if you want to tie the knot overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Bahamas, mid-December to February is the best because of the relatively low rainfall.

Keep Guests Comfortable

While you and your partner may find a wedding on a boat absolutely magical, espeically if you’re used to being on the water, it can get challenging for some guests.

Seasickness can happen quickly, especially when you drink, which is why you should have a solid plan. If you have the opportunity, offer seasickness patches to the guests before your event so they don’t have to deal with discomfort.

Consider putting together welcome bags, including bug spray, water bottles, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Another helpful option? Put out a big basket of hats, fans, and a well-stocked station of snacks and water. Guests must stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.  

Things To Watch Out For

• “Hidden” Costs

Although boat weddings are typically budget-friendly, you’ll want to know some potential fees unique to watercraft. Ask about additional charges like fuel, taxes, docking, service fees, gratuities, and port or permitting expenses.

• Space Limitations

If you reserve an expensive mega yacht, you may have to reduce your guest list. Boats restrict the number of passengers permitted on board, so you’ll want to ask the boat charter for a large enough vessel to accommodate your guest count safely.

• Strict Regulations

Apart from capacity limits, some boats have limitations ranging from specific decor, like no open flames, to departure timings. Late guests may be stuck on the pier and miss the boat as your wedding sails out. Leave some spare time for your departure on the wedding invitation to ensure everyone’s present for an on-time departure.

• Stuck on the Vessel

Evaluate your guest list before reserving a wedding on a boat. For example, one of your guests is a doctor who may need to leave immediately. Unless your boat is docked, you’ll be on the water for several hours. Luckily, many boat charters offer water taxi services that take people back to the dock if needed. There are even water ambulances in case of an emergency.

Additional Factors To Consider

1. Inquire about wheelchair accessibility: Many boats also have slim corridors, doors with high thresholds, and spiraling staircases, so consider any guests with mobility issues when choosing your boat venue.
2. Prepare for seasickness: If any of your guests are prone to motion sickness, consider adding information to your wedding website on ways to combat being seasick and having ginger ale, ginger or lemon tea, or scented candies.
3. Create a website highlighting key wedding details: Include a suggested dress code, like nautical attire, and a note about the anticipated weather. Ask guests to bring sunblock or sunglasses and remind them they may need a sweater or coat. Inform your women attendees about the vessel. For example, if the stairs are steep, they can opt for flat footwear instead of stilettos.
4. Have a bad-weather contingency plan: If it’s an open-air wedding, you should have a plan just in case of rain or strong winds. Discuss with the coordinator about a “Plan B” interior space as the contingency.
5. Coordinate with your photographer: The space might not be suitable for formal photos due to the size of the boat. If that’s the case, take a “first look” or bridal party photos in an accessible location before setting sail.
6. Consider hosting other events on board: You can also host your engagement party, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner simultaneously! This way, you’ll get the nautical experience of a boat event without fully committing to hosting your entire wedding on board.

To Conclude

a yacht wedding is the perfect way to make your big day unforgettable. With breathtaking views, a fun atmosphere, and ever-lasting memories, it’s the ideal way to set sail on the adventure of marriage. So, grab your life jacket, and let’s get ready to tie the knot!