I personally think that taking a boat ride in a beautiful location is a super romantic activity to incorporate into your wedding day. There’s something so perfect about literally leaving all of your everyday worries on shore and getting to head out on the water to connect with your person! And no matter what scenery you’re interested in or how fast or slow you want to take things, there’s an option for you.
That’s why I have boating as its own filter in my Best Places to Elope interactive map!
I’ve photographed over 300 weddings & elopements since 2015, and so many of those have included an awesome boating excursion! Including chartered sails everywhere from Dillon Reservoir in Colorado to Milos in Greece. So you can be sure that my advice is coming from a place of experience!
This guide will walk you through how to decide if including a boat is right for you, some of my favorite elopement locations to get out on the water, what to do about your wedding attire, and more!
Pros of a sailboat elopement
Solo activity with no other people
Most of the time, when you charter a boat on your wedding day, it’s a service that’s just you and your partner (barring things like ferry rides as transportation). That gives you a rare chance to really connect with just you and your spouse that you may not find at popular trailheads.
A chance to slow down
It doesn’t really matter if you’re cruising along in a speed boat, sailboat, or pontoon—by necessity, all you’re doing is sitting and watching the landscape go by with your partner! No matter what your style is, this is a great moment to sit back and soak it all in.
Fun photos during your wedding day
I’ve had couples go cliff-jumping, have picnics, do an outfit change, and snorkel. This is an awesome way to mix things up and get some truly unique wedding photos attached to memories that will stand out from your everyday!
Gorgeous sunrises and sunsets
Being out on the water at sunrise or sunset will give you breathtaking views as the water reflects the colors of the sky. You’ll usually find more uninterrupted sky when you’re out on a boat, so you won’t have to worry about being in the wrong place to get a good view!
Cons of a sailboat elopement
Larger time commitment
Most boat charters I’ve seen on wedding days are booked in an average of 4 hour blocks. If you’re not looking to spend half the day out on the water, you may need to look for a vendor that will let you book a shorter time frame or opt for a paddling excursion instead!
Lighting can be harsh
If you go out at midday (especially at altitude), the overhead sun with nothing to break it up can be pretty direct. It can definitely be worked with and isn’t a deal breaker photography-wise, but it’ll be a different look than soft, dreamy golden hour light.
Exposure to the elements
For folks with any heat sensitivity, are prone to motion sickness, get cold easily, or have a fear of water, you’ll want to pick a boat outing carefully. I still personally think that there’s a fit for everyone out there, but make sure you’re considering your comfort first and foremost while choosing!
Steps to plan a sailboat elopement
1. Pick your main location
If you want to structure your entire elopement day with an epic boat ride in mind, look at bodies of water you’re interested in and different kinds of boats to narrow it down. If your boat ride is an extra cherry on top but there’s a different main attraction, start looking around the area to see where you can get out on the water.
For example, if you know that you want to elope in the San Juan Mountains, you may search “boat charters in the San Juan Mountains” or “best boating lakes in the San Juan Mountains” and go from there.
2. Research boat providers in the area
I’ll talk more below on how to choose the right excursion company for you, but start with their prices, service areas, what kinds of boats they’ll take you out on, and anything else they offer that may catch your eye. Personally, I like building spreadsheets for information like this so that you can see it all next to each other without having to remember much. For some remote locations, there may only be one operator!
3. Decide on a date and make sure your operator is available
When you’re selecting a date, make sure you take into account other factors like average water temperature, any weather conditions that are typical for the area (ex. afternoon thunderstorms in the Rocky Mountains), when sunrise and sunset are during that time of year, and what time of day you’ll be going out.
🛑Do not book them until after the next step! 🛑
4. Research and decide on a photographer
Contact a local photographer and make sure that they have availability on or around your desired date! If you already have your boat operator picked out, you can cross reference their availability to make sure that everyone is free on the same day.
