Weddings Near the Sea

How to Reduce the Cost of Your Wedding

We all know weddings can be very expensive. An innovative idea is to have your wedding near the sea by cruising or meet your guests at a port of call.

As we all know weddings can be very expensive. So why not have some fun and romance while tying the knot with a wedding at sea or at one of the ports on the cruise? According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the wedding business has increased 60 percent in the last decade. About 80 percent of travel agents indicate that the Caribbean and Bahamas is a desirable romance setting.

Not only are more brides and grooms going to sea but they are bringing their guests with them. According to Norwegian Cruise Line spokesman, a New York bride is planning a wedding in May with 100 guests. A Royal Caribbean survey indicates that "95 percent of vacationers rated cruises as 'extremely' or very romantic" when comparing it to single destination only vacations.

Weddings are popular near the sea because of convenience. Also, the romance of being near the water is another reason. Cruise lines have made it very easy with their wedding packages, access to wedding planners, amenities, and legal marriages performed by ships' captains.

Princess Cruises, "the Love Boat," series officially launched weddings at sea with marriages being performed by the ship's captain. Since 1998, there have been over 6,000 couples who have married at sea or in port. A side note is Princess' weddings are official since their vessels are registered in Bermuda in international waters.

As we all know cruising can be great for honeymoon destinations, vow renewal ceremonies, or engagement parties at sea. Just ask any cruise line and they will give you a reason to cruise. On Carnival Cruise line alone, it is anticipated that 2,400 couples will marry aboard the "Fun Ships" this year. Cruise lines leaving from U.S. ports include:

• FL: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Port Canaveral and NOW Jacksonville
• TX: Galveston
• SC: Charleston
• LA: New Orleans
• AL: Mobile
• MD: Baltimore

With all these options, it is easy to see why couples are getting married near the sea.

If you want to get married at a U.S. port, then Key West is an option. Guests can meet in Key West for the wedding on this 4 miles by 2 miles island for the beach ceremony. Happy cruising.