To get married on a Carnival cruise is one of the BEST FUN adult ideas ever! Carnival Wedding port destinations include amazing itineraries with a huge variety of departure dates. While most couples prefer to say "I Do" on the ship, a sunset on an idyllic beach or in some of the Caribbean's lavish gardens are "special romance" choices is not to be missed - at all!
First tip for your Carnival cruise wedding - leave all the planning fuss to the ship's wedding/honeymoon specialist. You'll have to choose only your favorite of all the countless ideas for your most special ever day at sea. Or you may set out all your preferences or concerns - there will be plenty of professional answers to all your questions, and numerous options for the type of ceremony itself - from simple to extravagant, traditional to exotic and adventurous, with the most unique requests.
Carnival cruise ship weddings as deals may provide lavish style and sophistication, as well as quiet and intimate choices - it's all about the money. The only rules to comply with are, one, that the ship must be docked at a US port or at permissible ports in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Barbados, Jamaica, Cozumel, Nassau, St Thomas), and two, cruise weddings must take place only in designated for this purpose areas. All Carnival Spirit-Class ships have their own onboard wedding chapel (also used for religious services, see their names in the list below). On other ships ceremonies usually take place in a lounge. Vows may also be exchanged on deck, but only if the ship is docked. As a rule, the captain is not allowed to perform a wedding ceremony, unless the ship is docked in Bermuda.
Carnival Cruise Wedding Policy & Rules
According to the Carnival Lines Wedding policy, you are allowed to invite family members and friends who are not passengers. They could join you on the ship while it's docked. Who and how can attend the ceremony? The type of Wedding Package purchased through Carnival determines the number of guests allowed to attend at the ceremony/reception. Sailing guests (paying passengers) will be allowed to participate as well. Due to security reasons, there are some restrictions imposed on non-sailing guests - those are permitted to board the ship, but you'll have to compile a list of your special guests - their legal names, birthdays, state-issued IDs. Also, your guests will have to show proper identification upon boarding your ship. In some foreign ports you may not be allowed to bring on board non-sailing guests at all. You should contact the relevant government officials or the ship's wedding coordinator for marriage license requirements/fees.
Not allowed on Carnival weddings, restrictions
- Not allowed are: bubbles, rice, bird seed, flower petals, confetti, balloons and candles, personal servers, knives, flowers, food, also outside photographers, entertainment, equipment. Couples with their own minister - limited to a 20 min ceremony. Couples with their own music - limited to 3 songs. Guests number limit is max 50 non-cruising guests per wedding.
Carnival cruise marriage license
You are responsible for obtaining a marriage license (which is for a fee) from your cruise wedding destination. You also have to know some stuff regarding the wedding regulations of that country. Some destinations require that you apply for the wedding license in person, other allow submitting an application via mail. The cost of marriage licenses varies by state - from $25 in Alaska to $150 (Florida). Often, your Carnival wedding coordinator can assist you in obtaining your license (for a fee, of course) or at least can provide you with all the information needed to apply for one.