Cruise wedding packages typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 for the ceremony and basic reception, plus the cost of your cruise fare itself

A cruise wedding package is separate from your ticket to sail. You pay for your cabin and passage like any other passenger, then add a wedding package on top. The package price covers the ceremony space, an officiant, basic decorations, and a small reception—usually for 2 to 50 guests. The exact cost depends on which cruise line you choose, how many people attend, and what extras you add.

Most major cruise lines offer wedding packages: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess all have formal programs. Each line structures their pricing differently, and costs vary by ship, sailing date, and how far in advance you book. Some lines charge per person for the reception; others charge a flat fee for the ceremony and let you add guests separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Cruise wedding packages start around $3,000 to $5,000 for a ceremony and small reception, but you must also pay full cruise fares for yourself and all guests.
  • Most cruise lines require you to book the wedding package at least 120 days before your sailing date, and some require longer notice for larger guest counts.
  • Alcohol, photography, flowers, and music upgrades are almost always extra charges beyond the base package price.
  • Your guests pay their own cruise fares, which can range from $500 to $3,000+ per person depending on the ship, cabin type, and sailing length.
  • Cancellation policies for weddings are stricter than regular cruise cancellations, and you may lose your wedding package deposit if you cancel within 75 to 120 days of sailing.

What the Base Package Includes

A standard cruise wedding package includes the ceremony itself, an officiant (usually a ship's captain or chaplain), a ceremony space on the ship, and basic decorations. You get a small reception area for a limited time—typically one to two hours—with basic food and non-alcoholic beverages. The package usually covers a wedding cake or dessert, a straightforward floral arrangement, and background music or a DJ for the reception.

The number of guests included in the base price varies by line. Some packages include up to 50 guests; others cap it at 18 or 20. If you want more guests than the package allows, you pay per additional person. Carnival, for example, charges a base fee plus a per-person reception cost. Royal Caribbean often includes a set number of guests in the package price, then charges extra for anyone beyond that.

What is not included in most base packages: premium alcohol, professional photography, upgraded flowers, live band music, personalized invitations, or rehearsal dinner. These are all add-ons with separate costs.

How Much Your Guests Will Pay

Your wedding guests must book and pay for their own cruise cabins. There is no group discount or wedding guest rate—they pay the same per-person fare as any other passenger. A three-day cruise might cost $400 to $800 per person in an inside cabin; a seven-day cruise could run $1,000 to $3,000+ per person depending on the ship, season, and cabin location.

Guests also pay for their own onboard expenses: drinks, specialty dining, shore excursions, spa services, and any other activities beyond the basic included meals and entertainment. A guest might spend an additional $300 to $1,000 during the cruise on top of their cabin fare.

This is a significant cost barrier. Many couples find that the total expense—your wedding package plus your cabin, plus each guest's cabin and onboard spending—makes a cruise wedding more expensive than a traditional land-based wedding, even though the ceremony package itself is modest.

Add-On Costs That Increase the Price

Photography is one of the largest add-ons. Most cruise lines charge $300 to $1,000 for professional photography, depending on how many photos you want and whether you want a videographer. Some lines offer a basic photo package (usually 50 to 100 images) and charge more for expanded coverage or video.

Flowers and décor upgrades can add $200 to $800. The base package includes straightforward centerpieces and a bridal bouquet, but if you want premium flowers, a larger bridal party bouquet, or more elaborate decorations, you pay extra. Alcohol packages—premium bar service during the reception, champagne for toasts, or a cocktail hour—typically cost $100 to $400 depending on what you choose.

Music upgrades are common. A DJ is often included, but a live band or string quartet costs $500 to $2,000 extra. Personalized invitations, rehearsal dinners, hair and makeup services, and cabin decorations are additional charges on most lines. Some couples spend $2,000 to $4,000 in add-ons alone.

Booking Timeline and Deposit Requirements

Most cruise lines require you to book your wedding package at least 120 days (about four months) before your sailing date. Some require 150 to 180 days' notice, especially for larger weddings or peak season sailings. You cannot book a wedding package and then decide on your sailing date—you choose your cruise first, then add the wedding package.

A deposit is due when you book, typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the cruise line and package size. The remaining balance is due 75 to 120 days before your sailing. If you cancel within that window, you may forfeit your deposit or the entire package cost. Cancellation policies for weddings are much stricter than regular cruise cancellations, so read the terms carefully before you commit.

Comparing Costs Across Major Cruise Lines

Carnival's wedding packages start around $3,500 for a ceremony and reception for up to 18 guests, with additional guests at roughly $100 to $150 each. Royal Caribbean's packages begin around $5,500 to $6,500 for similar capacity. Disney Cruise Line is typically the most expensive, starting at $5,000 to $6,000 for a small ceremony and reception. Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess fall in the middle range, around $4,500 to $6,000.

These base prices do not include your cabin or your guests' cabins. They also do not include add-ons. A realistic total for a couple and 20 guests might look like this: $5,000 wedding package, $2,000 for the couple's cabin, $20,000 to $40,000 for 20 guests' cabins (depending on cabin type and cruise length), plus $1,000 to $3,000 in add-ons. That totals $28,000 to $48,000 before guests spend anything onboard.

Alternatives if a Cruise Wedding Feels Too Expensive

If the total cost is too high, consider a smaller guest list. A wedding for just you, your spouse, and a few when ready family members can keep costs down—you pay only for the cabins you actually need, and the wedding package itself is smaller. Some couples marry on the ship with just two witnesses, then hold a reception or celebration on land afterward.

Another option is to renew your vows on a cruise instead of having a full wedding. Vow renewal packages are usually cheaper—often $1,000 to $2,500—and do not require the same advance booking window. You can also straightforward have a wedding-themed cruise without booking an official wedding package: marry before you sail, then invite friends and family to join you on the cruise as a honeymoon celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get married on a cruise ship if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, but the rules depend on where the ship is registered and where you are sailing. Most U.S.-based cruise lines can marry couples of any nationality, but you may need additional documentation like a passport or visa. Contact the cruise line's wedding department directly—they handle the legal requirements for your specific situation.

What if the weather is bad and we have to move the ceremony?

Cruise lines have backup indoor ceremony spaces on every ship. If weather makes an outdoor ceremony unsafe, the ceremony moves indoors at no extra cost. The reception location may also change, but the package price stays the same.

Do I have to sail on the ship where we get married?

Yes. You and your guests must be booked on the cruise where the wedding takes place. You cannot marry on one ship and sail on another.

Can we bring our own officiant or do we have to use the ship's captain?

Most cruise lines require you to use their officiant—usually the ship's captain or a chaplain they provide. A few lines allow you to bring your own officiant, but this is rare and may require additional paperwork and fees. Check with your specific cruise line.

What happens to our wedding package if the cruise is cancelled?

If the cruise line cancels the sailing, your wedding package is refunded or transferred to another date at no extra cost. If you cancel, the cruise line's wedding cancellation policy applies—you may lose your deposit or the entire package cost depending on how close you are to the sailing date.