A destination wedding should be a memorable, romantic escape—but the planning, be it on land or at sea, is often stressful and overwhelming. By celebrating onboard a Royal Caribbean International ship, though, that big day won’t just be unforgettable—it’ll be a breeze, too.
When guests choose a Royal Wedding, an event coordinator guides them through several streamlined packages. Once the couple selects the best package for them, a personal wedding planner helps with the breathtaking personalized touches that make any wedding unique. When the time comes, a day-of coordinator will be on hand to handle the small stuff, allowing the couple to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Royal Wedding packages are highly customizable, so anyone can craft the wedding of their dreams, whether it’s an intimate, private ceremony or a splashy fairytale wedding. A couple who has chosen the Just Us package on Anthem of the Seas can exchange vows 300 feet above sea level on the North Star, against a breathtaking ocean backdrop. A couple who has selected the Ultimate Romance package can continue the special day with a reception dinner at Wonderland, followed by dancing under the stars in the glass-paneled Solarium.
Thinking of keeping it simple and eloping? With Just Us (starting at $850), guests can pick a venue onboard, from Central Park to the Royal Viking Lounge, and then let Royal Caribbean’s coordinators take care of the details. That way, the couple can devote their energy to planning the perfect honeymoon.
If the bride- and groom-to-be have a bigger party in mind, the Ultimate Love Story package makes it easy to celebrate with up to 100 guests without stressing over the details. The package includes a photographer, three-tiered cake, and a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne. That means they could host up to 100 guests for less than $5,000. Given that The Knot cites the average cost of a wedding at just over $31,000, that leaves a lot of room to add extras, like bucket-list-worthy excursions and spa treatments.
Flowers are delivered fresh from local ports of call, so couples have the unique opportunity to order the region’s most famous blossoms. They can mix-and-match the cake, music, menu, and even Royal Caribbean’s award-winning venues to custom-tailor an experience as unique and breathtaking as their love.
Royal Caribbean makes it easy to plan the Royal Wedding everybody deserves.
Can ship captains really marry people at sea? For the answer to this, and other frequently asked questions, read on:
Q: What’s the difference between the three Royal Wedding specialists who help plan the ceremony?
A: The event coordinator is the first person guests speak with when they call in; they assist in choosing a package. From there, the wedding planner—available by phone, email, or in-person meeting—will help tailor the details. Once onboard, a day-of coordinator will ensure the ceremony is smoothly underway. And, for any needs outside of the event, guest services are always available.
Q: How do guests obtain a marriage license for a wedding at sea?
A: Royal Weddings will walk them through the process of applying for a maritime marriage license, which takes 90 days to process. This is the reason Royal Caribbean requires three months’ minimum advance booking.
Q: Can couples have a Royal Wedding on land?
A: Yes! Out of more than 200 ports of call, some of the most popular on-land wedding destinations are Bermuda, the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and St. Thomas.
Q: How much do marriage licenses in these ports cost?
A: The price point ranges from $525 to $800.
Q: Is it legal for the Captain to perform a non-denominational ceremony?
A: Yes, as long as the ship is in international waters.
Q: Will the marriage be legally recognized in the couple’s home state if they’re married by the Captain?
A: The marriage will be recognized in the Bahamas. To find out if the same is true back home, check with local governmental authorities.
Q: How many guests can couples invite?
A: It depends on the capacity of the venue, but up to 150 guests.
Q: Does every wedding guest have to set sail with the ship, or can some just stay for the ceremony?
A: For shipboard ceremonies taking place before setting sail from the first port of call, up to 75 guests out of a 150-person allotment can be “non-sailing” guests who may depart after the wedding.
