Private Yacht Hire Puerto Banus Wedding – Dream Day

You want your wedding to be unforgettable, not just another hotel ballroom with a buffet. A private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding is exactly that: you, your closest people, and the Mediterranean sliding past the deck. No hired skipper to worry about, every BoatHire24 charter includes a licensed captain, so you can focus on the champagne and the vows.

We’re talking about a ceremony with La Concha mountain as the backdrop, or a reception drifting past the mansions of Puerto Banús. You choose the boat, a sleek motor yacht, a spacious catamaran, or a classic sailing yacht, and we handle the logistics. From the moment you step aboard at Marbella Marina or Puerto Banús, it’s your private floating venue.

This page covers exactly what you need to know: boat options, ports, pricing, the best months, and how to book. No fluff, just the facts you need to decide if a wedding on the water is for you.

Why a Private Yacht Hire Puerto Banus Wedding Works

A wedding on a yacht isn’t just a ceremony, it’s a whole day that moves with you. You start at the dock, maybe with a glass of cava, then head out past the golden sands of Puerto Banús. The skipper takes you along the coast, past the Cala del Faro cliffs, while you exchange vows with the sea breeze in your hair. After the ‘I do’s’, the boat anchors in a quiet cove for the party, or you cruise back to the marina for dinner at a beachside restaurant. The point is, you’re not stuck in one room. You have the freedom to create a day that feels like a holiday, not a production line.

And because every charter includes a licensed skipper, you don’t need a boating licence or any experience. You just show up, enjoy, and let the captain worry about the navigation. That’s the real value: you get the luxury of a private yacht without the stress of driving it.

What’s Included in a Wedding Charter

Every private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding through BoatHire24 includes the following as standard:

A licensed skipper for the full duration, no extra charge.
The boat for a minimum of 4 hours, but most wedding charters go for 6, 8 hours to allow time for the ceremony, photos, and a relaxed cruise.
Fuel costs, usually included in the price, but confirm with the boat owner (some superyachts charge fuel separately).
Basic sound system on board, enough for background music or a playlist for the ceremony.
Use of the boat’s sun deck, saloon, and galley (kitchen).
Catering options: you can bring your own food or arrange catering through the boat owner. Many yachts have a partnership with local marbella caterers who specialise in wedding menus, from canapés to a full sit-down dinner.
Optional extras: a wedding planner can be arranged for an additional fee, as can a photographer, flowers, and a separate cake table.

What’s not included: drinks (you can bring your own or order through the boat), decorations (most owners allow them but you need to ask), and the actual ceremony officiant (if you want a legal wedding, you’ll need to arrange a civil ceremony on land and then celebrate on the boat; symbolic ceremonies are fine on board).

Which Ports Can You Depart From

Your private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding can start from several ports along the Costa del Sol. The most popular is Puerto Banús itself, it’s the iconic marina with the superyachts, designer shops, and that famous atmosphere. But you can also depart from:

Marbella Marina (Puerto Deportivo), closer to Marbella town, less glitzy but still beautiful. Good if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Cabopino, a small, charming marina near the dunes of Artola. Ideal for smaller weddings (up to 30 guests) and a more intimate feel.
Estepona, a bit quieter, with a lovely old town nearby. Good if you want to combine the boat trip with a dinner in the old town afterwards.
Sotogrande, upscale, with the polo crowd. Suits larger yachts and longer charters.
Benalmádena, further east, but still within easy reach of the main attractions. Often slightly cheaper than Puerto Banús.

The choice of port affects the scenery. From Puerto Banús, you’ll cruise past the luxury villas of the Golden Mile. From Marbella Marina, you head towards the Cabopino dunes. From Estepona, you get the Strait of Gibraltar views, and often dolphins. Talk to the BoatHire24 team about which port suits your wedding vision.

Boat Options for Your Wedding

Not all boats are created equal for a wedding. Here’s what works best:

Motor Yachts

These are the most popular for weddings. They have spacious sun decks, a saloon with air conditioning, and a flybridge for the ceremony. A 15, 20 metre motor yacht can host 20, 40 guests comfortably. The motor yacht gives you speed, you can cover more coastline in a few hours, so you can see Puerto Banús, the Marbella coastline, and maybe even the Cabopino cliffs. Prices start from around EUR 4,000 for a 4-hour charter for a 15m boat.

