The gleaming white yacht glides silently across the turquoise waters as you walk down the aisle hand-in-hand with your beloved. Exchanging vows on the deck with the sunset and rolling ocean as your backdrop seems like the ultimate romantic dream. But before you set sail into wedded bliss, it’s essential to answer the question – how much does a yacht wedding cost?
Couples also sometimes consider more traditional venues like botanical gardens or private estates for their affair. But hosting your big day on a luxury yacht can provide beautiful, Instagram-worthy backdrops without the crowds.
Yacht weddings represent one of the most luxurious and exclusive ways to get married. While tying the knot at sea comes with plenty of advantages, from stunning scenery to complete privacy, hosting a wedding on a multi-million dollar vessel does not come cheap. Costs for a yacht wedding can range anywhere from $10,000 to well over $100,000+ depending on your guest count, desired amenities, and complexity of the event.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through every expense associated with hosting your nuptials on a luxury yacht. From venue rental fees to catering and entertainment, you will discover real price ranges and cost considerations to help create an accurate yacht wedding budget. We will also provide money-saving tips to help keep your total costs in check without sacrificing the glamour. Let’s set sail into the complete breakdown of how much you can expect your dream yacht wedding to cost.
The Complete Breakdown of Yacht Rental Costs for Your Wedding
Getting married on a luxurious, multi-level yacht as it cruises along the sparkling open waters is certainly a dream come true. But before you set sail into a yacht wedding, it’s key to understand the complex costs associated with renting the perfect boat to host your big day.
Factors That Determine Yacht Rental Rates
Several key factors play into the base price you’ll pay to rent a yacht for your wedding:
- Yacht size – Larger boats that can accommodate more guests typically cost more. Small yachts for 50 guests may rent for $2,000 – $5,000 while large, multi-level yachts for 150+ can cost $10,000 – $30,000+.
- Guest capacity – Even if you don’t max out the guest list, the boat’s total capacity – not your guest count – determines the rental rate.
- Amenities – More features like multiple decks, staterooms, luxury interiors, and upgraded AV equipment can increase rental fees.
- Reputation – Well-known luxury yacht companies can demand higher prices than smaller, more modest vendors.
- Location – Rental costs are often higher in popular, high-demand locations like Miami and the Mediterranean.
How Season Impacts Yacht Rental Pricing
Due to supply and demand, the time of year you plan your yacht wedding greatly affects potential rental fees. Here’s how seasonality impacts costs:
- Peak Season – Late spring to early fall when the weather is ideal. Expect peak pricing.
- Off-Season – Early spring and late fall have more budget-friendly pricing. Limited vendor availability.
- Winter – Aside from tropical destinations, winter yacht rentals see the lowest pricing. Weather risks.
Ideal Cost-Saving Seasons: Early Fall, Late Spring
Estimated Price Ranges for Yacht Rentals
To help set cost expectations, here are typical yacht rental rates for weddings:
| Yacht Size | Guest Capacity | Price Range |
| Small | 50 or less | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Medium | 51 – 100 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Large | 101 – 150+ | $15,000 – $30,000+ |
These figures provide a baseline, but the final costs depend on your exact parameters, location, and the amenities needed for your vision.
Additional Yacht Rental Fees to Budget For
Beyond the base rental rate, hosts should budget for these additional yacht-related costs:
- Fuel Costs – For cruising yachts, fuel is billed separately at $50 – $500+ per hour underway.
- Docking Fees – If using a marina, daily mooring and usage fees apply. Often $500 – $1000+.
- Crew Fees – Crew costs like tips, meals, and transport are typically 15% – 20% of the base rental rate.
- Taxes & Surcharges – Expect to pay sales tax, port charges, and other fees that can add 10% or more to costs.
Key Takeaway: Carefully account for all the factors that drive yacht rental costs before setting your wedding budget. While the base fee is substantial, all the extras can ultimately impact your bottom line.
When requesting quotes for yacht rentals, be sure to ask providers how much their boat costs specifically for hosting a wedding. This allows you to compare apples-to-apples pricing and get accurate estimates for how much a yacht wedding will cost.
For smaller guest counts under 50 people, more intimate train station weddings can also be an option to consider instead of a pricier yacht venue.
Food and Drink Costs for a Yacht Wedding: Catering, Alcohol, and More
After securing the perfect luxury yacht venue, one of the biggest expenses for your wedding will be the food and beverages. From cocktail-hour bites to plated dinners, you’ll need to budget accordingly for all refreshments onboard.
Catering Costs Per Person
Most yacht venues require you to use their preferred caterers or select from an approved list. Here are typical per-person costs:
- Cocktail Reception – $15 – $25 per guest
- Plated Dinner – $100 – $250 per guest
- Family-Style Dinner – $80 – $150 per guest
- Buffet Dinner – $60 – $100 per guest
- Food Stations – $100 – $200 per guest
Costs vary based on menu complexity, cuisine types, ingredients, culinary staffing needs, and service style.