Pro Tip: If you want, you can also switch step #3 and step #4! If you start with a local photographer, they can give you great info that may help shape your decisions. I give all of my couples all the insider tips about the weather, my favorite vendors for their activity in the area they’re getting married in, and any other tips & tricks I think they might need! Starting with a photographer means you can have someone in your corner the whole time.
Once you’ve confirmed everyone is available, now you can book with both parties!
5. Book any other vendors you may need & your travel
If you’re coming to your wedding location from outside of the area, make sure you have all your travel and lodging booked! (When you work with me, I’ll give you all of my best recommendations for cool places to stay in the area.)
This is also when you can bring on board anyone else you’d like to work with for your day. Some additional considerations could look like:
- A picnic lunch for the boat ride
- Different wedding attire for going out on the water
- Notebooks to write your vows in on the water (if your ceremony is after)
- Hair clips with fresh flowers to keep your hair out of your face
6. Get married & enjoy your day!
All that’s left to do is show up and enjoy your wedding day boat ride! The beauty of including an activity like this in your day is that it’s so simple at its core but can add so much. That leaves you free to relax into the moment and soak it all in.
What’s the best time of year for a sailboat elopement
The best time of year for an elopement on a boat is typically during the summer. Especially in July, when you can reliably count on even alpine lakes to be totally thawed and ready for people to navigate the water where permitted.
Summer is an especially good option if you’re eloping in any sort of typically chilly climate, like San Francisco (or even colder, like Iceland!).
If you’re not crazy about the heat, though, I’d recommend looking into going out in early fall. You’ll still find plenty of water ready to be explored, but at lower temperatures than in the peak of summer. Snow and ice won’t have started up yet and, as a bonus, sunrise and sunset are closer together, giving you a better chance at seeing one or both of them from the water.
Best locations for a sailboat elopement around the world
Sardinia, Italy
Chartering a sailboat around Sardinia is a great way to see the stunning coastline and bask in the Mediterranean Sea all at once. You’ll get insane views of the chalky white cliffs and intricate rock faces that line the island and along with an eyeful of sky and startlingly blue sea. And as a bonus, if you go with just the two of you, you’ll be the only ones around… which can be a feat during high tourism season. If one day on a boat isn’t enough, there are also multi-day options that will take it from “ideal wedding day outing” to “total adventure in a gorgeous place”. Consider taking a boat to the French island of Corsica just north for the full experience!
Best for: Coast, Rocks, Beaches
Best months to get married here: May to September
My favorite activities to do here: Sail boating, Paddleboarding, Hiking (and eating)
Milos, Greece
Milos gives you all the Greek island magic with half the crowds. Win! It goes without saying that the cliffside villages and white churches are gorgeous (we’re in the Cyclades Islands, after all) but the real star here is the coastline. Sail around the island, and you’ll find lunar-looking rock formations, caves, and hidden beaches you can only get to by boat. For the kind of elopement day that involves anchoring off the coast, diving straight into the sea, and then heading back on board for sunset vows and wine, you can’t outdo Milos.
Best for: Beach, Coast
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Helicopter, Hiking, Boating, Paddleboarding
Lake Powell, Utah & Arizona
If your dream elopement involves a houseboat, Lake Powell is calling. This place is massive, nearly 200 miles long, with twisting canyons, sandstone arches, and hidden coves you can only get to by boat. Rent a houseboat and make it your floating base for a couple of days. Say your vows anchored in a quiet bay, cliff jump in the afternoon, and toast under the stars with red rock walls all around. It’s all adventure, no traffic, and you’ll feel like you’ve got the whole desert to yourselves.
Best for: Canyons, Desert, Lake, Slot Canyons
Best months to get married here: March to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Camping, Helicopters, 4×4/Jeep, Houseboats
Ilulissat Icefjord, Ilulissat, Greenland
At Ilulissat, one of the fastest-moving ice fjords on Earth, icebergs drift silently past, some bigger than city blocks! You’ll need to visit in summer when the water opens up, but, once it does, you’re in for a treat. Sailing through these Arctic waters at midnight, with the sun still hanging low in the sky, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences – so basically, it’s perfect for your elopement! Plus, the photo ops here are absolutely next level, so I can promise a set of elopement photos that look nothing like anything you’ve seen before!