Catamarans

Catamarans are wider and more stable, which means less seasickness and more deck space. They’re brilliant for weddings because the main deck is one big open area, perfect for the ceremony and the party. A 12, 15 metre catamaran can hold 30, 50 guests. The catamaran is also great for anchoring in shallow coves, you can swim off the back after the vows. Prices from around EUR 3,500 for a half-day.

Sailing Yachts

If you want something more classic and romantic, a sailing yacht is the choice. They’re slower, but the sight of the sails against the sunset is unbeatable. The deck space is more limited, typically 10, 20 guests, so it’s better for a very intimate wedding. Sailing yachts start from around EUR 2,500 for a half-day.

RIBs and Speedboats

Not ideal for a wedding unless you’re just doing a short ceremony with 6, 8 people. They’re fast and fun, but there’s no shade and no toilet. Better for the after-party or a pre-wedding joyride.

Superyachts

For the big budget. 30 metres and above, with crew, multiple decks, and everything from a jacuzzi to a dance floor. Prices on request, but expect EUR 10,000+ for a day. Superyacht weddings are the ultimate statement.

Pricing Guidance for a Wedding Charter

Prices vary wildly depending on the boat size, duration, season, and extras. Here’s a rough guide for a private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding:

Small motor yacht (12, 15m, up to 20 guests): EUR 3,000, 5,000 for 4 hours. EUR 5,000, 7,000 for 8 hours.
Medium motor yacht (15, 20m, up to 40 guests): EUR 4,000, 8,000 for 4 hours. EUR 7,000, 12,000 for 8 hours.
Catamaran (12, 15m, up to 40 guests): EUR 3,500, 6,000 for 4 hours. EUR 6,000, 10,000 for 8 hours.
Sailing yacht (12, 15m, up to 20 guests): EUR 2,500, 5,000 for 4 hours. EUR 4,000, 8,000 for 8 hours.
Superyacht (30m+, up to 100 guests): from EUR 10,000 for 4 hours, price on request.

These prices include the skipper, fuel, and basic sound. Catering, decorations, and a wedding planner are extra. The best value is usually a half-day (4, 6 hours) on a catamaran or motor yacht in the shoulder season (April, May or September, October).

Best Time of Year for a Wedding on the Water

The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. For a private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding, the ideal months are May to October. Here’s the breakdown:

May, June: 25, 30°C, sea temperature around 20°C. Perfect. Not too crowded, lower prices than August.
July, August: 30, 35°C, sea 24, 26°C. Peak season, boats are more expensive and marinas are busy. But the evenings are warm and the sunsets are stunning. Book 3, 6 months ahead.
September, October: 25, 30°C, still warm. The water is at its warmest (25°C). Fewer tourists, better availability. Great choice.
November, April: 15, 20°C, sea 16, 18°C. Possible but chilly for an outdoor ceremony. You’d want a boat with a heated saloon. Cheaper, but you might need to bring jackets.

Wind is a factor. The Levante (easterly) can blow in summer afternoons, making the sea choppy. Most skippers know the sheltered coves, like Cala del Faro or the Cabopino bay, where you can anchor in calm water. Morning ceremonies (10am, 2pm) are usually calmer than afternoon ones.

How to Book Your Wedding Charter

Booking a private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding through BoatHire24 is straightforward. Here’s the process:

Check availability, Use the search tool on our site to filter by date, boat type, and guest count. You’ll see real-time availability for each boat.
Contact the owner, Once you find a boat you like, send a message through the platform. Tell them it’s for a wedding, they’ll know what extras you might need (catering, decorations, etc.).
Discuss the details, The owner will confirm the price, the exact itinerary, and what’s included. You can negotiate the time, the route, and any special requests.
Book and pay, A deposit (usually 30, 50%) secures the date. The balance is due a few days before the charter. Payment is through the platform for security.
Plan the day, You can arrange a wedding planner through the owner or bring your own. The skipper will coordinate with you on the day.

