arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

Planning a Boat Wedding

Nautical Nuptials

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.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Sun, Sip & Savor Package

Pacific Terrace Hotel
Valid: Oct 14, 2024 - ongoing

Relax & unwind at Pacific Terrace this winter season! Enjoy a special package sure to warm you up and make your stay memorable. Book our Sun, Sip & Savor Package and receive: -...

Accommodation

Stay for Breakfast

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Valid: Jul 22, 2024 - ongoing

No matter how you plan to spend your time in San Diego, make the most of every day with a hearty meal to kick-start your mornings. It’s breakfast for two, on us, for each night you stay, from...

Galleries & Museums

Show Your Badge & Save at SDCHM

San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum
Valid: Aug 23, 2024 - ongoing

Step back in time and discover the stories of San Diego's original Chinatown and the vibrant Asian Pacific Historic District. Journey through history as you explore how this once-bustling...

Events to check out

Event

San Diego Crew Classic

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United...

Event

Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 13, 2025

A San Diego sport fishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sport fishing. Signaling the official start of Southern...

Event

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K

May 17, 2025

The La Jolla Half Marathon is one of America's most picturesque and beautiful point-to-point races. Starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the course follows a scenic coastal route before reaching the...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish