Your Guide to Yacht Weddings

Do you want to have a wedding on a yacht? There are pros and cons to each that you should be aware of prior to having a wedding on a yacht. Overall, there is no better venue than a boat, but you should make sure that you consider everything before you commit to it. 

Pros & Cons of Yacht Weddings

Here is a list of pros of having a wedding on a yacht:

  • One venue for the entire event. This means that since your entire wedding will take place on a boat, you won’t have to worry about the extra costs of getting everyone from the site of the ceremony to the reception location. Now you can plan an open-air top-deck ceremony, followed by your cocktail hour on the second deck of the yacht, with a sit-down dinner in an enclosed dining room. 
  • Packages are all-inclusive. You will find that most boats offer their guests all-inclusive packages. You may be able to get a package that is filled with the bar, cake, catering, china, linens, and even flatware. Some packages may even offer a house DJ along with a lighting and sound system. Now you can sit back and relax knowing that the professionally trained crew and staff are there to make sure your day flows smoothly. 
  • It’s affordable. Having a wedding on the water is more affordable than you may think. It is considered a cost-effective way to get married but with many perks. You will be able to capture fabulous photos with nice backdrops. If you schedule your wedding at a later time, you may be able to get married during the golden hour or even serve your guests cocktails as the sun begins to set.

Cons of Yacht Weddings

Where there are pros, there are always cons. To help you make a final decision, here is a list of cons of having a yacht wedding.

  • Hidden fees. Potentially, there is always the possibility of hidden fees. Even though yacht weddings are cost-effective, you still have to be careful to watch out for fees that you may not have been aware of in the beginning. Be sure to question the charter company about additional costs you may incur for things including fuel, service fees, taxes, docking, gratuities, and more.
  • Space is limited. Most likely, you will probably need to reduce your guest list unless you reserve a mega-yacht where you will have plenty of space. Most boats restrict the number of passengers that are allowed on board at a single time. Be sure to ask the boat charger for a boat that is big enough to accommodate the number of your guests.
  • Regulations are strict. Besides capacity limits, most boats have restrictions that range from décor to departure time. Guests could miss the boat if they are late and get stuck at the pier. Be sure to allow some cushion time prior to the actual start time to ensure everyone on your list makes it on time for departure.
  • You are stuck on board. Finally, be sure to consider your guest list before you commit to a wedding on a yacht. For example, if you have doctors that are on your guest list, they may need to leave instantly if they receive a phone call. Unless your boat is docked, you will be on the water for a few hours. However, the good news is that most boat charters do partner with water taxis in the event of an emergency to bring people back to the dock.