Motor Yacht Hire Marbella for Wedding – Celebrate

If you are planning a wedding in Marbella and want something a bit more memorable than a hotel ballroom, hire a motor yacht for the day. You get the ceremony, the photos and the party all on the water, with the Mediterranean as your backdrop and a licensed skipper to handle the navigation. No need to worry about logistics or sea legs, these yachts are stable, spacious and come with a crew who know exactly how to make it special.

BoatHire24 connects you with private motor yachts available for weddings from Puerto Banús, Marbella Marina and other ports along the Costa del Sol. Whether you want a small civil ceremony for ten guests or a reception for fifty, there is a boat to fit. Every charter includes a professional skipper, so you can focus on the celebration, not the steering.

What a Wedding Yacht Charter Includes

When you book a motor yacht for a wedding through BoatHire24, you get the vessel, the skipper and the fuel for the duration. Most charters also include a welcome drink, basic sound system and use of the onboard kitchen for catering. You can add extras such as a wedding cake, flowers, a photographer or a live musician. The crew will help you plan the timeline, from the ceremony to the champagne toast and the first dance on the deck.

Each yacht has a maximum guest capacity set by the maritime authority, so you need to confirm numbers before booking. The skipper will anchor in a calm bay for the ceremony, then cruise along the coast for the photos. You are not tied to a single spot, the sea gives you freedom to choose your own scenery.

Why Marbella and the Costa del Sol for a Wedding at Sea

Marbella has over 300 days of sunshine a year, average sea temperatures of 22 degrees C in summer and a coastline dotted with exclusive marinas. Puerto Banús alone sees yachts worth millions moored alongside designer boutiques, so your wedding photos will have that Riviera feel without leaving Spain. The Strait of Gibraltar is a short cruise away, where you can spot dolphins and whales during the ceremony if you time it right.

For a more intimate setting, you can anchor near Cala del Faro or the cliffs of Cabopino. The views of La Concha mountain from the sea are hard to beat, especially at sunset. And if you want a longer celebration, some yachts offer overnight charters so you can sleep onboard after the party.

Available Ports for Your Wedding Charter

You can depart from any of the main ports on the Costa del Sol. Puerto Banús is the most popular for weddings because of its glamorous image and proximity to Marbella’s old town. Marbella Marina (Puerto Deportivo) is quieter and closer to the city centre. Cabopino is a small, sandy port near the dunes, ideal for a relaxed ceremony. Estepona port gives you access to the old town’s flower-filled streets for pre-wedding photos. Sotogrande is more exclusive, with larger yachts and a longer season. Benalmádena is a good option if you are staying near Torremolinos or Fuengirola.

Each port has parking, restaurants and easy access for guests. The skipper will meet you at the designated berth and handle all mooring and departure formalities.

Motor Yachts Suitable for Weddings

We offer a range of motor yachts from 12 metres to over 30 metres. For a wedding, the most popular sizes are 15 to 20 metres, which can accommodate 12 to 30 guests comfortably for a ceremony and sit-down meal. Larger yachts (25 metres plus) can host up to 50 guests for a buffet reception. All yachts have a main deck saloon, a flybridge or sundeck, and a bow area for the ceremony. Some have a separate cabin where the couple can get ready before the guests arrive.

Examples include the Azimut 55, Sunseeker Predator 74 and Princess V70. Prices for a half-day charter start from around EUR 3,000 for a 15-metre yacht, rising to EUR 10,000 or more for a full day on a superyacht. Contact us for exact quotes based on your date and guest count.

Pricing Guidance for a Wedding Yacht Charter

Prices vary by yacht size, duration, season and extras. A half-day charter (4 hours) for a small wedding party of 10 to 15 guests on a 15-metre motor yacht costs from around EUR 3,000. A full-day charter (8 hours) for 20 to 30 guests on a 20-metre yacht starts at about EUR 5,500. High season (June to September) commands a premium of 20 to 30 percent. Extras such as a wedding cake, flowers, photographer or DJ add EUR 500 to EUR 2,000 depending on the package.

