Say “I do” where the city meets the water. Exchange vows on your private yacht with Manhattan’s skyline witnessing your promise, surrounded only by the people you love most—or just the two of you and your officiant.
An intimate yacht wedding delivers what traditional venues can’t: complete privacy, spectacular natural beauty, and the freedom to celebrate exactly as you envision. No venue restrictions. No unnecessary guests. No cookie-cutter ceremony. Just your love, NYC’s most romantic backdrop, and a wedding that feels authentically yours.
Dream Boat NY specializes in intimate wedding ceremonies and elopements for up to 6 people total (including yourselves and officiant), creating meaningful celebrations that honor your relationship without the stress and expense of traditional weddings.
Starting at $700 | Up to 6 People Total | Complete Privacy & Flexibility
Check availability for your wedding date → | Call to plan: 917-399-9084
Why Choose a Yacht for Your Intimate Wedding
The Freedom of a Private, Intimate Celebration
Traditional weddings often spiral into events that serve others more than the couple—appeasing family politics, accommodating distant relatives, feeding people you barely know, following venue rules that don’t reflect your style.
An intimate yacht wedding returns the focus to what matters: your commitment to each other. With a maximum of 6 people total (including yourselves and your officiant), you invite only the people whose presence genuinely matters to you. Parents, siblings, closest friends—the witnesses who truly belong in this moment.
Or choose to elope completely—just you, your partner, and your officiant exchanging vows in complete privacy. No explaining guest list decisions. No budget hemorrhaging on people you haven’t seen in years. No coordinating with venues that treat you like event number 47 that Saturday.
This is your wedding, celebrated your way, with complete freedom to make it meaningful rather than obligatory.
NYC’s Most Spectacular Natural Setting
Manhattan’s skyline. The Statue of Liberty. Brooklyn Bridge. The Hudson River’s peaceful waters. These aren’t projected backdrops or hired decorations—they’re your actual wedding venue, changing beautifully as you cruise.
Water ceremonies possess inherent beauty that indoor venues struggle to replicate. Natural light, gentle motion, fresh breezes, 360-degree views that shift continuously. The environment itself creates atmosphere without requiring thousands spent on flowers, lighting, and decor.
Sunset ceremonies deliver particularly spectacular conditions. Golden hour light flatters everyone naturally. The skyline glows. The moment feels suspended between day and night, perfectly symbolic for the transition you’re making.
For couples who love NYC, marrying on the water connects you to the city’s energy while maintaining intimate privacy. You’re experiencing New York at its most beautiful—together, beginning your marriage.
Zero Venue Restrictions or Hidden Costs
Traditional wedding venues come with rulebooks thicker than your vows: approved vendor lists, catering minimums, strict timelines, decorating restrictions, bar packages, gratuity requirements, overtime fees. The “starting at” price rarely reflects the final bill after mandatory add-ons.
Your private yacht wedding operates differently. The charter price is the venue price—no hidden fees, no required minimums, no approved vendor lists. Bring your own champagne (BYO fee: $100), your own cake, your own photographer. Or keep it simple with just vows and rings. The yacht is yours to use as you wish.
Want a 2pm ceremony followed by lunch? Perfect. Prefer sunset vows with twilight celebration? Beautiful. Need to accommodate a family member’s schedule? We adjust. The flexibility makes planning easier, not harder.
Professional Coordination, Zero Stress
Planning a wedding creates stress even when the wedding is small. Our concierge approach means you arrive to find everything arranged exactly as requested—ceremony space prepared, champagne chilling, timing coordinated, special touches in place.
Captain Martin and crew handle all logistics professionally: navigation, timing, positioning for the ceremony, service, photography assistance if needed. They’ve facilitated dozens of yacht weddings and understand how to make your ceremony feel special while remaining appropriately unobtrusive.