We recommend booking at least 2, 3 months in advance for summer weddings. For peak August dates, 6 months is safer.

Who Is This For

A private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding is for couples who want something different. It’s for people who don’t want to spend a year organising a hotel wedding with a hundred guests they barely know. It’s for the couple who wants the ceremony to be a genuine experience, the sound of the sea, the smell of salt, the freedom to move. It works best for:

Intimate weddings, 10 to 40 guests. Any more and you need a superyacht or a catamaran.
Destination weddings, You’re flying guests in from abroad, so you want to give them a memory, not just a dinner.
Second weddings or elopements, Less formal, more about the couple.
Couples who love the sea, If you both spend your holidays on the water, this is natural.

It’s not for everyone. If you want a big church ceremony or a traditional sit-down dinner for 150 people, a yacht might feel cramped. But for a stylish, relaxed, and genuinely beautiful wedding day, it’s hard to beat.

If you’re still unsure, read our blog posts about real yacht weddings on the Costa del Sol, they’ll give you a clearer picture of what’s possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Handle the Ceremony Itself

You have two options for a private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding: a symbolic ceremony or a legal one. Symbolic is simpler. You bring your own officiant, or a friend can lead it, and you say your vows on the bow or the flybridge. No paperwork, no fuss. Legal weddings require a civil ceremony on land first, usually at the Marbella town hall or a local courthouse, because Spanish law demands a registered officiant in a fixed location. You can do the civil bit in the morning, then head to the boat for the celebration. The skipper can anchor in a quiet spot like Cala del Faro, where the cliffs provide a natural backdrop, and you can do a symbolic re-enactment of the vows for photos. That way you get the legal side sorted and the boat party afterwards.

What to Do About Weather and Wind

The Costa del Sol is sunny most of the time, but wind can be an issue. The Levante wind blows from the east, often in the afternoon, and can create choppy conditions. For your private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding, book a morning slot, from 10am to 2pm, when the sea is usually flat. The skipper knows the sheltered spots: the bay at Cabopino is protected by the dunes, and the area near the Río Verde mouth is calm even in a breeze. If the wind does pick up, the boat can head south towards Estepona, where the coastline offers more lee. Most motor yachts and catamarans handle light chop fine, but if you or your guests are prone to seasickness, take a motion sickness pill an hour before departure. Catamarans are the most stable option, they barely roll.

Decorating the Boat for Your Wedding

Most boat owners allow decorations, but you need to ask first and agree on the terms. No confetti, it’s a nightmare to clean and can damage the deck. Instead use biodegradable flower petals or silk arrangements. You can bring florals, balloons, and a small arch for the ceremony, but keep it lightweight and secure it with tape or ties, not nails or screws. The sun deck on a motor yacht is the best spot for the ceremony, it’s open air with the sea behind you. For the reception, the saloon works if it’s hot, or the flybridge for sunset. Some owners offer a decoration package through a local florist, costing around EUR 200 to EUR 500 for basic arrangements. You can also hire a wedding stylist who specialises in boat setups, they know how to work with the space without damaging the upholstery.

Photography and Videography Tips

A private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding gives you incredible photo opportunities, but you need to plan with your photographer. The best light is in the late afternoon, around 5pm to 7pm, when the sun is low and the sea glows. The skipper can position the boat so the sun is behind you, creating a golden halo effect. For group shots, the bow is the widest open space, but it can be windy, so hold onto hats and veils. The flybridge offers a higher vantage point for wide shots of the coastline. If you want drone footage, check with the port authority first, Puerto Banús has restrictions near the marina. Many photographers charge extra for boat work, around EUR 200 to EUR 400 on top of their standard fee, because of the limited space and the need for waterproof gear. Book a photographer who has done boat weddings before, they know how to move around a deck.

