Tying the Knot, On a Boat

Tips for a Memorable Wedding on the Water

June is the traditional wedding season for thousands of brides a year. If you are planning a June wedding, you might want to consider having your wedding on a boat. You can have a “minimony” - named for events with fewer than 50 in attendance and be considered a true trendsetter.

While getting married on a boat has some similarities to planning a wedding on land, there are a few things that should be considered to ensure that the couple, wedding party, and guests have an amazing time. For a memorable wedding on the water, consider some of the following tips:

Location is Key

When considering a location for your wedding, it’s important to consider the views, time of day, and on-water activity that will typically take place in the area. Unless you have a large boat or yacht that doesn’t rock much in wake or boat traffic, you’ll need to consider a cove or protected waterway, away from other boats. This will also keep you away from unwanted noise that could distract from the wedding. You could also consider safely beaching the bride and groom’s boat so that guests could be in attendance on other boaters as well as from the land.

Provide Online Details

With the wedding venue being on a boat, departure from the dock, and other activities associated with boating can add additional time. This is why it’s a good idea to have a wedding website where you can provide specifics on your ceremony such as when and how it will take place. The website will serve as a go-to resource for all the details, including out of the norm items that might be needed, such as life jackets, sea sickness medication, proper footwear for boats, using the restroom before boarding, using sunscreen, etc.

Designate a Sober Skipper

Whether you are having one boat or multiple boats involved with your wedding, every boat should have a Sober Skipper who will safely operate the boat and be responsible for getting everyone on their boat safely to the wedding venue and back to shore afterwards.

Prepare for the Weather

Unlike an indoor wedding, getting married on a boat brings the need to be aware of the weather and have a contingency in place should the wind pick up or a storm moves in. Many boats have a cover or bimini top that can help with light rain but shouldn’t be used in windy conditions.

Don’t Forget the Basics

Every boat should be equipped with an anchor and extra fenders, plus more than enough life jackets in case more guests come than are expected. If extra life jackets are needed, search for a life jacket loaner station on the Sea Tow Foundation’s website. 

Legal Officiants

Much like a traditional wedding on land, ensuring that an officiant is available and registered to perform the wedding is critical to the planning. In many states, a licensed boat captain can perform wedding ceremonies, but check with your state marriage licensing board to be sure. And you also want to check that your photographer is prepared and able to shoot your wedding photos from the moving platform of a boat. If the photographer is considering using a drone for overhead shots, you’ll also want to check with the state about the use of these as many states require drone operators to be licensed or certified by the FAA. You can also have photos on land or at the dock after the ceremony.

Sound Check

If your wedding guests will be spread out on multiple boats or also on land, having a good sound system will be needed. Make sure the speakers and equipment are marine-rated and any electrical cords are grounded and safe. And make sure that the boat has enough gas for the voyage to the venue and back as well as enough battery power to run the equipment. Being stranded with a dead battery or no gas would not be a fun experience to start your married life.

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.

Photo by Amy Humphries on Unsplash