Key Summary: A yacht wedding combines ceremony, reception, and honeymoon into one exciting experience on the water. Every detail, from choosing the right yacht and destination to planning decor, catering, and comfort, shapes the celebration.
Weddings have been held in diverse locations, from traditional churches to backyard gardens. Some people have even gotten married in libraries and amusement parks. And then others go the extra mile and get married on a luxurious yacht.
A yacht wedding is an enchanting, dreamy way to start vows of eternity. The natural landscape, waves, and salty breeze can make any ceremony even more unforgettable. But having a wedding on a yacht may be more difficult than having one on land. You need adequate preparation to ensure safety, comfort, and joy every moment.
So, here’s your ultimate guide to planning your yacht wedding. It includes everything you need to turn your vision into a perfect reality.
Table of Contents
Choose the Yacht That Fits Your Dream
The earlier you secure the yacht, the better. A high-quality yacht is the foundation of the entire ceremony at sea.
But choose wisely, lest you be left with a vessel you don’t like or can’t carry the number of guests you invited. These are the points you should bear in mind:
Size and Capacity
Yachts aren’t cruise ships. The vessels have strict capacity limits to avoid sinking. It will be easier if you’ve already considered the total number of guests. Small sailing yachts are best suited to small, intimate groups of six or less, while 10 can be catered to easily by larger motor yachts or catamarans.
A superyacht would be perfect for large-scale celebrations with more guests, the max being 12. To be safe, though, having fewer people and choosing a yacht that won’t topple over with everyone on board is better.
No matter how many guests you invite to your wedding, select the yacht from a provider with a good reputation. Reputable yacht companies like YACHTZOO offer high-quality vessels for private charters and years of experience serving different clients. A great provider has all the credentials to ensure your yacht wedding goes smoothly.
Type of Yacht
There are several types of yachts, and each type has its own style that gives off a different aura. The types include:
- Motor yachts: The most common type of yacht you’ll come across. They are further categorized into subtypes like express cruisers, flybridge, and superyachts.
- Sailing yachts: Another popular yacht type. Subtypes are cruising yachts, racing yachts, and catamarans.
- Expedition yachts: Built for traveling long distances and going to remote places. They can withstand unfavorable conditions and have advanced safety and navigation systems.
- Sportfishing yachts: Used mostly by anglers who prefer a luxurious experience. They have specialized fishing gear and amenities that are appreciated by recreational and competitive anglers.
Most couples who want a yacht wedding usually choose a sailing or motor yacht of the appropriate size. You may be recommended to book a superyacht or a catamaran. These two are the best for parties and celebrations on the water since they are large enough, have a high capacity, and have a generally excellent design.
Available Amenities
You and your guests will be far from land for a while during your yacht wedding. So, the vessel should be equipped with basic amenities to make everyone comfortable.
Consider yachts with big dining halls, private suites for your guests and yourself, and spacious decks for dancing and the ceremony. Other than the essentials, don’t forget the inside, too. The interior must match or complement the wedding theme.
Viewing Before Booking
Just as couples would tour traditional wedding venues on land, you should also check out the yacht for yourself. Check out your yacht options with your partner in person or remotely. Photos don’t show off the whole yacht, and being there physically can give you an idea of how your wedding day will be.
Budget Breakdown
Rental prices vary and depend on the size of the boat, the location, and how famous it is. Smaller luxury boats are usually cheaper for weekend charters. On the other hand, a weekend superyacht getaway could cost as much as a luxury resort wedding.
Stick to your budget by being clear about your priorities. Focus on the features and amenities that matter most to you and your partner, be it onboard catering or accommodations. Prioritizing the critical stuff for your yacht wedding helps determine where to allocate your funds.
Pick the Perfect Location and Itinerary
Once you’ve settled on the right yacht, you can choose the perfect location for your wedding. Most yacht providers already have a list of scenic, tried-and-tested places their vessels can take you, so that you can choose from those. Otherwise, you can consider these locations:
Amalfi Coast, Italy
This spectacular location is perfect for early or late season weddings. Why not summer? The summer temperatures on the Amalfi Coast can get staggeringly high. For safety against heat stroke and sunburns, consider holding your yacht wedding here around May and September.
On a good day, the Amalfi Coast’s azure waters, hillside architecture, and lush greenery will provide an idyllic backdrop for your yacht wedding. It’s also a fantastic place to spend a few more days with your spouse and loved ones after the wedding instead of heading home.
Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
Palm Beach is another great location if you don’t want to stray too far from an urban area. The beach has lots of sun and enough visually pleasing features to make a regular wedding at sea more glamorous.
Spring or fall is the best time to get wed in Palm Beach. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, less chance of rain, and lower humidity. March, April, November, and October are the months to remember if you’re considering getting married here.
St. Barthelemy, the Caribbean
This breathtaking location, commonly known as St. Barts, is a popular destination for yacht charters. It’s an overseas collectivity of France and is praised for its luxurious hotels, beaches, and restaurants. Due to its romantic environment, it’s also on the radar of couples seeking a yacht wedding.
Interestingly, the ideal months to have your wedding in St. Barts are from December to February. While it’s winter in the northern hemisphere during this time, it’s just moderately hot in St. Barts, averaging between 76°F (24.4°C) and 81°F (27.2°C). But if you want fewer crowds, consider visiting from March to April.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is a stunning choice for a yacht wedding with its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Arch as a backdrop. The area has modern marinas and experienced yacht crews, making planning a celebration on the water easy.
The ideal time for a Cabo yacht wedding is November to May, when skies are clear, temperatures are pleasant, and the seas are calm. This window also avoids hurricane season, giving couples a safer and more reliable setting for their big day.
