If you’re considering a destination wedding, you might be wondering if a cruise wedding is a viable option. After all, getting married on a ship in the middle of the ocean sounds like a dream come true.
But before you start planning your nautical nuptials, it’s important to understand the legalities involved. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not cruise weddings are legal.
Marriage laws on the high seas
The first thing to note is that marriage laws vary depending on where you’re sailing. If you’re getting married on an international waters cruise, you’ll need to follow the laws of the country where your ship is registered. This can get complicated because some countries have residency requirements, waiting periods, and other restrictions that may make it difficult or impossible for non-citizens to get married there.
On the other hand, if you’re getting married on a domestic waters cruise (i.e., within the territorial waters of your home country), you’ll need to follow that country’s marriage laws. For example, if you’re sailing in US waters and you want to get married onboard a cruise ship registered in the US, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from a state where one of you resides.
Legal requirements for getting married at sea
In addition to following the marriage laws of your home country or where your ship is registered, there are some additional legal requirements for getting married at sea. These include:
- You must be over 18 years old (in most cases).
- You must have valid passports.
- You must have witnesses present.
- You must obtain any necessary permits or licenses.
Choosing a cruise line for your wedding
If you’ve decided that a cruise wedding is right for you, the next step is to choose a cruise line that offers wedding packages. Some popular options include:
- Royal Caribbean
- Princess Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
Each cruise line has its own rules and regulations when it comes to getting married onboard, so be sure to read the fine print before you book.
The bottom line
So, are cruise weddings legal The answer is yes, as long as you follow the necessary legal requirements and obtain any necessary licenses or permits. However, it’s important to keep in mind that getting married at sea can be more complicated than getting married on land, so be sure to do your research and plan accordingly.
In conclusion, a cruise wedding can be a unique and memorable way to tie the knot. Just make sure you understand the legalities involved and choose a reputable cruise line with experience in hosting weddings at sea.