If you are considering a wedding at sea, there are many things you should consider before making your final decision. Below, you will learn about the different package options and how much it will cost. You will also learn about additional costs, including the legality of the marriage. And, of course, it is important to know exactly what you are signing up for. Here are some tips for planning the perfect wedding at sea. But, remember to keep your budget in mind, too!
Cost of a wedding at sea
The cost of a wedding at sea can vary significantly. Some cruise lines offer wedding packages that include the services of a wedding planner, officiant, photographer, flowers, and dinner for two. Others charge extra for legal weddings and other wedding options. In-port weddings are available for a modest fee, and pre-cruise ceremonies are available if the ship does not sail. The cost of a wedding at sea depends on several factors, including the type of wedding you choose and how many guests you wish to invite.
Prices range widely. MSC's Intimate Gold package, for example, costs about $4,400 and includes the services of a precruise wedding planner and a local officiant. The Grand Ceremony Gold package can accommodate up to 50 guests, while the Platinum and Diamond packages offer additional luxuries. MSC also offers a monochrome Sky Lounge to celebrate the happy occasion. For an additional cost, you can get your wedding officiated at a local church.
Cruise ships have onboard photographers familiar with the ship, and they know the best locations for wedding photos. If you're unsure about whether you'll need to hire a photographer, you can choose to hire a family member or arrange for one to be included in the package. However, hiring an outside photographer will cost more, but the flexibility it provides can make this option an affordable choice. Family members may take photos, but they are less staged and won't cost as much.
If you're planning a wedding on a cruise ship, you need to be aware that legalities can make the arrangements difficult. Most cruise lines require couples to have a pre-cruise wedding. Thankfully, Princess offers wedding packages for all of its ships. Most ships have wedding chapels dedicated to wedding ceremonies. A wedding on board varies in price depending on the type of ceremony you're planning. This can add up over time, but it's still cheaper than a traditional wedding in a chapel.
The cost of a wedding at sea can vary greatly. For example, you'll need to account for licensing fees, which can add up to $500. However, a cruise ship wedding package is often worth the extra money as it can be the perfect way to say "I do.
Package options
One of the most romantic ways to tie the knot is to have your wedding on a cruise ship. Cruise ships offer a variety of wedding package options and can accommodate a variety of guests, including those who are unable to attend the ceremony ashore. You can also find an all-inclusive wedding package if you are on a budget. Packages often include on-board meals, champagne and a ring ceremony.
The cost of these packages vary greatly and depend on the number of people you have invited. Basic packages can range from ten to fifty guests, depending on the ship. Prices may also vary according to the location chosen for the ceremony. Some couples choose to get married in the dining room and share their special day with family and friends. Other couples opt for private receptions with a DJ. Reception packages can start at about $50 per person and may include onboard credits or specialty dinners.
A cruise line that offers wedding packages caters to a discerning clientele. Couples looking for an upscale and romantic wedding are likely to select a luxury ship, which often offers onboard chapels for their ceremony. A luxury cruise ship may also have a wedding planner on board that will help them plan a ceremony that is legally binding and recognized in their home country. And with different wedding packages, couples can choose a package that suits their needs and budget.
For couples who do not wish to spend too much, they can opt for the affordable, yet elegant Harborside package. This package includes priority check-in for guests and a simple cake. It also includes a bottle of Champagne and additional photography services. In addition to a wedding ceremony, you can choose to have your reception on a cruise ship, which is a unique experience for both the bride and the groom.
Royal Caribbean offers many wedding packages for couples. The simplest package is the "Intimately Yours" package, which allows the couple to tie the knot while the cruise ship is sailing. The cost of this package starts at $1,950 and includes similar options as the other two. Guests may also opt for other wedding packages. However, if you want to be pampered and have a perfect wedding, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Additional costs
Cruise lines offer a variety of wedding packages, with some offering more services than others. The Intimate Gold package, for example, includes a pre-cruise wedding planner and a local officiant. The Grand Ceremony Gold package is more luxurious, allowing for up to 50 non-sailing guests. Platinum and Diamond wedding packages offer additional perks. To be eligible for a cruise wedding, you must have a marriage certificate from a land ceremony. On Meraviglia-class ships, you can exchange vows in the monochrome Sky Lounge.
Cunard has three ships, each designed to evoke the golden age of travel. They combine traditional British elegance with modern fixtures and furnishings. Dining options vary depending on cabin type. On the Queen Mary 2 ship, which performs most weddings, you will be expected to pay more than on the Queen Elizabeth ship. However, the ship's newest ship, the Queen Elizabeth, is perfect for a wedding. A wedding at sea package on Queen Mary 2 will cost you slightly more, but you can also book a suite for the ceremony.
A typical cruise ship wedding package will include a pre-wedding consultancy, a symbolic ceremony attended by officers, a bridal bouquet and boutonniere, sparkling wine, two-tier cake, photography, and recorded music. You can even upgrade your wedding package to the gold or platinum level for an additional fee. The Royal Ceremony at sea service costs $2,800. Cunard also provides live wedding music, and the cost is based on your chosen package.
Another way to save money is to get married onboard. Many cruise companies offer wedding packages to suit your needs and budget. Celebrity offers a "Nautical Nuptials" package for $3,850. A professional wedding coordinator will take care of all details and arrange everything from music to flowers. The ship's captain will officiate the ceremony, and you can enjoy champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries during dinner. You can also opt for an in-port wedding at any home port.
Legality of a marriage
A marriage at sea has many legal implications. While marriage has existed for thousands of years in nearly every society, it's only recently become legal in the sea. Before that, people believed that a ship captain could perform a wedding. Today, however, marriage at sea must be conducted legally by a registered official. Unlike a land-based wedding, a marriage at sea must be performed by a registered official who is able to conduct a ceremony properly.
While a marriage at sea may be considered romantic and beautiful, it also carries with it several immigration issues. The USCIS recognizes marriages at sea conducted in certain jurisdictions as valid in the jurisdiction in which the vessel is registered. Obtaining a marriage license in the appropriate jurisdiction is the first step. Also, ensure that you're in compliance with all local laws, including licensing and registration of the ship.
Another common misconception about marriage at sea is that only captains in the United States can legally marry people. However, this is not the case. The laws of many other countries, including Britain, prohibit marriages at sea. In the UK, for example, the bride and groom must exchange vows in a publicly accessible area. Some countries, like Bermuda and the Bahamas, offer special licenses to marry couples aboard their ships.
However, this is a rapidly evolving area of law. Executive orders have been issued in order to curb the use of online marriages. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governors of several states have put restrictions on travel and government office hours. During deployment, many American service members meet their significant other overseas. Depending on the jurisdiction, military laws can differ from standard U.S. states.
Marriage at sea is legal in Australia. If the parties have lived in the country for a period of time, and are of a certain age, they may be allowed to marry. Documents certifying the end of previous relationships must also be translated into the local language and authenticated. It is essential to follow these rules to ensure that your marriage is legal at sea. And don't be afraid to consult with an experienced celebrant if you are planning a marriage at sea.
