A cruise ship is the ultimate destination wedding

Forget expensive venues and catering, a wedding at sea could be the perfect way to tie the knot.

It is a love story for the ages, and it all began on The Love Boat. 

When Princess Cruises events and guest services supervisor Louie Engelbrecht looks back on all the weddings he has organised, which averaged around three a day on Royal Princess during the last Australian summer season, one truly stands out.

“My most unforgettable wedding was for a couple in their 70s. They had met aboard the original Love Boat many years ago and then by chance met again on another Princess ship,” Engelbrecht says. Cue the theme song from the popular 1980s TV show where special guest stars from Andy Warhol to Betty White found romance on the high seas under the navigation of Captain Merrill Stubing.

“This couple had never forgotten each other so their meeting by chance was very special, (then) they were engaged aboard Royal Princess during her 2023-24 summer season and then decided to marry on Royal Princess last summer season 2024-25.”

Engelbrecht says that wedding day was pure magic, a ceremony filled with romance. “When she walked down the aisle, the groom’s eyes sparkled with a love so genuine, as if it was the very first moment they saw each other more than 50 years ago. There were no dry eyes in the house,” he says.

The Princess team organise it all, from sunset ceremonies to parties. Picture: Supplied.

Forget expensive wedding venues and catering, a wedding at sea could be the perfect way to tie the knot. And it’s a destination wedding with a difference – all the guests celebrate with you on your honeymoon.

Engelbrecht says the Princess team organise it all, from sunset ceremonies to parties. And unlike land weddings when venues sometimes need to be secured years ahead, there is no such planning needed at sea.

“I would recommend planning your wedding with Princess at least two months in advance,” says Engelbrecht.

“The process begins simply by filling out a form online with your preferences for flowers, cake, music, and vows and upon boarding, you will be greeted by your dedicated wedding co-ordinator, who will guide you through every step of your planned event.”

Around three couples a day got married on Royal Princess during the last Australian summer season.

Princess Perfect Weddings offer legal or symbolic ceremonies on sea days, officiated by the captain. Planning for a wedding on-board is done via a wedding portal, allowing guests to hold a date while customising, and there are bespoke packages available. For example, the Timeless Ceremony at Sea for a couple plus eight guests includes the ceremony, flowers, a cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, a toast, photography including a digital USB and prints, a romantic breakfast, premium stateroom gifts, and a certificate. The price? From $US3995.

Engelbrecht says vow-renewal ceremonies are also popular.

“One highlight over the recent summer season in Sydney was our Valentine’s Day mass vow renewal on the Pacific Ocean between New Zealand and Australia where several couples renewed their vows with the captain and our crew,” he says. “It was very special for all involved –we are the Love Boat, after all.”

Originally published as A cruise ship is the ultimate destination wedding