The cabin provides comfortable shelter with seating and protection from wind. Dress appropriately for the season—layer for cooler weather, choose lighter fabrics for summer—and your wedding proceeds beautifully. Flexible rescheduling protects against severe weather, though most days on the water prove perfect for ceremonies.
Intimate Wedding Ceremony Packages
Elopement Charter (Just Two + Officiant): $700-$850
What’s Included:
- 2-hour private yacht charter
- USCG certified captain & professional crew
- Complete privacy (just the two of you and your officiant)
- Flexible ceremony timing and location on water
- Comfortable cabin with seating and amenities
- Premium sound system for music (Bluetooth compatible)
- Assistance with ceremony logistics
- Post-ceremony celebration time
- All fuel, insurance, and equipment
Pricing:
- Weekdays: $700
- Sunset timing: $800
- Weekends & holidays: $850
Perfect For:
- Couples who want completely private elopement
- Budget-conscious couples avoiding traditional wedding costs
- Second marriages preferring intimate celebration
- Couples whose families can’t attend or agree
- Those who simply prefer privacy for this moment
Why Couples Choose This:
- Maximum intimacy and authenticity
- Focus entirely on each other
- Zero family politics or guest list stress
- Significant cost savings versus traditional wedding
- Freedom to celebrate exactly your way
Check elopement availability →
Small Family Wedding (Up to 6 Total): $800-$850
What’s Included:
- 2-hour private yacht charter
- USCG certified captain & professional crew
- Space for up to 6 people total (you, your partner, officiant, plus up to 3 additional guests)
- Ceremony coordination and timing
- Space for intimate gathering pre and post-ceremony
- All Standard Charter inclusions
Pricing:
- Weekdays: $800
- Sunset timing: $800
- Weekends & holidays: $850
Perfect For:
- Parents and siblings as witnesses
- Including children from previous relationships
- Small group of closest friends
- Intimate celebration with immediate family only
- Couples wanting witnesses without full wedding production
Who Attends: Typically includes you, your partner, your officiant, and up to 3 additional guests (immediate family like parents or siblings, best friends, or children). The 6-person total maximum keeps celebration intimate and meaningful.
Check small wedding availability →
Extended Intimate Wedding: $1,200-$1,400
What’s Included:
- 3-3.5 hour private yacht charter
- Extended time for pre-ceremony cruise, ceremony, and celebration
- Multiple ceremony timing and location options
- Unhurried celebration with food and drinks
- All Small Family Wedding inclusions
- Sunset to twilight coverage possible
Pricing:
- 3 hours: $1,200
- 3.5 hours: $1,400
Perfect For:
- Couples wanting leisurely celebration without rush
- Including champagne toast, cake, and catering
- Combining ceremony with intimate reception
- Photography time before and after ceremony
- Sunset ceremony with nighttime celebration
Why Longer Works:
- Cruise together before ceremony (reduces nerves)
- Unhurried ceremony without time pressure
- Proper celebration time post-vows
- Golden hour through twilight for photography
- Feels like complete wedding experience, not rushed
View extended charter pricing →
Ultimate Wedding Charter: $1,600+
What’s Included:
- 4+ hour private yacht charter
- Comprehensive ceremony and reception experience
- Complete flexibility for timing and activities
- All Extended Wedding inclusions
- Sunset to full evening possible
Pricing:
- 4 hours: $1,600
- Additional hours: Contact for pricing
Perfect For:
- Couples wanting full wedding day experience
- Combining ceremony, reception, and extended celebration
- Professional photography requiring significant time
- Out-of-town guests experiencing NYC from water
- Those who want absolutely no time constraints
Contact us for ultimate charter details →
How Your Intimate Wedding Works
Step 1: Book Your Ceremony Date
Reserve your wedding date online through our calendar or contact our concierge team at 917-399-9084. Popular dates (Saturdays, summer sunsets, holiday weekends) book months ahead, while weekday and off-season dates often have more availability.
