Can You Get Married on Norwegian Cruise Line A Complete Guide

Yes, you can get married on Norwegian Cruise Line, which offers legal and symbolic wedding packages at sea, in port, or on private islands like Great Stirrup Cay. Choose from customizable ceremonies with onboard coordinators, marriage licenses handled for you, and romantic backdrops—all while cruising to stunning destinations.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can marry onboard with NCL’s legal and symbolic wedding packages.
• Choose from 3 ceremony types: legal, vow renewal, or commitment ceremonies.
• Book early: slots fill fast, especially during peak seasons.
• Required documents vary by departure port and destination—check NCL’s checklist.
• Wedding planners assist with décor, flowers, photography, and more.
• Host guests onboard with group rates and dedicated event spaces.

Dreaming of a Cruise Wedding? Norwegian Cruise Line Has You Covered

Imagine exchanging vows on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, with the endless blue of the ocean as your backdrop and the gentle sway of the waves setting the rhythm for your special day. For couples seeking a unique, stress-free, and unforgettable wedding experience, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers an exceptional opportunity to tie the knot at sea. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony for two or a full-scale celebration with family and friends, NCL’s wedding packages provide a seamless, elegant, and customizable solution. With decades of experience in hosting weddings at sea, Norwegian Cruise Line has perfected the art of turning nautical nuptials into lifelong memories.

But how does a cruise wedding actually work? What are the legalities, logistics, and available options? Can you really get married on Norwegian Cruise Line? The answer is a resounding yes—and this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from initial planning to the final toast. Whether you’re considering a symbolic ceremony at sea, a legally binding wedding in port, or a vow renewal under the stars, NCL’s wedding program is designed to cater to diverse preferences, budgets, and destinations. Read on to discover how you can transform your cruise into the wedding of your dreams.

Types of Weddings Offered by Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several types of wedding ceremonies to suit different preferences, legal requirements, and travel styles. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial to choosing the one that aligns with your vision and needs.

Legally Binding Weddings in Port

For couples who want their marriage to be legally recognized, NCL offers legal weddings in select ports of call. These ceremonies are conducted by authorized local officiants and comply with the legal requirements of the destination country. NCL currently supports legal weddings in:

• Barbados
• Jamaica
• Mexico (Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas)
• Hawaii (Maui, Oahu)
• Italy (Naples, Venice)
• France (Nice)
• Greece (Santorini, Mykonos)

Each location has its own legal prerequisites, such as residency requirements, documentation (birth certificates, passports, divorce decrees if applicable), and waiting periods. NCL’s wedding coordinators work with local authorities to ensure all paperwork is filed correctly. For example, in Jamaica, couples must arrive at least two days before the ceremony to complete the legal process, while in Mexico, a blood test and notarized documents may be required.

Tip: Start planning at least 9–12 months in advance to secure your preferred port, date, and documentation timeline. NCL provides a detailed checklist and can connect you with local legal advisors if needed.

Symbolic Ceremonies at Sea

If you prefer a non-legal ceremony or want to get married in a location where NCL doesn’t offer legal weddings, symbolic ceremonies are a popular alternative. These are emotionally meaningful, beautifully orchestrated events that mimic a traditional wedding but are not legally binding. Conducted by the ship’s captain or a licensed officiant, symbolic weddings take place on the deck, in a private lounge, or even in a scenic outdoor area of the ship.

Symbolic ceremonies are ideal for:

• Couples who are already legally married but want a destination celebration
• Those seeking a unique, romantic experience without legal complexities
• Same-sex couples from countries where marriage is not legally recognized at sea

You’ll receive a commemorative certificate, a bouquet, and a toast, and you can personalize the ceremony with vows, music, and décor. Many couples choose to have a legal wedding at home before or after their cruise and use the symbolic ceremony as their “destination wedding.”

Vow Renewals and Commitment Ceremonies

NCL also specializes in vow renewals and commitment ceremonies, perfect for celebrating milestone anniversaries or affirming your love in a new chapter of life. These events are highly customizable and can include family and friends. Whether you’ve been married for 10 years or 50, a vow renewal on the high seas adds a layer of romance and reflection.

