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

Wyndham Rewards Member Rate

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Members save 10% on our Best Available Rate. If you aren't currently enrolled in Wyndham Rewards, by selecting this rate, you will automatically be enrolled. Wyndham Rewards is a FREE program that...

Accommodation

On The Road Again Package

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Book our On The Road Again Package and receive cozy room accommodations, free nightly parking (usually $10/night) and a complimentary $25 gas card! Make San Diego your road trip destination!

Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast

Kimpton Alma
Valid: Jan 30 - ongoing

Stay any night and receive breakfast for two daily, just for ONE DOLLAR MORE!

Events to check out

Event

Comic-Con International: San Diego

Jul 25 - Jul 28, 2024

Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related...

Event

Bike the Bay

Aug 25, 2024

San Diego's finest annual cycling event across the Coronado Bridge and around the bay! Ride the bridge, Bike the Bay for the 17th annual ride on Sunday, August 25, 2024! Cruise around San Diego Bay...

Event

Julian StarFest

Aug 2 - Aug 4, 2024

The Julian StarFest will once again grace the dark skies of the Menghini Winery in Julian. The JSF Committee is working hard to ensure the festival includes many of the same activities as in 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