Say "I do" on the open ocean, then sail straight into your honeymoon.

Why a wedding cruise

A wedding cruise rolls your venue, guest rooms, meals and entertainment into a single booking. Your ceremony, reception and honeymoon all happen on one ship, and you wake up somewhere new each morning.

It works for your guests too. Each guest picks a cabin that fits their budget, from interior rooms to suites, and nobody has to plan a separate trip around your big day.

Three ways to say "I do"

Where you marry decides who can attend and whether the ceremony can be legal on board. We'll match the option to your guest list and your plans.

At sea: married by the Captain

On select ships, the captain can legally marry you in open water. This is only possible on ships registered in Bermuda, Malta or the Bahamas, and only with lines that offer it, such as Princess, Cunard and Celebrity. Other ships offer a beautiful symbolic ceremony at sea.

Embarkation day: before you sail

Marry on board while the ship is still in port. Family and friends who aren't sailing can come aboard for the ceremony and a toast, then wave you off. Guest limits vary by cruise line.

In port: a destination within the destination

Exchange vows on a beach or at a seaside venue at one of your ports of call, then return to the ship to celebrate. You get a resort-style ceremony without leaving the cruise.

We start with "What are we celebrating?"

Cruise lines offer wedding packages. We plan the whole celebration around them.

• The right ship and route: we match the cruise line, ship and itinerary to your vision, guest count and budget, and to whether you need a legal or symbolic ceremony.
• Your group, handled: we set up a group cabin block, book each guest, and track deposits and payment deadlines so you never chase anyone.
• One point of contact: we work with the cruise line's wedding team on your ceremony, cake, photography and reception.
• The full experience: welcome drinks, rehearsal dinner, group excursions and honeymoon upgrades for the rest of the sailing.
• Guest support from Toronto: passport and document reminders, flights to the departure port, and answers to your guests' questions.

Wedding cruises also suit vow renewals, elopements and milestone anniversaries. Planning weddings since 2008, led by Suzzette Patten, certified wedding planner and certified florist.

At a glance

• When to sail: year-round. Caribbean in winter, Europe and Alaska in summer, Canada and New England in fall.
• Book ahead: 12 to 18 months for group space and the best cabins. Wedding packages are limited on each sailing.
• Guests who can't sail: an embarkation-day ceremony lets them come aboard before departure.
• Paperwork lead time: legal at-sea documents are due well before sailing, for example 10 weeks ahead on Celebrity.

Legal or symbolic?

At sea, the ship's country of registry is what makes a marriage legal, so a legal ceremony at sea is only possible on certain ships. Marriages legally performed outside Canada are usually valid here, and you don't need to register them in Canada.

Prefer to keep it simple? Many couples marry legally at home and have a symbolic ceremony at sea, or choose an embarkation-day ceremony in port. We confirm the current requirements for your ship and sailing before you book.

Popular wedding cruise routes from Toronto

• Caribbean and the Bahamas: sailing from Florida (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral), a short flight from Pearson to warm-weather ceremonies.
• Bermuda: sailing from the New York area, with pink-sand beaches and no long flight.
• Canada and New England: sailing from Quebec City or Montreal, with fall colours and departures close to home.
• Mediterranean: villages, vineyards and coastlines for couples dreaming of Europe.
• Alaska: sailing from Vancouver or Seattle, with glaciers and mountains as your backdrop.

Celebrate twice

Not everyone can sail, and that's fine. Pair your wedding cruise with a reception back home in Toronto or the GTA, styled with our signature acrylic chuppahs, arches, mandaps and wedding florals. One planner and one vision, from the ship to the ballroom.

See our rentals and florals →

Wedding cruise questions

Can the ship's captain really marry us?

On certain ships, yes. The ship must be registered in a country that gives captains that authority (Bermuda, Malta or the Bahamas), and the cruise line must offer it. On other ships, the ceremony is led by an officiant in port or is symbolic.

Is a wedding at sea legally recognized in Canada?

Marriages legally performed outside Canada are usually valid here, and you don't need to register them in Canada. At sea, the ship's country of registry is what makes the marriage legal, so we match you with a line and ship that offers legal ceremonies, or plan a legal ceremony at home and a symbolic one at sea.

Can same-sex couples marry legally at sea?

On some ships. It depends on the registry: Malta-registered ships, such as Celebrity's, can perform legal same-sex weddings at sea, while Bahamas-registered ships can't. We'll point you to the right ship, or to an embarkation-day ceremony in a port where it's legal.

How far ahead should we book?

We recommend 12 to 18 months ahead for group space and the best cabins. Wedding packages are limited on each sailing, and the paperwork for a legal ceremony is due weeks before departure.

Do our guests pay for their own cruise?

Usually, yes. Each guest books and pays for their own cabin in your group block, and we handle the bookings and payment reminders. Some couples cover part of the cost, and we can set that up too.

Can guests who aren't sailing attend?

Yes, with an embarkation-day ceremony. They board for the ceremony and leave before the ship sails. You can also add a reception at home with our Celebrate Twice option.

How much does a wedding cruise cost?

There are two main parts: the cruise fare for each cabin, and the cruise line's wedding package. A reception, photography or a larger guest count add to that. After your consultation, we'll give you a clear all-in quote.

Can we bring our own florals and decor on board?

Most cruise lines work with their own onboard teams and limit outside vendors. We design the look and coordinate it with the ship's team, then bring our full floral and decor work to your welcome event or home reception.

Travel booking information

Travel services arranged through Expedia Cruises – Toronto, operated by 2814336 Ontario Inc. TICO Registration No. 50026177. 2700 Dufferin Street, Unit 66, Toronto, Ontario M6B 4J3. In-person consultations available by appointment. Virtual consultations also available.