Everything You Need to Know About Yacht Weddings

Imagine yourself sipping on a glass of champagne, surrounded by sparkling blue waters and scenic views of the marina. There’s no doubt that weddings on the water are beautiful. However, they tend to be more complicated than your typical ceremony. If you’re dreaming of having your very own movie-worthy yacht wedding, here are a few factors to consider before you say your “I dos”: 

Why get married on a yacht, anyway?

Many couples plan weddings by the water, but why not get married in the water? Not only is it convenient (you can hold the ceremony and reception in one place), but you’ll also be able to celebrate your big day in the most private way possible. This means you and your loved ones can fully immerse yourselves in the moment, surrounded by the most beautiful views. Plus, yacht wedding packages often come with staff who’ll take care of everything. That way, you won’t have to deal with any wedding-day worries. 

Is it legal to get married on a yacht?

Yes, it’s legal to get married on a boat as long as you don’t go into international waters. Do note that not all captains will be able to officiate wedding ceremonies, but if they’re certified, they should be good to go. Be sure to ask about this before you book a boat wedding package, or bring your own officiant to be safe. 

Saying your vows overseas? While it is possible to obtain a marriage license from the place where you’re getting married, this can be a headache as it involves plenty of paperwork. This is why most couples opt to get married in their own countries and then host their boat celebrations in the destination of their choice. However, if you’re keen on having your wedding ceremony as well as your reception at your travel destination, be sure to check with local laws. That way, you can be certain that your union will be recognised. 

Tips on planning a yacht wedding

Want to give your guests an experience they’ll never forget? Here are a couple of tips on planning the perfect yacht wedding: 

1. Decide how you want your day to go

You don’t need to do everything at sea. You can say your “I dos” on land and then spend the rest of the day on the boat — or the other way around. This is particularly true if you want only a few loved ones to witness your vows, but want to invite as many people as possible to the after-party. 

2. Consider your headcount

Bear in mind that boats can only carry a certain number of people, so you might need to pare down your guest list. That said, it’s best to get your final headcount first before choosing a boat. If you’re inviting a big group, go for vessels such as the Sea Star and Ocean Blue so you won’t have to leave any guests out of the celebration. 

If you’re not familiar with boats, don’t worry. Boat wedding companies can help you choose from a wide variety of vessels, from small 12-person yachts to 200-person superyachts. 

3. Beat motion sickness

One of the worst things that can happen on your wedding day is for you, your fiancé, or your guests to get seasick. One or two people are bound to feel nauseous, so be prepared and bring anti-nausea medication. Also, consider asking your guests to state in their RSVP if they’re prone to getting seasick — that way, they can take medication before they get on board. 

4. Get the timing right

Deciding when the wedding will take place is as crucial as choosing a wedding band. This is because the time will determine what you can do on board. With that said, be sure to plan your wedding timeline as it will act as your guide in figuring out the best time to set sail. For instance, if you plan on taking lots of pictures, you might want to get married during the day for the good lighting. For a more romantic celebration, it’s best to have it in the evening so you can host a candlelit dinner and be surrounded by stars. 

5. Stick to the nautical theme

Yacht weddings are a great time to commit to a nautical theme, because if not now, when? Grab the chance to make everything boat-themed, from your wedding centrepieces to your menu. For instance, you could decorate your tables with glass bowls containing sand and seashells. Or, you could take inspiration from the place where you’ll be celebrating — blue and white decor for a Mediterranean yacht wedding, maybe? As for food, consider serving only seafood dishes such as smoked salmon, crab cakes, and shrimp skewers. 

6. Put safety first

What if people feel too cold in the open air? What if someone falls into the water and doesn’t know how to swim? What if your in-law slips and falls? When planning a yacht wedding, always put your guests’ safety first. Here’s what you can do:

• Brief guests on what they can and can’t do on board.
• Encourage guests to wear non-slip shoes and dress accordingly.
• Pack blankets and give guests warm drinks in case it’s cold.
• Show guests how to wear safety gear.
  

The good news is you won’t be alone during your boat wedding. There will always be crew on board to man the ship, make sure everyone stays comfortable and safe, and take people back to port if necessary. You can rest assured that they can deal with any issues that may arise. They will be so discrete that you won’t even notice that they’re there.