Catering and Drinks on Board

You can bring your own food or arrange catering through the boat owner. Most yachts have a galley with a fridge, hob, and sink, but no oven, so hot food is tricky. Caterers often prepare canapés, cold platters, and salads that can be served buffet-style. A typical wedding menu for 20 guests costs around EUR 500 to EUR 1,000, depending on the spread. Drinks are usually BYO, you can bring wine, beer, and cava from a local supermarket like Mercadona or El Corte Inglés. The boat provides glasses and ice. Some owners offer a bar package with a bartender for an extra EUR 200 to EUR 400. Avoid red wine on a boat, it stains the deck and upholstery. Stick to white, rosé, and cava. For a toast, cava is the local choice and costs around EUR 5 a bottle in the shops.

What to Wear on a Yacht Wedding

You want to look good but also stay comfortable on a moving boat. For the bride, a lightweight dress with a train that can be bustled is ideal, avoid heavy satin or long trains that drag on the deck. A dress with a slit or a short hem works better for moving around. For the groom, linen suits are the standard, light colours like beige or cream match the nautical vibe. No stilettos, the deck can be slippery, and the heels can damage the teak. Flat sandals, wedges, or barefoot is the way to go. For guests, tell them to wear smart casual with a jacket for the evening, as it gets cooler after sunset. The skipper will have a few blankets on board, but it’s better to be prepared. If you’re doing a winter wedding, a cashmere wrap or a tailored coat works over the dress.

How Many Guests Can You Really Fit

Boat capacities are based on safety, not comfort. A 15-metre motor yacht might be certified for 20 guests, but that includes the crew. For a wedding, you want space for the ceremony, a dance area, and seating, so aim for 80% of the certified capacity. For a private yacht hire Puerto Banus wedding, here are realistic numbers: a 12-metre motor yacht fits 10 to 15 guests comfortably, a 15-metre fits 15 to 25, a 20-metre fits 25 to 40. Catamarans are wider, so a 12-metre catamaran can hold 20 to 30 guests, and a 15-metre can hold 30 to 50. For larger groups, you need a superyacht or a charter of two boats, one for the ceremony and one for the party. Always confirm the exact capacity with the owner before booking, and don’t exceed it, the port authorities check.

Related guides

Own a boat? GetMyBoat Alternative: BoatHire24.

Frequently asked questions

Can we get legally married on a private yacht in Puerto Banús?

Spanish law requires a civil ceremony to be performed in a registered venue, a yacht at sea doesn’t qualify. You can do the legal part at a local registry office or a hotel beforehand, then have a symbolic ceremony on the boat. The skipper can officiate a symbolic exchange of vows, but it won’t be legally binding.

How many guests can we invite?

It depends on the boat. A 12-metre motor yacht can hold 20, 25 guests comfortably. A 15-metre catamaran can take up to 50. For larger weddings (60+), you’ll need a superyacht or a charter with multiple boats. Always check the boat’s passenger capacity, it’s a legal limit, not a suggestion.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The skipper has the final say on safety. If the forecast is rough, you can reschedule, most owners allow a free date change up to 48 hours before. Or you can choose a boat with a large enclosed saloon so the ceremony can happen inside. The Costa del Sol has over 300 sunny days a year, so the risk is low.

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own catering and drinks on most boats. Some owners charge a corkage fee if you bring alcohol, so check in advance. Alternatively, you can order catering through the boat owner, they often have partnerships with local chefs who specialise in wedding menus.

How far in advance should we book?

For a wedding in July or August, book at least 3, 6 months ahead. For May, June, September, or October, 2, 3 months is usually enough. Last-minute bookings are possible if you’re flexible on the boat type and date, but the best yachts go fast.

Is there a toilet on board?

All motor yachts, catamarans, and sailing yachts over 10 metres have a toilet (head) and usually a shower. RIBs and small speedboats do not. For a wedding, you’ll want a boat with at least one toilet, ideally two for larger groups.

Can we have a DJ or live music?

Yes, but it depends on the boat’s sound system and power supply. Most boats have a basic Bluetooth speaker. If you want a DJ with a PA system, you’ll need a larger yacht with a generator. Some superyachts have built-in sound systems. Ask the owner before booking.

Private Yacht Hire Puerto Banus Wedding: Your Day on the Water