Ocean Devotion: Cruise Weddings

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Few things are as romantic as a wedding at sea, performed on the bow of a ship by a nattily clad captain. But due to complicated international laws, most cruise lines can only offer weddings in port. Luckily for marine-minded brides, we've uncovered four lines that make tying the knot at sea smooth sailing.

Celebrity Cruises
With the recent registry of seven ships to Malta (where government regulations permit seafaring ceremonies), this chic line now specializes in sunset services at sea. (On Solstice, you can even marry on a half-acre lawn with real grass.) Shipboard representatives from The Wedding Experience will help plan all the details, from setting up mani-pedis for you and your 'maids in the AquaSpa to serving Ocean Romance cocktails at an onboard reception for up to 200 in a specialty restaurant or drawing room. Packages start at $2,500 and include live music, bouquet and boutonniere, cake for two, a bottle of champagne with two flutes and more.

 

Princess Cruises
This Bermuda-registered line, made famous when one of its ships was cast in the starring role of the iconic TV show, The Love Boat, offers its "Tie the Knot at Sea" wedding program, which includes live music, a wedding cake, the bouquet and boutonniere, and more. Its Grand Princess was the first ship to offer a wedding chapel at sea; nine other Princess ships also feature chapels, and there's webcam service for folks at home. Bonus for your groomsmen: every ship also offers tux rentals. Packages start at $1,800, plus $450 for registration and license fees.

 

Disney Cruises (pictured above)
For a fairy-tale wedding on the waves, Disney World's Wonder and Magic can host your fantasy event. After signing documents in port (Florida marriage-license requirements apply), your formal ceremony with family and friends can take place anywhere you choose, from the window-filled Cadillac Lounge to a wedding canopy on an open-air deck. Private receptions for up to 50 occur in Palo, a specialty restaurant, where you can celebrate with cake and a champagne toast. Disney lovers can even have their formal portrait taken with a character or garnish their cake with a Mickey-and-Minnie topper. Packages start at $2,500 and include officiant, pianist, cake-and-champagne reception, dinner for two and more.

 

Carnival Cruises
The Fun Ships' weddings at sea take place in Canadian waters just off the coast of Vancouver Island during the line's Alaskan summer season. Chapels on the four "Spirit"-class ships hold up to 40; other venue options include libraries, conference rooms and main-show lounges. After the vows, gather guests for a spread of canapés, ice carvings, an open bar and a tiered wedding cake. Packages start at $845 (plus a licensing fee) and include a champagne toast with keepsake flutes, flowers for the bride and groom, cake and more.

http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/article/Ocean-Devotion