A cruise ship wedding ceremony typically costs $1,500–$5,000+ depending on the cruise line and package, with at-sea ceremonies starting around $1,500 and full destination wedding packages with photos, cake, and flowers running $3,000–$10,000 or more.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Getting married on a cruise ship sounds romantic and affordable — until you see the itemized bill. The base ceremony fee is just the entry ticket; by the time you add a photographer, flowers, cake, and a few guests, you're easily looking at $5,000–$15,000 for a real wedding experience at sea.
How Much Does a Cruise Ship Wedding Actually Cost?
Cruise lines offer weddings in two main formats: onboard at sea (officiated by the captain on select lines) or in port (a shoreside ceremony coordinated through the cruise line's wedding partner). Prices vary dramatically between lines and packages.
| Package Type | What's Included | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic At-Sea Ceremony | Officiant, venue, small floral arrangement | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Mid-Range Package | Ceremony, photographer (1 hr), cake, champagne toast | $3,000–$5,500 |
| Premium Shipboard Package | Full florals, photographer, video, cake, sparkling wine, décor | $5,500–$9,000 |
| Destination Port Wedding | Shoreside venue, officiant, florals, photography | $4,000–$12,000+ |
| Vow Renewal (basic) | Officiant, certificate, small setup | $500–$1,500 |
Important: Most base packages are priced for 2 people only. Every additional guest typically costs $25–$50 per head just to attend the ceremony space — before food, drinks, or a reception.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
What Drives the Cost Up (Fast)
1. Photography is the biggest budget killer. Cruise line in-house photographers charge $800–$2,500 for a one-hour session with a digital package. Prints and albums are extra. Third-party photographers aren't always permitted onboard, so you're often stuck with their pricing.
2. The guest list multiplier. That "starting at $1,500" price covers two people exchanging vows. Want 20 friends watching? Budget an extra $500–$1,000 minimum just in headcount fees, plus any food and beverage for a reception.
3. Florals have cruise markup. A bridal bouquet and boutonnière that would cost $150 at a local florist can run $400–$700 through the cruise line's wedding coordinator. Centerpieces, ceremony arch florals, and aisle décor add up fast.
4. Who can legally marry you matters. On most US-flagged ships, captains cannot legally perform binding marriages at sea — that's a Hollywood myth for most itineraries. Many lines use a shoreside officiant who boards in port, which adds logistics and cost. Carnival and Royal Caribbean both work with wedding coordinators who arrange licensed officiants, but the legal ceremony often happens in port, not mid-ocean.
5. Reception vs. ceremony is a separate line item. Want a sit-down dinner or cocktail party after? That's a private dining event billed separately — typically $85–$150 per person for a plated reception, or you rent a private venue space starting around $1,500–$3,000.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Cruise Line Wedding Cost Comparison
| Cruise Line | Starting Wedding Price | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | ~$1,695 | "The Big Day" packages; port ceremonies available |
| Royal Caribbean | ~$1,800 | WeddingMoon packages; photography add-ons |
| Norwegian | ~$1,500 | Freestyle options; onboard and port packages |
| Celebrity | ~$2,500 | More upscale florals; better photography options |
| Princess | ~$2,000 | Captain CAN perform legal ceremonies on select ships |
| Disney Cruise Line | ~$3,500+ | Premium Disney theming; very popular, books far out |
| Virgin Voyages | ~$2,500 | Adults-only; sleek modern aesthetic; no kids allowed |
| MSC | ~$1,800 | European flair; Mediterranean port weddings popular |
Princess Cruises is the standout exception — their captains are legally authorized to perform binding marriages at sea on ships registered in Bermuda, making it the best choice if you want a true "married on the ocean" experience.
How to Save Money on a Cruise Wedding
Book the smallest legal package first, then add à la carte. The bundled packages often include items you don't want (generic centerpieces, a generic playlist) while missing things you do. Get the base ceremony locked in, then price individual additions separately — sometimes cheaper outside the package.
Choose a shorter itinerary for the wedding cruise itself. A 3–4 night Bahamas cruise costs far less than a 7-night Caribbean sailing. Invite guests to a budget-friendly short cruise, then take your honeymoon separately on a longer, better itinerary.
Avoid Disney and Princess peak dates. These lines are booked 12–18 months out for weddings. Off-peak dates (September–November, early January) often have more availability and occasionally discounted packages.
Hire your own florist in port. If your ceremony is shoreside, you may be able to source florals locally rather than through the cruise line's preferred vendor — potentially saving 40–60% on flowers.
Skip the ship's wedding cake upgrade. The standard included cake is usually fine. Upgraded tiered cakes can add $300–$800 for what is honestly just a differently shaped sugar.
Consider a vow renewal instead. If you're already legally married, a symbolic ceremony or vow renewal runs $500–$1,500 on most lines — you get the romance without the full wedding price tag.
What You'll Realistically Spend: Budget Scenarios
| Scenario | Guest Count | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Just the two of you, basic ceremony | 2 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Intimate ceremony with a few friends | 10 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Mid-size celebration with reception | 25 | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Full wedding event with all the extras | 50+ | $15,000–$30,000+ |
These totals include ceremony, photography, florals, and a modest reception. They do not include cruise fares for your guests — which is a whole separate budget conversation.
Before you commit to any cruise line's wedding package, run the numbers carefully. What looks like a $2,000 ceremony can quietly become a $12,000 event once the photographer, florals, reception, and guest fees stack up. Use CruiseMutiny to compare cruise line wedding packages side by side and make sure you're not paying honeymoon prices for something that should be budget-friendly.