Best for: Coast, Glaciers, Icebergs!
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Helicopter
Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’re dreaming of a “just us and the sea” kind of elopement with serious glamour on the side, the Amalfi Coast is where it’s at. Rent a sailboat or hop on a private boat tour and spend your day drifting past lemon groves, pastel cliffside towns, and coves you can only reach by water. Pull in for a swim, snack on local mozzarella and figs, and maybe even say your vows on deck with Positano sparkling behind you. Back on land, you’ve got Vespa rides, cliff walks, Aperol spritzes, and handmade pasta waiting. Che bellezza!
Best for: Coast, Beach, City, Forest
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Sailboat, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Hiking
Prince William Sound, Alaska
Prince William Sound is a maze of fjords, glaciers, and icy-blue water where the best views come from a boat, preferably with a thermos of hot coffee and binoculars in hand. You can launch from Whittier or Valdez and spend the day cruising past floating icebergs, spotting sea otters and maybe even orcas, and dropping anchor for a private glacier-front ceremony. So, what’s it gonna be? A cozy sailboat? A cabin cruiser? Either way, being on the water here feels surreal, and the surrounding towns make great bases for multi-day adventures.
Best for: Glaciers, Mountains, Coast
Best months to get married here: July to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking
Olympic Peninsula & Olympic National Park, Washington
This slice of the Pacific Northwest is made for couples who want it all – rainforest, mountains, and ocean. But here’s the trick: get on the water. Paddle along Lake Crescent with mist curling off the surface, or kayak the rugged coastline near Rialto Beach where sea stacks rise straight out of the Pacific, and it’s physically impossible to be disappointed. You’ll see bald eagles overhead and maybe even seals watching from the rocks!
Best for: Coast, Beach, Wildflowers, Waterfalls, Lake, Forest, Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Camping, Stargazing
Drangarnir, Faroe Islands
Getting to Drangarnir means a boat trip through some of the wildest coastline in the North Atlantic, and that’s half the fun. These sea stacks look like something from a Norse myth, rising dramatically from the ocean with nothing around but sea cliffs and mist. Most tours depart from the fishing village of Sørvágur and take you right up to the arch. Want to elope somewhere truly remote? This is your spot. The kind of place where the wind, waves, and raw beauty take center stage.
Best for: Coast, Islands, Sea Arches
Best months to get married here: June to August
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating
Hvar, Croatia
Hvar’s all about sun-drenched charm, but the best way to escape the crowds and lean into the magic is to charter a sailboat and head out to the Pakleni Islands. These tiny, forested islets have crystal-clear coves where you can drop anchor, hop in for a swim, and say your vows with just the waves for company. Back on Hvar, the blend of historic stone towns, vineyard views, and chic harbor life means you can go full glam or keep it casual… With boat shoes, of course.
Best for: Island, Beach, Coast, Historic Port Town
Best months to get married here: April to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding
Grand Lake, Colorado
Tucked up against the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is the kind of chill lakeside town that feels like summer vacation, no matter when you’re here. Rent a pontoon or a vintage-style cruiser and spend the day drifting across Colorado’s largest natural lake with forested peaks all around you. There’s plenty of dock space to pull in for a quick bite or even a lakeside ceremony. Bonus: if you’re here in fall, the golden aspens around the shoreline are absolutely next level.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lakes
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Boating, Canoeing, Paddleboarding
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
This is the place for turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and barefoot boat days that feel like a dream. Charter a yacht or hop on a sailing tour and cruise between the 74 islands – most of them uninhabited, all of them gorgeous. Drop anchor off Whitehaven Beach (that sand is next level), snorkel the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef, and say your vows on a private stretch of sand you can only get to by boat. Hamilton Island is the perfect home base, but the real magic out on the water.
