Imagine exchanging vows while sailing through the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, past the icy peaks of an Alaskan glacier, or the white sand beaches of the Caribbean on a cruise ship. From a Captain-led, sea-view ceremony to a gourmet reception, a wedding at sea offers an all-in-one celebration that is both romantic and surprisingly great value.
Options range from symbolic celebrations and harbourside ceremonies to destination weddings ashore, with select lines even offering the opportunity for a legally officiated service right on board.
The legal basics
To be legally married on board, the ship must be registered in a country that grants the Captain legal authority to officiate, specifically Bermuda, Malta or the Bahamas. Ceremonies typically occur on a sea day in international waters (at least 12 nautical miles from shore). If the ship is docked, local laws apply, often requiring a Harbourside ceremony with a local official.
- Same-Sex Legalities: For legally recognised same-sex marriages at sea, Celebrity Cruises (registered in Malta) is the best option.
- The 90-Day Rule: All legal documentation, including original birth certificates, valid passports, and proof of single status, must be submitted at least 90 days prior to sailing to ensure legal validity.
- Witnesses: Two witnesses are required; if you are eloping, the cruise line can provide crew members to serve as witnesses.
- Budgeting: Couples should allocate approximately £400–£900 for marriage license fees in addition to the base package price.
Cruise lines that offer legal weddings at sea
1. Princess Cruises
Known as the "Love Boat," Princess Cruises offer a romantic wedding experience with ceremonies legally registered in Bermuda and typically officiated by the Ship’s Captain.
How many wedding packages does Princess Cruises offer at sea?
For 2026, couples can choose from three main at-sea packages: the Perfect Pair (~$2,995), Timeless Ceremony (~$3,995), and the comprehensive Timeless Wedding (~$5,995), with legal fees adding roughly $500.
All packages include a wedding coordinator, cake, champagne toast and floral arrangements. Higher-tier options add live music, salon treatments, and cocktail receptions. Unique touches include ceremonies in the Hearts & Minds Chapel or the grand Piazza, plus a private Bridge Tour and a personalised toast from the Captain.
Take a look at our Princess Cruises itineraries here.
2. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is a leader in performing legally recognised same-sex weddings at sea thanks to its Maltese registration. With an extensive package on offer, you’re guaranteed a magical day onboard one of their extraordinary vessels.
How many wedding packages does Celebrity Cruises offer at sea?
Celebrity Cruises offers one type of wedding package, called the ‘Exclusive Wedding Package’. Costing $2,595, it includes a ceremony led by the Captain or Cruise Director in a private venue, such as Blu, the Rooftop Garden, the Sky Lounge, or Eden, depending on the number of guests. The package includes flowers, a single-tier cake, a champagne toast and one hour of dedicated photography and pre-recorded music, all customisable.
You can also upgrade your celebration with a cocktail reception, a formal dinner, or live entertainment featuring a DJ or a band. Legal documents must be submitted 10 weeks prior.
Book your Celebrity Cruise here.
3. Cunard
Cunard offers the most traditional and formal wedding experience at sea, defined by their prestigious "White Star Service." Ceremonies are legally registered in Bermuda and led by the Captain or Deputy Captain, with the support of a dedicated ceremonies specialist.
How many wedding packages does Cunard offer at sea?
The Ceremony Package starts at $3,600 (rising to $4,600 on the Queen Anne), plus a mandatory $935 license fee.
The experience is deeply rooted in maritime culture, with a bellhop in full uniform escorting the couple to the ceremony. While the package includes a two-tier cake and Laurent-Perrier Champagne, photography is an extra cost, allowing you to build a bespoke celebration. You can choose from classic venues like The Boardroom or The Admiral’s Lounge, and depending on the ship's schedule, you might even be invited to the Bridge for a special commemorative toast.
Check out the Cunard cruise options here.
4. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean specialises in high-energy weddings at iconic venues such as Central Park, the AquaTheater, and the Solarium. Tropical ceremonies at Perfect Day at CocoCay are also available for a $1,000 surcharge.
How many wedding packages does Royal Caribbean offer at sea?
The Forever Yours ($5,499) package hosts up to 20 guests. For larger parties, The Knot at Sea ($7,999) accommodates 75 guests and includes "The Key" VIP benefits, such as priority access and high-speed internet. Packages include a private ceremony, a multi-tier wedding cake and Mimosa Breakfast-in-Bed, and a couple's massage, but photography is separate, starting at $999.
The Love Sets Sail ($9,499) package is designed for embarkation day, allowing up to 50 non-sailing guests to attend the ceremony and a private two-hour reception. All legal at-sea weddings require a $900 license fee and 90 days' notice.
Discover your next adventure with Royal Caribbean here.
5. Azamara
Azamara is a premier boutique choice, offering an intimate experience that feels more like a private yacht than a large resort. Because the fleet is registered in Malta, the Captain can officiate at legally recognised weddings at sea.
How many wedding packages does Azamara offer at sea?
