Getting married on a cruise is possible, but you must plan months ahead and work directly with the cruise line
Most major cruise lines offer wedding packages, but the process is not the same as getting married on land. You cannot straightforward show up at the ship and exchange vows. The cruise line must approve your wedding in advance, usually three to six months before your sailing date. You will need a valid marriage license from a U.S. state or your home country, and the ship's captain or an authorized officiant will perform the ceremony.
The catch: your marriage license must be valid in the jurisdiction where the ship is registered, not necessarily where you live. Most cruise ships are registered in countries like the Bahamas or Panama, which have their own marriage laws. Some cruise lines will only marry couples if they obtain a license from that country, while others accept U.S. state licenses. You must confirm this with your specific cruise line before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the cruise line's wedding department at least three to six months before your planned sailing date to check availability and pricing.
- You will need a valid marriage license from either a U.S. state or your home country, depending on the cruise line's requirements and ship registration.
- Wedding packages typically include the ceremony, an officiant, a small reception space, and flowers or decorations, but costs vary widely by cruise line and ship size.
- Some cruise lines allow only the couple and when ready family to attend, while others permit larger guest lists if they are also sailing on the ship.
- The ship's captain or a licensed officiant conducts the ceremony at sea, and the marriage is legally binding in the ship's country of registration.
How to start the planning process with your cruise line
Contact the cruise line's wedding or special events department directly by phone or email. Do not book your cruise first and then ask about weddings—call the wedding department before you purchase any tickets. They will tell you whether your sailing date and ship have availability, what the package costs, and what documents you need to bring.
Each cruise line has different rules. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line all offer wedding packages, but the details differ. Some lines charge a flat fee (typically $3,000 to $5,000 for a basic ceremony), while others charge per person or offer tiered packages. Ask specifically what is included: the officiant, flowers, music, photography, and reception space. Some packages include only the ceremony; others add a small reception with catering.
Be prepared to provide the wedding department with your names, dates of birth, citizenship, and your planned sailing date. They will also ask how many guests you plan to invite and whether those guests will be sailing with you. This matters because some cruise lines restrict wedding guest lists to people already booked on the ship.
Marriage license requirements by cruise line and ship location
This is where the rules get complicated. The ship's country of registration determines which marriage licenses are valid. Most U.S.-based cruise lines operate ships registered in the Bahamas, which means you may need a Bahamian marriage license. However, some cruise lines will accept a U.S. state license if you meet certain conditions.
Royal Caribbean, for example, accepts marriage licenses from any U.S. state, but the couple must be at least 18 years old and meet the specific state's waiting periods and residency rules. Carnival requires a Bahamian marriage license for ceremonies at sea, which means you must obtain the license before boarding. Disney Cruise Line accepts U.S. state licenses for most sailings. Norwegian Cruise Line's rules vary by ship and itinerary.
If you need a Bahamian license, you will have to explore through the Bahamas government before your cruise. This process takes time and requires documents like birth certificates, divorce decrees (if applicable), and proof of citizenship. The Bahamian government charges a fee for the license. Your cruise line's wedding department will provide the exact process process and forms, but you are responsible for submitting them and paying the government fee separately from your wedding package.
What happens during the ceremony at sea
The ceremony typically takes place in a designated venue on the ship—often a dining room, lounge, or outdoor deck area. The ship's captain or a licensed officiant hired by the cruise line will conduct the ceremony. The ceremony itself is short, usually 15 to 30 minutes, and follows the format you agree on with the wedding department.
You can personalize some elements: your own vows, choice of music, readings, or flowers. However, the cruise line controls the space and timing. If the ship is in port or experiencing rough seas, the ceremony may be moved or rescheduled. Your wedding department contact will explain the contingency plan when you book.
After the ceremony, some packages include a small reception with champagne, cake, and appetizers. Larger receptions or dinners can be added for an extra fee. If your wedding guests are sailing with you, they can attend the ceremony and reception. If they are not sailing, they cannot board the ship to attend.
Guest restrictions and what you can and cannot do
Most cruise lines require that all wedding guests be passengers on the same sailing. This means your parents, siblings, and friends must book cabins on the ship if they want to attend. Some cruise lines make exceptions for the officiant or a photographer, but this varies. Ask your wedding department whether non-sailing guests are permitted at all.
You cannot invite people to board the ship just for the ceremony and then leave. Security and maritime law prevent this. If you want a large wedding, you will need to book a group sailing where many of your guests are already planning to cruise.
The cruise line controls the ceremony location and timing. You cannot decorate the space beyond what the package includes, and you cannot bring outside vendors like photographers or florists unless the cruise line has approved them in advance. Some lines allow you to hire an outside photographer for an additional fee; others require you to use their photographer.
Costs and what different packages include
Wedding package pricing varies widely. A basic ceremony package with an officiant, flowers, and a small reception typically costs $3,000 to $5,000. Premium packages that include a larger reception, professional photography, a wedding cake, and a dedicated wedding coordinator can cost $7,000 to $15,000 or more.
These prices are separate from your cruise fare. You pay for your cabin and cruise separately, and the wedding package is an add-on. If you have 50 guests sailing with you, each guest pays their own cabin and cruise fare in addition to your wedding package cost.
Some cruise lines offer group discounts if you book a certain number of cabins for your wedding party. Ask your wedding department whether this is available and what the minimum group size is. You may also be able to add a rehearsal dinner, a bridal shower, or a post-wedding celebration to your package for additional fees.
Legal validity and what happens after the ceremony
A marriage performed on a cruise ship is legally binding in the ship's country of registration and in most countries worldwide. However, you should verify that your home state or country will recognize the marriage. In the United States, marriages performed on ships registered in the Bahamas are recognized by all 50 states, but you may need to register the marriage certificate with your local vital records office.
After the ceremony, the ship's officiant will provide you with a marriage certificate. This certificate is issued by the ship's country of registration, not by a U.S. state. You will need this certificate to change your name, update your Social Security record, or file taxes as a married couple. Keep multiple certified copies in a safe place.
If you need to register the marriage in your home state, contact your local vital records office or county clerk to learn the process. Some states require you to file the ship's certificate; others have their own registration process. Do this soon after your cruise, as delays can complicate legal matters later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get married on a cruise if we do not have a marriage license yet?
No. You must have a valid marriage license before boarding the ship. The cruise line will ask to see it when you check in for your wedding. Obtain your license from the appropriate jurisdiction (your U.S. state or the Bahamas, depending on the cruise line's requirements) before your sailing date. Processing times vary, so start this process as soon as you book your wedding package.
What if one of us is not a U.S. citizen?
You can still get married on a cruise, but the requirements depend on your citizenship and the cruise line's policy. Some cruise lines accept marriage licenses from other countries; others require a U.S. state license or a Bahamian license. Contact the cruise line's wedding department with your citizenship information, and they will tell you which documents you need and where to obtain them.
Can we get married on a cruise if we are already legally married?
Yes, some cruise lines offer vow renewal packages for couples who are already married. These are typically less expensive than wedding packages and do not require a marriage license. Ask your wedding department about vow renewal options if you are interested in celebrating your marriage on the ship.
What happens if we break up before the cruise?
You will lose the money you paid for the wedding package. Most cruise lines do not refund wedding packages if you cancel. You can still sail on the cruise if you want, or you may be able to cancel your entire booking depending on the cruise line's cancellation policy. Check your contract before you book.
How far in advance do we need to book a wedding on a cruise?
Most cruise lines require you to book at least three to six months in advance. Popular ships and sailing dates may fill up faster, so booking earlier gives you more options. Contact the wedding department as soon as you have a date in mind to check availability.