Best for: Islands, Lagoon, Forest, Coast, Beaches
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Diving, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Helicopter
Dillon Reservoir, Colorado
Sitting between mountain towns and surrounded by mountains, Dillon Reservoir is a great pick for a relaxed, water-based elopement. You can rent a sailboat or even bring your own, and spend the day out on the lake with views of snow-dusted mountains all around. There are plenty of spots to pull up to shore if you want a quiet ceremony on land, or just drop anchor and say your vows right on deck. It’s super accessible, since it’s right along the I-70 corridor, so totally ideal if you want a closer-to-home elopement that doesn’t require an expedition to get to.
Best for: Lake, Mountains, Forest
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Sailboat, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is pure movie-set glamour, with water so still it feels like glass and villas that somehow outdo the Instagram hype. The move here is to charter a Riva boat (you know, the vintage ones with the wood finishes) and cruise past pastel villages and ivy-draped mansions. Pull into a quiet cove, pop some prosecco, and make it official with the Alps in the background. Whether you’re leaning into luxury or taking it slow, the lake makes everything feel timeless. It also doesn’t hurt that you’re never far from good wine or fresh pasta.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes, City, Forest
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Hiking
Koltur Island, Faroe Islands
Koltur is about as off-the-grid as it gets. With pretty much no permanent residents, it’s just you, the cliffs, and the sea. You’ll get there by boat, passing other dramatic islands before arriving at this wild little slice of land. The hiking is next-level, the views are endless, and the silence is something else. If you’re into the idea of arriving by sea, exploring all afternoon, and camping overnight in complete peace, Koltur is exactly the kind of place that makes your elopement feel completely your own.
Best for: Mountains, Island, Coast, Puffins!
Best months to get married here: July to September
My favorite activities to do here: Boating, Hiking
Venice, Italy
There’s boat elopements, and then there’s Venice. Glide past crumbling palazzos and under arched bridges, steering your own rowboat through narrow canals (yes, you can learn). You’ll feel like you’re floating through a painting – with espresso stops, of course. To avoid the tour bus energy come in the off-season for foggy mornings, candlelit trattorias, and empty alleys that feel straight out of a romance film. Pro tip: take a vaporetto (water bus!) to one of the quieter outer islands like Burano for rainbow houses and space to breathe.
Best for: Coast, City
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Boating, Hiking
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Think of the Galápagos like the wildest, most epic boat-access-only elopement destination ever. You’re literally sailing through a living nature documentary, with blue-footed boobies flying overhead, sea lions lazing on the beach, and giant tortoises just doing their thing. Most people explore by liveaboard or island-hopping boats, which means your entire elopement adventure is basically one big water-based safari. Swap traditional vows for saying “I do” on the deck of a catamaran with marine iguanas watching from the shore. It’s low-key surreal.
Best for: Islands, Beach, Coast, Ocean
Best months to get married here: Year-round
My favorite activities to do here: Liveaboard, Boating, Safari, Hiking, Diving
Best time of day for a sailboat elopement
The best time to be on a boat during your wedding day is at sunset! While sunrise can be equally gorgeous, it’s also usually significantly colder out on the water. Aiming to watch the sunset from the water will give you gorgeous, soft golden hour light along with perfect mirrored sunset views.
Pack a bite to eat and head out onto the water for one of the most stunning parts of the day! When you get back you’ll be in blue hour, which is always beautiful near the water.
How to choose the right company for a sailboat cruise
Any time you’re considering hiring a vendor for your wedding or elopement, research is a crucial part of the process! Depending on where you get married, you may not have many options for a given activity, which will make your task easier. But if you do have a choice, here are 7 key questions you should be asking your boat company:
1. How long are your outings?
This will impact everything about your timeline, so make sure you know what increments they offer! Many have a standard offering of 2 hours, but I’ve also seen minimums of 4 or even 6.
2. Do you charge per person or per outing?
For some boat vendors, they only charge a flat fee, no matter how many people you have on the boat. Others will charge per person and potentially have a minimum. Making sure you know how they bill will prevent surprises while booking.