Deposit is typically 50 percent at booking, with the balance due one week before the charter. Cancellation policies vary, but most operators offer a partial refund if you cancel more than 30 days in advance.

Best Season for a Wedding Yacht Charter in Marbella

The best months are May, June, September and October. The weather is warm (25 to 30 degrees C), the sea is calm and the marinas are less crowded than in July and August. July and August are peak season, hot (35 degrees C plus) and busy, but still workable if you book early and choose a morning or sunset slot. Winter weddings (November to March) are possible on calm days, but temperatures drop to 15 to 20 degrees C and the sea can be choppy. Most yachts are still available, but you will need a covered deck and heating.

Sunset charters (around 7 pm in summer, 5 pm in winter) are the most popular for weddings because the light is golden and the temperature is cooler.

How to Book a Motor Yacht for Your Wedding

Start by checking availability on the search page for your preferred date and port. You can filter by guest capacity, yacht type and duration. Once you find a yacht that fits, send an enquiry with your wedding date, guest count and any special requests. The BoatHire24 team will confirm availability and send a detailed quote within 24 hours.

We recommend booking at least three months in advance for summer weddings, and six months for peak dates in July and August. For last-minute bookings, contact us directly and we will check which yachts are still free.

Who Should Consider a Wedding Yacht Charter

This option works best for couples who want an intimate, private ceremony with a small guest list (under 50 people). It is also ideal for elopements, second weddings or renewal of vows. If you have guests who get seasick, choose a larger yacht with stabilisers and a calm bay location. The skipper will avoid open water if you request a sheltered spot.

For larger weddings (50 to 100 guests), consider a catamaran or a superyacht, or combine a yacht ceremony with a land-based reception. The yacht can serve as the ceremony and cocktail hour venue, then guests move to a restaurant or villa for dinner.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Civil ceremonies are possible on a yacht in Spain if you arrange a licensed officiant and register the marriage with the local authorities. Some couples opt for a symbolic ceremony at sea and handle the legal paperwork on land. The yacht crew can help coordinate with a wedding planner or celebrant.

Insurance for the event is covered by the yacht’s charter policy, but you should check if your own wedding insurance covers cancellations or weather-related changes. The skipper has the final say on weather conditions, if the sea is too rough, they will recommend an alternative port or reschedule.

More Ideas for Your Wedding at Sea

Read our blog for tips on planning a wedding yacht charter, including sample itineraries, catering ideas and what to wear. You can also combine your wedding charter with a day trip to the Nerja caves or a dolphin-watching cruise in the Strait of Gibraltar. For larger groups, consider a fleet booking with two or three yachts sailing together.

Start your search on BoatHire24 and find the perfect motor yacht for your Marbella wedding.

Comparing Motor Yacht Sizes for Your Wedding Guest List

Guest count is the main factor when picking a yacht. A 12-metre motor yacht like the Sunseeker Portofino 40 handles up to 12 guests for a seated ceremony, with the bow area used for the vows and the saloon for the champagne toast. A 15-metre yacht, such as the Azimut 50, comfortably seats 15 to 18 guests around a single table on the flybridge. For 20 to 30 guests, you need a 20-metre yacht like the Princess V65, which has a main deck saloon that can be set up for a buffet and a large sundeck for dancing. Above 25 metres, yachts like the Ferretti 780 can host 40 to 50 guests for a standing reception, with separate areas for the ceremony, dinner and dancing. Always confirm the official capacity with the operator, because the maritime authority limits numbers based on life raft capacity and crew size.

Specific Motor Yacht Models Available for Weddings in Marbella

BoatHire24 lists several models that are popular for weddings. The Azimut 55 (17 metres) has a spacious flybridge and a bow sunpad that works for a small ceremony. The Sunseeker Predator 74 (22 metres) offers a large cockpit and a separate cabin for the couple to prepare. The Princess V70 (21 metres) has a main deck galley and a tender garage that can be converted into a dance floor. The Ferretti 780 (24 metres) includes a master cabin with a king bed and a full-beam saloon with panoramic windows. For a more modern look, the Riva 76 Perseo (23 metres) has a beach club at the stern and a retractable roof. Prices for these yachts range from around EUR 4,500 for a half-day on the Azimut 55 to EUR 12,000 for a full day on the Ferretti 780. Contact us for current availability and specific pricing for your date.