Wedding Details We’ll Discuss:
- Preferred date and backup dates
- Number of people total (including officiant)
- Ceremony timing preference (afternoon, sunset, evening)
- Budget considerations
- Special elements (champagne, cake, flowers, photographer)
- Any specific requests or needs
Step 2: Plan Your Ceremony
Once booked, we help coordinate the details:
Officiant: Arrange your officiant who must be licensed to perform weddings in New York State. They board with your group as one of your 6 total people.
Marriage License: Obtain your NYC marriage license beforehand (City Clerk’s office, requires appointment). The ceremony location is “Hudson River, NYC” for the license.
Ceremony Location: Captain Martin positions the yacht at the most scenic location for your ceremony. For the full Manhattan skyline backdrop, the middle of New York Harbor is ideal. Popular views also include the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge perspectives.
Timing: We coordinate departure time to ensure optimal conditions for your ceremony—sunset timing, best light, ideal positioning, appropriate privacy.
Special Touches: If you’re bringing flowers, champagne, cake, photographer, or other elements, we coordinate everything so it’s seamlessly ready.
Step 3: Your Wedding Day
Arrive at Chelsea Piers where everything is arranged as planned. Board your private yacht with your small group (or just your partner and officiant if eloping).
Pre-Ceremony: Cruise together, enjoying the water and views. This time helps everyone relax before the ceremony and serves as built-in wedding photography time.
The Ceremony: Captain Martin positions the yacht at the perfect spot (middle of New York Harbor for full Manhattan skyline is most popular). Your officiant conducts the ceremony with NYC’s most spectacular views as your backdrop. Crew provides space while being available for anything needed.
Post-Ceremony Celebration: After vows are exchanged, celebrate however you envision—champagne toasts, cake, photos, calling family to share the news, or simply enjoying being married while cruising NYC’s waterfront.
The remainder of your charter time is yours to celebrate as you wish. Some couples cruise quietly, savoring the moment. Others celebrate enthusiastically with music and champagne. It’s your wedding, your way.
Intimate Wedding Planning FAQ
What’s the minimum number of people? Two people plus your officiant (3 total). Many couples elope with just themselves and their officiant, along with the captain and crew as witnesses.
What’s the maximum? Six people total, including yourselves and your officiant (not including the captain and crew). This limit maintains the intimate atmosphere and ensures everyone has optimal seating and space.
Can we bring our own officiant? Yes! Bring your officiant. They will be one of your 6 total people. They should be licensed to perform weddings in New York State.
How does the marriage license work? Obtain your NYC marriage license beforehand at the City Clerk’s office (appointment required). The ceremony location is listed as “Hudson River, NYC” or “New York Harbor.” Your officiant files the completed license after the ceremony. You receive your marriage certificate by mail within a few weeks.
Can we bring our own photographer? Absolutely! Professional photographers are welcome and encouraged aboard. They count as one of your 6 total people if they’re not also a guest. Our crew can also take photos for you if you don’t hire a photographer, though we recommend professional photography for such an important day.
What about catering and cake? For your wedding day, order from our catering menu with party platters, all-inclusive champagne packages, cake, and complete beverage menu with champagne, wine, beer. Or you’re welcome to bring your own champagne, food, and wedding cake (BYO fee $100).
What if it rains on our wedding day? Don’t worry, we won’t force you to get married in the rain. Your wedding day is too important to proceed in genuinely bad conditions. If it rains or bad weather causes the captain to postpone your charter, rescheduling is complimentary.
Can we decorate the yacht? Select the Love Boat decoration package for custom decorations set up before your arrival. If you wish to bring your own, yacht-appropriate decorations are welcome. We ask that you avoid anything that might damage the yacht or create safety issues (no helium balloons that could blow away, no flower petals, no glass, no excessive decorations that impede movement). Honestly, the skyline and water provide such spectacular natural beauty that most couples find minimal decoration perfectly sufficient.
