Little girls dream of growing up one day, wearing a white veil and walking down the aisle. However, by the time it is about to happen, perspectives and desires may have changed. No longer wanting a “traditional” wedding, everybody wants to do it differently, some going so far as getting married underwater. That sounds uncomfortable and not romantic at all and, well, wet. One alternative that still manages to be romantic albeit nontraditional is the wedding cruise, sometimes referred to as the honeymoon cruise because the actual wedding is performed at the port. Think Love Boat and you get a picture of how it could be romantic. You still get married surrounded by water but you can dispense with the oxygen mask.

Apparently, however, it is not so uncommon for a couple to decide to go on a cruise ship instead of the church to get hitched. Based on the bewildering varieties of wedding cruse packages being offered, there must be a great demand for the service.

Packages can range from a two-hour private yacht shindig starting at $495 good for 12 guests to an elaborate 7-day cruise with a flat fee of $2,250 for on-board wedding and $1,000 per guest. If both the bride and groom have few friends and no family, then this could be the ideal wedding cruise package. However, it seems to be a bit weird to bring your wedding guests along on the honeymoon, especially if one of them is a hostile father/mother-in-law. Hopefully it is a very big ship.

Short cruise packages are flexible. A couple can opt for a barebones civil ceremony and 2-hour cruise feasting on pastries and coffee, or chocolates and champagnes. Sunrise weddings are the cheapest and sunset ceremonies the most expensive. Most yachts are able to accommodate a maximum of 12 people so it is necessarily an intimate gathering. For a larger gathering, sailing catamarans are used that can accommodate up to 75 people for a 3-hour long celebration, priced at approximately $8,000, including the wedding ceremony and dinner for 75.

Cruise ship packages are more elaborate and can range from a day trip to seven days, and includes all meals and amenities of the ship. Typically, an onboard wedding planner’s services are included as well as licensing fees, photographers, flowers, music, wedding album, wedding cake and even the live web broadcast of the wedding. Some offer free websites for posting the wedding pictures and other paraphernalia. The actual wedding can take place onboard, which is only allowed on Princess Cruises or at port prior to boarding.

Destination weddings is also another type of wedding cruise package in which the couple goes on a cruise, then gets off to get married on land such as a beach or other exotic places before going back on board for the honeymoon. However, this can be quite expensive, depending on the chosen destination, but it usually runs into five figures . Whichever “nontraditional” wedding package you decide to go for just keep in mind that there are many to choose from, so take the time to shop around and get advice from people who have tried it. Turnkey options are available to keep you from stressing out on the details. After all, it is supposed to be your day.

About the Author – Kelly Hunter writes for and operates http://www.cruise-packages-guide.com about Cruise Packages