Their Nautical Nuptials package ($2,500) covers the couple's ceremony and includes live music, a one-hour photography session, and romantic stateroom treats like logo bathrobes and chocolate-covered strawberries. Couples should factor in the $700 Maltese registry fee and ensure all legal documents are submitted 10 weeks before sailing.
Ceremonies take place in an elegant, crowd-free indoor venue of choice. A unique feature is the "Test the Waters" package ($275), which allows couples to tour the ship and consult with a coordinator before booking.
View our latest Azamara deals here.
6. P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises offers a sophisticated British wedding experience, with legal ceremonies led by the Captain or Deputy Captain.
How many wedding packages does P&O Cruises offer at sea?
Packages range from Just the Two of Us (£2,700) to Ceremonies at Sea (£3,200) for up to 10 guests, plus a £850 Bermuda license fee. All planning must be finalised four months before sailing.
The experience includes a 5kg extra luggage allowance each for wedding attire on fly-cruises. Packages feature a two-tier cake, champagne, and dinner at Sindhu or The Epicurean. Couples also enjoy a £100 spa credit and priority check-in at Southampton. To ensure everything runs perfectly, a dedicated onboard wedding coordinator handles all the day's logistics, from floral arrangements to the ceremony. Each couple also receives a commemorative wedding certificate and a matching bouquet and buttonhole.
See availability for your next P&O Cruises getaway here.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
NCL specialises in flexible onboard weddings where Captains perform legal ceremonies on ships like the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Encore with personalised planning and customised vows.
How many wedding packages does Norwegian Cruise Line offer at sea?
The Wedding at Sea package ($3,099) includes the ceremony, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, a celebration cake, and a champagne toast.
This package also includes a speciality dinner for the couple at Le Bistro, multiple bottles of wine and Prosecco, and stateroom treats such as chocolate-covered strawberries. Ceremonies are held in elegant venues such as the Observation Lounge or the Waterfront boardwalk, and the price includes one hour of professional photography. Please note that marriage license fees (approx. $700–$900) are an additional cost.
Discover your next great adventure with NCL here.
Symbolic ceremonies
Symbolic ceremonies at sea are a wonderful way to enjoy a celebratory wedding experience without the paperwork required by international law. It is worth noting that the cruise lines mentioned above (which offer legal weddings) also provide symbolic ceremonies, vow renewals and romantic proposal packages.
Symbolic ceremonies
The cruise lines below offer the following options:
Virgin Voyages: This adults-only line recently launched its "Tie the Knot" packages for 2025/2026, which emphasise their signature "Rockstar" vibe. Packages include beauty treatments for the couple, priority check-in and boarding, and ceremonies in their chic venues.
Disney Cruise Line: Disney specialises in "fairytale" symbolic ceremonies that feature magical touches, such as live pianists and exclusive keepsakes, at sea or on its private island, Castaway Cay.
MSC Cruises: Providing exceptional value, MSC offers officer-led symbolic celebrations that include a speciality multi-tier cake, champagne and dedicated photo packages.
Marella Cruises: A favourite for Brits, Marella’s affordable Celebration of Vows packages are led by the Captain or a senior officer, with three tiers and include a charming musical afternoon tea session.
Holland America Line: This line focuses on refined elegance with symbolic ceremonies that prioritise classic maritime service and intimate speciality dining at the Pinnacle Grill.
Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival brings a lively, tropical energy to its symbolic weddings, offering a fun and stress-free way to celebrate with family in a high-energy "Fun Ship" atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I invite guests who aren't sailing on the cruise?
Yes, but typically only if you choose an embarkation day wedding. Most lines allow "non-sailing guests" to board for the ceremony and a short reception while the ship is still in port. They must depart the ship about an hour before it sails. If you marry at sea, only guests booked on the cruise can attend.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Cruise lines have a "Plan B" venue. If you’ve booked a ceremony on a sun deck or at the front of the ship and it’s too windy or raining, the wedding coordinator will move the event to an indoor venue. The Captain makes the final call on outdoor safety.
How do I get my wedding dress or suit on board?
It is advised that you carry your dress on as a "hand-carry" item. Most airlines will allow you to hang a wedding dress in the crew closet if you ask nicely, and most cruise wedding packages include a complimentary pressing and steaming service once you board to remove any travel wrinkles.
Are there limits on how many weddings happen per cruise?
Yes. To keep things exclusive, most ships only perform one or two weddings per day. Because of this, legal sea-day slots on popular itineraries often book up 12 to 18 months in advance.
Can we have a full reception with a sit-down dinner?
Standard wedding packages usually include a cake and a champagne toast for about an hour. If you want a full reception with a multi-course meal and an open bar, you will need to pay a "per head" fee to book a private area of a speciality restaurant or a dedicated lounge.
If you're ready to get married at sea, there's a ship and itinerary to suit every style
If you would like to get married by sailing on the high seas, take a look at the different options around the world, from the glaciers of Alaska and the cliffs of Santorini to the islands of the Bahamas. Your journey starts the moment you step on board.
