Imagine yourself sipping drinks in a pool, munching delicious buffet foods, dancing on a moonlit deck at midnight, exploring exotic locations, learning fun deck sports and shopping for souvenirs. This and more will create a romantic wedding that neither you nor your guests will ever forget.
Cruise ships provide you with the services of their onboard wedding coordinator. Do not be afraid to utilize the provided services. This person will explain what your choices are well in advance, and answer any questions you may have regarding the ship's services.
You can get married onboard when the ship is in an exotic port or at sea. A few cruise lines offer weddings at sea officiated by the ship's captain, but check to make sure that this is an option for you.
Wedding cruise packages usually include the services of an officiate, flowers for the bride and groom, recorded music, a small wedding cake, and a keepsake certificate. Additional decorations, live music, a photographer, a videographer, and tuxedo rentals are also available.
Your wedding reception can be anything from an intimate hors d'oeuvres party to an eight-course feast. Your options depend upon your budget, the number of guests, and the offerings of the cruise ship.
Be sure to ask your wedding coordinator what sorts of amenities are available. You may be able to board early in order to hold your wedding before it is time to disembark. Most guests will meet you onboard for the wedding ceremony and reception, and then leave before you set sail.
Make sure you choose the guests that you want to join you very carefully. You do not want to be stuck with pushy in-laws or nosy cousins popping up at the wrong moment. This does not help to create a romantic atmosphere.
If you choose to be married at your destination, be sure to find out ahead of time what documents you will need to have to apply for your marriage license. Your wedding coordinator should have this information, but if not, get in touch with the local tourist board.
The documents will usually include:
- Birth certificates
- Picture IDs
- Passports
- Divorce papers or death certificates (if either of you are divorced or widowed)
- Tourist cards
Sometimes a blood test or a residency requirement of a few days is also necessary. A fee for your marriage license is standard, and your witnesses should have their passports, photo IDs and tourist cards with them.
If you have your mate, your dress, the rings, your guests and your cruise picked out, then get started on making your cruise destination wedding dream a reality.