Common Yacht Wedding Menu Options
Popular cuisine options include:
- Seafood – crab cakes, shrimp, lobster, ceviche, salmon
- Pasta – penne, ravioli, tortellini, gnocchi
- Poultry – chicken, duck, quail
- Beef – filet mignon, sirloin, wagyu
- Pork – stuffed chops, glazed ham
- Vegetarian – grilled veggies, ravioli, eggplant
Catering costs per person are similar to other premiere venues like island destinations or castles, but yacht menus tend to emphasize fresher seafood.
Bar Service Costs and Considerations
Alcohol represents a significant portion of your food and beverage expenses. Here are factors that impact costs:
- Open Bar vs Cash Bar – Open bars are pricier but more guest-friendly. Cash bars pass costs to guests.
- Premium Alcohol Upcharges – Top-shelf liquor can add $10 – $25 per person versus well options.
- Beer and Wine Only – Limiting to beer and wine instead of full cocktails can save 30%.
- Drink Minimums – Some yachts charge per-person minimums, like $15/person for the first hour.
- Bartender Fees – Often $150 – $250 per bartender for a 5 hour event.
Other Food and Drink Expenses
Remember to budget for:
- Wedding cake – $500+
- Dessert buffet – $8-$15 per person
- Champagne toast – $4-$8 per-glass
- Late-night snacks – $7-$10 per person
Bottom Line: Plan for $200+ per guest for food and drinks on a luxury yacht to cover everything from appetizers to that last drink.
Transforming Your Yacht into a Wedding Venue: Rentals and Decor Costs
While a luxury yacht makes a beautiful wedding venue as is, most couples want to elevate the existing space with rentals and decor. From lighting to centerpieces, here’s what to budget.
Rental Costs for Yacht Weddings
Lighting – String lights, lanterns, drapery, lighting for the dancefloor. $2,000-$5,000
Lounge Furniture – Chaises, couches, ottomans, and coffee tables. $1,500-$3,000
Tables and Chairs – For reception seating, typically $10-$25 per chair and $25-$100 per table.
Dance Floor – Wood or acrylic flooring sections. $1,000-$2,500
Bars – For multiple drink stations. $500-$1,500 each
Audio-Visual – Sound system, TV/screen, projector, microphones. $2,000-$5,000
Restrooms – If more needed than yacht has onboard. $1,500-$3,000
Power – For catering, lighting, music, etc. Generator fees often apply.$1,000-$2,000
Key Decor Elements to Budget for
Floral – Bouquets, ceremony arch, reception centerpieces. $3,000+
Signage – Welcome, directional, menu, bar signs. $500-$1,500
Backdrops – Photo booth, head table, cake table. $500-$2,000
Draping – Ceiling, wall, aisle, and chair fabrics. $1,000-$5,000
Table Decor – Linens, chargers, overlays, runners, candles. $20-$50 per table
When Renting, Remember:
- Delivery, setup and pickup fees often apply.
- If moving locations, all items must be secured.
- Rentals take up deck space – measure carefully!
- Simpler is better – let the yacht shine.
Budget 15-20% of your total wedding costs for elevating your yacht with rentals and decor. Lighting and florals make the biggest impact!
Capturing the Big Day: Entertainment and Photography Costs for a Yacht Wedding
You found the perfect luxury yacht venue. The decor and florals are set. Now it’s time to capture the memories by booking entertainment and photography. Here’s what to expect price-wise:
Music and Dancing Cost Considerations
DJ – $1,500-$3,500 The most budget-friendly option for providing an evening of music and emcee duties.
Live Band – $3,500-$15,000 A 3-6 piece band brings an elevated experience but significantly higher costs.
Strings – $3,000-$6,000
A quartet or trio provides ceremony and cocktail hour elegance.
Soloist – $1,500-$3,000 Harpist, guitarist,t or vocalist for ceremony or first dance.
When budgeting, consider travel fees, timing, power needs, staging, and equipment involved.
Capturing the Ceremony and Reception
Photographer – $3,000-$10,000 Photography is one of the biggest wedding investments. Price reflects experience, time commitment, and rights to images.
Videographer – $2,500-$7,500 Cinematic highlight films have risen in popularity. Multi-camera footage costs more.
Photo Booth – $800-$1,500 Provide fun guest memories in an onboard photo booth.
Don’t forget to budget for catering, transport, and accommodations if your wedding pros travel.
Extra Entertainment Atmosphere
Live Painter – $500-$1,500 Artist captures the essence of your day on canvas.
Caricaturist – $400-$800 Sketches quirky drawings of guests.
Fireworks – $5,000+ Light up the night sky with a fireworks display (permit dependent).
