Yes, you can get married on a cruise ship, but the location and timing matter more than you might think
You can marry on a cruise ship, but the marriage is only legal if the ship is registered in a country that recognizes marriages at sea. Most major cruise lines — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian — register their ships in the Bahamas, Panama, or Malta. A marriage performed while the ship is in international waters under one of these flags is legal in the United States and most other countries. The catch: your ship must be at sea when the ceremony happens, not docked in port.
If you want the wedding to happen while docked, the marriage must follow the laws of that port's country or state. This means getting a marriage license from that location first, which can take weeks and may require residency. Many couples find it simpler to marry at sea, where the cruise line handles the paperwork under maritime law.
Key Takeaways
- Marriages at sea are legal only when the ship is in international waters, not when docked in port.
- Your cruise ship's flag country — usually the Bahamas, Panama, or Malta — determines which laws govern the marriage.
- You need a marriage license from your home state or country before boarding; the ship's captain cannot issue one.
- Cruise lines charge between $3,000 and $5,000 for a wedding package, which includes the ceremony, officiant, and basic decorations.
- Planning takes three to six months, and you must book through the cruise line's wedding department, not a travel agent.
How the legal paperwork works at sea
Before you board, you must obtain a marriage license from your home state or country. This is not optional — the ship's captain cannot marry you without it. The license requirements vary by location. Some states require a waiting period between explore and marrying; others do not. A few states require blood tests, though most stopped this practice years ago. You will need to research your specific state's rules and explore weeks in advance.
Once you have the license, bring the original document with you on the cruise. The ship's wedding coordinator will collect it and pass it to the captain. After the ceremony at sea, the captain signs the license as the officiant. The cruise line then mails the signed license to your state's vital records office, where it is recorded as a legal marriage. This process typically takes four to eight weeks after the cruise ends.
If you marry while the ship is docked, you must follow that port's marriage laws instead. For example, if the ship is docked in Bermuda, you need a Bermuda marriage license, which requires explore in person or through a local agent. This adds cost and complexity, which is why most couples choose to marry at sea.
What cruise lines offer and what it costs
Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian all offer wedding packages. The packages typically start at $3,000 and go up to $5,000 or more, depending on what you add. The base package usually includes the ceremony itself, an officiant (the captain or a ship's chaplain), a wedding coordinator, a small floral arrangement, and a cake. Some lines include a champagne toast or a straightforward reception in a cabin or small dining room.
If you want more — a larger reception, a photographer, a musician, upgraded flowers, or a private venue on the ship — costs climb quickly. A photographer alone can add $500 to $1,000. A reception for 50 guests in a private dining room can add $2,000 to $4,000. You are also responsible for your guests' cruise fares, which are separate from the wedding package.
Each cruise line has its own wedding department with its own rules and timelines. Royal Caribbean, for example, requires booking at least 120 days in advance. Carnival requires 90 days. Disney has stricter limits on guest count and venue options. Contact the wedding department directly — do not go through a travel agent, because they cannot access the wedding booking system.
Guest count and cabin requirements
Most cruise lines limit wedding guests to between 6 and 16 people, though some allow up to 50 if you book a private reception space. Every guest must have a paid cruise ticket on the same sailing. This means if you want 10 guests, you are paying for 10 full cruise fares in addition to the wedding package. For a week-long cruise, that can easily exceed $10,000 to $20,000 just for guest tickets.
You and your spouse do not need separate cabins — you can share one. However, if you want a larger wedding party or a private reception, you may need to book multiple cabins for your guests or rent a private dining space. The wedding coordinator can explain what is available on your specific ship and sailing date.
Timing and planning timeline
Plan to book your wedding 3 to 6 months in advance. The cruise line needs time to check your marriage license requirements, confirm the captain's availability, and coordinate with the ship's staff. Once you contact the wedding department, they will send you a contract, a list of what is included, and pricing. You will need to pay a deposit — usually 50 percent of the package cost — to hold your date.
About 30 days before the cruise, you will finalize details with the wedding coordinator. This is when you confirm the ceremony time, choose flowers and cake flavors, and arrange any add-ons like photography or music. The coordinator will also confirm that your marriage license has arrived on the ship.
On the day of the ceremony, arrive early — usually 30 minutes before the scheduled time. The captain or chaplain will perform the ceremony, which typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes. After the ceremony, you sign the marriage license with the officiant and two witnesses (the cruise line usually provides these).
Alternatives if you want a larger wedding
If a ship-based wedding feels too small or too expensive, consider marrying before or after the cruise instead. Many couples marry at a destination port — for example, in Bermuda, the Caribbean, or Mexico — and then take a cruise as their honeymoon. This gives you more control over the guest list, venue, and budget. You will need to follow that destination's marriage laws, which may require advance planning, but you avoid the cruise line's package fees and guest-count limits.
Another option is to renew your vows on a cruise after marrying legally on land. Many cruise lines offer vow renewal ceremonies for $500 to $1,500, with fewer restrictions on guest count and more flexibility on timing. This lets you celebrate with a larger group without the legal complexity of marrying at sea.
Documents and requirements checklist
Before you book, gather these items: a valid passport for international travel, your birth certificate, a government-issued ID, and proof of any previous divorces (a final divorce decree) if applicable. You will also need to know your state's marriage license requirements — waiting periods, fees, and whether blood tests are required.
Once you have booked with the cruise line, they will send you a detailed checklist of what to bring on the cruise itself. This includes the original signed marriage license, your passport, and any documents the cruise line requests. Do not lose the marriage license — it is the only proof that the marriage is legal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get married while the ship is docked in port?
Yes, but you must follow that port's marriage laws, not maritime law. This usually means obtaining a marriage license from that country or state in advance, which can take weeks and may require you to be present in person. Most couples find it simpler to marry while at sea instead.
What if one of us is not a U.S. citizen?
You can still marry on a cruise ship, but you both need valid passports and you must follow your home country's marriage license rules. Some countries require additional documents or have different waiting periods. Contact the cruise line's wedding department and your home country's consulate to confirm what is needed.
Is the marriage legal everywhere, or just in the United States?
A marriage performed at sea under a ship's flag country is recognized in the United States and most other countries. However, a small number of countries do not recognize maritime marriages. If you plan to live or work in a country outside the U.S., check with that country's government office to confirm the marriage will be recognized there.
Can we change the ceremony time or date after we book?
Most cruise lines allow changes up to 30 days before the cruise, though changing the date may not be possible if the ship is fully booked. Changes made closer to the cruise date may incur fees. Contact the wedding coordinator as soon as you know you need a change.
What happens if the ship has rough weather on our wedding day?
The ceremony will still happen — the captain can perform it indoors if needed. However, if the ship must return to port unexpectedly due to severe weather, the cruise line's policy on refunds or rescheduling applies. Review the cruise line's cancellation and weather policy before you book.