You’re thinking about getting married on a yacht. Love it. It’s glamorous, intimate, and the photos basically edit themselves.
But before you start picturing a champagne-soaked sunset kiss, let’s get real about what you need to know. The ocean is gorgeous—and unforgiving. A yacht wedding delivers magic if you plan smart.
Let’s make sure you do.
First, Make Sure a Yacht Wedding Actually Fits Your Crowd
Yachts look huge in photos… until you add chairs, a bar, a DJ setup, catering, and your cousin’s enormous hat. Capacity matters. You need to know both the dockside capacity and the underway capacity—those numbers can differ a lot. Quick reality check: most mid-size charter yachts comfortably host 30–80 guests.
Anything beyond that usually requires a larger vessel or a party boat (less “yacht chic,” more “floating venue”).
Questions to ask the charter company
- What’s the maximum guest count while underway vs. at the dock?
- Is there a seated dinner option or just stations/cocktail style?
- Where do ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner physically happen on board?
Pick Your Port Like a Pro
Where you board (and disembark) shapes the entire day. Some harbors offer smooth waters and dreamy skyline views. Others offer… waves.
Lots of waves. Choose a port that fits your vibe and keeps Aunt Linda upright. Consider:
- Scenery: City skyline? Cliffs?
Open ocean? You’ll shoot photos everywhere—plan the backdrop.
- Wind patterns: Ask about typical conditions during your season and time of day.
- Pick-up logistics: Parking, ride-share access, and ADA-friendly docks matter.
Tide and timing
Tide charts aren’t sexy, but they control everything. Low tide can make boarding tough and dress-snaggy.
Sunset timing varies by season—work backward from golden hour. FYI: Captains stick to strict departure times (boats don’t wait; they drift).
Budget: Yes, It’s Luxe—But It Can Be Smart
You pay for an experience, not just square footage. That said, a yacht can streamline costs if you keep things intimate, keep decor minimal, and leverage the natural ambiance (water = free decor). What your yacht fee often includes:
- Captain and crew (always required)
- Fuel within a set route (extra if you go farther/faster)
- Basic furniture and onboard sound system
- Setup and cleanup time
What might cost extra:
- Docking at premium marinas or multiple boarding locations
- Extra cruising time or late-night returns
- Specialty lighting, upgraded linens, dance floors
- Corkage if you bring your own alcohol
IMO: Lock your guest count early.
On a yacht, each additional person isn’t just a meal—it’s capacity, safety, and service flow.
Seasickness, Safety, and Other Buzzkills You Can Prevent
No one wants their wedding soundtrack to feature retching. You can avoid that fate with smart planning. Pro moves:
- Choose calmer routes: Bays and harbors beat open water for stability.
- Time it right: Avoid windy afternoons if your area gets daily gusts.
- Prep your people: Include a note on the invite about motion options (Dramamine, Sea-Bands).
- Footwear memo: Ask for wedges or flats; heels and decks don’t get along.
Safety essentials
- Confirm life jackets and safety equipment for your guest count.
- Ask about crew training and emergency protocols.
- Designate sober point people (besides the captain) to help guests navigate stairs and rails.
FYI: Fire codes, coast guard rules, and weather restrictions can override your dream timeline. Plan with that in mind and you’ll stress less.
Catering On Board: Different Game, Same Goal
You can’t roll giant ovens onto a yacht and call it a day.
Space and storage change how chefs cook and serve. Work with caterers who know maritime events—or use the yacht’s in-house team. Menu tips that work at sea:
- Focus on elegant, fork-friendly bites: Sliders, skewers, composed plates.
- Skip heavy cream sauces: They feel rough on rocky waters.
- Chill wisely: Seafood rules—if cold chain stays tight. Confirm refrigeration.
Bar setup
- Check if the yacht allows BYO or requires in-house bar service.
- Pick a signature cocktail that batches well (hello, spritzes and citrus-forward gin coolers).
- Limit glass on deck or use shatter-resistant options.
Bonus tip: Hydration stations save lives and makeup.
Flow, Music, and Space: Choreograph the Day
On land, you can spread out.