3. What are your safety procedures like?
Do they require life vests the entire time? Are they trained if someone—or something—falls overboard? Do they have extra flotation devices on board? No one wants to think about a sticky situation on their wedding day, but it’s an important one to ask.
4. What is your food or drink policy?
Packing a picnic or a beverage to enjoy together on board can make an excellent activity, but not every provider allows it! Or, they may allow food but no alcoholic beverages. If that’s something you have your heart set on, it’s important to know what they allow.
5. What route do you take?
The goal of this question is to find out if there’s any flexibility in their route to stop and admire pretty sights along the way. If you’re a take-charge person, you may want a vendor who has no set schedule or tour stops. If you want to lay back and relax, a prepared answer to this question may be reassuring!
6. What is your cancellation policy/back-up plan?
Weather happens. I have seen afternoon thunderstorms or high-winds cancel more than one romantic boat trip in my time. Ask them what conditions they cancel under, what their refund policy is, if they allow rescheduling, and how they account for trips that can’t happen.
7. Will we be the only people on board?
Privacy is a selling point for many couples when it comes to heading out on a boat. Double check if you’re booking a private or public experience… otherwise you may have a few guests!
Finally, though it’s not a question for your provider, make sure you’re always considering your own comfort levels with water before booking something. If you can’t swim (or aren’t a strong swimmer), it may be wise to book something like a pontoon over a sailboat. Safety is always the first priority out on the water!
Pro-Tips for a sailboat elopement
Planning an activity like going out on a boat on your wedding day naturally comes with a few more things to consider than if you were staying on dry land! I’ve helped dozens of couples successfully plan a boat trip into their elopement, so I know exactly what to prepare for.
- Consider a change of clothing
Wedding attire on a boat can be absolutely stunning. But it can also be weighty, hard to move around in, and potentially a safety hazard. I’ll talk about this more in the next section, but I see many couples switch out of their dresses and suits for this activity!
- Eat light but filling before you head out
Motion sickness can be triggered by being overly full and by being hungry. Sitting in the sun at either end of that spectrum can also make you feel sick! So eat a protein-packed snack free of anything that you know will irritate your stomach before boarding. Think charcuterie boards, protein bars, sandwiches, or salads.
- Think about leaving valuables (like rings!) safely on dry land
If you’re thinking of exchanging rings on the water, it’s worth it to think about bringing silicone or Amazon stand-ins for the event. I’ve never seen a ring go overboard, but I’ve heard horror stories about it happening. If you do wear your rings out on the water, make sure they’re snugly fitted to your fingers and aren’t at risk of falling off. I would also caution against bringing things that can easily blow away, like letters from loved ones.
- Avoid mid-day if possible
While it’s definitely not a deal breaker (I’ve had couples do it to great success), the lighting will be best for your photos if you avoid the middle of the day. This is when the sun is the most overhead and direct, which can reflect strongly off of the water. Especially if your boat has no shade! Golden hour (right before sunset) is the most comfortable time to be out on the water.
- If your dog is coming with, make sure they’re prepared
There are plenty of boat tour companies out there who will let you bring your pup! If you’re considering it, make sure you have a flotation device for them and know their comfort level around water. The last thing you’ll want to do is have to turn around and go back if your dog starts to panic.
- Bring layers
It’s nearly impossible to know what it’ll actually be like out on the water, so make sure you bring an extra jacket, hat, sunglasses, a blanket, or anything else you may need to be comfortable. This is especially important in colder climates!
What to wear for a sailboat ride
Deciding on what to wear out on the boat is going to depend greatly on the type of boat, the climate you’re in, and if you’re planning on swimming.
In general, wearing a wedding dress or any other heavy wedding attire out on the water can come with additional risks if you accidentally end up in the water. This is especially true for dresses with multiple layers, which can easily get bogged down with water and weigh you down. That being said, I’ve had brides out on paddle boards in full gowns and suits! It comes down to your personal comfort and skill level with water.