Wedding Charter Duration Options

Most wedding charters are half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours). A half-day charter works well for a ceremony, champagne toast and a short cruise along the coast. You can anchor in a bay for the vows, then cruise past Puerto Banús for photos. A full-day charter allows for a longer reception, a sit-down meal and a stop for swimming or a beach visit. Some operators offer a sunset charter (3 hours from 6 pm to 9 pm in summer), which is the cheapest option at around EUR 2,500 for a 15-metre yacht. Overnight charters are available on yachts with cabins, such as the Princess V70, which has three double cabins. An overnight charter costs from around EUR 8,000 for 24 hours, including breakfast and a night anchorage in a quiet cove. The skipper and crew stay onboard throughout.

Combining a Wedding Charter with a Dolphin-Watching Cruise

The Strait of Gibraltar is about 40 nautical miles from Marbella, a 1.5-hour cruise at 25 knots. If you book a full-day charter, you can include a dolphin-watching segment in the morning, then anchor for the ceremony in the afternoon. The Strait has a resident population of striped dolphins, common dolphins and pilot whales, and in summer you might see fin whales. The skipper will coordinate with local spotters to find the pods. This adds about EUR 200 to the fuel cost for a 15-metre yacht. For a shorter trip, the waters off Cabopino and Estepona also have dolphin sightings, closer to port. If you want the ceremony to be the focus, skip the long cruise and stay within 10 nautical miles of the departure port.

Weather and Sea Conditions for a Wedding at Sea

The Costa del Sol is sheltered by the Sierra Blanca mountains, so the sea is usually calm in summer. The prevailing wind is the Levante, which blows from the east and can create a moderate chop of 0.5 to 1 metre in the afternoon. Morning charters (10 am to 2 pm) have the calmest conditions, with wind speeds below 10 knots. Sunset charters (6 pm to 9 pm) can have a light swell, but most yachts over 15 metres have stabilisers that reduce roll. In spring and autumn, the wind is lighter, but there is a higher chance of a passing shower. The skipper monitors the forecast and will suggest an alternative bay or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. You should have a backup date in your contract, especially for weddings in November to March.

Wedding Catering and Menu Options on a Motor Yacht

Most motor yachts have a galley with a hob, oven, fridge and microwave. You can bring your own catering or order from a preferred supplier. Typical wedding menus include cold seafood platters (EUR 30 per person), grilled fish or meat with sides (EUR 45 per person) or a three-course sit-down meal (EUR 60 per person). Some yachts have a barbecue on the flybridge, which costs an extra EUR 150 for setup and cleaning. Drinks packages start at EUR 20 per person for beer, wine and soft drinks, or EUR 40 per person for a premium bar with champagne and cocktails. The crew will serve the food and clear the plates, but they are not trained waiters, so for a formal sit-down meal you may want to bring a catering team. The yacht's galley has limited counter space, so discuss the menu with the operator in advance.

Photography and Videography Tips for a Yacht Wedding

The best time for photos is the golden hour, one hour before sunset. The light is soft and warm, and the sea reflects the colours. A professional photographer with experience on boats is recommended, because the movement and reflections require fast lenses and good stabilisation. The flybridge and the bow are the best spots for group shots, with the coastline or the marina in the background. For a ceremony at anchor, the skipper will position the yacht with the sun behind the couple. Drones are allowed in Spain, but you need a permit from the civil aviation authority. Some operators can arrange a drone pilot for an extra EUR 300. Avoid the midday sun (12 pm to 4 pm) because the light is harsh and shadows are deep. A sunset charter from 6 pm to 9 pm gives you the best light and a cooler temperature.

