You can still have a wedding ceremony at sea, but it's not easy. What you see in old romantic movies just doesn't happen very often today.
Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Even though it is believed to be a regular event, a ship's captain generally doesn't have the legal right to perform a wedding at sea. In order for a Captain of a ship to perform a marriage at sea, he must be a judge, a justice of the peace, a minister or an officially recognize officiant such as a Notary Public.
- Japanese ships allow Captains to perform a marriage ceremony at sea, but only if the couple has valid Japanese passports.
- Through Bermuda law, and because the captains have Bermuda licenses to perform weddings, captains aboard Princess Cruise's "Golden Princess" and the "Grand Princess" can perform weddings aboard ship and at sea. 800-774-6237
- A romantic alternative is to have your wedding aboard ship while it is docked in a port. You need to follow the port's requirements for such a wedding. All cruise lines offer this option.
- Many cruise lines will require that once in port, you will need to leave the ship, swear before a judge that everything is correct with previous prepared paperwork, then go back to the ship for your ceremony.
- If you want to renew your vows at sea, you need to show proof of a valid marriage.
- If the captain obtains a temporary permit to perform your wedding, a Cruise West captain can officiate your wedding within Alaska waterways.
Tips:
- A wedding at sea takes planning. It's not something you can decide at the last minute.
- Some states and locales allow you to use their marriage license elsewhere (like in a foreign port). Ask your county clerk if this is so.
- Having a wedding at sea makes arranging the honeymoon easier. Just make sure you tell friends and relatives to leave you alone after the ceremony!
- Couples in Bermuda must be 21 and have picture ID showing proof of age.
- Some websites still mention Liberian law for the Princess Cruise Line weddings, but that was changed.
What You Need:
- Photo ID
- Other required documentation
- Time to plan your wedding