Do you provide ceremony seating? Yes. The yacht has comfortable built-in seating and standing space appropriate for small ceremonies. The layout works well for intimate weddings.
What about music during the ceremony? The yacht has a premium Bluetooth sound system. Couples typically bring their own playlist that fits their personality and their moment—processional music, ceremony music, and their personal playlist all from a phone.
Can we have a reception onboard? Yes! After the ceremony, the yacht is ready for a full celebration—champagne toasts, cutting cake, eating and drinking. The 3 hour charter works particularly well for couples wanting both ceremony and intimate reception.
What’s the typical ceremony length? Most wedding ceremonies last 15-30 minutes. The remainder of your charter time is for cruising, celebrating, photography, and enjoying being married.
Can we renew our vows? Yes! Vow renewal ceremonies work beautifully on the yacht. Same pricing and process as weddings, just without the marriage license requirements.
Why Couples Choose Yacht Weddings
“We wanted something that felt like us“
Traditional wedding venues often feel generic, designed to accommodate every possible couple and therefore perfectly reflecting none. A yacht wedding becomes intimately yours by nature of its privacy—your chosen guests, your timing, your celebration style, your way of committing to each other.
“We couldn’t justify the cost of a big wedding”
The average NYC wedding costs $75,000-$100,000+. That’s a down payment on a home. That’s a year of savings. That’s your emergency fund.
An intimate yacht wedding costs $700-$1,600 for the venue, plus whatever you choose to spend on officiant, photographer, flowers, and catering. Total cost typically stays under $5,000 even with all extras included—a fraction of traditional wedding expenses.
The money saved allows couples to focus on their actual marriage: honeymoon, home purchase, financial security, shared goals. A beautiful wedding doesn’t require a crippling price tag.
“Our families live far apart/don’t get along/couldn’t agree on anything”
Family dynamics complicate wedding planning. Distance, disagreements, divorced parents, blended families, cultural differences, or simply relatives you’re not close to can make traditional weddings stressful rather than joyful.
An intimate yacht wedding sidesteps these complications. Keep your guest list to only those whose presence genuinely matters. Or elope entirely, avoiding family politics altogether. You can always host separate celebrations later with different family groups if desired, without the pressure of the wedding day itself.
“We wanted the day to be about our commitment, not entertaining guests”
Large weddings become performances. You spend the day ensuring guests are happy, fed, entertained, comfortable. You barely speak to your new spouse. You’re exhausted rather than joyful.
An intimate yacht wedding keeps focus on your commitment to each other. With only your closest people present (or just the two of you and your officiant), the day remains about the vows you’re exchanging rather than the event you’re hosting.
“We wanted something environmentally conscious”
Traditional weddings generate enormous waste: disposable decorations, elaborate florals that wilt within days, single-use everything, food waste from overordering, the carbon footprint of flying in guests from across the country.
A yacht wedding naturally minimizes environmental impact. The venue is the actual environment (water and skyline), requiring minimal additional decoration. Small guest lists mean less food waste. The experience itself becomes the focus rather than elaborate consumption.
“This is our second marriage”
Second (or third) marriages often call for different celebrations than first weddings. You’re past the point of needing traditional fanfare. You want meaning without production, celebration without spectacle.
Intimate yacht weddings suit second marriages perfectly. The focus stays on your renewed commitment rather than wedding industry expectations. Many couples in second marriages choose to elope or include only their children and closest friends.
Real Intimate Wedding Stories
Just Two + Officiant: The Manhattan Skyline Elopement
Sarah & James wanted a wedding that felt authentic to their relationship: just the two of them and their officiant, no audience, no performance. They eloped on a Tuesday afternoon in May, exchanging vows with the Statue of Liberty behind them, with their officiant and Captain Martin as their witness.
“We’d been to enough weddings that felt like expensive parties for everyone except the couple. We wanted our wedding day to actually be about us getting married, not hosting an event. The yacht gave us that perfectly.”
