BY CINDY SOSROUTOMO
Dreaming of saying “I do” at sea? Cruise weddings are making waves with couples looking for a celebration that combines travel, romance and built-in value. From venues with ocean views to guest accommodations and dining, a wedding at sea offers a unique alternative to a traditional wedding. We sat down with Koreen McNutt, Vice President of North American Trade Sales at Virgin Voyages, to answer some of the most common questions couples have about planning their big day on the water.
1. How far in advance should you book cruise weddings?
“The sooner, the better, but we adapt and tailor to our couples’ visions and timeframes. Our wedding program can hold up to 16 cabins for 30 days while you sort your guest list, but popular sailings go fast. Give yourself some runway – your guests will thank you for it, and so will your stress levels.”
2. What type of wedding venues are onboard?
“We have three stunning options. The Perch is an open-air deck with 360-degree ocean views. The Wake is one of our gorgeous restaurants with the ship’s wake stretching behind you. And The Scene is an intimate indoor space with more privacy. Currently, our largest package hosts up to 50 guests so there’s a venue to match whatever you’re envisioning.”
3. What do cruise wedding packages typically include?
“Every package comes with a Wedding Specialist before you sail, an onboard coordinator on the day, a private venue, a member of the ship team leadership as the officiant, music, décor, cake and florals. Think of that as your foundation, then you build from there: live musicians, upgraded flowers and spa treatments. Cruise fares are separate but here’s the thing: your guests’ accommodations, dining and entertainment are already covered in the voyage. That’s a remarkable value.”
4. What kind of support do you offer during the planning stage and on the wedding day?
“You get a dedicated Wedding Specialist from the moment you book, who stays with you through every decision before you ever step foot on the ship. Then on the day itself, your onboard coordinator takes the baton. There is no awkward handoff – just two people who know cruise weddings inside and out, making sure everything lands exactly right.”
5. What is the average starting cost for a wedding at sea?
“Currently, packages start at US$4,000 for an intimate elopement-style ceremony, $5,000 for up to four guests, and $8,000 for the full celebration with up to 50 people. That’s the ceremony package. Total spend depends on your guest count, cabin choices and add-ons. But compare that to the average traditional wedding cost and do the math. Getting married at sea starts to look very smart, very quickly.”
6. How do you handle legal marriage requirements and documentation?
“Our onboard ceremonies are symbolic rather than legally binding, which honestly is a feature – not a limitation. The legal paperwork gets handled before or after the voyage based on wherever you call home. What that means is you get the full ceremony experience without the administrative chaos of navigating maritime law in international waters. Your Wedding Specialist will walk you through how other couples typically handle the legal side. It’s simpler than people expect.”
7. Can we incorporate elements both onboard the ship and in port?
“I love this question because it’s exactly the kind of creative thinking we want couples to bring. Port days open up some incredible possibilities that couples can arrange on their own while being mindful of the all-aboard time. Your Wedding Specialist is your collaborator so the earlier you bring up the idea, the more likely we can make it a reality.”
8. What contingency plans are in place if weather or itinerary changes affect the wedding day?
“We plan for the unexpected from day one. Ceremony details are locked in at least 45 days out. If something shifts, your Wedding Specialist moves quickly so you don’t have to. We always have alternative venues ready. The ocean is a little unpredictable – your wedding day doesn’t have to be.”
9. Are we able to bring in outside vendors?
“We offer florals and hair services through our own team, all vetted and ship-ready. For anything beyond that, your Wedding Specialist is the person to have that conversation with early on. Every sailing has its own logistics and we want to make sure any outside element is set up to actually work. Bring your wish list and we’ll figure it out together.”
10. Can we incorporate our own cultural or religious traditions?
“Couples write their own vows, choose their own music and shape the ceremony to reflect who they are. We’ve helped couples weave in all kinds of meaningful cultural and personal touches. My advice? Share what matters to you early. The more we know, the more we can honour it.”
11. How do you accommodate guests with different needs, including mobility concerns or dietary restrictions?
“Our ships are designed to be inclusive. For mobility needs, our team coordinates with you well in advance so nothing is left to chance on the day. As for dining, Virgin Voyages already handles a wide range of dietary needs across our restaurants. For cruise weddings specifically, your onboard coordinator makes sure every guest is taken care of. Nobody should be thinking about logistics on your wedding day – that’s our job.”
12. What are some commonly overlooked costs associated with cruise weddings at sea that we should budget for early on?
“Cruise fares for guests are often the biggest overlooked expense since they sit outside the wedding package itself. Couples should also budget for optional enhancements such as upgraded florals, live music or a DJ, as well as pre- and post-voyage travel and hotel stays, particularly for destination sailings. The advantage is that many guest expenses typically associated with a traditional wedding weekend – including dining, onboard entertainment and activities – are already part of the voyage experience.”
13. Do you offer group discounts and other group perks for cruise weddings?
“Yes, through the Weddings program. Groups get 10% off voyage fares, a bar tab per cabin that scales with how long you’re sailing, up to 30 days to hold cabins while you finalize your guest list, as well as pre-voyage dining coordination. There’s no rigid minimum for a group – it’s really about bringing people together for something special.”
14. What happens if a guest cancels last-minute?
“Guests can join a Wedding group up to 45 days before sailing, which gives you a solid window to manage changes as they come. Individual guest cancellations don’t have to unravel everything – your Wedding Specialist will walk you through how it interacts with your group’s overall structure and perks. It’s a conversation worth having early on so there are no surprises.”
15. What happens if the cruise line ends up cancelling the cruise, for whatever reason?
“In the rare event that happens, we don’t just leave you stranded. We work with you directly to find the right path forward, whether that’s rebooking on another sailing or figuring out alternatives. Your Wedding Specialist stays with you through it. We’d also always recommend looking at Voyage Protection as part of your planning because life is beautifully unpredictable and it’s good to be covered.”
For more information, go to virginvoyages.com.
This feature first appeared in the Fall/Winter 2026 issue of Today’s Bride. Read the full issue here
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