Who can marry you on a cruise ship?

Legal ceremonies at sea are performed by the Captain or Staff Captain. Symbolic ceremonies at sea are performed by a non-denominational officiant. Religious ceremonies are not available.



On a cruise ship in 2026, the person who can legally marry you depends on the ship’s registry (flag state) and the cruise line’s specific permits. Contrary to popular myth, most ship captains do not have the universal authority to perform legal weddings. However, captains on ships registered in Bermuda, Malta, or the Bahamas (such as those from Celebrity, Princess, or Royal Caribbean) can often perform legal ceremonies because the laws of those countries grant them that power. If the ship is in port, a local judge or ordained officiant from that destination can come on board to perform the ceremony. Many couples in 2026 choose a "symbolic" ceremony performed by the captain for the experience, having already completed the legal paperwork on land beforehand. It is essential to check if your home country recognizes "at-sea" marriages, as 2026 legal standards vary, particularly regarding the specific coordinates where the ceremony takes place.

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Most wedding ceremonies on a cruise ship are performed by a notary public in the United States and a non-denominational officiant in international ports. However, if you'd like your ceremony to be officiated by a ship's captain, then you'll need to get married while sailing international waters.

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Set up/break down, wedding coordinating services, officiant, photographer, unity sand, and legal filing of your Florida marriage license is all included at a budget-friendly price. Cruise wedding packages can average around $4,000-$8,000.

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It's unfortunate, but it's a myth that the captain of the Maid of the Mist can marry couples. In fact, the captain cannot legally perform wedding ceremonies, since their responsibility is to ensure the safety of the passengers on board the boat.

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However, if it were not for having the opportunity to propose at such a special shoreside location, I would have most definitely done so at sea-probably on a Disney cruise. Of course, any cruise line and cruise ship will do nicely for an engagement setting.

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Some people may think that this is a risky trip. It would certainly be very dangerous to cross this river in a boat that is not suitable for it. But this is not the case on the Maid of the Mist. The trip is very safe, each passenger is provided with what is necessary to stay protected.

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Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise. You will have many opportunities to purchase duty free goods, take exciting shore excursions, buy local souvenirs, play your chance in the casino, or enjoy some pampering in the spa.

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Because most cruise ship staterooms are meant to hold at least two people, booking a room by yourself often means still paying higher prices that are equivalent to two people. According to Cruise Critic, some cruise ships have solo cabins that are meant for just one person, but it's not common.

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