Getting Married on a Cruise Ship: Everything You Need to Know
A complete planning guide for cruise ship weddings — legal requirements, wedding packages by cruise line with costs, ceremony locations, guest logistics, port vs at-sea weddings, honeymoon cruising, and a detailed budget comparison with traditional weddings.
Quick Answer
Cruise ship weddings are legally recognized when performed by the captain at sea (available on Princess, Carnival, and P&O) or when conducted by a licensed officiant at a port. Wedding packages range from $1,500-5,000 for basic ceremonies to $10,000-20,000+ for premium packages with receptions. Most cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Disney — offer wedding coordination departments. A cruise wedding for 20-30 guests typically costs $5,000-15,000 total, compared to $35,000-45,000 for an average US wedding.
