Get Hitched on a Boat and Save a Bundle: Cruise Ship Weddings

Cruise ships aren’t just for vacations anymore. Lately, many couples are using cruise ships as a cost-effective and romantic place to get married. Cruise ship weddings offer an alternative to costly “destination” weddings that, for many people, are unrealistic in this economy, while still providing a unique and special setting.

Over the last decade this trend of cruise ship weddings has increased 6o%, leaving a noticeable impact in the wedding and travel industry. This sudden shift can be attributed to the affordable prices and locations of cruise ships. For example, Carnival Cruise Lines expects 2,200 couples to marry on board their ships this year, paying around $1,195 for a basic civil ceremony. For $1795, couples can celebrate at an hour and a half reception with their friends and families before the cruise departs for its destination. Guests who want to stay on board the cruise for the duration of the trip can pay their own way for around $1000 or else they can depart after the wedding and stay at home. Either way, cruise ship weddings are not only easy for the wedding party but also guests who can make a vacation out of the wedding, a luxury not many wedding venues provide.

Weddings can be very expensive and end up costing much more than couples are comfortable spendings. Many couples figure since it’s their special day it’s okay to break the bank. However, with the affordability of cruise ship weddings there is no longer a reason to spend more money than necessary for a beautiful wedding day. So go ahead, follow this economically-sound trend and book your wedding on a cruise ship with the destination of your choice. Just be sure to take the weather in to account when booking your trip so as not to be disappointed if the weather isn’t as perfect as you would have hoped.

[Image: muha.. /Flickr]