Getting married on a boat has always been popular. Do realize, however, that most cruises don't allow ceremonies while at sea, but, rather, on their ships while in port.  One exception to that is Princess Cruises, which does allow weddings performed onboard the ship. 

Princess Cruises "Tie the Knot at Sea" Package is priced at $2,250 (including license fees) and available on your "at sea" days.  This package includes the officiating of your wedding by the captain, as well as a photographyer, wedding cake for two, bottle of champagne, and use of the exclusive wedding chapel.  Do note that the wedding chapel is not available on several of their ships, including the Dawn, Sun, Sea, Tahitian/Ocean, Royal & Pacific. 

Princess also offers other packages for those not wanting to be married at sea, such as having your wedding onboard before sailing for those with guests not going on your cruise, as well as ceremonies performed at one of their port of calls.

Other Boat Wedding Venues

Aside from Princess cruises, there are several yacht and boat companies which have wedding packages available for on-board weddings.  Some you may want to consider include:

North Carolina Riverboat Weddings

Cape Fear Riverboats offers the Henrietta III to couples wishing to tie the knot on the water. Located in Wilmington, NC, Cape Fear Riverboats has several wedding packages, including a "Private Evening Wedding Package" which includes a 3-hour Saturday evening cruise with reception in your private dining room. Go to their website at cfrboats.com for more info.

Another company operating in the Cape Fear River area is Priority Sailing, which offers the Carolina Gale, a 52' sailboat, to couples and 4 guests, where the captain, an ordained minister, performs the wedding ceremony. You can choose to say "I do" on the boat in the water, or, if you want more guests for your ceremony, have the actual ceremony at the dock, then go on a romantic, private sail after the reception. Go to prioritysailing.com for more information.

Marina del Rey, California

FantaSea Yachts specializes in romantic yacht weddings for up to 400 guests. They have 3 yachts to choose from:

    * Dandeana, minimum of 75 guests at $80 per person ($110 per person on Saturday evenings and holidays
    * Regent Sea, minimum of 100 guests at $90 per person ($120 per person on Saturday evenings and holidays
    * FantaSea One, minimum of 150 guests, $100 per person ($130 per person on Saturday evenings and holidays

All packages include (but not limited to):

    * 4-hour yacht cruise around Marina del Rey
    * Three butler-style passed hors d'oeuvres
    * Catered buffet with 2 entree selections and two salads

For more info, call them at 310-827-2220.

Newport Beach, California

There are numerous charter companies in Newport Beach. Here are three which offer wedding services:

Pacific Avalon Yacht Charters offers three yachts, from 149 to 400-capacity.  Call them at (949) 673-8545 for a complimentary consultation.

Legend Charters offers weddings officiated by the ship's Captain on a sunset cruise. For more information on what they offer, email them at info@legendcharters.com

The Electric Riverboat Angela Louise, located at The Fun Zone on Balboa Peninsula, is a riverboat which offers a one-hour wedding ceremony cruise for 30-70 passengers Sunday through Friday. Their price includes the wedding ceremony performed by the Riverboat Captain, and a champagne toast for the bride and groom.

New York Harbor

Marco Polo Cruises has two boats, "the Temptress" and "The Half Moon" available for your wedding, where you can get married with New York Harbor as your backdrop. Sail under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queensboro bridges, past Governor's Island, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Chelsea Piers.

The minimum number for the "Half Moon" is 50, while the minimum for "The Temptress" is 100. You can call Marco Polo Cruises at 212-691-6693 for more information.