A couple celebrating their wedding on a Princess Cruise ship at sea.
legal civil vows at sea

Princess Cruises Wedding Packages & Costs (2026)

Captain-led legal civil ceremonies, Bermudian flag registry, and dedicated coordinators. A named NestCruise advisor details the timeline and organizes guest blocks.

The short version: Princess Cruises wedding packages start at $3,495 for the basic 'Perfect Pair' shipboard or at-sea ceremony and go up to $5,995+ for signature tiers as of 2026. These cover the ceremony, captain or officer officiant, wedding coordinator, cake, champagne, stateroom amenities, and photography. Cruise fares, guest cabins, receptions ($45–$65/guest), holiday surcharges ($200), and legal licensing fees (registry is Bermuda, requiring advance filings) are separate. NestCruise structures the real total cost before your group deposits.
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The Real Cost of a Princess Cruise Wedding

Princess Cruises is highly searched for its legal at-sea program. However, couples must navigate strict Bermuda civil licensing rules, holiday surcharges, and coordinator logistics. These answer blocks cover the critical planning details first.

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Can the captain legally marry you? The Bermudian registry rule.

Yes. Princess Cruises captains can perform legally binding civil marriages at sea in international waters. Because the Princess fleet is registered in Bermuda, ceremonies are legally registered under Bermudian maritime law. Securing the legal license requires notarized applications, birth certificates, and fees submitted to the registry at least 90 days before sailing. Some destination ports also allow shore-side legal weddings under local rules.

What is the real cost of a Princess Cruise wedding?

The starting Perfect Pair ceremony package is $3,495. The real total includes cabin fares for the couple and guests, port taxes, gratuities, photography upgrades, and reception food and beverage. Receptions with an open bar start around $45 to $65 per guest. For a wedding party of 30, the real total ranges from $12,000 to $20,000+ depending on the cabin categories. NestCruise builds one unified budget for all of it.

Holiday surcharges: Time-sensitive booking caveats.

Princess Cruises enforces a $200 holiday surcharge for wedding ceremonies held during high-demand holidays. This includes ceremonies scheduled on Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter. If you want to marry during these times, hold your date at least 12 to 18 months ahead to secure slot space.

Specialty restaurant buyouts: Elevated dining receptions.

Couples planning a private reception often bypass expensive cruise-line catering packages by requesting a specialty restaurant buyout. Booking spaces like the Crown Grill or Sabatini's Italian Trattoria for a private luncheon or dinner provides an elevated dining experience, built-in styling, and better overall value for groups of 15 to 45 guests.

Tour conductor credits: How group bookings pay you back.

When booking guest cabins, couples can earn a free passenger fare through Tour Conductor (TC) credits. For most Princess Cruises sailings, booking a group block of at least 8 double-occupancy cabins (16 passengers) yields one free cruise fare credit. NestCruise coordinates the group block directly so the couple receives this credit automatically without managing cabin holds themselves.

package tiers

Princess Cruises Wedding Packages Compared

Princess structures its packages starting from $3,495. While the package price covers the ceremony and standard stateroom extras, your cabin fares, wedding receptions, and Bermudian license fees ($900+) are separate.

Source note

Prices sourced from the official Princess Romances page.

Starting points represent ceremony-package prices only. Cruise fares for the couple and guests, taxes, reception dinners, open bars, and travel expenses are separate. NestCruise confirms current terms before booking.

Princess Cruises wedding cruises

Perfect Pair

Princess perfect Weddings

from $3,495

An intimate ceremony held in a private onboard lounge or deck space, designed for the couple and up to 2 guests. Includes captain officiant, florals, cake, champagne, and basic photography.

  • Wedding coordinator support (pre-cruise and onboard)
  • Captain or ship officer officiant
  • Private onboard venue selection
  • Bridal bouquet and matching boutonniere
  • Single-tier wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
  • Basic photography package (prints and select digital files)
  • Special stateroom amenities (breakfast in bed, strawberries)

Right for couples seeking an intimate, small-group ceremony with a minimal guest list.

Popular Choice

Expanded Tiers

Princess perfect Weddings

from $3,995

Designed for mid-sized groups (up to 8 or 18 guests), adding perks like live ceremony music, extended photography files, and priority venue access.

  • Everything in the Perfect Pair tier
  • Extended guest capacity (seating for up to 18 guests)
  • Pre-recorded or live soloist ceremony music
  • Upgraded floral arrangements
  • Extended photography coverage and more digital files
  • Priority check-in and boarding for the couple

Right for couples traveling with close family who want a well-rounded celebration onboard.

Best for Groups

Signature Celebrations

Princess perfect Weddings

from $5,995+

Princess's highest-tier package for larger wedding parties. Adds premium venue access, live music, extended coordinator hours, and priority check-in.

