Shore Wedding and Ship Reception?

[LuckyCop]

We are planning to marry on shore at St. Thomas, and return to Carnival Freedom later in the afternoon. Does anyone know if a cocktail reception is allowed following the wedding, if Carnival is not coordinating the wedding on shore? We need to figure out the best system for making sure our guests get to experience the island, while also fitting in a small reception. Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!:cool:

[kandlwed]

We are not going on Carnival, but Royal Caribbean. We are getting married at 1:00 and then letting our guests do what they want and explore the island until our cocktail hour/reception back on the ship at 5:00. I am sure Carnival has the same sort of thing where you can book a lounge for cocktails and party for an hour or so. :)

[nimbex1970]

if you do a search of st. thomas weddings you'll find many places that hold weddings and receptions so that you don't have to do transportation to the wedding , back to the ship for the reception, back out to the island...

 

plus if your guests are traveling the island, be warned, they may get held up having fun and exploring and miss your party. best to have the wedding first thing, than party, than carry on with a plan to explore. try these

 

http://www.perfectweddingsofstthomas.com/

 

http://www.stthomasweddingpackages.com/

[briseis23]

We are sailing on Carnival and getting married through a private coordinator. There will be a mini reception immediately following the ceremony, but we are also having a larger on-ship reception after dinner. You are limited based on the ships activities and what rooms are available, but we haven't found it an issue. It is considered a group meeting request. Call Carnival and they will send you a list of prices for food and open bar and everything. If you have any other questions, you can reach me at gwencorso2@yahoo.com.

[LuckyCop]

Thank you all for your responses! Your feedback is greatly appreciated!