Accessibility and Mobility Considerations on a Yacht

Motor yachts have steps between the deck levels, so they are not fully wheelchair accessible. The main deck saloon is at dock level, but the flybridge and bow area require climbing a ladder or steps. If you have guests with limited mobility, choose a yacht with a wide, shallow staircase and a handrail. The Azimut 55 has a straight staircase from the cockpit to the flybridge, while the Princess V70 has a curved staircase that is easier to navigate. Some yachts have a hydraulic swim platform that can be used for boarding, but it is not a full ramp. For elderly guests or those with walking aids, a catamaran might be a better option because the decks are wider and there are fewer steps. Discuss any accessibility needs with the BoatHire24 team before booking.

Combining a Wedding Charter with a Visit to Estepona Old Town

Estepona port is 15 minutes from the old town by taxi. If you depart from Estepona, you can take pre-wedding photos in the old town's flower-filled streets and the Orchidarium, then board the yacht for the ceremony. The port has a large car park and several hotels within walking distance. The old town is also a good option for a post-wedding dinner at a traditional Andalusian restaurant, such as El Rincón de la Playa or La Escollera. The yacht can anchor off the Estepona coast, with views of the Sierra Bermeja mountains. This combination works well for a small wedding party of 10 to 20 guests. The total charter cost from Estepona is similar to Puerto Banús, but the port is less crowded and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Booking a Wedding Yacht Charter Through BoatHire24

To start, use the search page to filter by port, guest capacity and yacht type. Select "motor yacht" and "wedding" as the occasion. You will see a list of available yachts with photos, specifications and sample itineraries. Send an enquiry with your date, guest count and any extras you want. The BoatHire24 team will respond within 24 hours with a detailed quote and a list of available yachts. We recommend booking at least three months in advance for summer weddings, and six months for peak dates in July and August. For last-minute bookings, contact us directly and we will check which yachts are still free. You can also read our blog for more tips on planning a wedding at sea. Start your search on BoatHire24 and find the perfect motor yacht for your Marbella wedding.

Frequently asked questions

How many guests can a wedding yacht hold?

Most motor yachts for weddings in Marbella hold between 10 and 50 guests. Smaller yachts (12 to 15 metres) are best for 10 to 15 guests. Larger yachts (20 metres plus) can host up to 50 for a buffet reception. Check the specific yacht’s capacity before booking.

Can we have a legal civil ceremony on the yacht?

Yes, you can have a legal civil ceremony if you arrange a licensed officiant and register the marriage with Spanish authorities. Many couples prefer a symbolic ceremony at sea and complete the legal paperwork on land. The crew can help coordinate with a celebrant.

What happens if the weather is bad on the wedding day?

The skipper will assess conditions and may suggest a sheltered anchorage or a different departure port. If the sea is too rough for safe sailing, the charter can be rescheduled or cancelled with a partial refund depending on the operator’s policy. Most weddings go ahead in calm bays.

Is catering included in the wedding yacht charter?

Catering is not always included in the base price, but most yachts have a kitchen and crew who can serve a buffet, sit-down meal or canapés. You can arrange catering through the charter company or bring your own. Extras like a wedding cake and champagne are usually available for an additional fee.

How far in advance should I book a wedding yacht in Marbella?

For summer weddings (June to September), book at least three months ahead. For peak dates in July and August, six months is safer. Winter weddings can be booked one to two months in advance. Last-minute bookings are possible but limited.

Can we stay overnight on the yacht after the wedding?

Some motor yachts offer overnight charters, especially larger models with cabins. The price includes mooring fees and breakfast. Check with the charter company when booking. Overnight stays are popular for small weddings and elopements.

What is the cost range for a wedding yacht charter in Marbella?

Half-day charters for 10 to 15 guests start from around EUR 3,000. Full-day charters for 20 to 30 guests start at about EUR 5,500. Superyachts and premium packages can cost EUR 10,000 or more. Extras like flowers, photography and DJ add EUR 500 to EUR 2,000.

Motor Yacht Hire Marbella for Wedding Celebrations