"I don't know how exactly to put this into words that will truly express just how much we loved our wedding. Thanks to the team at Elite we had the most beautifully amazing afternoon that surpassed all our hopes and expectations and we cannot thank you enough. The crew were brilliant and conducted themselves professionally, the food magnificent, the drinks a perfect selection, the kids had a ball, your organisational skills and attention to details were spot on, just everything was fantastic... The only disappointment was that the 5 hours went too fast. What else can I say? This day will always remain a special memory to us."
–Tracie Lee and Grant Brinkmann

"We would like to thank all the team
for the great food, the service, and making sure everyone had a great time on our wedding night. Everyone commented that the staff were really great, including the captain, Georgette and all the wait staff. Thank you for organising this special occasion. It was a pleasure dealing with you. We would not hesitate to recommend you for future functions."
–Kathryn and Ian Lestrell

“I have to say your company went beyond our expectations. We were impressed by the food, the boat presentation and particularly the staff. It was such a memorable day.”
-Louise Eddey

"It was my absolute pleasure to enjoy the services of your company last night on Olympic Storm for the Chapman and Weir Wedding. All the staff should be congratulated for their professionalism and courtesy. They were efficient, unobtrusive and always ready to help where required. Compliments also to the chef and kitchen team for the fantastic buffet. Delicious and well presented. The boat was also sensational - clean and immaculately well kept. All the very best for your company, and I look forward to recommending your services to anyone who requires a memorable harbour experience.”
-Michael Wright

“Thank you for our beautiful wedding. I have had so many guests comment on the fabulous food, the attention of the staff in bringing the food around ensuring guests were happy etc… and of course the boat! Congratulations to you and thank you, thank you, thank you.”
-Lorae Bedford and Tony Gilroy

"I have been meaning to write for ages to thank you and all involved in our wedding reception. It was a terrific success. It could not have been better. The dining room setting looked fantastic. The wedding cake was nicely set up. A number of the guests commented that the food, especially the canapés, were excellent. The staff took great care to attend to everyone's needs. A special thank you to the captain for letting my nephew Jack and junior bridesmaid Katie steer the boat. They had had the time of their lives. The music was as we had chosen and as it turned out we didn't miss not having a band. Thank you for your professionalism. I had confidence that you would deliver what we had agreed to and that confidence was certainly justified. I will recommend Elite Cruises to any of my friends who are thinking of getting married as it is an unsurpassable way to celebrate a wedding."
–Michelle Fisher

Sydney Harbour Wedding Cruises:
Common Questions

Listed below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from couples planning their Sydney Harbour wedding cruises with us. If you have any additional questions about weddings, receptions or private boat charters with The Elite Cruise Company, please contact us. Our wedding coordinator will be more than happy to assist you.

• What is the timeline for booking a wedding with Elite?
• Do you have any example itineraries for a
  ... typical wedding cruise?
• Can we hold our wedding Ceremony on board?
• Can we have candles on board?
• Can the bride & groom embark and disembark from
  ... a separate wharf to the guests?
• Can we arrange our own DJ / Entertainment?
• Can we bring our own CDs on board?
• Can you tailor menus to suit our specific requirements?
• Can we bring our own food and/or beverages on board?
• Does The Elite Cruise Company cater for children?
• Do you provide any complimentary decorations?
• When do I need to drop off all the table decorations, cake, etc?
• Does the vessel anchor throughout the cruise?
• Does The Elite Cruise Company charge wharf fees?
• What do we do if a guest is running late?
• When do I need to advise the wedding coordinator of
  ... our menu choice and final head count?
• When is final payment required?
• Can we extend our cruise on the day?
• Are your vessels wheelchair accessible?

What is the timeline for booking a wedding with Elite?

Our standard wedding booking process is as follows:

Quotation: A quotation will be supplied by The Elite Cruise Company with the details for your cruise. We do also encourage you to make an appointment time to come and view the specific vessel you are looking at.

Tentative Booking: Once the quote is received and you are happy with the details, please contact The Elite Cruise Company to place a tentative booking on the specific date, time and boat you are after. This will be held for 7 working days. In order to confirm the booking we do require a deposit to be paid. A copy of the terms and conditions to be signed and a copy sent back to Elite.

Confirmation: Once the above is received your charter confirmation will be sent to you.

4.5 months prior to the wedding: We will need to confirm the wharf you would like to use.

4 months prior: The wharf will be booked and confirmed.

2 months prior: Wedding check list to be sent back with as much detail as possible. Arrange a final wedding appointment time.

1.5 months prior: Final wedding appointment and all details to be run over. Final paperwork to be sent to you for checking and signing.

10 days prior: Final guest numbers to be confirmed and final tax invoice sent out.

7 days prior: Final payment received.

5 to 2 days prior to the wedding date: All bits and pieces to be dropped off to Elite such as place cards, bombonier and any further details required.

Do you have any example itineraries of a typical wedding cruise?

Yes we do. Click on the links below to see example itineraries of some of our more popular wedding cruise options:

• Wedding Reception Only with a Buffet Menu, 4 hour charter
• Wedding Ceremony and Reception with a Buffet Menu, 5 hour charter
• Wedding Reception Only with a Formal Menu, 5 hour charter
  

Can we hold our wedding Ceremony on board?

