15 Cruise Wedding Ideas to Make Your Special Day Unforgettable

15 Cruise Wedding Ideas to Make Your Special Day Unforgettable

ByBells Of Joy Team Reading Time: 6 minutes

Thinking about a wedding that really stands out? A cruise wedding might be just the thing. It’s a special way to celebrate while you’re surrounded by wide-open sea and breathtaking views.

Bride and groom holding hands on a cruise ship deck during a wedding ceremony at sunset, surrounded by guests and floral decorations.

Cruise weddings let you turn your ceremony into a travel experience your guests will remember. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, there are plenty of ways to make your day feel personal and genuinely exciting.

1) Sunset vow renewal on deck

A couple renewing their vows on a cruise ship deck at sunset with the ocean and sky in warm colors in the background.

Renew your vows on the ship’s deck as the sun dips low. The soft light and endless ocean set a romantic, relaxed mood.

You don’t need much—just a small bouquet or a few personal touches. Make the moment yours.

2) Caribbean beach port wedding

A bride and groom standing on a sandy Caribbean beach near a docked cruise ship with wedding chairs and a floral arch in the background.

Get married right on the beach when your cruise stops at a Caribbean port. The vibe is laid-back, with soft sand and ocean views.

Ports like St. Thomas or St. John are popular picks. You get the tropical scenery and the convenience of your ship nearby.

Blend the fun of cruising with the romance of a beach wedding. Find more about Caribbean cruise wedding packages here.

3) Intimate ceremony before sailing

A small wedding ceremony on the deck of a sailing cruise ship with a couple exchanging vows surrounded by a few guests and the ocean in the background.

Hold a private ceremony before the ship leaves port. That way, friends and family who aren’t cruising can still join.

Pick a quiet spot on the ship or a nearby venue for your vows. It’s flexible and keeps things close-knit.

For more tips, check out this before-sailing ceremony guide.

4) Live steel drum band reception

Steel drum band playing on a cruise ship deck during a wedding reception with guests dancing and ocean in the background.

Bring in a live steel drum band for a fun, tropical vibe. The music sets a relaxed, festive mood.

Play it during cocktails or while everyone’s dancing. Nothing says “cruise wedding” like steel drums.

Get more live music ideas here.

5) Nautical themed decor and attire

A wedding ceremony on a cruise ship deck decorated with nautical elements, showing the bride, groom, and guests near the ocean.

Go for navy and white decorations to get that classic nautical look. Add anchors, ropes, or seashells for extra charm.

Try sailor-inspired outfits or striped dresses. This theme keeps your wedding fresh and totally tied to the sea.

Find more nautical decor and attire ideas if you need inspiration.

6) Personalized cruise wedding packages

A couple standing on a cruise ship deck during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests and decorated with white flowers and greenery, with the ocean in the background.

Pick from personalized packages to make your cruise wedding feel like it’s truly yours. Options might include unique entertainment, photo and video services, or custom décor.

Your celebration will reflect your style and story. Browse personalized cruise wedding ideas online for more options.

7) Ocean view ceremony platform

Wedding ceremony platform on a cruise ship with ocean view and floral decorations.

Say your vows on a platform with a clear ocean view. The sea and sky do all the decorating for you.

Choose a deck or outdoor space. The fresh air and open water make everything feel peaceful and just a little magical.

8) Tropical floral arrangements

A tropical floral arrangement on a wooden table by the ocean, featuring bright hibiscus, orchids, and palm leaves with a clear blue sky in the background.

Go bold with tropical floral arrangements. Think hibiscus, birds of paradise, or orchids.

These flowers add vibrant color and an exotic feel. They’re perfect alongside the ocean backdrop.

Check out tropical bouquet ideas if you want something a bit different.

9) Champagne toast at sea

Bride and groom toasting with champagne glasses on a cruise ship deck surrounded by family and friends with the ocean in the background.

Celebrate with a champagne toast on deck. Raise a glass as the waves roll by.

The breeze and the sound of the sea make it feel extra special. You can personalize the toast, too—maybe add a little story or joke that’s just yours.

Find unique toast ideas here.

10) Sunrise wedding breakfast

A couple in wedding attire enjoying a breakfast on a decorated table aboard a boat at sunrise over calm water.

Start your day with a sunrise ceremony. Follow it up with a breakfast—maybe just fruit, pastries, and coffee.

A light meal lets everyone soak up the morning view. You get a peaceful start, and the rest of the day flows from there.

If you’re curious about timing, there are guides out there for planning a sunrise wedding.

11) Onboard professional photography

Bride and groom exchanging vows on the deck of a cruise ship with guests and ocean in the background.

Hire professional photographers who know the ship and the best lighting. They’ll catch all the big moments—and the little ones you might miss.

You’ll get candid shots of your guests, too. Look for packages that fit your style and budget so you don’t have to stress.

For more inspiration, check out cruise wedding photography services.

12) Custom wedding cake with marine motifs

A multi-tiered wedding cake decorated with seashells and starfish on a table overlooking the ocean.

Design a cake with marine details like seashells or anchors. It’s a sweet way to bring the sea into your celebration.

Choose colors like blue, navy, or coral. Maybe add rope or wave patterns for a nautical vibe.

See more marine cake ideas here.

13) Carnival cruise vow renewal events

A couple renewing their vows on a cruise ship deck at sunset, surrounded by family and friends with ocean and colorful sky in the background.

Renew your vows on a cruise ship. Sometimes the captain leads the ceremony, which feels extra special.

There might be live music, champagne, and appetizers, depending on the package. It’s a laid-back way to celebrate your commitment while you sail to beautiful destinations.

Find vow renewal packages that fit your style and budget. Learn more about cruise vow renewals here.

14) Mediterranean coastline backdrop

A wedding setup with white chairs and floral decorations overlooking clear blue Mediterranean waters and a cruise ship near a rocky coastline.

Say your vows with the Mediterranean coastline behind you. Imagine blue waters and charming villages as your backdrop.

There are so many gorgeous spots along the coast for ceremonies. The natural beauty gives your wedding a timeless, dreamy feel.

Explore more Mediterranean wedding ideas if you want that old-world romance.

15) Guest day passes for pre-cruise ceremonies

Guests holding day passes attending a wedding ceremony on a cruise ship deck at sunset with the bride and groom exchanging vows.

If you want friends or family who aren’t sailing to join your wedding, check out guest day passes.

These passes let non-sailing guests attend the ceremony before the ship leaves.

Your loved ones can share the moment without booking the entire cruise. That’s honestly a relief for folks who can’t commit to a long trip.

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