Acrobats/Dancers – $3,000+ Provide “wow” entertainment during cocktail hour or reception.
Takeaway: Budget approximately 10% of your total wedding costs on entertaining and documenting your luxury yacht nuptials via music, photography, and more.
Keeping Guests Informed: Wedding Stationery & Paper Costs for Yacht Weddings
From save-the-dates to invitations, programs, and signage, stationery and paper goods are key components of your luxury yacht wedding. Here’s what to budget:
Save-the-Dates and Wedding Invitations
Give guests advance notice and set the tone with:
- Save-the-Date Cards – $150 to $300 for 50 guests.
- Invitations and RSVP Cards – $400 to $1,000+ for 50 guests.
Factors like premium papers, multiple enclosures, complex designs, and custom calligraphy drive up costs.
Additional Printed Items Costs
| Printed Item | Description | Estimated Cost |
| Ceremony Programs | 1 per guest with order of events, names, etc. | $2-$5 each |
| Menu Cards | 1 per place setting listing meal options | $1-$3 each |
| Welcome Signs | Signage guiding guests upon arrival | $50-$200 each |
| Seating Charts/Signs | Display of guest tables | $50-$200 each |
| Escort Cards | Table assignments for guests | $1-$2 each |
| Favor Tags | Tags for wedding favors | $0.50-$2 each |
| Bar, Restroom, Directional Signs | Additional signs for guest info | $20-$75 each |
| Coasters, Napkins, etc. | Branded paper goods | $0.25-$2 each |
For a 50-person wedding, budget $1,000+ for all paper elements.
Working With Your Stationer
- Order save-the-dates 8-10 months in advance and invitations 6 months out.
- Provide stationer with yacht venue photos/logo for inspiration.
- Consider digitally RSVPing via wedding website to save money.
- Simplify designs to essential text; less is more.
- Proof carefully! Names must be spelled correctly.
Keep guests informed in style by allocating 5-10% of your total wedding budget to stationery.
If you want to lower the costs of a yacht wedding, one strategy is reducing the guest count. Because yacht pricing is often based on capacity, reducing attendees can directly impact how much your yacht wedding will cost overall.
Don’t Go Overboard! Budgeting for Yacht Wedding Planning and Coordination
A yacht wedding involves intricately coordinating vendors, rentals, decor, and more across land and sea. Professional planning helps ensure smooth sailing. Here’s what to budget for assistance.
Wedding Planner Costs
Full-service planners typically charge 10-15% of your total wedding costs. For a $100,000 wedding, you’ll pay $10,000 – $15,000 for an experienced planner familiar with yacht venues.
Partial planning ranges from $2,000-$6,000 for help with vendor research, selection, and management.
Hourly rates of $100-$250 apply for limited consultation.
Day-of Wedding Coordination
If you handle upfront planning but want assistance executing your vision on the big day, day-of coordinators range from $1,500-$3,000.
Coordinators manage vendor setup, keep events on time, assist guests, and handle any on-site hiccups.
Assistant coordinators are often $50-$75 per hour.
Factors That Increase Planning Costs
- Large guest list
- Multiple events – welcome dinner, day-after brunch
- Sailing itinerary with frequent location changes
- Highly complex design or vision
- Extensive rentals and décor
Ways to Reduce Planning Costs
- Seek new coordinators building their portfolio.
- Handle planning yourself and use limited hourly help.
- Ask the caterer if they include coordination services.
- See if yacht staff can assist with oversight.
While wedding planners represent another expense, they are instrumental in executing a smooth, flawless event and preventing costly mistakes, especially for yacht weddings involving extensive logistics. Budget accordingly.
All the Little Things: Miscellaneous Expenses When Budgeting a Yacht Wedding
You’ve likely accounted for the big-budget items like venue, catering, and entertainment. But don’t forget the numerous smaller wedding costs that add up.
| Category | Description | Estimated Cost |
| Professional Services | Officiant | $200-$500 |
| Wedding cake | $500+ | |
| Hair/Makeup per person | $100+ | |
| Wedding planner tips | Up to 20% of fee | |
| Transportation for guests | $500+ | |
| Marriage license | $100 | |
| Attire | Wedding gowns | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Tuxedo/suit rentals each | $200+ | |
| Wedding bands | $500-$5,000 | |
| Shoes, accessories | $100+ | |
| Flower girl dresses | $50-$150 | |
| Wedding Rings | For both bride and groom | Average $5,000 |
| Gifts and Welcome Items | Guest favors each | $5-$20 |
| Welcome bags each | $10-$30 | |
| Bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts | varies | |
| Rehearsal Dinner | Per person | $30-$100 |
| Insurance | Event insurance | $200-$500 |
| Crew Gratuities | Recommended 15-20% of yacht rental | varies |
| Contingency | For surprise expenses | 5-10% of budget |
Setting Sail with a Sensible Budget: Tips and Estimates for Yacht Wedding Costs
You want a once-in-a-lifetime luxury yacht wedding, not lifelong debt. Use these budgeting tips and cost estimates as your compass for creating a dream event on the water that doesn’t sink your finances.
