A yacht wedding in St Petersburg: an intimate celebration

You can plan a cruise after the formal part of the day, an exchange of vows, family refreshments or a photo session. First decide which moments you want and who will take part in each. If the main reception is on shore, a separate cruise for the couple and close guests needs its own boarding and return schedule.

A celebration on deck and the formal marriage arrangements are separate planning matters. Before booking, agree the purpose of the ceremony, who will lead it and how the formal part will be handled. A decorated deck does not establish that every formality can be completed there.

Passenger capacity, dining seats and places in the enclosed cabin are different measurements. Check where the couple and guests will stand for the ceremony, how food and clear passageways will fit, and where a photographer can work without blocking an exit. Include outside suppliers in the attendance list and discuss it with the operator.

In the updated catalogue on 23 September 2026, Benetti 92 Richmond is listed for 35 guests and Broward 98 for 40. These figures are a starting point for comparing larger yachts, not confirmation of the same number of dining seats. For a smaller group, use the capacity filter and compare photographs of the actual layouts.

Choose your main focus: Neva city views, a sunset on the gulf or bridges at night. Share your preferences with the captain or operator together with the date and required return time. Gulf trips, canal passages and pier stops depend on the boat and trip conditions; one cruise may not accommodate every wish.

Allow for boarding, welcome drinks, the ceremony, photographs, food and disembarkation. Confirm supplier access before and after the hire period. Agree time for loading decorations, waiting for late guests and cleaning separately from cruising time.

For a buffet, discuss manageable portions, stable tableware and space for drinks. A seated meal needs confirmed seating and service. Check cake storage and serving, drinking water, menu limitations and guests' dietary needs. Agree your own food, drinks or outside caterer before paying.

Before ordering an arch, flowers, lighting or music, show the layout to the vessel operator. Check fixings, power supplies, volume and setup time. Decorations must leave passageways and sightlines clear. Confirm access for your own photographer, host or musicians and space for their equipment separately.

Check how many guests fit inside and which parts of the programme can move indoors. Discuss route changes, rescheduling and cancellation before booking. An enclosed cabin does not guarantee departure in every weather condition. The person responsible for operating the vessel determines whether and how the trip can proceed.

Compare hire for your date and duration, positioning at the pier, food, service, decoration, sound, photography and cleaning. Check minimum hire and extension terms in the specific yacht's listing and quote. A quote containing only hire hours does not show the cost of the whole celebration.

Send the exact meeting point, arrival time, contact person and return arrangements. Check steps, gangways, boarding assistance and arrangements for children and guests with limited mobility. An extra layer can be useful on an open deck; discuss footwear and on-board conduct with the crew.