Saying ‘I do’ to Ceremonies at Sea
And while other cruise lines may offer wedding packages, only Cunard can offer the truly unique option of saying ‘I do’ mid-Atlantic on a classic voyage aboard the biggest and grandest ocean liner in the world, Queen Mary 2.
Couples wishing to wed can choose from the full spectrum of Cunard’s worldwide voyages lasting seven-nights or more. Destinations range from the Mediterranean and Scandinavia to Canada and New England, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Far East and Australia.
To maintain exclusivity, only one wedding is arranged per day, at either 1100 hours or 1530 hours and the ceremonies will only take place on days at sea. With a wedding coordinator travelling with them, the happy couple will find all that they need is available on board, from wedding day hairdressing, make-up and manicures in the Spa, to the wedding ceremony itself, photography and video, and the reception afterwards.
The wedding can be tailored with extra touches to reflect individual requests and preferences, from an accompaniment by the ship’s own harpist to an ice sculpture on the Big Day for $200.
Peter Shanks, Cunard President and Managing Director, says:
“There is nothing quite as special as the setting of a Cunard ship. Saying ‘I do’ at sea with Cunard aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria promises so much more than a land-based venue. With a backdrop of exotic coastlines in the Mediterranean and across the world, or the extraordinary sense of timelessness that you only experience mid-Atlantic, a Cunard wedding promises the happy couple a marriage of classic style and sumptuous luxury. And the ships are so much more than simply a setting for the ceremony itself – they are honeymoon destinations too, offering newlyweds a fresh view to wake up to each morning and a trousseau of unforgettable destinations to discover together ashore.”
Choosing to marry on one of the three largest Cunarders ever built creates an exceptional setting for any style of celebration. Various venues are available on board each ship depending on the size of the wedding party, from elegant lounges to award-winning restaurants including The Verandah on Queen Elizabeth and Todd English on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. Under the guidance of Cunard’s global culinary ambassador Jean-Marie Zimmermann, the ship’s skilled galley team can prepare wedding canapés, a delicious wedding lunch or an outstanding wedding dinner.
Cunard has created a Wedding Package - with a tempting array of optional extras - to meet all requirements. The main package includes the ceremony itself, conducted by the Captain, traditional wedding music, a White Star Bellman escorting the bride, floral arrangements, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and of course the wedding cake. Plus priority check-in and luggage delivery too.
A never-to-be-forgotten day is available for $2,500 plus a marriage licence fee of $575. Finishing touches include items such as a Bride and Groom’s Champagne and Caviar Breakfast in Bed for $100 extra or a three tiered fruit cake for $350.
Wedding party benefits of 5% off brochured fares are available for UK groups of 16 adults or more (accommodated in 8 or more staterooms). Wedding gifts of fine wines, champagne and spa treatments can be arranged on board, in addition to gift certificates towards the cost of the bride and groom’s voyage.
Full details are available in the special ‘Cunard Weddings’ brochure which has been produced or from www.cunard.co.uk.
What’s included in the $2,500 wedding package:
- Priority check-in and luggage delivery; pressing service for bridal outfits
- Priority embarkation (and disembarkation) for the bridal couple
- Services of a wedding coordinator on board
- Two fresh floral arrangements for the ceremonial room
- Bridal posy and Bridegroom’s Boutonniere , with a choice of roses, lilies or exotic flowers
- One tier Wedding cake
- Traditional wedding music
- Elegant wedding Ceremony venue
- White Star bellman to escort the bride to the ceremonial room
- Ceremony at sea conducted by the Captain
- Commemorative Wedding certificate
- Commemorative printed Wedding menu
- Bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne
- Bride & Groom Breakfast in bed
- Wedding invitations and Thank You cards for voyage guests
See other wedding abroad options here.
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