For Warm Weather:
If you want to change into a dress that’s going to be more water-friendly (whether you’re planning on jumping in or just want to be on the safe side), opt for lightweight fabrics and single-layers. For example, sheath dresses made from fabrics like silk, chiffon, and organza won’t get weighed down and will flow beautifully in the water!
And, of course, you could always just go in your bathing suit! I’ve had plenty of couples on boats wear primarily their swim suits and bring a cover-up layer to throw on whenever they wanted. If you’re going to be getting in and out of the water, this is a great option.
If you’re not getting in, you have some additional options! You could change into a wedding attire option with shorts, a sun-dress, a white button-down, or anything else that will help you regulate your temperature while still feeling your best. Most of my couples will opt for all-white themes while they’re out on the boat, but it’s your wedding day, so you should wear whatever feels best! Just remember that darker colors tend to attract and trap heat.
I would also strongly encourage you to pick up a couple of great hats and fun sunglasses! Not only will these make for good photos, they’ll help you stay comfortable in the sun the whole time.
Always make sure you bring a light layer to cover up with. The wind on the water can be chillier than expected, so even if you’re taking a boat off the coast of Los Angeles, grab a jacket!
For Cold Weather:
Depending on where you elope, you may not have much of a choice in what you wear. If you’re hopping on a boat to cruise between the Faroes, for example, you may have to hop into an insulated, waterproof suit!
But that isn’t always the case, even if you’re in the middle of an icy bay! For my Greenland couples, I tend to emphasize layers. For dress-wearers, that usually looks like wool socks, boots, fleece-lined skin tone leggings to wear under the dress, a warm and cozy coat to put on top, ear muffs (which can give you less hat hair but still keep you warm), convertible mittens, and hand/body warmers.
For suit-wearers, it’s a bit easier. Between pants, shirt, vest, and jacket, you’re already several layers deep! I would still recommend thermal clothes underneath, wool socks, boots, hand/body warmers, a coat, and something to keep your ears warm (if you’re opposed to ear muffs, headbands can be a good alternative).
You’ll also want to make sure you remember sunglasses still. The sun can be just as bright at 20 degrees as it can at 90!
If you’re going somewhere chilly but not cold, you may not need all of this. I always recommend opting for bringing along more backups than you think you’ll need—sometimes the water is significantly colder than dry land, and being too cold can ruin your enjoyment quickly!
Things to pack for a sailboat ride
The name of the game for keeping any wedding day boat trip enjoyable is always preparation. Here’s my go-to list of things to make sure you have in your bag for your trip!
Any Climate:
For Warm Weather:
For Cold Weather, as needed:
I always encourage couples to pack to be more prepared than they think they’ll need to be. Being out on the water and being uncomfortable for one reason or another can take the fun out of it!
Costs of renting a sailboat
The average cost to rent a boat in the United States is about $500 for 2 hours. It can fluctuate greatly though depending on the kind of boat you’re renting, if you need or want a captain, the number of boats available, the number of people you have with you, and the location.
Public transportation boats, like ferries in Washington, tend to be much cheaper but decidedly not private. In contrast, luxury options in locations like the Amalfi Coast, can cost upwards of $5,000. Largely, I would say that there’s an option at nearly any price point!
Conclusion
Going out on a boat can be a really fun wedding or elopement day activity! The wide variety of options in terms of boat choice, scenery, and price point makes this one of the easiest activities to work into your day. There’s a perfect answer for everyone!
I’ve photographed over 300+ elopements, and it would be an honor to document your dream day, too! Throughout every step, I’ll be there with custom vendor recs for everything from lodging to florals to catering, a thorough planning guide, personalized itinerary design, unlimited consult calls, packing lists, travel and permit expertise, and so much more! I’ll make sure that every step of the process is smooth and exciting. Just reach out to me here to get started!
You can contact me no matter how vague or concrete your ideas are, but if you still want to do a little more looking, you can head to my interactive location database with over 600 of my personal elopement location picks all over the world! You can even filter by boating as an activity to make the list super easy.
(But don’t forget, you’ll always get personalized location idea lists from me, too!)
Happy eloping!
