Tying the Knot, Nautical-Style: Lake Geneva Cruise Line

Cruise in luxury on your wedding day with these amazing boat venues
Written by
Laura Cross

For over 150 years, Lake Geneva Cruise Line has been at the heart of Lake Geneva's storied history, providing unforgettable experiences on the crystal-clear waters of one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Originally founded in 1873 as the Wisconsin Transportation Company, the business began as a way to transport residents to their lakeside estates, later evolving into a charming way for passengers to explore the scenic lake and its historic homes. Today, the Cruise Line offers couples the opportunity to celebrate their wedding in truly unique fashion, whether aboard one of its eight classic yachts or at the picturesque lakeside venue of Pier 290.

Wedding Cruises: Romance on the Water

With a fleet of eight enchanting boats, including historic yachts such as the 1902 Steam Yacht, couples can host ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, welcome cruises, and more, all while surrounded by breathtaking lake views. For intimate ceremonies or larger celebrations, the boats are capable of accommodating 2 to 225 guests.

Couples can opt for a traditional ceremony with rows of chairs and a classic aisle, or choose a lively station-style reception where guests can enjoy dinner, drinks, and dancing all on different decks. No matter the size or style of the event, Lake Geneva Cruise Line provides an idyllic setting that captures the essence of romance and elegance.

Boat Venues Lake Geneva Cruise Lines

Pier 290: A Versatile Lakeside Venue

For couples who prefer to host their celebrations on land, Pier 290 in Williams Bay offers a beautiful lakeside venue that pairs perfectly with the Cruise Line’s yachts. This charming restaurant features three event spaces that cater to various styles and guest counts.

The Boat Showroom:  A spacious venue for up to 250 guests, perfect for a ceremony followed by a cocktail cruise, dinner and dancing.

The Upper Deck:  Popular for more intimate gatherings, this space can host up to 100 guests for mingling receptions or 70 for seated meals. Couples can pair their event with a scenic cruise to show off the lake.

The Canopies:  Perfect for smaller gatherings, these spaces accommodate up to 50 guests for cocktails, 40 for plated meals, or 30 for a buffet dinner.

Pier 290

Expert Wedding Coordination

One of the most distinctive features of Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s offerings is its commitment to personalization. The team works closely with couples to design a celebration that reflects their unique love story. Whether it’s a casual pizza-and-beer event on a historic mahogany yacht or a formal dinner with live music and dancing on the upper deck, every event is tailored to suit the couple’s vision. There are no pre-set packages - everything is customized to create a memorable experience.

From the moment couples select their venue - whether it is a boat or Pier 290 - they are introduced to a dedicated event coordinator who guides them through every detail, from catering and décor to entertainment and floor plans. Lake Life Catering, the company’s in-house catering service, ensures seamless food and beverage coordination, while the Cruise Line’s network of trusted vendors handles everything from florals to music.

Courtesy of Lake Geneva Cruise Lines

A Truly Memorable Weekend

Lake Geneva Cruise Line doesn’t just host weddings - they create unforgettable weekend experiences. The company’s fleet of classic yachts can become the centerpiece of a couple’s entire wedding weekend, offering a range of special events leading up to the big day. For example, one couple chose to charter the Polaris, the oldest boat on the lake, for a relaxing Thursday evening cruise with their immediate family before the weekend festivities began. On Friday evening, a rehearsal dinner for 50 was held aboard the Grand Belle, which then set off for a "Welcome to the Wedding Weekend" cocktail cruise for out-of-town guests.

The couple’s lakeside ceremony at their family home was followed by a stunning reception at Pier 290, and transportation was provided by smaller boats shuttling guests from hotels to the house and Pier 290. Later that night, the party continued with dancing, tacos, and desserts aboard the Lady of the Lake, with guests dropped off at their respective lakefront hotels. It’s this level of attention to detail and unique offerings that sets Lake Geneva Cruise Line apart from other venues, providing couples with more than just a wedding - a complete, unforgettable experience.


Start Your Journey

From historic yachts to lakeside venues, Lake Geneva Cruise Line combines breathtaking settings with unparalleled service to create weddings that are both elegant and unique. To learn more, explore their fleet, or book your special day, visit cruiselakegeneva.com/weddings or call 262-248-6206.