Getting married on the ship

You don’t have to travel far to get married on a ship:

Discover the right boat or ship for your wedding in Berlin here – excellent service included. For all those who are nevertheless drawn to a cruise ship, we have also compiled the most important information.

Wedding on the ship in Berlin

If you want to get legally married in Germany, the marriage must be performed by a registrar. Unfortunately, the registry offices in Berlin only accept a few selected wedding venues. In addition, some open-air weddings are not permitted. In any case, according to the Brandenburg state government, it must be ensured that the wedding ceremony can take place “free from weather and environmental disturbances and that the registry office documents and seals can be kept safe at all times”. The exact regulations depend on the respective registry office.

Even for church weddings, the conditions are not uniform when it comes to the location of the wedding ceremony. The priest or pastor decides whether the location you have chosen is suitable.

Free wedding ceremonies on board

If you still want to get married in the open air or on a ship or boat, you can fulfill this wish with a free wedding ceremony. This is a  unbureaucratic ceremony that can be arranged according to your own wishes.
As an example, we have included here a The course of such a free wedding ceremony is outlined below:

1st reception: The guests arrive on board the ship or boat. The wedding officiant, best man or groom will welcome the guests and, if necessary, give a short briefing on the seating arrangements and/or the procedure. If desired, music can be played and drinks/snacks can be served.

2nd appearance of the bridal couple or the bride

3. wedding speech, for example about the history of the couple

4. wedding vows: The couple can now exchange their personal wedding vows and assure each other of their love and commitment

5. rituals and symbols: Traditionally, rings are exchanged as a ritual. However, the ritual can be individually tailored to the couple’s history. However, it should be noted that a free wedding ceremony is legally equivalent to a church wedding and therefore not legally binding. It is therefore not a substitute for a civil ceremony.

6. speech by loved ones: Perhaps friends, parents or other relatives would like to say a few words of love to the couple? Or should a meaningful song be played?

7. conclusion of the ceremony: As a rule, the wedding officiant offers congratulations, gives a brief outlook on the future and concludes the ceremony. At this point, the guests are also informed of the next steps.

8 Celebration and festivities: After the ceremony, guests can congratulate the newlyweds. You can then move from the upper deck to the lower deck for a buffet. After the meal, the party continues on the ship, with guests dispersing around the ship as they wish.

Special wedding location with investor

Tip: Combine the wedding ceremony on the ship with a celebration at the Dock10 event location. The approx. 300 square meter location has its own jetty and a large event room where you can party to loud music even after 10 pm.

Myths and facts
about marriage on the high seas

It is often said that the captain can perform legally binding marriage ceremonies behind the sea border. However, this is only the case if the ship is flying the flag of Malta or Bermuda. These are the only countries that recognize marriage ceremonies at sea. Some cruise ships take advantage of this to offer marriages performed by the captain on board.

However, the law of the state whose flag the ship is flying only applies behind the sea border on the open sea. The law of the respective state applies in front of the sea border.

Anyone wishing to get legally married on a German ship or in German territory must have the marriage ceremony performed by a registrar . Some registry offices, for example in the districts of Rostock, Vorpommern-Rügen and Mecklenburgische Seenplatte, offer wedding ceremonies on selected ships.

Documents for
weddings abroad

A valid identity card or passport is always required for marriage ceremonies abroad. If applicable, a legally binding divorce decree or the death certificate of the previous spouse should also be presented.

In some countries, it is also essential to present an international birth certificate .
Some countries, such as France, also require a certificate of no impediment to marriagewhich is issued by the German registry office.

If the marriage ceremony performed abroad is to be registered in Germany (notarization in the marriage register), at least one official translation of the marriage certificate is required. If necessary, an authenticity check will be requested.

Prices for
weddings on the ship

To give you a feel for which services can be combined at which price, we have put together a few packages for you here. Of course, we will also be happy to advise you on how to plan and organize a wedding tailored to your needs.

Wedding package – Getting started – “Yes, I do!”

From 89,00€ net per person

Would you like a relaxed start to your wedding day before the big ceremony or a transfer across the Spree? Enjoy 3 hours on the water with a champagne reception and delicious canapés while you discover the green corner of Berlin.

Included in the package

  • Basic rent 3h*
  • Piers: Oberbaumbrücke, Klipper, Heimathafen, Schillingbrücke
  • Champagne reception: Ruggeri Prosecco Blanc
  • Reception canapés** / cake (listed and charged separately)
  • Minimum beverage consumption
  • Music system
  • White tablecloths – lower deck
  • Initial consultation, comprehensive advice, inspection

* Captain and service staff included; ** 3 pieces per person

Wedding package – S – “You & Me”

From 109,00€ net per person

Together with your loved ones, you can spend the first few hours after your wedding ceremony on the Spree. The cruise starts with a delicious champagne reception while you and your guests discover the Rudolfkiez and Rummelsburg from the water, before enjoying a live barbecue on board.

Included in the package

  • Basic rent 4h*
  • Piers: Oberbaumbrücke, Klipper, Heimathafen, Schillingbrücke
  • Champagne reception: Ruggeri Prosecco Blanc
  • Basic drinks package
  • BBQ 1 (listed and invoiced separately)
  • Music system
  • White tablecloths – lower deck
  • Initial consultation, comprehensive advice, inspection

* Captain and service staff included

Wedding package – M – “Celebrate love”

From 169,00€ net per person

Start your celebration with a chilled glass of Crémant while you cruise along the Spree. Beautiful table arrangements and a lovingly prepared buffet provide culinary accompaniment during the tour through Berlin.

