A well-executed yacht wedding in Miami looks effortless on the day — but that effortlessness is built entirely in the weeks and months before. This checklist covers everything that needs to happen, organized by when it should happen. Work through it in order and the wedding day takes care of itself.
6–12 Months Before: Book the Vessel
The most important action, done first.
Determine your approximate guest count and preferred date, then contact the charter company to confirm vessel availability. For peak season (November through April) and popular dates — spring weekend afternoons especially — the best vessels for weddings book out months in advance.
During this phase, confirm: maximum vessel capacity for your guest count, whether the vessel requires specific licensing for wedding ceremonies, the charter company's vendor policy (whether you can bring your own officiant, photographer, and DJ), and the contract terms including deposit, cancellation policy, and what happens in the event of extreme weather.
Browse the full yacht fleet to compare vessel layouts by size and capacity before making a final selection.
4–6 Months Before: Vendors and Legal Requirements
Marriage license. Florida marriage licenses are issued by county clerks. You'll need one from Miami-Dade County if you're marrying in Miami. Both parties must appear in person. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date, so time the application accordingly.
Officiant. Your officiant must be legally certified to perform marriages in Florida. Confirm they have performed ceremonies on vessels before — the logistics of a moving or anchored yacht ceremony require some familiarity with the format.
Photographer and videographer. Book a photographer with yacht/water experience. Lighting on the water — especially at golden hour — is technically different from indoor venue photography. Ask to see prior boat or yacht wedding work specifically.
Catering. Confirm your catering package or private chef at this stage. Providing a custom menu and dietary requirements early gives the chef or catering team time to design and test the menu. For 20+ guests, this is not a last-minute item.
2–3 Months Before: Guest Logistics and Details
Invitations and guest communication. Send formal invitations with the marina address (not just a neighborhood), expected arrival time, dress code, and RSVP deadline. Yacht weddings require a firm headcount earlier than traditional venues because vessel capacity is a fixed constraint.
Ceremony design. Work with your officiant to finalize the ceremony script, vow format, and any readings or music cues. Coordinate with the charter company on whether the ceremony happens at anchor or while the vessel is moving, and which area of the vessel the ceremony will take place.
Music and entertainment. Confirm your DJ or musician and brief them on the ceremony timeline and any specific songs for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Coordinate with the charter team on sound system setup and any power requirements.
Decoration. Determine your floral and decoration scheme and brief your florist on the vessel's layout. Yacht decorations work differently from venue decorations — flowers that stand in heavy arrangements can be unstable on a moving vessel. Ask for marine-appropriate suggestions.
2–4 Weeks Before: Final Confirmations
Confirm final guest count with the charter company and provide the final headcount to your caterer. This is the point at which changes become costly — lock in these numbers now.
Brief the charter coordinator on your ceremony and reception timeline in detail: when the ceremony will begin after departure, how long the ceremony will run, when dinner service should start, any specific timing requests (such as being at a particular location for the vow exchange).
Confirm vendor arrival times at the marina. Photographers, florists delivering onboard arrangements, and any entertainment equipment should arrive 60–90 minutes before guests board so setup is complete before the wedding party arrives.
Provide guests with a final logistics reminder: exact marina address, parking instructions or rideshare drop-off point, arrival time, what to bring (ID for boarding, any personal items), and a note that the vessel will depart at the scheduled time.
The Week of the Wedding: Final Checks
Confirm the weather forecast and discuss any contingency plans with the charter company if conditions are borderline. A good charter company will have a clear protocol for weather situations.
Deliver any items that need to be onboard before the day: gift bags, custom printed menus, additional decoration elements. Confirm with the charter coordinator that everything has been received and placed.
Brief a trusted friend or coordinator to manage boarding logistics on the day — welcoming guests at the marina, ensuring everyone is aboard before departure, and handling any last-minute questions so you are not managing logistics on your own wedding day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Wedding Planning
How far in advance should I book the yacht?
Six to twelve months in advance is recommended for the best vessel selection, particularly for peak season dates. Popular vessels for weddings book out significantly in advance during November through April.
Do I need a wedding planner?
Not required for intimate weddings, but recommended for 30+ guests or events with multiple vendors. The charter company handles all vessel logistics; a coordinator manages the ceremony timeline and vendor coordination.
What permits do I need?
A valid Florida marriage license from Miami-Dade County and a certified officiant are the only legal requirements. The charter company handles all vessel-related licensing and permits.
What should guests know before arriving?
Exact marina address, arrival time 15–20 minutes before departure, dress code, dietary restrictions for the RSVP, and parking or rideshare instructions. Be specific — guests who are unfamiliar with marina layouts often arrive at the wrong entrance.
Start Planning Your Yacht Wedding in Miami
Every item on this checklist is manageable when it is planned at the right time. The couples who find yacht weddings effortless are the ones who worked through these details months before — not the day before.
When the list is done and you're ready to move from planning to confirmed, the Crown Yachts Miami team walks through every remaining detail with you. Availability for your preferred date is the natural first question.