On the EUROPA 2 and HANSEATIC inspiration, we offer legal marriage ceremonies at sea. The captains are officially authorised to conduct marriage ceremonies in international waters. After the cruise, the marriage is fully recognised under EU law. Weddings at sea are possible thanks to a special provision in Maltese marriage law, which also applies for both cruise ships as they fly the Maltese flag.
Once the cruise ships have reached a distance of twelve miles from the coast, the captain may take on the role of a registrar and legally marry a couple on board. The marriage ceremony is conducted in German or in English and in accordance with Maltese law. A wedding at sea requires the presence of two witnesses who are of legal age. We can also arrange witnesses for you. A notification period of ten weeks before the wedding date must be taken into account so that the marriage ceremony can be registered in time with the Maltese authorities.
To register to get married at sea, the couple must provide various documents – details of this can be found below in the “General information” PDF file.
Additional arrangements for your wedding on board, such as professional make-up or photography, are not included in the price but can of course be booked in addition.
Please note that a maximum of one marriage ceremony may be conducted per cruise and availability therefore cannot be guaranteed. If you have any questions about getting married on board or would like definitive information about dates, please contact our sales team.
