Anyone attended a yacht wedding?

I have been to a wedding on a boat. Logistically, it will be small and simple for the most part unless you're going on a tour boat or a very large yacht. I had a great time, but it was just a ceremony then cocktail hour on a sunset cruise. Pretty short lived without food or a dance floor.

My father requires a wheelchair, so he'd probably decline. My grandmother wouldn't step foot on a boat (or plane) of any size. My sister gets seasick, if she's on the ocean - okay on lakes. My brother in law would probably be the first to accept and bring his fishing pole. LOL!

It's a toss-up.

Thanks @Joan. The venues we're looking into seat up to 300 fortunately, so our 150pp wedding party should be comfortable, with ceremony and reception to follow, food and drink included. It's definitely not going to be everyone's fit for a wedding but so far it's ours. Every wedding will have their handful that won't/can't go for various reasons. Comes with the territory in any venue. Glad to know you had a good time.

I mean 'traditional' weddings in churches or big parties aren't for everyone either, so I don't think that should stop you! Make sure the people you love most and can't imagine your wedding without could manage if you did a boat and then everyone else who comes is a bonus to that.

But yes, I had a great time and it was a very lovely ceremony. Very intimate and romantic.

I think it sounds like a great idea! I've definitely heard of Yacht weddings. How long will the wedding and reception be?

Thanks@Joan. Very kind words and good advice. @Natalie G thank you! The entire boat rental would be for 4 hours. The ceremony is held on the observation deck, with the boat in front of the lighthouse, and the reception follows with dinner, drinks, and dancing!

We discussed the idea of a boat wedding, but we were worried about people drinking(I understand they are adults, but our families are drinkers when they celebrate) and I didn't want anyone getting sick so we ended up not going that route although I love the idea of it!

I've done a bunch of them. Because of the legalities of the license, the ceremony has always been in dock and then the boat leaves (celia gets off, lol) and they tour for three-four hours. I like it but it's not for everyone.

Could this be weather dependent? Will the inside space be enough if it rains. Also if water is choppy no amount of advance prep can help some seasickness.

Mine is going to be on a yacht, the SunDream in Fort Lauderdale! Ill let you know how it is in a few weeks but everyone is super excited since no one has been to a yacht wedding before. As far as the sea sickness, I was told it really is not an issue on yachts as they are designed differently than say a cruise ship.

My parents had their reception on a small boat thing on Lake Erie. I wouldn't call it a yacht, because this is Buffalo, and it's not an ocean.

They always joke how boat drinking, no matter the occasion is unlike anything else. Apparently, most people just got off the boat and laid in the lawn for a bit.

In a good laughing way though.

@jessica Take it from a former sail instructor and tall ship sailor, there are people who can get sick on ANY kind of vessel. I seriously recommend those little sea sickness patches that go behind the ears. Those and Gravol. Neither one of those do any good once people are already seasick however, so you might want to put the suggestion on your website.

When I was working on tall ships, we used to get booked by couples for weddings in the off season. It can be a lot of fun, but there are definite limitations in terms of space, toilet facilities, etc. You need a really good bartender to keep an eye on things, since boats and drunks are dangerous. And there's always the issue of seasickness.

I'd check with your VIPs first and if they're all on board, go for it!

@Jessica O wow I'm really excited for you! Please do let me know how it goes. How big is your wedding party? We're thinking of suggesting certain brands of seasickness patches and giving a little brief *caution* so to speak on our wedding website for those that are unfamiliar what that type of vessel. Knowing myself I'll probably have a few patches handy ha

I would be in!!! People should.know in advance to take medication for seasickness and I'm sure if the boats can accommodate 300 people they Can also accommodate for wheelchairs.

I agree with the sickness aspect. My boats were all on the hudson, and some of them were very choppy.

Also many of the bigger boats here don't give you private room space. You're part of the general population.

I love the idea but would be worried about seasickness. My grandparents are very into boating so I've been to a lot of smaller events on yachts (never a wedding, though) and several times I've had to basically sit down with my head on the table until we docked. It's impossible to predict how choppy the ocean will be!

If it is a boat like Jessica mentioned, then I like it! that boat is great!

Your guests are adults and should know to take some meds/wear the bracelet/ear patch before boarding if they get sea sick - but I would provide a basket in each bathroom with Dramamine and other items for their convenience.

We boat, so we momentarily considered a wedding on the water but ultimately decided against it because it would take away from our actual boating season - and about 25 of our guests are also boat owners.

ETA- will the boat be in motion during the ceremony? I would want it to!

@Ostrich I agree that most adults would know to take preventative measures if they're prone to motion sickness, but that only goes so far in case of a really choppy/windy day. And Dramamine worsens the effects of alcohol, so that could be a recipe for disaster.

OP, maybe considering a docked reception if the day is really choppy would be a good solution? You could cruise if the weather/tide turns out in your favor, but if you think it could be an issue, just don't leave the slip.