On a yacht, you stack experiences. Treat the day like a guided journey: ceremony on the bow, cocktails on the flybridge, dinner inside, dance under the stars. Build a micro-itinerary:
- Boarding window: 30–45 minutes. Greet, champagne, stow bags.
- Ceremony: 15–20 minutes.
Mic the officiant—wind eats vows.
- Cruise and cocktails: 45–60 minutes. Photos plus snacks = happiness.
- Dinner: 60–90 minutes. Seat smart—balance weight and keep aisles clear.
- Dancing and sunset spin: 45–60 minutes.
Cue the bangers.
Sound and lighting
- Rent windshields for mics and confirm power for DJs or bands.
- Ask about noise ordinances on the water—yes, they exist.
- Use warm string lights or LED uplights. The ocean does the rest.
IMO: Keep speeches short. People want to vibe and watch the skyline change.
Weather Plans That Don’t Ruin the Vibe
You can’t negotiate with weather, but you can out-plan it.
Ask what happens if the wind hits 25 knots or a squall rolls in. Have options:
- Covered deck or salon ceremony: Confirm clear tenting or retractable covers if available.
- Dockside plan: You can keep the yacht as your venue even if you don’t sail.
- Backup date or partial refund: Understand the contract before you sign.
The dress code reality
Long veils and micro-breezes fight often. Consider weighted combs, bustle options, and fabric that tolerates salt air. Tell guests “coastal cocktail” and mean it—no trailing gowns, no stiletto risks, bring a light layer.
Photography and Permits: Don’t Wing It
Photographers love yachts until they see the tight spaces and wild reflections.
Book someone who’s shot on water before and scout the light on your exact route. Must-dos:
- Ask about drone permissions and maritime regulations.
- Confirm marina rules for staging, decor installs, and sparkler send-offs (usually a no).
- Create a shot list that accounts for movement—family photos work best dockside.
Contracts You Actually Need to Read
Yes, boring. Also, essential. Marine charters include clauses you won’t see in ballroom contracts. Key clauses to review:
- Weather cancellations and route changes: Who decides and how refunds work.
- Guest liability: Damage, seasickness cleanup (real thing), overboard incidents.
- Vendor access: Load-in times, power specs, insurance requirements, and COIs.
- Timing and overtime: Late returns cost big—tides and crew schedules aren’t flexible.
FYI: Get event insurance that covers marine events.
It’s not expensive and it’s very worth it.
FAQ
Will my guests get seasick?
Maybe a few. Choose a stable route, aim for calmer times of day, and keep the cruise mostly within sheltered waters. Offer motion remedies at the welcome table and remind guests to eat something before boarding.
Most people do fine when the water stays friendly.
Can we legally get married on the boat?
Yes, but the legal part depends on your location. Often you’ll sign the license dockside or have an officiant certified for that jurisdiction. The ceremony can happen anywhere on board—just handle the paperwork properly so your marriage is official-official.
What should we wear for a yacht wedding?
Think polished, breathable, and secure.
Brides: consider shorter trains, veils with solid combs, and shoes you can actually stand in on a moving deck. Guests: coastal cocktail—no stilettos, bring a light jacket, and maybe a hat pin if you insist on a hat.
Can we bring our own vendors?
Usually, but the yacht may require approved vendors or proof of marine insurance. Power, load-in times, and space limitations can restrict bands, photo booths, and bulky decor.
Ask for vendor specs early so you don’t fight physics during setup.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
You’ll pivot to the covered deck or interior salon, or stay dockside and throw an epic party anyway. The captain has final say on safety and route changes. Read your contract for refund or reschedule terms so surprises don’t sting.
How long should the event last?
Three to five hours feels perfect.
That gives you time for boarding, vows, a scenic cruise, dinner, and dancing without dragging. Add a dockside after-party at a nearby bar if you want to keep the night rolling.
Conclusion
A yacht wedding isn’t just a venue—it’s a moving, sunlit, salty little world for you and your people. Plan for capacity, safety, and weather, and the rest becomes pure magic.
Keep it intimate, trust your captain, and let the water do the heavy lifting. If you want a wedding that feels like a rom-com finale with better music, this is it.