  • Premium onboard venue priority (including piazza or deck space)
  • Guest inclusions for up to 30+ guests
  • Premium floral and decor packages
  • Live ceremony pianist or violinist support
  • Extended coordinator service hours
  • Upgraded cake, champagne, and stateroom extras

Right for couples hosting a larger group of sailing and non-sailing guests on embarkation day.

Public starting points do not represent finalized quotes. Inclusions, port authority guidelines, and shipboard variables can change. NestCruise manages your group holds and reviews current Princess Cruises wedding rules before deposits are made.

what sets princess apart

Four reasons couples choose Princess Cruises for weddings.

Princess is selected for its accessible legal-at-sea Captain civil marriages, romance program coordinators, and outstanding group discounts.

Accessible captain-led legal weddings at sea.

Princess Cruises is the industry standard for captain-led legal marriages. Because the fleet is registered in Bermuda, the captain has legal civil authority, providing a smooth legal path without requiring local port licensing.

Dedicated romance and wedding coordinators.

Princess operates its 'Princess Perfect Weddings' office to assist with planning. Onboard coordinators handle venue preparation and floral arrangements, keeping the couple's day running smoothly.

High-value restaurant buyouts.

Princess allows couples to buyout specialty restaurants like Crown Grill or Sabatini's for private luncheons. This provides guests with premium steakhouse or Italian menus at a lower cost than traditional banquet catering.

Tour conductor credits build value.

Our group booking coordinators organize guest cabins so that you earn Tour Conductor (TC) credits, which translates to free cabin fares for the wedding couple once booking thresholds are met. We manage the group block so you get the savings.

what we check first

Five things to confirm before booking a Princess Cruise wedding.

Sailing with a wedding group requires aligning ceremony packages with your group cabin holds. Review these five key considerations before booking a Princess wedding.

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  1. 01

    Bermuda registry paperwork requires a 90-day window

    A legal wedding at sea requires a Bermudian marriage license. Application paperwork, notary stamps, and registry filings must be submitted at least 90 days before departure. We manage the checklist and timelines so you do not miss the window.

  2. 02

    Holiday surcharges apply to peak dates

    Ceremonies scheduled on Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter incur a $200 surcharge. We check sailing calendars to flag these costs before you confirm your date.

  3. 03

    Receptions and open bar packages are priced separately

    The ceremony package does not cover food and beverage. Receptions with open bars cost $45 to $65 per guest. A dedicated event drinks package is separate from standard guest beverage packages. We calculate this into your total budget early.

  4. 04

    Embarkation-day weddings require strict visitor timing

    Non-sailing guests must submit full passport or government ID details 60 days before sailing. They board early (10:00 AM) and must leave the ship one hour before departure (3:00 PM). We organize the visitor list and check-in timeline.

  5. 05

    Venue slots are ship-specific and capacity-controlled

    Popular ships like Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess have strict venue limits. Popular dates and spaces book out 12 to 18 months ahead. We check ship inventory and venue availability before recommending a specific sailing.

how princess fits the shortlist

Princess is the legal civil wedding standard. The shortlist compares alternatives.

Choose Princess Cruises when you want a captain-led legal marriage at sea with civil registration under Bermudian registry, or when you travel with close family seeking premium amenities at an accessible rate. Do not choose Princess if your guest group wants casual mega-ship activities (like Carnival or Royal Caribbean) or you prefer an ultra-luxury small-ship feel.

Cunard, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity also offer legal captain-led wedding packages. Holland America and MSC Cruises provide symbolic onboard ceremonies with premium services. NestCruise coordinates holds and compares the full pricing list across all lines.

