What are the cheapest destinations for a cruise wedding on Royal Caribbean cruises?

A cruise wedding combines romance, convenience, and value—especially when hosted with a global cruise line like Royal Caribbean International. For couples seeking a budget-friendly yet unforgettable wedding, choosing the right destination is the single biggest cost-saving decision.

This expert guide explores the cheapest destinations for a Royal Caribbean cruise wedding, explains why they cost less, compares options side by side, and provides step-by-step planning advice grounded in publicly available data and official sources. The goal is simple: help you plan a beautiful wedding at sea without unnecessary expenses.

Why Destination Choice Matters for Cruise Wedding Costs

Royal Caribbean offers both shipboard weddings (at sea or in port) and destination weddings (on land at select ports). While base wedding packages are standardized, destination-related costs vary significantly due to:

• Local marriage laws and paperwork fees

• Port taxes and harbor fees

• Travel costs for guests

• Availability of approved wedding venues

• Currency exchange and local labor costs

Choosing a low-cost destination can reduce total wedding expenses by 30–60%, according to cruise industry pricing analyses published by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Source:

• CLIA – Cruise Industry Overview (cruising.org)

Overview of Royal Caribbean Wedding Packages (Cost Context)

Before comparing destinations, it’s important to understand Royal Caribbean’s baseline pricing.

Typical Royal Caribbean Wedding Package Costs

Package Type	Starting Price (USD)	Includes
At-sea symbolic ceremony	~$1,950	Ceremony, coordinator, music
Legal port wedding	~$3,000–$4,500	License, officiant, documentation
Destination wedding	~$4,000+	Venue, coordination, local fees

Note: Prices vary by ship, sailing date, and destination. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed fixed price list for all ports.

Cheapest Destinations for a Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding

1. The Bahamas (Nassau & CocoCay) – Cheapest Overall

Why the Bahamas Is the Most Affordable Option

The Bahamas consistently ranks as the lowest-cost cruise wedding destination due to:

• Minimal legal requirements

• No residency waiting period

• Low government licensing fees

• Royal Caribbean’s private island (Perfect Day at CocoCay)

Cost Advantages

• Marriage license: ~$100–$120

• No mandatory blood tests

• English-speaking officials

• Short flight distance for U.S. guests

Best Wedding Locations

• Nassau (New Providence Island)

• Perfect Day at CocoCay (private island)

Expert Insight:Private island weddings eliminate third-party vendor fees, making CocoCay one of the most cost-controlled wedding venues in cruising.

Sources:

• Bahamas Ministry of Tourism – bahamas.com

• Royal Caribbean Official Wedding Guide

2. Cozumel, Mexico – Best Value for Larger Guest Lists

Mexico is one of the most cost-efficient international wedding destinations, and Cozumel stands out for cruise weddings.

Why Cozumel Is Affordable

• Lower labor and venue costs

• Competitive exchange rates

• High volume of cruise tourism

• Established wedding infrastructure

Typical Additional Costs

• Civil ceremony documentation: $500–$800

• Symbolic ceremony: lower paperwork cost

• Translation fees may apply

Ideal For

• Couples with 20–50 guests

• Destination-style beach weddings

Source:

• Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (gob.mx)

• U.S. Department of State – Marriage Abroad

3. Jamaica (Falmouth & Montego Bay) – Simple Legal Process

Jamaica is widely regarded as one of the easiest countries in the Caribbean to legally marry, keeping costs low.

Cost-Saving Features

• No residency requirement

• No blood tests

• Government marriage license ~$100 USD

Popular Ports

• Falmouth (frequent Royal Caribbean stop)

• Montego Bay (short transfer distances)

Health & Safety Note:According to the CDC, Jamaica has standard travel health recommendations but no marriage-specific restrictions.

Sources:

• Jamaica Ministry of Justice

• CDC Travelers’ Health – cdc.gov

4. Key West, Florida – Cheapest U.S. Legal Option

For couples who want a U.S.-based legal wedding, Key West offers affordability without international paperwork.

