Let me start off by saying that I work in event and film production so I have a very good eye for knowing what makes a great venue experience and I am a very honest critic. I am choosing to write this to thank Dorit the owner and to express to other couples out there what I have learned and experienced from our wedding on 10.8.22 and what you can do to make sure you also have a good time.

In short--Our wedding ceremony and reception was a wonderful experience because of this venue and the vendors that Dorit recommended.

My fiancé and I looked at SEVERAL yachts before deciding on this one. I could tell right off the bat Dorit was was professional, caring, and top notch. I think our DJ company Gould Entertainment, who Dorit recommended, said it best when they said walking on the Aqua Azul is like walking into Dorit’s living room. The level of care she puts into this boat is so apparent. Gould Entertainment also said it best when they said “The Aqua Azul is also one of the only wedding yachts in NYC THAT DOESN'T SMELL!” And we noticed that after looking at other yachts trust me--Dorit cleans this boat!!! Dorit was with us every step of the way. Super organized and knowledgeable. Definitely Trust Dorit! She KNOWS what she is doing!!!

This is not your typical “booze cruise”. This is a classy, elegant, party experience that is guaranteed to blow away your expectations and leave your guests wanting more. Definitely turn up the volume and play some upbeat music because being on a boat in NYC is super fun. If you play fun music you’ll match the vibe of the experience. Just my opinion!

My fiancé and I did extensive research to make sure we got a good experience. This is the second boat wedding we have been to and we have been on other boats on the Hudson for other random parties. That being said, if you decide to go with with The Aqua Azul, here are some tips we have learned:

-Trust her vendor recommendations. AlexZ Photography, Gould Entertainment, Tiger Flowers. We also chose TM weddings which was a separate company but they fit in!

-Consider lighting upgrades through your DJ package to give the boat a little more flare. We got uplighting on the reception floor that changed colors and mood of the boat, we got spotlights to enhance the dance floor which made for better photos/videos, and we also got some LED tables for the roof. We also bought some LED flickering candles for some extra mood. Lighting is important especially on a yacht where sometimes natural light is limited.

-Add one extra hour to your contract. Time flies by FAST and you’ll be thankful you added that extra insurance policy to keep the fun going. I personally read many reviews of people saying they wish they had one more hour. They are 100% right.

-Designate some folks on your wedding party to pass out your party favors and unload your belongings downstairs when the boat finishes. People didn’t want to leave! It’s a little bit of a walk to the parking lot so if everyone agrees to carry one thing, you’ll get out of there smoothly.

-Don’t worry about what the boat looks like when you visit. Touring a boat is like looking at empty apartment. Once your special day comes and Dorit’s team decorates and lights the boat and your friends and family fill in, it TRANSFORMS. And if you look at other couples’ photos on this boat and you think it might be appear dark, then it’s the couple’s fault for not adding the lighting upgrades.

-Make sure your videographer has a Lav mic if you intend on recording you vows and tell all of your speech givers to SPEAK UP on the hand held mics. Unfortunately this is NYC and there are helicopters. Nothing much you can do about sound that so just give everyone who needs to know a heads up to be louder :-)

Thank you Dorit and the rest of the staff and vendor partners of the Aqua Azul! I hope I am able to recommend you to my clients for their parties!!! Would love to come back!

-Nick and Kayla

Write at least 30 characters about your experience. Include any details that will help other couples make their hiring decision.

My daughter’s wedding on the Aqua Azul yacht was a magical experience. The entire event was very professional from the beginning, 6 months ahead, to the final moments of the wedding evening. Dorit was very helpful in the planning process which I did from out-of-state. Her input in decisions was always in the bride’s and groom’s best interest. The contract and the plan for the evening were very clear and exact, and she delivered on all promises. The additional requests I made were willingly met. Dorit managed the entire affair with grace. She was the foundation for a truly memorable experience.
The Aqua Azul was well appointed, exceptionally clean and updated. Dorit provided all the furnishings, from tables and chairs to linens, dishes, glassware and decor. The yacht was spacious, with bathrooms and a bar on each of the four levels. The ramp and elevator were essential for guests with limited mobility.
The formality of the dinner was greatly appreciated. From the passed appetizers to the buffet and the wedding cake, the food was elegantly presented and delicious. The spacious dining room was comfortable for all. The indoor and outdoor dining options were appreciated.
I highly recommend a wedding and reception on the Aqua Azul because an event on the the Aqua Azul is truly an adventure for all.