30 Jul Should I Get Married on a Boat?
When it comes to the wedding planning process, choosing a wedding venue is one of your biggest decisions. If you are planning on having a traditional wedding, this question might have an easier answer for you, but for those of you who are looking for something unique, choosing a wedding venue can quickly become an overwhelming decision. For those who love the water, getting married on a boat is something to consider, but knowing the pros and cons is crucial if you want to make the best decision for your wedding.
Weighing the pros and cons of getting married on a boat can help you make a decision. For some, this might be the best decision you make while planning your wedding, and for others, you might regret it. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid a wedding disaster.
The Pros and Cons of Getting Married on a Boat
The Pros
#1. If you are looking to have a smaller wedding, getting married on a boat or a yacht is a great place to host your micro wedding. This will make it a more intimate experience for you and your guests. One of the many pros (and cons) of getting married on a boat!
#2. Depending on the size of the boat, you can choose to have the entire event in one venue. Many offer multiple decks, so instead of worrying about transporting everyone around, they can go down (or up) a flight of stairs.
#3. If you decide to get married on a cruise or a yacht, it can be an affordable option for you and your guests. Plus, many cruise lines include a wedding planner, which can make your life so much easier. Many yacht weddings and cruise lines offer packages that can be modified to fit your budget. Plus, you get a vacation out of it!
#4. Getting married on a yacht or a smaller boat allows you to customize your experience, making it a unique experience for you and your guests. You can decide how long you want to be out on the water, and you have control over the details of your wedding.
#5. Regarding scenery, nothing beats being out on the water (if you are a nautical/water person!). Plus, being out on the water will make for some great wedding photos since you have a picturesque backdrop readily available. Plus, planning your wedding during the sunrise and sunset hours can make for some dramatic images!
The Cons
#1. When the boat is set to depart, it can’t wait for late guests. Many follow a strict timeline, so if you happen to have some guests who are prone to show up fashionably late, they can’t sneak in once the boat departs. To give a buffer, it might be best to tell everyone to arrive an hour before you set sail.
#2. Unless you want a small wedding, getting married on a yacht or smaller boat will force you to limit your guest list. Due to safety reasons, a ship cannot exceed the allowed number of occupants, which will vary depending on the size of the boat. So if you are looking for a large wedding, then a boat wedding is probably not the best decision for you.
#3. If you decide to get married on a cruise ship, it can be difficult for some of your guests to be away for multiple days, so this will limit the number of people who can attend. Just like a destination wedding, some may not be able to take that much time off or find childcare. Also, since it would be on a cruise ship, no one would be able to leave early.
#4. If you don’t want to get married around strangers, don’t opt for the cruise ship option. You will be among thousands of people enjoying their vacation on board. Of course, if you love people and want to share your day (and joy) with everyone, this might be right up your alley!
#5. If you want total control over all of the details of your wedding, getting married on a cruise ship might not be suitable for you. The cruise line will likely have control over your wedding photographer, DJ, etc. Getting married on a yacht or boat will likely allow you to control more of the details.