Why Key West Is Budget-Friendly

• No passport required

• No international documentation

• Lower guest travel costs

• U.S. marriage law familiarity

Cost Considerations

• Florida marriage license: ~$93

• Venue fees lower than European ports

Best For:

• Small weddings

• Elderly or non-travel-savvy guests

Source:

• Florida Department of Health – floridahealth.gov

5. Puerto Rico (San Juan) – No Passport, No Currency Exchange

Puerto Rico offers a Caribbean experience with U.S. simplicity.

Financial Benefits

• No passport required for U.S. citizens

• No currency exchange fees

• No customs complications

Marriage Costs

• License fees: ~$35–$75

• Medical tests may be required (varies)

Source:

• Puerto Rico Department of Health

Destinations to Avoid if You’re on a Budget

Some ports are not cost-effective due to high local fees or complex legal requirements.

High-Cost Cruise Wedding Destinations

Destination	Why It’s Expensive
Italy	Lengthy residency & translation
France	Strict civil marriage laws
Bermuda	High license and venue fees
Hawaii	Premium venue pricing

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data showing these destinations offer budget wedding packages through Royal Caribbean.

Comparison Table: Cheapest Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding Destinations

Destination	Legal Ease	Avg Extra Fees	Guest Travel Cost	Overall Cost Rank
Bahamas	Very Easy	Low	Low	⭐ Cheapest
Cozumel	Moderate	Low–Medium	Low	⭐⭐
Jamaica	Easy	Low	Low	⭐⭐
Key West	Very Easy	Low	Very Low	⭐⭐⭐
Puerto Rico	Easy	Low	Low	⭐⭐⭐

Step-by-Step: How to Plan a Budget Cruise Wedding on Royal Caribbean

 How to Plan a Budget Cruise Wedding on Royal Caribbean

Short cruises reduce:

• Guest costs

• Port taxes

• Total wedding coordination fees

Step 2: Select a Symbolic Ceremony

Symbolic weddings avoid:

• Government paperwork

• Translation costs

• Waiting periods

Step 3: Book Early

Royal Caribbean wedding slots are limited and priced dynamically.

Step 4: Limit Guest Count

Many ships charge per-guest coordination fees beyond 30 attendees.

Step 5: Use Onboard Photography

Outside photographers often incur port permission fees.

Expert Tips to Save Money (Industry-Backed)

• Avoid European ports for legal weddings

• Choose private islands where possible

• Bundle your honeymoon cruise with the wedding sailing

• Travel off-season (September–early December)

According to Consumer Reports, bundled travel services consistently lower per-event costs by up to 25%.

Source:

• Consumer Reports – Travel Planning Studies

FAQs: Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding Destinations

1. What is the cheapest Royal Caribbean cruise wedding destination?

The Bahamas—especially Perfect Day at CocoCay—is consistently the most affordable.

2. Can I legally marry on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Yes, but legal requirements depend on the port where the ceremony occurs.

3. Is a symbolic ceremony cheaper than a legal one?

Yes. Symbolic ceremonies avoid license, translation, and government fees.

4. Do guests have to be on the cruise?

Not always. Some port weddings allow non-sailing guests.

5. How much should I budget in total?

Most budget cruise weddings cost $3,000–$6,000, excluding guest travel.

6. Are same-sex weddings allowed?

Yes, in destinations where legally recognized.

7. Does Royal Caribbean handle paperwork?

Royal Caribbean coordinates but does not guarantee government approvals.

8. Is CocoCay a legal wedding location?

Ceremonies there are typically symbolic.

9. What’s the best destination for large families?

Cozumel and Nassau due to lower travel and venue costs.

10. Can I customize my wedding package?

Yes, but customization increases costs.

Final Verdict: Best Cheapest Destination for a Royal Caribbean Cruise Wedding

Best Overall: Bahamas (Nassau & CocoCay)Best for Beach Weddings: Cozumel, MexicoBest Legal Simplicity: JamaicaBest U.S. Option: Key West, Florida

Choosing the right destination can transform a cruise wedding from expensive to exceptionally affordable—without sacrificing beauty, experience, or legal clarity.

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