How to Get Married on a Cruise

Why not save time and money by combining yourOther options for cruise ship marriages include tying
wedding with your honeymoon on a romantic cruise?the knot on the beach or at a local church. This will
A wedding that takes place on your cruise can be arequire additional arrangements, but if you really want a
beautiful way to start a journey together as a couple.wedding to remember, it can really be worth the extra
However, it's not quite as easy as it looks in theeffort. Getting married in a foreign country may require
movies. You will need time to arrange a wedding and itother specifics like placing a notice in the local
is best to start at least a couple of months beforenewspaper, before you are allowed to have a formal
your cruise leaves.ceremony. This can take time, so make sure you are
In reality, most couples don't get married at sea, or onaware of all regulations and requirements ahead of
the actual cruise ship. In order to do this, you need totime and if you won't be able to complete them in time,
find a cruise line that has a wedding department andpick another location for your cruise wedding.
someone (often the captain) to perform a legalOne thing is for sure, you can't just throw together a
ceremony. Not all captains have the legal right to marrylast minute cruise ship wedding. You will need time to
couples, so check this ahead of time if your heart isplan it, particularly if you want to invite friends and
set on an ocean bound ceremony.family, since the paperwork doesn't happen overnight.
For most couples, getting married just before youDifferent countries have different rules as to who can
leave the port or at another port of call along the waybe married and what is required. Also, keep in mind
is a great compromise that can be done on any cruisethat if you are married aboard a cruise ship, your
line. There are a few things you'll need to put in placewedding license may be issued by the ship's mother
ahead of time... often the cruise line will help you outcountry of origin or registration, which is usually outside
with this. For example, you will need to decide wherethe US. You will want to ensure that this is acceptable
you will have the wedding ceremony performed, sincein your home country, otherwise it will be necessary to
most cruises have more than one stop.conduct another wedding once you return.
In order to get married in a foreign port of call, you willHaving your wedding on a cruise can be a wonderful
need to have the right paperwork. Some statesexperience, if you have prepared correctly. Enjoy a
actually allow you to use their marriage license abroad,romantic wedding aboard the ship or on a beach and
so make sure you check this ahead of time.then continue with your honeymoon... that part is
Otherwise, you will need to find out what paperwork isalready taken care of! Just remember that you need
required for the port of your choice. This will beto take time to plan everything out, just like with any
reviewed upon arrival in the port, even if you plan toother wedding arrangements. Set it up ahead of time
marry aboard the ship.and enjoy!