Commitment ceremonies are ideal for couples in long-term relationships who may not be legally married but want to celebrate their bond publicly. These ceremonies are especially popular among LGBTQ+ couples and those from cultures where formal marriage is not the only path to lifelong partnership.

Example: A couple celebrating their 25th anniversary booked a 7-day Caribbean cruise and held a vow renewal on the beach in St. Maarten, followed by a private dinner under the stars on the ship’s deck. NCL arranged a local officiant, floral arrangements, and a photographer to capture the moment.

Wedding Packages and Customization Options

Norwegian Cruise Line offers tiered wedding packages to accommodate different budgets and visions. From simple, elegant ceremonies to full-scale celebrations, you can tailor your experience to reflect your personal style.

Standard, Premium, and Luxury Wedding Packages

NCL’s wedding packages are categorized into three main tiers:

• Standard Package: Includes a symbolic or legal ceremony (depending on port), a bouquet and boutonniere, a wedding cake, a bottle of sparkling wine, a commemorative certificate, and basic photography (10–15 digital photos). Starting at $1,299.
• Premium Package: Adds a private ceremony location (e.g., deck, garden, or lounge), upgraded floral arrangements, a personalized wedding website, a keepsake wedding album, and a 30-minute photo session. Starting at $2,499.
• Luxury Package: Features a private cocktail reception for up to 20 guests, a gourmet wedding cake, professional videography, a custom-designed bouquet, a private dinner for the couple, and a spa gift card. Starting at $4,999.

All packages include coordination by an on-board wedding planner, who helps with timelines, vendor coordination, and guest logistics. Legal weddings in port may require additional fees for local officiants and documentation processing.

Customization and Add-Ons

Beyond the standard packages, NCL offers a wide range of customization options to make your wedding truly one-of-a-kind:

• Décor: Choose from themed décor (beach, vintage, tropical), color schemes, lanterns, arches, and aisle runners. You can also bring your own décor, subject to NCL’s approval.
• Music: Hire a live musician (string quartet, harpist, or guitarist), DJ, or use a curated playlist. NCL can also arrange a private concert on the deck.
• Catering: Upgrade to a private dinner with a customized menu, wine pairing, or even a champagne tower.
• Photography & Videography: Book extended photo sessions, drone footage, or a full documentary-style video of your day.
• Guest Experience: Offer welcome bags, custom invitations, or a pre-wedding reception for guests.

Tip: Use NCL’s online wedding portal to view décor samples, listen to music options, and communicate with your wedding coordinator. Many couples create a mood board to share their vision.

Personalization for Cultural and Religious Traditions

NCL is committed to inclusivity and can accommodate cultural and religious elements in your ceremony. Whether you want to include a traditional Hindu saat phere, a Jewish chuppah, a Celtic handfasting, or a Latin American lazo, NCL’s team will work with you to ensure your customs are honored. You can also incorporate readings, rituals, or attire from your heritage.

Example: A Filipino-American couple included a lazo (wedding cord) and veil and cord ceremony in their symbolic wedding on a Norwegian Escape cruise. NCL arranged for a local priest to officiate and provided a traditional Filipino cake with purple and gold accents.

Legal Requirements and Documentation

One of the most critical aspects of getting married on Norwegian Cruise Line is understanding the legal requirements. While symbolic ceremonies are straightforward, legal weddings involve navigating international laws and paperwork.

Documentation Needed for Legal Weddings

For a legal wedding in port, you’ll typically need the following:

• Valid passports (with at least six months of validity)
• Birth certificates (often required to be notarized or apostilled)
• Divorce decrees or death certificates (if previously married)
• Residency documents (if required by the port country)
• Blood test results (e.g., in Mexico)
• Marriage license application (submitted in advance or on-site)

NCL’s wedding coordinators will provide a detailed checklist based on your chosen port. They can also help you obtain apostilles (official certifications for international documents) through third-party services.