Included in the package

  • Basic rent 5h*
  • Piers: Oberbaumbrücke, Klipper, Heimathafen, Schillingbrücke
  • Champagne reception: Crémant
  • Beverage package Basic+
  • Buffet Spree Athens (is listed and charged separately)
  • Wedding cake** (will be listed and charged separately)
  • Music system
  • Table arrangements
  • White tablecloths – lower deck
  • Initial consultation, comprehensive advice, inspection
* Captain and service staff included; ** 2-storey

Wedding package – L – “Forever Us”

From €219.00 net per person

The all-round carefree package for your wedding celebration includes a six-hour Müggelsee tour including delicious reception canapés and sparkling wine, a high-quality BBQ, extensive decorations and a DJ to heat up the wedding dance.

Included in the package

  • Basic rent 6h
  • Piers: Oberbaumbrücke, Klipper, Heimathafen, Schillingbrücke
  • Champagne reception: Crémant
  • All-inclusive drinks package
  • Reception snacks** (listed and charged separately)
  • BBQ 3 (is listed and charged separately)
  • Wedding cake*** (will be listed and charged separately)
  • Music system & DJ
  • Extensive decoration
  • White tablecloths – lower deck
  • Initial consultation, comprehensive advice, inspection
* Captain and service staff included; ** 3 pieces per person; *** 2-storey

Please note: Our lounge rafts cannot travel into the city.

In addition to the services listed here, other feeders and floristry from Flower & Art can also be booked. Additional costs may be incurred for any empty runs

Further services
around the wedding

Transfer trips

Book a crossing on an exclusive ship to the wedding ceremony or from the registry office to the party location. Of course, you can also simply spend the entire celebration on one of our ships.

Marriage proposal

Surprise your loved one with a romantic marriage proposal on a boat tour. We support you with the planning and implementation.

Bachelor farewell

Celebrate with delicious drinks and good music while you sail relaxed across Berlin’s waters. Our rafts, boats and ships offer a cozy and relaxed atmosphere in almost any weather, in summer and winter.

That’s why Hauptstadtfloß is the best choice for your event

We also offer you an event location by the water, which can accommodate up to 150 people. With our high-quality catering, we will spoil you on board with exquisite food and drinks. Book the complete package and rent your event location in Berlin now!

  • 15 years of experience
  • Various boats
  • Excellent service
  • Individual concepts

What can I expect from Hauptstadtfloß for my wedding in Berlin?

Dreaming of a wedding barefoot on a white beach? How about a wedding with a maritime flair, barefoot on the Spree! The rustic charm of our Capital City Raft II, with its beach bar with palm trees and other accessories, is just the right location for this.

Book the route into the countryside and enjoy the cool water with your guests. Help yourself to the Mediterranean buffet and sip exotic cocktails while you sail off into the sunset with your loved ones.

Due to our affinity with the water, we also have a wedding location right on the water in addition to our eight ships. If you are dreaming of a vintage wedding, the rustic ambience of our capital rafts or the event ship is just right for you. . 

Or do you have a classic, modern wedding in mind for a small group? Then one of our lounge rafts is the best choice. They impress with their simple elegance and a roof terrace from which you can enjoy the view over the Spree.

If you want your big day to be a lavish celebration with over 150 guests, we offer you our Dock 10. Enjoy the view of the ships and boats in the Rummelsburg Bay and party long into the night.

Of course, we also provide the right treats. Our in-house catering will fulfill your every wish and our pastry chef will conjure up the wedding cake you’ve always dreamed of. Just get in touch with us and let us find out how we can create your perfect day.

Request daily prices and availability of our boats
in Berlin now without obligation!

Question not found? Then contact us here.

How short notice can I book?

Please enquire up to 12 days before the planned raft trip or your event. However, the rule here is: the earlier, the better. Especially at Christmas time and in the summer months, we are sometimes fully booked very quickly. It also depends on the nature of your event. Larger celebrations should always be planned a little further in advance.

How many guests can celebrate in your wedding venues?

This depends on the boats you choose for your tours. There is room for 35 passengers on each of the capital rafts. For more intimate gatherings and trips, the lounge raft 1 and lounge raft 2 are perfectly adequate. The former can accommodate 20 people, while the latter can take up to 25 people. Most wedding guests can be accommodated on our Dock 10. Here you can dance the night away with up to 150 guests.

Do you also offer vegan dishes?

We are happy to conjure up suitable alternatives for your vegan or vegetarian guests. We also offer completely vegan catering, including a vegan wedding cake. Our Spree kitchen is open to all wishes.

Our capital city rafts at a glance

Perfect for weddings

Booking procedure with Hauptstadtfloß

You can reach us via our contact form, by phone or in person on site. We are at your disposal for all your questions.

After an initial consultation, we will make you an individual offer and suggest suitable boats for hire in Berlin.

We will contact you to confirm your preferred date and the availability of the boat.

Four weeks before your event, we will clarify the final details with you: service staff, catering (incl. drinks), boat route and other details.

As soon as the day of your event arrives, you can sit back and enjoy an exuberant celebration with your guests.

Do you have any questions?

Just give us a call. We look forward to helping you plan your event:

You have not reached us? We will be happy to call you back personally. Simply leave us your telephone number. Alternatively, you can also use our inquiry form. We will send you a non-binding offer as soon as possible.

Whether you are looking for a barbecue boat for your family celebration, an elegant lounge raft for your business event or an unusual event location for your dream wedding – Hauptstadtfloß is the right place for you.

You can celebrate with 8 or 150 people, on or by the water, classically elegant or nostalgically rustic. We have the right location for every occasion.

Call us now and book your dream event!