Compare all cruise wedding paths
questions couples ask

Princess Cruises Wedding FAQ

How much does a Princess Cruise wedding cost?
Princess Cruises' ceremony packages start at $3,495 for the Perfect Pair and range up to $5,995+ for signature tiers. These cover the ceremony only. Total cost — including guest cabins, reception food, open bar drink packages ($45–$65 per guest), and Bermudian legal licensing — typically averages $12,000 to $20,000+ for a party of 30. NestCruise details the real total before booking.
Can the captain legally marry us on Princess Cruises?
Yes. Princess Cruises captains are authorized to perform legally binding civil marriages at sea in international waters. Because the fleet is registered in Bermuda, the marriage is legally registered in Hamilton. The Bermudian legal license requires specific documentation, and must be submitted at least 90 days before your sailing date.
Can non-sailing guests attend a Princess Cruise wedding?
Yes. For embarkation-day weddings in the home port, non-sailing guests can board the ship for the ceremony and reception. Non-sailing guests must check in at the terminal early (around 10:00 AM) using their passport or government ID and must disembark the ship approximately one hour before the ship's departure time (usually around 3:00 PM). Full guest security information must be submitted 60 days in advance.
Are there holiday surcharges on Princess Cruise weddings?
Yes. Princess Cruises applies a $200 holiday surcharge for wedding ceremonies scheduled on Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter. NestCruise flags these dates early in the planning conversation to ensure your budget is prepared.
What are the legal requirements for a wedding at sea?
To marry legally at sea on Princess, you must obtain a marriage license from the Bermuda registry. This requires notarized applications, birth certificates, divorce decrees (if applicable), and passport copies. All documents must be submitted to the wedding coordinator at least 90 days before sailing.
How do guest cabin holds and discounts work?
NestCruise sets up a group cabin block (typically holding 8 to 20 cabins) with a reduced deposit. This protects guest pricing and ensures your wedding party is roomed in close proximity. Additionally, once the group block reaches 8 double-occupancy cabins, the couple earns a Tour Conductor (TC) credit, which refunds one passenger's cruise fare after sailing.
Can you host a wedding reception in a specialty restaurant?
Yes. Princess Cruises allows couples to buy out specialty restaurants like Crown Grill or Sabatini's for private wedding luncheons or dinners. This is often a much higher-value option than standard cruise-line wedding catering, providing premium menus and intimate seating for groups of 15 to 50 guests.
When does Princess assign the wedding venue and time?
Princess assigns the exact ceremony time and onboard venue about 30 to 45 days before sailing, depending on the ship's port times and entertainment schedule. While you can request morning or afternoon windows, flexibility is required. NestCruise organizes your guest itinerary around this window so that group activities do not conflict with the ceremony slot.
ship guide

Princess Cruises Ship Settings Compared

The ship class dictates the venue options, cabin pricing, and group capacity. Sphere-class Sun Princess and Star Princess offer glass-dome settings, while Royal-class ships feature wide three-deck-high central Piazzas.

Sun Princess & Star Princess

Sphere Class. Next-generation visual venues, premium dome settings.

Venue:
The Dome or Arena — capacity up to 100 guests
Itinerary:
Caribbean (Fort Lauderdale) and Mediterranean — includes Princess Cays

These brand-new Sphere-class ships offer state-of-the-art glass-domed venues, making them the most visually modern spaces in the fleet. Best for design-forward couples who want premium amenities and are booking 12+ months ahead.

Discovery Princess & Enchanted Princess

Royal Class. Grand piazzas and elegant outdoor decks.

Venue:
Main Piazza or deck space — capacity up to 80 guests
Itinerary:
Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe

Royal-class ships feature wide three-deck-high central Piazzas that are ideal for formal photos, along with spacious outdoor decks. A very balanced class for mid-sized wedding groups seeking classic elegance.

Majestic Princess & Regal Princess

Royal Class. Traditional service, regional itineraries.

Venue:
Viking Crown Lounge equivalent or deck spaces — capacity up to 50 guests
Itinerary:
Alaska, Caribbean, and Europe

These mid-fleet Royal-class ships provide regional departures from ports like Seattle, Vancouver, and Galveston, making travel easier for guests who prefer to avoid long flights.

Grand & Coral Class Ships

Classic cruise layout. Intimate settings, value cruise fares.

Venue:
Intimate aft decks or lounges — capacity approx. 15–40 guests
Itinerary:
Varies — Alaska, Hawaii, and Panama Canal

The smaller fleet offers a traditional cruise layout with lower cruise fares for guests, making it an excellent choice for couples planning a budget-focused symbolic wedding.

Ship facilities, port schedules, and venue capacities can be modified by the cruise line. NestCruise checks schedules and coordinates your venue holds before a deposit is placed.

explore the cluster

More from the cruise wedding guide.

Cruise wedding overview and legal-at-sea shortlist

Compare all cruise wedding paths — legal at sea, symbolic, onboard, and shore.

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Honeymoon cruise planning guide

Plan the honeymoon sailing around the wedding week.

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2026 cruise wedding source guide

Official and authorized sources behind every line on the shortlist.

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more from nestcruise

Other group sailings we plan.

Princess Cruises weddings are one type of group sailing. NestCruise plans family reunions, milestone celebrations, corporate retreats, and full-charter sailings with the same advisor-led approach.

group travel

Family reunion cruises

Multi-generational groups of 15 to 200+. We coordinate cabin mix, dining, and shore excursions across every age bracket.

Learn more

group travel

Milestone birthday and anniversary sailings

60th birthdays, 25th anniversaries, and landmark moments. One sailing, one planning team, every guest sorted.

Learn more

group travel

Corporate incentive and retreat cruises

Team sailings with private meeting space, buyout options, and a dedicated NestCruise contact throughout.

Learn more

group travel

Full-charter sailings

The entire ship. For groups that need complete privacy, custom programming, and no shared passenger list.

Learn more
Settle In. Sail Beyond.

The Princess celebration,
the week around it.

Tell us your guest count, the package tier you are considering, your preferred sailing month, and whether the ceremony needs to be your legal marriage. A named advisor returns the Princess cruise path — or the line that fits better — with the real total, not just the package price.

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