Timeline and Processing

The legal process varies by country:

• Jamaica: 2–3 days in port; marriage license issued within 24 hours of application.
• Mexico: 1–2 days; requires blood test and notarized documents.
• Italy: 15-day residency requirement; couples must arrive early and stay post-ceremony.
• Hawaii: No residency; license issued on the same day (if documents are in order).

Important: NCL does not process legal paperwork directly but coordinates with local authorities. You must submit all documents to NCL at least 90 days before the cruise. Missing documents can result in cancellation of the legal ceremony.

Post-Wedding Steps

After the ceremony, you’ll receive a marriage certificate from the local government. This document may need to be translated or authenticated for use in your home country. NCL can provide guidance on how to legalize the certificate (e.g., through the U.S. Department of State or your embassy). Some couples also choose to file the certificate with their local vital records office upon returning home.

Tip: Bring extra copies of all documents and a USB drive to store digital scans. This ensures you have backups in case of loss or damage.

Planning and Logistics: From Booking to the Big Day

Planning a wedding on a cruise requires careful coordination, but NCL’s dedicated wedding team makes the process surprisingly smooth. Here’s how to navigate the logistics from start to finish.

When and How to Book

Wedding bookings open 12–18 months in advance of your cruise departure. To secure your preferred date and package:

• Contact NCL’s wedding department via their website or call center.
• Provide your cruise itinerary, desired ceremony type, and guest count.
• Pay a non-refundable deposit (usually 20–30% of the package cost).
• Complete a wedding questionnaire (covers vows, music, décor, and guest details).

Tip: Book your cruise first, then your wedding. NCL offers a “Wedding Guarantee” that allows you to reschedule your ceremony if your cruise is canceled or delayed.

On-Board Coordination and Guest Management

Once onboard, your wedding coordinator will meet with you to finalize details. They’ll:

• Confirm the ceremony time and location.
• Coordinate with photographers, caterers, and musicians.
• Arrange transportation for guests (e.g., tender boats for beach ceremonies).
• Manage guest seating, invitations, and RSVP tracking.

For guests, NCL can provide:

• Customized itineraries with wedding events highlighted.
• Group dining reservations for pre-wedding dinners or post-ceremony celebrations.
• Specialty excursions (e.g., couples’ spa treatments or private beach access).

Example: A couple hosted a “Welcome Aboard” cocktail party for 30 guests at the Observation Lounge, followed by a private beach ceremony in Nassau. NCL arranged a local steel drum band and a beachside dinner with fire dancers.

Weather Contingency Plans

Since ceremonies often take place outdoors, NCL has robust weather contingency plans. If your deck or beach wedding is disrupted by rain or rough seas, the ceremony will be moved to a private indoor venue (e.g., a chapel, lounge, or ballroom). Your coordinator will notify you of any changes and ensure the ambiance is preserved.

Tip: Choose a cruise itinerary with multiple ports to increase flexibility. For example, if your beach wedding in St. Thomas is rained out, you might reschedule in St. Maarten.

Real Couples, Real Experiences: Success Stories and Tips

To inspire and guide you, here are real-life stories from couples who married on Norwegian Cruise Line, along with practical tips based on their experiences.

Case Study: A Legal Wedding in Cozumel, Mexico

Sarah and James, from Texas, booked a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise with a legal wedding in Cozumel.

• They chose the Premium Package ($2,799) and added a private beach ceremony ($500).
• NCL handled all paperwork, including notarizing their birth certificates and coordinating with a local officiant.
• The ceremony took place at Playa Mia, with a Mayan blessing and traditional Mexican music.
• They hosted a 50-guest reception on the ship’s deck, complete with a mariachi band and taco bar.

Their advice: “Start early! We submitted our documents 6 months in advance. Also, pack a backup outfit—our bouquet got wet in the rain, but we had a spare dress.”

Case Study: A Symbolic Ceremony on the Norwegian Escape

Maria and Carlos, from California, opted for a symbolic wedding during a 10-day Mediterranean cruise.

• They booked the Luxury Package ($5,200) and personalized it with a Spanish flamenco guitarist and a paella dinner.
• The ceremony was held on the Sky Deck in Barcelona, with a view of the city’s skyline.
• They surprised guests with a “flash mob” dance after the vows.