Recommended Budget Distribution
The budget percentages below serve as a helpful guideline:
- Venue – 40-50%
- Food and Beverage – 15-20%
- Attire – 5-10%
- Photography – 5-10%
- Entertainment – 5-10%
- Rentals/Decor – 5-10%
- Flowers – 5%
- Stationery – 2-5%
- Planning – 10-15%
- Misc – 5%
Price Estimates by Wedding Size
To tailor your budget, here are all-inclusive cost ranges for yacht weddings by guest count:
| Guest Count | Budget Range |
| Less than 50 guests | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| 50 to 100 guests | $60,000 – $125,000 |
| 100 to 150 guests | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| 150+ guests | $250,000+ |
Keep in mind higher costs for summer weekends, premium locations, and extensive amenities.
Cost-Saving Tips
Strategic moves to trim expenses include:
- Off-peak season or day of the week.
- Limited bar package.
- Budget-friendly catering styles like a buffet.
- Simple floral designs.
- Streaming ceremony music vs. live musicians.
- Photo booth instead of videographer.
- Smaller guest list!
When Budgeting:
- Get a yacht rental quote first since it’s the biggest expense.
- Research true costs for your area before setting the budget.
- Add at least 5% contingency for unexpected overages.
- Cut back in areas that won’t greatly impact guest experience.
Prioritize What Matters Most
Focus your yacht wedding dollars on your highest priorities, not unnecessary extras. Sail away to marital bliss and financial stability!
Yacht Wedding Costs: Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Wondering if that yacht wedding is within budget? Here we answer the most common questions couples have about pricing for tying the knot on the water.
How much does it cost to rent a yacht for a wedding?
The cost to rent a yacht for a wedding can range from $2,000 to $30,000+ per day depending on the size of the yacht, guest count, location, season, and amenities. Be prepared for sticker shock!
What is included in yacht rental costs?
The base yacht rental fee often includes the venue, basic furniture, some audio-visual equipment, and service from the crew. Additional costs like catering, rentals, fuel, fees, and crew tips are usually not included.
How many guests can a yacht accommodate?
Yacht guest capacity can range from less than 50 up to 250+ guests for large, multi-level vessels. Matching the boat size to your guest count is key – renting too large or too small a yacht can impact pricing.
What other fees go into a yacht wedding budget?
Beyond the base rental rate, key elements to budget for include food, beverages, rentals, decor, photography, entertainment, stationery, wedding planner fees, licenses, attire, crew gratuities, and insurance. It adds up fast!
Can I get a discount on a yacht rental for a wedding?
You may be able to get a small discount by booking an off-peak date or selecting a lower-demand port. However, due to high demand, most yacht venues do not offer wedding discounts. Manage costs with guest count and inclusions instead.
How can I save money on my yacht wedding?
Optimize the guest list, choose buffet catering, limit bar service, select simple flowers and decor, avoid premium dates, and minimize additional events like welcome dinners. Get quotes first and stick to a realistic budget.
The key is understanding your priorities and total cost considerations, then budgeting smartly to create the gorgeous yacht wedding of your dreams without going overboard on spending. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Smooth Sailing: Final Thoughts on Budgeting a Yacht Wedding
After reviewing the major elements that factor into yacht wedding costs, you now have a thorough understanding of how to answer the question – how much does a yacht wedding cost? From budgeting tips to estimated price ranges, use this knowledge to set realistic expectations as you plan your luxury wedding at sea.
From catering and bar services to rentals, decor, and entertainment, marrying on the water comes with a hefty price tag. Even smaller celebrations can quickly sail into the tens of thousands due to all the moving parts involved.
While yacht weddings represent one of the most expensive venues, understanding all the costs and nuances involved allows you to set realistic expectations. Comparing quotes across prospective yacht vendors, optimizing your guest list size, and researching pricing for your market can help you create the most accurate budget.
We recommend starting with the venue rental costs first since this is the bulk of your budget. Then thoroughly evaluate each additional element – don’t let unexpected fees sink your wedding financially! Carefully managing each expense category and sticking to your budget allows you to have the stylish, ultra-luxe yacht affair of your dreams without derailing your financial future.
The reward of saying “I do” on the deck of a picturesque yacht with miles of open water surrounding you is priceless. Just be sure to cruise into the planning process with your eyes wide open when it comes to the costs. Choose the right yacht, clearly communicate your vision, build in contingency buffers, and get ready to sail away to marital bliss!
References:
Cruise Ship/Yacht Wedding Venues – 114 Venues | Wedding Spot
How much does a boat wedding cost? An Australian price guide – Floatspace
