Luxury Yacht Weddings | Intimate Ceremonies and Honeymoons at Sea, Designed for the Truly Exceptional

For a wedding that transcends the ordinary and captures the essence of romance in truly inimitable style, there is nothing quite like exchanging vows onboard a yacht. 

A yacht wedding offers a uniquely private setting in which to say your vows before a hand-picked gathering of loved ones. Luxurious yet personal, it’s an intimate alternative to the traditional destination wedding — where every detail is shaped around you.

Luxury yacht weddings combine exemplary service, exquisite surroundings and ever-changing scenery, creating an experience that is unrivalled among romantic escapes. Unlike other venues, a chartered yacht offers the freedom to extend the celebration — from a multi-day soiree with guests to a bespoke honeymoon set adrift on open waters.

Here are all the things to consider if you are committed to getting married on a yacht.

What’s the difference between a destination wedding and a yacht wedding?

The simple answer is that with yacht weddings, your options are boundless. Like traditional destination weddings, they offer luxurious settings and picture-perfect backdrops for unforgettable photos. But unlike a villa or château, a yacht gives you the freedom to sail wherever your heart desires. After all, why settle for one location when you can have several?

Add to that exemplary service, indulgent surroundings and the ability to fully tailor your celebration — whether it’s a spectacular deck ceremony with loved ones or an intimate elopement just for two — and it’s easy to see why more couples are choosing to say “I do” at sea.

Getting married on a yacht: what you need to know

As with all luxury weddings, there are some legal aspects to consider when planning a yacht wedding, from the number of guests allowed onboard to what paperwork is required, where you can get married and where you can’t. 

The first question many couples ask is, ‘is it possible to legally get married on a yacht?’ The short answer is, yes it is, but you’ll need to check the laws of the country the yacht is registered in as well as your country of residence before you proceed with plans.

In the Caribbean, for instance, each island has its own rules regarding yacht weddings and you may have to wait several days or more to get your wedding license, while in the French Riviera you might also need to factor in residency requirements.

With this in mind, sometimes couples decide to have a simple legal ceremony on shore before holding a more elaborate event with a celebrant onboard afterwards.

If you are planning to hold the legal ceremony on board, you will need to bring someone along to officiate, as it’s a common misconception that captains are licensed to marry people.

Your charter broker can of course, help you navigate these legalities and talk you through all the options to create your perfect wedding.

How many guests can attend a private yacht wedding

Yacht classification regulations mean that many charter yachts can only operate with a maximum of 12 guests.

This may suit those looking for intimate celebrations, but if you are hoping to plan a bigger yacht wedding, then you’ll need to look for a yacht that is licensed to carry more guests (typically a yacht classed as a ‘passenger ship’).

Your yacht broker can recommend suitable charter yachts, depending on the size of yacht wedding you are planning.

What are the best yachts for weddings, elopements or honeymoons?

The yacht you choose will depend on the size of your party and your overall vision of your wedding. 

With the largest sun deck in her class, the 72m yacht ARBEMA, available for wedding yacht charters in Greece and Croatia, is perfect for couples looking to host a wedding ceremony on deck followed by an unforgettable reception party. Meanwhile, the black onyx and white marble of Silver Angel’s opulent interiors are a great match for Art Deco-themed weddings.

When it comes to honeymoons, VENTUM MARIS, with its steam room, swim-up wet bar and outdoor cinema offers the ideal post-wedding sanctuary for newly weds, while ROSEHEARTY provides a timeless and romantic setting for couples who love to sail.

Whatever your needs, your yacht broker will take all this into account before making yacht recommendations for your wedding charter. They will also come up with contingency plans in case the weather on the day is not quite what you were hoping for.

Can we elope on a yacht?

Of course, while yachts are great venues for small weddings, a luxury yacht wedding is also perfect for couples who wish to treasure the moment on their own.

Yachts are among the world’s most exclusive wedding venues and with a crew skilled in the art of discretion, you can be assured of the utmost privacy where it can feel as though you are the only people on earth as you charter quiet cruising grounds and enjoy starlit dinners in peace.

Your charter broker can also arrange appropriate wedding licenses and witnesses and other logistics, so all you need to think about is where you’d like to elope to.

Designing the perfect yacht wedding reception

Once you’ve chosen your yacht wedding venue, it’s time to start planning the perfect wedding reception.

Think about the overall aesthetic and atmosphere you want to create – whether you want a classic and timeless feel or all the decadence of a Great Gatsby.

Do you need a nightclub set-up or are you hoping for something more serene? Food and drink are key components of any wedding, so you’ll need to think about whether you need a formal dining area with food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef or are after a more relaxed ambience with canapes or even a barbecue. 

Whatever style of yacht wedding reception you are planning, your yacht broker will work with you and your wedding planner to help bring your vision to life, and don’t forget to allow your captain to plan an ideal celebratory cruising itinerary to really make the most of your chosen cruising ground.

Recommended destinations for yacht weddings

The old-world romance of the Mediterranean yacht charter, with its ancient villages and historic churches and castles, make it a popular choice for yacht weddings, while those looking for tropical islands and sun-kissed beaches might prefer to opt for the Caribbean.

The quiet luxury of the Greek Islands, Italian Riviera and Croatia all lend themselves well to wedding yacht charters, while the laid-back island vibe offered by Caribbean yacht charters could give your wedding the low-key atmosphere you desire. Yacht charters tend to be for a minimum of one week so we suggest the following itinerary for a three-day celebration at sea with your guests before you head off for some post-wedding privacy.

Day 1:

From the moment your guests step off the pontoon, they will be treated like the VIPs they are as your host ushers them to the sun deck for a champagne and canape reception while their luggage is seamlessly transported to their cabins.

This wedding weekend is all about creating special memories, so allow guests some time to connect and explore the luxurious facilities before bringing the party together for a game of beach volleyball on a gorgeous sun-kissed island.

Afterwards, take a sunset cruise to your private anchorage for the evening before getting dressed for dinner on the upper deck.

Day 2:

Begin the big day at a leisurely pace, with a drop-in alfresco brunch  – the bride may prefer a private breakfast on the balcony – and plenty of time for sea swims and sunbathing sessions.

While the happy couple prepare for the ceremony, guests can pamper themselves in  the spa, with crew on hand throughout to ensure preparations for the nuptials run smoothly.

After the romantic ceremony, guests can indulge in a lavish wedding breakfast beneath blue skies, while in the evening the deck spaces can be transformed to host a wonderful wedding reception.

Day 3:

After the excitement of the day before, keep things casual with another leisurely brunch before planning an afternoon excursion for everyone – perhaps a little coastal exploring or a visit to a vineyard?

Back onboard, there’s just time for the bride and groom to bid their guests farewell before transfers are arranged and they can begin the next few days as they mean to go on – in wedded bliss – before embarking on their dream honeymoon yacht charter.

Can a yacht wedding include the honeymoon?

Of course. With relaxed privacy, hidden anchorages, and curated excursions, a tailor-made honeymoon on a romantic yacht charter is the perfect start to married life.

Even if you decide to get married on land, a honeymoon yacht charter is a wonderful way to head off on a private romantic retreat. Depending on your chosen destination, you can spend your days exploring ancient heritage sites in Italy, indulging in authentic French Riviera cuisine, or island hopping in Greece, all from the comfort of your romantic hideaway. 

How do I book a private yacht charter for a wedding?

For a premium wedding experience that blends ceremony, reception, and possibly honeymoon into one seamless charter, commission a trusted yacht management company who can source the right yacht and plan all the finer details. Contact an Edmiston charter broker to start planning your intimate yacht wedding, which you’ll cherish forever, today.