Beautiful Boat Wedding Venues for Couples Who Want Something Different

Are you looking for an unusual wedding venue? Why not get married on a boat? We’ve rounded up some of the most amazing boat wedding venues to inspire you.

HMS Gannet, Kent

Situated in the Chatham Historic Dockyard, the HMS Gannet is a magnificent three-masted sloop dating back to 1878, where you can get married on board. You can also host a party on the new Commands of the Oceans Mess Deck, which is made from the beams from retired and decommissioned ships. The historical boat will look amazing in the background of your wedding pictures.

You can have you ceremony in the Commander’s Cabin, on the Quarterdeck or on the main deck of the beautiful ship, before exploring the unique choice of venue with your guests.

The Yacht London, London

If you want a really unusual London wedding venue, consider the Yacht London. You can celebrate your marriage in front of the beautiful backdrop that is the Thames and some of London’s most iconic sights all year round.

If the weather is good, the sides of the top deck can be raised, creating an outdoor ceremony feel to add to the magic of the day. In the evening you can host up to 200 guests to toast your happiness and party the evening away until 3am. The venue, which dates back to 1927, is full of art deco charm whilst still adding a contemporary feel to your day.

Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Bristol

This incredible boat wedding venue is steeped in history – it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843, but now lies in the heart of Bristol’s harbourside. The elaborate ship and its rich history make it the perfect setting for a couple looking for something different for their big day.

There are versatile spaces for your celebrations both below and above deck on the ss Great Britain, and you’ll have exclusive use so you can enjoy them in their entirety. You and your guests can enjoy delicious food, fine wine and champagne surrounded by a gorgeous example of early Victorian design, complete with marble pillars, rococo mirrors and candle lamps.

The Tattershall Castle, London

This charming boat wedding venue is moored on the river Thames, overlooking the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, so from the moment you and your guests set foot on board they’ll be captivated.

Your guests can mingle and enjoy drinks on the deck in the sunshine, taking in the beautiful views and being swept away by the glamour onboard at the Tattershall Castle. It’s also the only venue in Westminster approved to hold ceremonies outdoor on deck.

If you’re looking for a large capacity wedding venue, the whole boat can be hired to host 900 people, or you can hire individual function rooms to suit your needs.

HMS Warrior, Hampshire

You’ll find the magnificent HMS Warrior within Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, where it has become one of the most sought after wedding venues on the South Coast. The unique setting offers all the trappings of a 21st century wedding, including the service, amid an abundance of history on a Victorian military ship.

There are plenty of spaces on board for your guests to explore, which will result in some fabulous photo opportunities – why not throw the best man into the cells on the ship, or pose with your bridal party in one of the captain’s rooms?

Image credit (couple): Kim Collins Photography

HMS Belfast, London

The amazing HMS Belfast offers incredible 360 degree views of London and authentically decorated rooms, each boasting plenty of character. Despite the formidable exterior, the boat has plenty of history that is both intriguing and romantic.

The venue was saved for the nation in 1971 and can now be hired to host up to 144 of your nearest and dearest, providing fabulous photo opportunities, amazing food made by the on-board chefs and affordable packages in the heart of the capital city.

The Kentish Lady, Kent

Experience the beautiful River Medway in a totally unique way by hosting your wedding reception on the Kentish Lady. It has a fully licensed bar, and you can privately charter it for your celebration.

The single deck catamaran river boat weaves its way through the beautiful Maidstone scenery – it’s the best way to get to see everything as you enjoy drinks and food with your loved ones. There are bespoke packages for wedding receptions which include a buffet and a DJ.

Maid of the Forth, Lothian

This family run business has over 27 years’ of experience in offering relaxing and quality cruises along the Firth of Forth, under the Forth bridges and out to the historic Inchcolm Island. You can choose from a range of wedding options on the Maid of the Forth, depending on what you require for your special day.

You can actually get married on board, providing you privately hire vessel at a time when it is not booked for public sailings. If you host your wedding on the upper deck you can choose your backdrop – Fife’s beautiful coast or the impressive Forth Bridges. You can share your day with up to 90 guests and have a DJ or live band on board to really get the party started.

YorkBoat, Yorkshire

Charter your own private vessel for your wedding – YorkBoat boasts a fleet of five to choose from, ranging in size and specifications to suit your needs. On board you’ll find a fully stocked bar, a heated saloon and an open top deck – perfect for enjoying lovely weather.

You can book a range of entertainment for your river cruise, including karaoke or even gaming tables for a Las Vegas feel. YorkBoat can also provide complimentary ‘Just Married’ banners, life-rings and white ribbons to dress up your unusual choice of venue.

River & Rowing Museum, Oxfordshire

This wedding venue is the perfect choice for couples who’d like to include boats in part of their wedding day, but still have the option of solid ground too. You can arrive at the River & Rowing Museum by boat and marry in the glass fronted Thames room, overlooking the river.

The ceremony room at the venue is uniquely decorated with rowing boats and canoes so you can include one of your passions in your wedding décor easily and without having to spend too much on dressing the room up yourselves!

If you love the water but feel swayed by the idea of having your ceremony on dry land, don’t miss our edit of the best seaside wedding venues.