Balance Guests and Accommodations
Whether you have a wedding coordinator or not, it’s crucial to manage guests, especially for yacht weddings. As mentioned previously, yachts can only hold a limited number of passengers.
That’s why intimate affairs are more ideal. If you have many guests you wish to invite, you should trim the list down.
If the yacht doesn’t have enough suites, some of your guests could stay ashore. Most luxurious yacht wedding locations have many hotels and resorts nearby that guests will still enjoy. Just make sure to communicate this information clearly to avoid confusion.
Accessibility needs are another thing to consider in your wedding plans. You might have elderly guests or people with mobility concerns who could find yachts challenging to board. Ensure your chosen yacht has a ramp, handrails, and crew support to keep every person comfortable.
Navigate Legal and Practical Details
While getting married in international waters is possible, you may encounter some legal complexities.
For instance, some locations have varying requirements for registering for marriage licenses. Some couples may opt to obtain their license onshore and then host the symbolic ceremony on the yacht.
Officiation is one more concern. Some yacht captains can officiate weddings, but this setup isn’t universally recognized. In this case, having an authorized wedding officiant on board is often better.
It’s also important to anchor the yacht in permitted zones or risk local law enforcement disrupting the ceremony. If you plan to anchor in certain coves or near protected areas, you may require prior approval or permits.
Don’t forget about insurance. Yacht charters often recommend liability coverage to protect against unexpected damages or delays.
Design a Setting That Matches the Vision
Your chosen yacht might already be a feast for the eyes. However, a little extra decorating will make it even more magical.
To start, pick a theme. The most obvious one is nautical, but feel free to use an aesthetic you and your partner enjoy. Some themes that work with yacht weddings are preppy, glamorous, modern, or tropical.
Next, match florals and lighting with the theme. Unlike onshore weddings, sticking with compact floral arrangements is considerably safer to prevent overcrowding and added weight. As for lighting, string lights and small lanterns won’t disappoint. They’ll light up the deck beautifully once the sun sets.
Yachts can feel quite cramped when you’re holding a wedding on one. Consider circular seating arrangements using foldable furniture to keep the deck spacious.
If decorating is too much for you, getting help from expert event planners won’t hurt. The pros have experience planning celebrations in any venue, including yachts. They understand how to blend practicality with style.
Catering and Drinks at Sea
No wedding is complete without good food and drinks. But you’ll need to adapt your arrangements to suit yacht conditions. Fortunately, some yachts offer in-house chefs. Others may partner with dockside caterers who deliver fresh meals to passengers.
If you’re having a yacht wedding, seafood is inevitable. But you must adjust your menu to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions and preferences. And you don’t even have to settle for seafood if you want to chow down on something else.
For the drinks, customize the champagne and signature cocktails. You can have an open bar onboard, but it should be carefully managed on the vessel.
Then comes the wedding cake. The yacht will sway with waves, so ensure the cake remains stable. Single-tiered cakes or wedding cupcakes are often safer than fancy, towering designs.
Create the Right Atmosphere with Music and Entertainment
Entertainment is a must for any yacht wedding. Hire a DJ or acoustic musicians who can liven up the celebration. A well-curated playlist also works if the yacht is too small for additional people.
If you like flair, surprise your guests with fireworks at night or invite them to go snorkeling the next day. A yacht wedding allows you to do fun water-based activities.
Be sure to get the event on camera. A professional photographer, especially with underwater photography experience, can be a great addition to your wedding at sea. For cinematic magic, consider getting photos and videos from drones, too.
Keep Guests Comfortable and Safe
Having a yacht wedding means being safe at all times. A quiet, sunny day on the water could turn dangerous if you treat safety as an afterthought.
For example, you might have guests suddenly experiencing seasickness. Make sure there’s motion-sickness medication on board or consider anchoring in calmer waters.
Before the yacht starts moving, crews typically provide instructions to remind guests of safety procedures. Pay attention to what they say. It’s for everyone’s protection, after all.
Even on calm days, it’s wise to have a contingency plan. The weather at sea could unexpectedly turn rough. Having a backup harbor or alternative plan avoids disruptions.
Break Down Costs and Hidden Fees
It’s no surprise that yacht weddings can be quite expensive. Budget for every major expense, including yacht rental, catering, photography, and decor.
Watch out for potential hidden costs, too. Fuel surcharges, docking fees, and crew gratuities often slip under the radar, and permits may also add to the total.
You can reduce expenses by opting for off-peak seasons, shorter charters, or smaller yachts without sacrificing your wedding vision.
Turning the Wedding into a Honeymoon
The beauty of a yacht wedding is that you don’t necessarily have to end the celebration once the wedding guests disembark. You can sail away on your own schedule after the reception without worrying about repacking and flying off elsewhere. Make a stop in secluded coves, snorkeling sites, or luxury ports to explore more of your destination.
You don’t even have to get off the yacht, either. A private candlelit dinner on deck, spa treatment, or water sport activities make your honeymoon as special as your wedding.
The best part about all this? Blending your wedding and honeymoon into one charter could be cheaper than booking two experiences.
Wrapping Up
A yacht wedding requires much preparation. If you plan everything in detail, you ensure your wedding day is one that you and your beloved will cherish for many years.
Focus on the essentials: the yacht, the venue, and all the wedding must-haves. Don’t overlook safety at sea as well. Everyone has to be safe enough to enjoy the day.
Most importantly, have fun! Getting married on a boat is not something you can do every day. Enjoy the process, the moment, the people, and the atmosphere of a truly fantastic wedding.
