Choosing Your Wedding Boat
You have so many options to consider when you are choosing the type of wedding boat on which you will get married. Wedding boats can really be any boat that is big enough for 3 people – the bride, the groom and the officiant (or captain). However, a wedding boat is typically going to be at least large enough for a small wedding of 15 – 20 persons. So, a sailboat wedding or private yacht wedding all the way up to a grand event on a Mississippi Riverboat are possible. A historic 140′ “tall-ship” schooner or full-fledged cruise ship can also be boats for weddings.
If you are considering boat rentals for your celebration, then the vessel will not be accepting other passengers (other than you and your guests). On the other hand, larger ships will often host weddings in separate rooms on the ship similar to a hotel that reserves a ballroom for a private event but still has other guests elsewhere on the property.
Some wedding boats offer an all inclusive package which includes the minister, flowers, photographer, cake and a full reception. But, depending on your budget, you will generally be able to tailor the wedding boat event to your tastes. For example, you may be having the reception on the beach after you exchange vows at sea, or a larger reception in your hometown after a week long sailing cruise with you and a few friends and family members.
Some Suggestions
Below are some suggestions for locations that offer weddings on boats in the Continental U.S:
On the West Coast, San Francisco Bay makes a beautiful location for a nautical wedding. From an elopement to a formal reception, both sailed and motorized yachts can be yours for the day. Inland, Lake Tahoe, on the California/Nevada line, offers wedding boats amid clean air and stunning views with formal attention to all your nuptial details.
On the East Coast, Boston Harbor Cruises has a luxury vessel for your romantic, private, 4 hour wedding cruise with a complimentary champagne toast, a real Boston DJ and delectable culinary creations. Another lovely boat in the North East is the Royal Princess, which sails out of New York and New Jersey.
All up and down the East Coast, and especially in Florida, in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm beach among other cities, are a number of yacht companies from which you can charter your private wedding party yacht.
Another type of boat available for wedding day rentals is the Windsong, which is a 58′ ketch sailboat with full modern technology and accoutrements. This vessel sails out of the Houston area, passing Kemah, into Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Nearby Kemah, Texas, with its Boardwalk and amusements has many companies offering wedding yachts of all sizes and packages.
Things to Consider
Especially if your boat is to be chartered for your wedding celebration, be sure to check that there is proper safety equipment, insurance, and whether the captain is licensed by the U.S Coast Guard. Also, see that you won’t be exceeding the number of licensed passengers allowed on board and if possible meet the crew before the wedding day!
