Planning a Boat Wedding

If you're a sailor at heart and dream of having your first married kiss on the open ocean, then San Diego's bays, harbors and open ocean await you.

Take your choice from a wide range of yachts and ferries, even the world's oldest active sailing ship (although you can't take this one out for a sail).

Some things to keep in mind when planning a boat wedding include:

• There's less work involved since the ship's crew can take care of everything from flowers and decorations to food and entertainment
• Available package deals can lower the cost over a land-based wedding with the ceremony and reception in separate locations
• Since the boat and ever-changing views are so stunning, you can save money on decorations
• Even in calm waters people can still feel queasy, so have soothing ginger ale and ginger candy on hand

Some of San Diego's most popular choices for boat weddings include:

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Set along beautiful San Diego Bay, the Maritime Museum of San Diego offers two of San Diego's most famous ships for a nautical-themed nuptial. Constructed in 1898, the ferryboat Berkeley offers Victorian-style, stained glass windows and two open-air decks with dramatic views of the downtown San Diego skyline and surrounding harbor. It is also extremely spacious with room for up to 350 guests. Nearby, the stately Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship in the world, offers an incredible setting, with ceremonies held on the Captain's Deck.

City Cruises

Hornblower Cruises offers a selection of over 25 elegant yachts for a perfect wedding day. Couples and their family and friends can cruise the waters of San Diego Bay while sipping champagne and enjoying one of the most relaxing and romantic settings in San Diego. Hornblower's wedding coordinator can also help plan and finalize all of the details for the "big day," from food and drink to music and flowers.

Flagship Cruises & Events

Flagship Cruises & Events has been helping couples realize their dream San Diego wedding for over 80 years. We have the finest fleet of boats in the San Diego bay and packages to fit any couple's wedding dream and budget. Wedding and Reception cruises are the ideal way to celebrate your perfect day and our wedding event staff will help you custom-tailor a memorable wedding day, whether it is a quiet little daytime getaway or an extravaganza under the stars.

Triton Catamaran Charters

San Diego's newest yacht charter service also offers the largest catamaran in the region  – a 75-foot luxury yacht that can accommodate up to 105 passengers. From a 13-seat bar to an expansive dance floor to a powerful sound system, Triton has everything you need for a memorable and elegant wedding on the water.

Sternwheelers of Evans Hotels

Embrace an authentic 19th century nautical experience on the historic Sternwheelers - the William D. Evans and the Bahia Belle, as they cruise the calm waters of Mission Bay. Both ships offer multiple decks for dining and dancing, world-class service and exceptional cuisine.

Find additional information for planning your destination wedding at Resources for Getting Married in San Diego.