Their advice: “Use NCL’s wedding portal to share photos and updates with guests. We created a hashtag (#EscapeToUs) and posted daily.”

Top 5 Tips from Real Couples

1. Communicate clearly: Share your vision with your coordinator, but be open to suggestions. NCL’s team has seen it all!
2. Bring a “wedding kit”: Include safety pins, stain remover, a sewing kit, and extra makeup.
3. Hire a travel agent: A cruise specialist can help with group bookings, excursions, and insurance.
4. Don’t overplan: Leave room for spontaneity. The best moments often happen organically.
5. Enjoy the cruise: Remember, it’s not just a wedding—it’s a vacation! Schedule downtime for relaxation.

Wedding Costs and Value Comparison

Below is a comparison of NCL’s wedding packages and how they stack up against traditional land-based weddings.

Feature	NCL Standard Package	NCL Luxury Package	Average Land-Based Wedding (U.S.)
Cost (Base)	$1,299	$4,999	$30,000–$50,000
Legal Ceremony	Yes (in port)	Yes (in port)	Yes
Guest Capacity	Up to 50	Up to 100	50–300
Coordination	On-board planner	Dedicated coordinator + team	Wedding planner (additional $2,000–$5,000)
Accommodations	Included in cruise fare	Included in cruise fare	$10,000–$20,000 (venue + hotel)
Photography	10–15 digital photos	Full album + video	$2,000–$4,000 (additional)
Food & Beverage	Wedding cake, champagne	Private dinner, cocktail reception	$10,000–$20,000 (catering)
Entertainment	Basic music	Live band, DJ, videography	$3,000–$8,000 (band + lighting)

As the table shows, a wedding on Norwegian Cruise Line offers significant cost savings compared to a traditional land-based wedding, while still delivering a luxurious, personalized experience. Plus, your guests enjoy a vacation at sea—making it a win-win for everyone.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Cruise Wedding Awaits

Can you get married on Norwegian Cruise Line? Absolutely—and with a range of options, packages, and destinations, NCL makes it easier than ever to say “I do” in a setting as unique as your love story. Whether you dream of a legally binding ceremony in a tropical paradise, a symbolic exchange of vows under the stars, or a heartfelt vow renewal with family and friends, Norwegian Cruise Line delivers a seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable experience.

From the moment you book to the final toast, NCL’s wedding team handles the logistics, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love. With customizable packages, inclusive traditions, and world-class service, a cruise wedding is not just a ceremony—it’s the beginning of a lifetime of adventures, starting with the journey of a lifetime. So why wait? Start planning your Norwegian Cruise Line wedding today, and set sail toward your happily ever after.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get married on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers full wedding packages, allowing couples to legally marry or renew vows onboard at sea or on private destinations like Great Stirrup Cay. NCL’s certified wedding planners handle everything from ceremonies to receptions.

What are the legal requirements to get married on a Norwegian cruise?

NCL provides legal marriage ceremonies at sea, but requirements vary by departure port and destination. Couples must typically submit documentation (e.g., birth certificates, IDs) 90 days in advance; some itineraries may require additional paperwork.

Where can you have a Norwegian Cruise Line wedding ceremony?

Ceremonies can be held in NCL’s onboard wedding chapels, on deck, or at private destinations like Harvest Caye or Great Stirrup Cay. Some ports of call also allow legal marriages ashore with NCL’s coordination.

How much does it cost to get married on Norwegian Cruise Line?

NCL wedding packages start at $1,500, covering the ceremony, cake, photos, and more. Premium options include floral arrangements, private receptions, and destination weddings, with prices varying by itinerary and guest count.

Can you have guests attend your wedding on a Norwegian cruise?

Yes! NCL allows guests to join your wedding cruise, with special group rates for cabins. Some packages include dedicated event space for receptions, ensuring your loved ones can celebrate with you.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer vow renewal ceremonies?

Absolutely! NCL’s vow renewal packages are perfect for anniversaries or special milestones. These non-legal ceremonies include personalized vows, keepsakes, and optional add-ons like spa treatments or dinners.