Most certainly! Exchanging your vows on board one of our our luxury charter vessels whilst anchored amidst beautiful Sydney Harbour is an Elite Cruise specialty. Our complimentary wedding coordinator will be happy to help you to plan all the details for your perfect waterfront wedding ceremony. Please contact us for further details.

Can we have candles on board?

We do allow tea light candles and floating candles on our wedding boat charters. However, we cannot allow any other types of candles on board the boats.

Can the bride & groom embark and disembark from a separate wharf to the guests?

Yes, but please note that adding additional wharves to your pick up & drop off points results in less cruising time around Sydney Harbour. A popular alternative is for us to pre–arrange a water taxi for the happy couple.

Can we arrange our own DJ / Entertainment?

Yes – there are no additional costs for you to arrange your own DJ or band for your wedding. Please be advised that they must have proof of their own public liability insurance to be able to play on board during your wedding cruise. If, however, you do require assistance in sourcing a DJ, band or other entertainment, our wedding coordinator will be happy to help you find an option to suit your tastes and requirements, but please note that additional costs do apply.

Can we bring our own CDs on board?

Yes, you are more than welcome to provide your own CDs to play whilst on board your wedding cruise. In order to ensure that the music you wish to hear is played when you want to hear it during your wedding cruise, we strongly advise you to provide us with written instructions detailing your requests. Please note that our CD player does play the CDs in random order.

Can The Elite Cruise Company tailor menus to suit our specific requirements?

Our Executive chef is more than happy to tailor a menu to suit your requirements. Please note that the price per head may vary depending on the changes that occur to the menu.

Can we bring our own food and/or beverages on board?

Unfortunately, due to our liquor license we cannot allow BYO beverages on board, though we can special order beverages for your cruise should you wish to serve a particular brand of drink during your wedding cruise. It is also our company policy that we do not allow BYO food. However, our chef will gladly tailor menus to suit your specific requirements.

Does The Elite Cruise Company cater for children?

Yes, The Elite Cruise Company offers the following rates for children:

• Children 5 years and under receive complimentary catering
• Children aged 6 to 12 years receive 50% off the normal catering price
• Children 13 years and older are charged at the full adult price

These rates are offered off your selected menu. Depending on the beverage package you choose, we can either charge for soft drinks per glass on a consumption basis or offer a soft drinks package to children under 18 years old. Please note that we do require children to be supervised whilst on board the vessels.

Does The Elite Cruise Company provide any complimentary decorations?

Yes we provide the following complimentary decorations for your Sydney Harbour wedding cruise:

• White linen table cloths and napkins
• Gerberas and greenery for the centre of the table
• Two frosted tea light candles per table
• Gold or silver table runners for the guest tables
• Gold or silver ribbons tied in bows on the napkins
• Bridal table dressed with flouncing and two glass bowls with flowers
• Flower arrangement for the dining room or top deck
• Cake table and knife
• Two typed menus per table
• White ribbon on the bow of the boat

We also provide the complimentary services of our experienced wedding coordinator who can assist you with all your wedding day needs.

When do I need to drop off all the table decorations, cake, etc?

Delivery arrangements for the cake, bombonierre, place cards, etc. need to be finalised with the wedding coordinator 7 working days prior to the wedding cruise.

Does the vessel anchor throughout the cruise?

Yes, we are happy to anchor the boat during meal service. There are a number of scenic locations around Sydney Harbour where we can anchor during your wedding cruise. The captain will choose a spot that is most suitable to the weather conditions on the day.

Does The Elite Cruise Company charge wharf fees?

The Elite Cruise Company includes 2 wharf booking fees (one pick-up and one drop-off). Any additional wharves will incur an additional fee. The cost of additional wharves is available from your function co-ordinator. Please note that some wharves have additional fees as they are not operated by the Waterways Authority; these will be advised at the time your wharf is discussed.

What do we do if a guest is running late?

In the event that a guest is running late, a water taxi can be arranged to deliver the guest to your wedding. The guest must cover this cost. We like to recommend that couples inform their guests of Yellow Water Taxi's phone number: 02 9299 0199 (It's a great idea to print it on the invitations.) Then, if needed, guests can call Yellow Water Taxis, who will radio our vessel to find our location.

When do I need to advise the wedding coordinator of our menu choice and final head count?

We require final confirmation of guest numbers as well as meal choices NO LATER THAN 10 working days prior to your cruise. The number advised will be the amount you will be invoiced for. Please note that no refunds are available if fewer guests attend on the day.

When is final payment required?

Final confirmation of guest numbers is due NO LATER THAN 10 working days prior to your wedding cruise. The number advised will be the amount you will be invoiced for. Final payment must be paid in full NO LESS THAN 7 working days prior to your function date.

Can we extend our cruise on the day?

We are happy for your wedding cruise to go overtime - providing there isn’t another cruise scheduled later that evening. Should your wedding cruise go overtime, an additional cost will be incurred.

Are your vessels wheelchair accessible?

If you need access for a wheelchair, please discuss this with your wedding coordinator in advance of your booking.

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have.