They spent two hours on the water, drank champagne, Captain Martin snapped a few photos for them, and then they called their families afterward to share the news.
Total cost: $700 for the yacht, $300 for the officiant, $250 for decorations and champagne. No regrets.
Blending Families on the Water
Miguel & Jennifer each had a child from previous relationships. They wanted a wedding that included their kids but didn’t overwhelm them with a large traditional ceremony.
They chartered for 3 hours on a Saturday afternoon. The six people aboard were themselves, their two children, their officiant, and one close friend. They exchanged family vows together before Miguel and Jennifer’s marital vows. The kids served as witnesses and ring bearers.
“Having just our small group made it incredibly meaningful. The kids understood they were part of creating our new family, not just attending a wedding. The intimate setting let them be fully present rather than overwhelmed.”
Six People Total: Closest Family Only
Diana & Alex wanted their parents present but no extended family. They chartered for 3.5 hours on a September evening, including sunset ceremony followed by dinner at a local restaurant. The six people total were Diana, Alex, and their parents (one parent served as the officiant).
“We avoided the guilt and obligation of a large guest list while still having the witnesses who genuinely matter. Our parents got to share the moment, and we all celebrated together afterward. It was everything a wedding should be—meaningful, joyful, and ours.”
Add-Ons & Enhancements
The “Love Boat” Wedding Package: $250
Transform your yacht into a romantic wedding venue with our signature decorative package:
Includes:
- Rose garlands arranged throughout yacht
- Fresh rose bouquets
- Heart-shaped decorative pillows
- Lighted “LOVE” sign for photos
Investment: $250 (includes delivery and setup)
Popular With: Couples wanting romantic atmosphere without DIY decorating effort, photography-conscious couples, those who want special visual elements for their ceremony.
Forever Rose Bouquet: $150
Preserve a beautiful rose bouquet from your wedding day:
What It Is:
- A preserved rose bouquet from your wedding day that lasts for years
- Arrives in elegant presentation box
- Beautiful keepsake of your wedding
- Remains perfect for 1-2 years minimum
Investment: $150
Why Couples Love It: Traditional wedding flowers wilt within days. A forever rose bouquet preserves flowers from your wedding day as a lasting memento.
Professional Photography Coordination
Select the photographer of your choice, and we help coordinate timing and positioning for optimal wedding photos:
What We Do:
- Coordinate departure time for best natural light
- Position yacht at most photogenic locations
- Suggest photo opportunities and timing
- Ensure captain and crew stay out of shots when needed
No Additional Cost – Coordination and support is included with all wedding charters
Recommended: Book a photographer experienced with boat/outdoor weddings. Natural light on water is spectacular but different from indoor venue lighting.
Practical Planning Information
Booking Timeline
Peak Season (May-September):
- Popular dates (sunsets and Saturdays): Book 4 weeks ahead
- Weekdays and Friday afternoons: Book 2-4 weeks ahead
- Last-minute availability: Check for weekday slots
Off-Season (April, October-November):
- Weekend dates: Book 1-2 weeks ahead
- Weekday dates: Same day often available
Tips:
- Sunset timing is most popular and books earliest
- Weekday weddings often have better availability
- Spring and fall offer beautiful weather with less competition for dates
- Holiday weekends book far in advance
Weather Considerations
Seasonal Weather Patterns:
- April-May: 55-70°F, occasional rain, beautiful spring light
- June-August: 70-85°F, warmest months, occasional afternoon thunderstorms
- September-October: 60-75°F, often perfect conditions, stunning fall light
- November-March: 35-55°F, colder weather—dress warmly in layers
Cabin Shelter: The yacht’s cabin provides seating and respite from the elements. Dress appropriately for the season, and outdoor ceremony space works beautifully in moderate weather.
Weather Policy: Rain and unsafe weather conditions triggers flexible rescheduling at no charge.
