Have you ever dreamed of getting married on a cruise ship? Many couples choose to have destination weddings at sea for the romantic backdrop.
But who can legally perform the ceremony? Believe it or not, the ship’s captain can officiate your nautical nuptials.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about having the captain of a cruise ship marry you during your seafaring ceremony.
Can Ship Captains Legally Officiate Weddings?
The short answer is yes! Ship captains are legally able to perform marriage ceremonies, as long as the ship is registered in a country that allows them to do so. For instance, captains of ships registered in Bermuda or the Bahamas can officiate weddings.
However, U.S. captains of ships registered in the U.S. cannot legally marry couples. So if you want the captain to marry you, be sure to check the ship’s country of registry ahead of time.
Requirements to Officiate a Wedding at Sea
If you want the captain to perform your wedding ceremony at sea, be prepared to meet a few requirements.
First, check that you’ll be sailing in international waters – marriages performed in territorial waters need to meet regulations of the governing country.
Next, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the country whose flag the ship flies, before boarding the ship. For instance, a ship registered in the Bahamas requires couples to get a Bahamian marriage license.
Finally, you’ll need to pay the captain a fee, which can range from $200-$500.
With the proper marriage license in hand, the captain can legally marry you once you’ve sailed beyond 12 nautical miles from shore. Be sure to confirm all details with your cruise line ahead of time. Then get ready to say your “I do’s” with the ocean breeze in your hair and waves rocking gently under your feet – it’ll be a wedding to remember!
Obtaining a Marriage License for a Shipboard Wedding
Getting married at sea requires some extra planning when it comes to obtaining a legal marriage license. The rules vary depending on what country the ship is registered in.
For a U.S. registered cruise ship, you can get your license from any county clerk’s office in the U.S. before boarding. Just be sure the license does not have an expiration date.
For a ship registered in the Bahamas, you must get a Bahamian marriage license before boarding by applying through the Bahamas consulate.
In Bermuda, you can apply for the license after boarding at the Bermuda Registry General. No matter what ship you choose, don’t wait until the last minute. Processing times for marriage licenses can take up to 3 weeks. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of the license, which ranges from $50-$150 typically.
Confirm all the details with your cruise line ahead of time so you can get legally married worry-free. Then you can focus on enjoying your unique seafaring wedding day surrounded by sweeping ocean views.
Steps to Plan a Wedding Officiated by a Ship Captain
Planning a wedding at sea comes with its own set of considerations. Here are some tips to ensure your shipboard nuptials go smoothly:
- First, check with the cruise line about their policies for having the captain perform the ceremony. Some allow it, while others do not or charge extra fees. If allowed, book well in advance to secure the captain’s availability.
- Next, confirm the legal requirements for getting married on the ship’s registered country. This includes paperwork, fees, waiting periods, etc. Be sure to have an officiant lined up who is licensed for that jurisdiction.
- Pick a location on board for the ceremony and reception. Popular options are the pool deck, promenade, or a lounge with ocean views. Check on any venue rental fees.
- Hire a wedding planner experienced with cruise ship weddings. They can handle the logistics like decor, music, photography, cake, flowers and more.
- Confirm the details with the captain and crew like the date, time, attire and wedding script. Rehearse a few days prior.
On your big day, get ready in your cabin before heading to the ceremony venue. Then celebrate with your new spouse as you sail off into the sunset!
Booking a Cruise Ship for Your Captain-Led Nuptials
Once you’ve decided to have a seafaring wedding officiated by the captain, it’s time to book the cruise. Here are some tips:
- First, research cruise lines that offer weddings at sea. Vow renewals are common, but some like Princess, Holland America, and Disney also do full ceremonies. Check their wedding planning pages for details.
- Consider the ship’s registry and itinerary as this determines the legalities. Popular flags include the Bahamas, Bermuda and Malta. Pick an itinerary that works for your timeline and guest travel.
- Book a year or more out for date flexibility and the best pricing. Reserve extra cabins for family and the wedding party. Check group booking discounts.
- Pay the cruise deposit and wedding fees to secure your date. Fees range $2,500-$4,000 for the ceremony and officiant. You’ll also need to pay for any receptions, food and decor.
- Once booked, you’ll be assigned a wedding planner through the cruise line. They’ll help you with all the details for your special captain-led day at sea!
Sample Ceremony Script for a Ship Captain
Good afternoon honored guests. We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of [Couple Names] as we sail upon the open waters.
- Marriage is a sacred bond, entered into on a voyage across the seas of life. May your journey together be blessed with fair winds and calm harbors.
- In the presence of your family and friends as witnesses, I invite you to declare your vows to one other. [Couple Names], please face each other and join hands.
- [Couple Names], do you take each other in marriage and commit to this union, whatever weather you may encounter, as long as you both shall live?
- (Each partner responds: “I do”)
- You may now exchange rings as a symbol of your eternal love and commitment.
- By the power vested in me as captain of this ship, I now pronounce you married! You may seal your vows with a kiss.
- Honored guests, I present to you the newly married couple, Mr. and Mrs. [Couple Last Name]!
We wish you smooth sailing in your life together. Please join us in celebrating this joyous union at the reception.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipboard Weddings
Many couples dream of a romantic wedding at sea. If you’re considering a shipboard ceremony, you likely have questions.
- Do we need a marriage license? Yes, you’ll need to obtain a license just like with a land-based wedding. Some cruise lines can help arrange this.
- What are the costs? Fees vary, but expect to pay the cruise fare, wedding planning services, license, officiant, photography, flowers, cake, etc. It helps to have a budget.
- Can the captain perform the ceremony? The ship’s captain can officiate if permitted by the laws of the country the ship is registered in and ports it will visit.
- Where are ceremonies held? Ship weddings are often held in a lounge, theater, or on deck. Locations depend on the ship’s facilities.
- How many guests can attend? Guest counts depend on the venue size and ship’s policies. Some limit guests to 16 or fewer.
- What should we wear? The bride and groom can wear formal wedding attire or opt for casual. Guests typically wear cocktail or formal cruise attire.
- Who handles photography and flowers? Most cruise lines offer wedding coordinators to assist with all event details including photographers, florists, cakes, etc.
- Hope this helps explain what to expect for a shipboard wedding. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can US Navy captains perform marriages?
Yes, US Navy captains and other commissioned officers can perform marriages under certain conditions, like the ship being underway and both people being active duty service members.
Can a military captain officiate a wedding?
Military captains can officiate weddings for service members as long as the requirements of their branch of service are met, like the ship being underway for Navy weddings.
Can a captain legally marry you in international waters?
Ship captains can legally perform marriages in international waters as long as the requirements of their country regarding location, paperwork, and service member status are met.
Who can marry you on a cruise ship?
Cruise ship captains are legally able to perform marriages during the voyage as long as the ship is registered in a country that allows ship captains to officiate weddings and the requirements of that country are followed.
Conclusion
Ship and military captains can perform legal weddings under certain conditions, like being underway, having the correct paperwork, and the couple meeting service member status requirements. The key points are that captains have the authority to officiate weddings, but only when specific regulations of their military branch or ship’s country of registry are followed. Overall, the blog post explains the circumstances under which can ship captains officiate weddings.