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Plan a Private Charter Wedding

Saying ‘I Do’ at the Matanzas River: How to Plan a Private Charter Wedding in St. Augustine

A private charter in St. Augustine transforms your wedding into an intimate, unforgettable celebration on the water. Fury St. Augustine blends historic charm, gentle sea breezes, and panoramic coastal vistas to create the perfect setting. Follow these planning tips to ensure your big day sails smoothly from “Will you?” to “I do.”

Selecting Your Private Charter in St. Augustine

Choosing the right vessel sets the tone for your ceremony. With Fury St. Augustine, you’ll enjoy:

  1. Variety of Vessels: Choose from two exceptional vessels, each offering unique features to enhance your wedding day. Pick the boat that matches your vision:
  • unchecked65-foot Sailing Catamaran: Our 65-foot sailing catamaran features a twin-hull design that reduces rocking, keeping everyone steady throughout the ceremony.
  • unchecked45-foot Power Catamaran: Our 45-foot power catamaran offers stability due to its wide beam and dual-hull design, ensuring a smooth and steady ride for your celebration.
  1. Ample Seating: Both vessels offer wide benches and open decks, ensuring guests are comfortable and have plenty of space to mingle and enjoy the views. 

Crafting Your Guest Experience

Even on the water, thoughtful seating and flow keep guests engaged:

Capacity & Layout

Fury offers two private charter vessels, each with unique capacities and layouts to suit your celebration’s size and style:

65-Foot Sailing Catamaran (State-of-the-Art)

  • Capacity: Up to 125 guests
  • Crew: 1 Captain + 3 Crew Members
  • Features:
    • Expansive seated sundeck with built-in benches and open space to move or dance
    • Shaded lower-deck lounge area with a bar, tables, and additional bench seating
    • 2 modern marine restrooms

45-Foot Powered Catamaran (Corinthian)

  • Capacity: Up to 49 guests
  • Crew: 1 Captain + 2 Crew Members
  • Features:
    • Center table with surrounding built-in bench seating for a cozy, social layout
    • Open deck space for viewing and mingling
    • 1 marine restroom

Whether you’re hosting a small group or a large gathering, both vessels provide ample comfort, stability, and panoramic views—perfect for ceremonies, toasts, and unforgettable photo moments.

Navigating Legalities & Reservations

A flawless celebration requires attention to logistics:

  • Marriage License: Florida marriage licenses require a three-day waiting period. Visit a County Clerk’s Office to apply at least one week before your ceremony.
  • Docking Reservations: Fury secures marina slips and handles docking fees—reserve early to lock in your preferred time slot.
  • Officiant & Witnesses: Fury boat captains are legally authorized to officiate marriages on board, so you can exchange vows without extra paperwork. Simply arrange for one or two witnesses to join your ceremony.

Timing & Weather Considerations

St. Augustine’s coastal climate adds magic—and requires backup plans:

  • Seasonal Scheduling: Late spring and early fall offer mild temperatures and reduced hurricane risk during Atlantic hurricane season (June 1–November 30).
  • Sunset Ceremonies: A sunset sail on the Matanzas River or along the tranquil Intracoastal shoreline provides a golden-hour glow. Capture the magic of twilight photos for a stunning backdrop.

Deck Décor & Personalization

Create a ceremony that reflects your style:

  • Floral Touches: We provide tropical centerpieces with artificial flowers and black tablecloths. You’re welcome to choose any florist for additional floral decorations or custom touches.
  • Welcome Board: Feature your personalized message on a stylish onboard board to greet guests as they step aboard.

Catering & Refreshments

Keep guests refreshed and delighted: Fury offers a selection of customizable catering menus to suit your taste and event style.

  • Light Appetizers: Choose from a wide variety of options such as sliders, dips, fresh fruit, cheese and meat boards, veggie trays, antipasto platters, shrimp, bacon-wrapped scallops, assorted desserts, and more.
  • Unlimited Beverages: Enjoy a selection of beer, wine, champagne, water, and sodas. Upgraded full bar options are also available upon request.
  • Dietary Accommodations: Coordinate vegetarian, gluten-free, and child-friendly options.

Music & Entertainment

Set the mood with carefully chosen sounds:

  • Live Music Sail Setup: Fury’s sound system accommodates live music entertainment, including solo, duo, or trio performers such as acoustic guitarists, drummers, or DJs.
  • Playlist Integration: Bring a curated playlist for processional, recessional, and background tunes—confirm power needs in advance.
  • Microphone Access: Ensure the officiant and speeches carry clearly across the deck.

Capturing Every Moment

A boat wedding demands strategic photography:

  • Golden Hour Light: Schedule vows 30 minutes before sunset for the most flattering glow.
  • Drone Footage: Secure FAA authorization early and coordinate flight paths with Fury’s crew.

Sample Day-Of Timeline

A precise schedule keeps your celebration on course. Fury offers a standard 2-hour private charter, with additional hours available upon request.

TimeActivity
T – 15 MinutesGuest boarding & welcome cocktails
T – 15 MinutesBridal party embarks, raise sail for 65-foot state-of-the-art catamaran, followed by pre‑ceremony photos
T – 15 MinutesCeremony begins
T + 45 MinutesCocktail hour & group portraits, enjoying the food
T + 20 MinutesFirst dance on deck & Sunset viewing only for sunset trips
T + 10 MinutesReturning back to the dock, disembark guests

Work with your dedicated Fury event planner to personalize each segment.

Why a Fury Private Charter in St. Augustine?

Fury St. Augustine elevates boat weddings into legendary experiences:

  • Local Expertise: Our crew navigates every tide and waterway, ensuring seamless transitions.
  • All-Inclusive Coordination: From menus to arrangements, we handle logistics so you focus on your moment.
  • Historic Backdrop: Exchange vows against the nation’s oldest city, with Castillo de San Marcos and colonial waterfronts framing your memories.

Plan Your Perfect Private Charter in St. Augustine Wedding

Your private charter in St. Augustine wedding with Fury St. Augustine delivers romance, history, and flawless execution. By choosing the perfect vessel, securing legal requirements, personalizing décor, and capturing every golden-hour moment, you guarantee a day as unique as your love story. Ready to say “I do” at the Matanzas River?

Contact Fury St. Augustine today to start planning the boat wedding of your dreams!

Sources:

[1] https://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates/marriage/index.html

[2] https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/