Guest Considerations
Getting There:
- Chelsea Piers is accessible by taxi, Uber, subway (C/E to 23rd St), or car
- Parking available at Chelsea Piers (paid parking)
- Address for guests: Chelsea Piers, Pier 59, New York, NY 10011
What Guests Should Bring:
- Comfortable clothing
- Flat shoes or boat-appropriate footwear (heels are unsafe on boats and docks)
- Light jacket or sweater (even summer evenings can be breezy)
What Not to Bring:
- Difficult footwear (stiletto heels, slippery dress shoes)
- Overly formal attire that restricts movement
- Excessive bags or belongings (space is limited)
What to Wear
For the Couple:
- Anything from casual to formal works on the yacht
- Consider wind and movement when selecting dress/suit
- Flowing gowns can be stunning but require wind consideration
- Suits and cocktail dresses work beautifully
- Many couples choose “fancy casual” or cocktail attire
- Flat shoes recommended over thin heels
Real Example Styles:
- Simple white dress
- Elegant jumpsuit with statement jewelry
- Flowing bohemian gown with barefoot elegance
- Classic suit with dress shirt (no tie needed)
- Cocktail dress with blazer for evening ceremony
Legal Requirements (NYC Marriages)
- Marriage License: Obtain from NYC City Clerk’s office (appointment required, $35 fee)
- Both parties must appear in person
- Valid for 60 days from issuance
- Requires government-issued ID for both parties
- Officiant: Must be licensed to perform marriages in New York State
- Your officiant boards with your group as one of your 6 total people
- They’re responsible for filing completed license
- Witness Requirements: New York requires witnesses (typically fulfilled by captain, crew, or your guests)
- Ceremony Location: Listed as “Hudson River, NYC” or “New York Harbor” on license
- Certificate: Your official marriage certificate arrives by mail 2-6 weeks after your officiant files the completed license
Customization Options
The beauty of an intimate yacht wedding is complete flexibility. Customize your ceremony to reflect your relationship:
Ceremony Style:
- Traditional religious ceremony
- Secular/non-religious ceremony
- Cultural or heritage-specific traditions
- Personal vows only
- Quick legal ceremony followed by celebration
- Vow renewal (for already-married couples)
Timing Options:
- Morning ceremony with brunch celebration
- Afternoon ceremony with lunch
- Sunset ceremony (most popular)
- Evening ceremony with city lights
- Twilight to nighttime celebration
Celebration Style:
- Simple and quiet
- Champagne toast and cake
- Catered appetizer trays
- Photography-focused with multiple locations
- Extended family video calls to share the moment
Booking Your Intimate Wedding
Check Availability
View our calendar and reserve your wedding date. Popular dates book months ahead, so we recommend booking as soon as you’ve decided on yacht wedding.
📅 Check wedding date availability →
Call the Concierge Team
Speak directly with our team about your vision: 917-399-9084
We’ve coordinated hundreds of intimate yacht weddings and can help you plan timing, discuss options, coordinate details, and ensure everything is perfect for your day.
✉️ Email Questions: [email protected]
Related Planning Resources
Planning Your Intimate Wedding:
- Complete Pricing Information – All charter rates and packages
- Catering Options – Food and beverage for your celebration
- Location & Directions – Chelsea Piers details and parking
- Planning Guide – Everything you need to know
- FAQs – More questions answered
- Weather & Cancellation Policies – What to expect
Other Romantic Events:
- Marriage Proposal Charters – Pop the question first
- Anniversary Celebrations – Celebrate future milestones
- Engagement Party Cruises – Celebrate your engagement
- Sunset Cruise Experience – Romantic sunset cruises
- All Events – Browse all celebration options
Tour & Experience Options:
- Private Boat Tours Overview – Route options if guests want sightseeing
- Manhattan Circumnavigation – Full island tour option
- All Experiences – Browse all yacht experiences