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People may think of a wedding on the River Thames as a straightforward process where they have to step aboard a luxury yacht, exchange vows against the beautiful skyline of London, and cherish each moment along the way. One thing that people need to know is that the process of legally solemnising the marriage on the yacht and hosting a wedding celebration onboard are two different things.
In England, specific legal requirements govern the location and circumstances of a civil marriage. If a yacht is available for private hire, one should not think that it automatically means that they can host a legally binding marriage ceremony there.
Couples who are considering the best yacht wedding venue in London aboard beautiful vessels like the Princess 65 Flybridge should properly understand the distinction before they start making arrangements. This knowledge can prevent an expensive misunderstanding later on.
Is A Yacht Marriage Legal In London?
Based on the current law in England right now, civil marriages can take place at a register office or at any premises that are approved by the local authority. The government guidance currently recognises a boat or other vessel as an eligible premises only if it is permanently moored and meets additional requirements for approval, which may vary from place to place.
Based on the laws that are in force right now, a civil wedding can’t take place in open water or on a moving vessel.
Now this simply changes the equation for those who are planning to hold the ceremony while the charter cruises along the river.
How Is A Yacht Different From An Ordinary Wedding Venue?
The process to check if a conventional venue or hotel is approved for civil ceremonies is a straightforward process. In the case of a yacht, there comes an additional question, i.e., what is the legal status of the vessel, and where will the ceremony take place?
The guidance from the Registrar General clearly states that the vessel needs to be permanently moored so that it may comply with the definition of “built premises”. In addition, the premises must satisfy other requirements associated with suitability, public availability, and safety.
So, the yacht must meet additional conditions no matter how many luxury features it has.
Legal Ceremony Or Symbolic Ceremony?
This is the point where understanding yacht weddings becomes easier.
A legal ceremony is the portion that creates marriage in law. As a result, it needs to comply with the legal requirements in place, which include rules associated with where the ceremony will take place and the involvement of registration services.
A symbolic ceremony, on the other hand, is not bound by such requirements, and couples can design it around their preferences. Designing this one based on preferences can involve personalised vows, exchanging rings, readings, and several other elements that are associated with a wedding ceremony.
As a result, couples get another option in case the yacht they want for the wedding does not qualify for a civil marriage.
Here is a clear example: a couple can complete the legal formalities at an approved venue, and then they can arrange a separate symbolic ceremony aboard the yacht of their desire.
What Could A Symbolic Yacht Ceremony Look Like?
Here is an interesting fact: a symbolic ceremony should not feel like a compromise in any way.
With several spaces that are featured by the Princess 65 Flybridge, the ceremony can be easily centred around the flybridge for a perfect open-air setting that can be followed by photographs as the vessel cruises past landmarks of London. If one prefers another setting, the saloon and dining areas can provide a more sheltered setting, which helps in case the weather seems unpredictable.
The yacht can also become a setting for drinks and dining with guests while cruising after the ceremony is over. The service providers offer flexibility to tailor the experiences around the events, where numerous catering and personalised itineraries are available.
The potential of this ceremony lies in making it special in a way one wants because the legal marriage has already taken place.
Where Does The Princess 65 Flybridge Fit In?
This one provides a unique set of features as compared to what one gets from a conventional hotel wedding venue. With an interior saloon, expansive flybridge, aft deck, and dining areas, it becomes highly suitable for private celebrations on the Thames. With the flybridge, one can enjoy stunning views that create valuable photography opportunities as the vessel glides past Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and much more.
For every couple who is searching for the best yacht wedding venue in London, such features make the Princess 65 Flybridge an ultimate setting.
Things That Couples Should Confirm Before Booking
Before confirming a date or advertising the yacht as a legal wedding venue, couples must check that the arrangements are permitted, as wedding laws and venue approvals can change over time.
These are a few questions to be discussed with the operator beforehand:
- Is the selected vessel approved as a premises for civil marriages?
- Is the approval currently in effect, and has the required local authority issued it?
- Which part of the vessel is approved for the legal ceremony?
- Will the registration authority conduct the ceremony?
- Are there additional requirements related to access, timing, number of guests, and so on?
In addition, it’s advisable to verify the position with the registration authority rather than relying on the venue’s marketing description.
👉 Also Read: Why Boutique Yacht Weddings Are the Future of Luxury Celebrations
A Yacht Can Still Be Part Of The Wedding
The legal requirements can’t necessarily stop couples from enjoying a wedding experience on the Thames. What these requirements can simply do is to make the couples plan the legal and celebratory elements separately.
Under these laws, couples can complete the ceremony at the approved venue and then select a yacht wedding venue in London. Many of the issues can be prevented by establishing the legal status before one makes any assumptions regarding the offerings from a yacht.
London Yacht Hire is here to deliver the best experiences that comply with the local laws. Our fleet features a range of options to make your celebration the way you want.