Franklin Dean
Getting married at sea by a ship's captain is a common fantasy, but can a ship captain actually officiate a wedding? In most countries, including the US and the UK, ship captains do not have the authority to officiate weddings. There are a few exceptions, such as in Japan, Bermuda, and Romania, where ship captains are allowed to perform wedding ceremonies under certain conditions. In the US, some states like California and Massachusetts allow captains to officiate weddings after obtaining a temporary license or by getting ordained online. While the notion of a wedding at sea is romantic, in most cases, it is just a fantasy, as ship captains are not legally recognised as wedding officiants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of ship captains officiating weddings | In most countries, ship captains do not have the authority to officiate weddings. However, there are exceptions in Japan, Bermuda, and Romania. |
| Requirements for ship captains to officiate weddings | In some countries, ship captains can obtain temporary licenses or additional certifications to officiate weddings legally. |
| Recognition of weddings officiated by ship captains | The legality of weddings officiated by ship captains without the proper authority has been disputed in court, with mixed results. |
| Historical context | Historically, sea voyages lasted for months or years, and ship captains had near-absolute authority over their vessels, leading to the perception that they could officiate weddings. |
| Navy regulations | The US Navy and British Navy have issued regulations explicitly forbidding their officers from performing weddings at sea. |
What You'll Learn
Exceptions to the rule
While ship captains are not legally allowed to perform weddings, there are some exceptions to this rule.
In Japan, ship captains can officiate weddings as long as they are the captain of a Japanese ship and the marrying couple holds Japanese passports.
In Bermuda, captains of ships registered in the country can perform weddings, but only when the ship is in international waters.
In Romania, ship captains and aircraft captains are allowed to officiate weddings.
In the United States, some cruise ship captains of Alaskan routes can obtain temporary licenses to perform marriages in certain waters off the coast of Alaska. These captains must then mail the certificate to the local courthouse to be legally registered on-site before the wedding is valid.
In some states, like California and Massachusetts, skippers can go ashore and file for a 24-hour marriage-performing license at their local courthouse.
Additionally, some organizations, like the Universal Life Church, offer online ordinations for a small fee, which may be recognized by certain states in the U.S.
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The origin of the myth
Another theory suggests that ship captains once had near-absolute authority over their vessels, including the power to create birth and death certificates, act as a notary for official documents, and even function as a jailer. They were also required to note weddings that occurred on their ships in their logs. This perceived authority may have led to the belief that captains could legally marry couples.
It's worth noting that, despite the myth, some ship captains do have the legal authority to officiate weddings. In certain countries, like Japan, Romania, and Bermuda, ship captains are allowed to perform weddings under specific circumstances. Additionally, some captains may obtain additional certification or get ordained to legally solemnize marriages.
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Expressly forbidden
The idea that ship captains can officiate weddings is a pervasive myth. In most cases, ship captains are expressly forbidden to perform weddings. According to the U.S. Navy Code of Federal Regulations, a wedding officiated by an American captain is not legally binding, and captains who perform such weddings may face repercussions for breaking the rules. The regulations state:
> The commanding officer shall not perform a marriage ceremony on board his ship or aircraft. He shall not permit a marriage ceremony to be performed on board when the ship or aircraft is outside the territory of the United States.
The only exception to this rule is if a registered official who can perform a legally binding marriage is present onboard and all relevant permits and permissions have been obtained.
In the United States, every state has a list of job titles whose holders are qualified to solemnize marriages, and so far, no state has specifically included ship captains on this list. Similarly, the British Navy has also issued rules explicitly reminding officers that they are not allowed to perform weddings at sea.
In New York, if a ship is registered in the state, the captain could be fined or even serve jail time for marrying a couple. Despite this, some captains continue to perform wedding ceremonies, with the understanding that they do not have the authority to make the marriage legally binding.
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Getting certified
If you're a ship captain and you want to be able to officiate weddings, you'll need to get certified. The process for doing this will depend on the location of the wedding, as the laws and requirements vary from state to state and country to country.
In the United States, for example, you'll first need to get ordained. This can be done online through organizations such as the American Marriage Ministries (AMM). The application process is typically simple and free. Once ordained, you'll need to check the specific certification rules for the state in which the wedding will take place. Some states require ministers to register with a government office before performing a ceremony, so you may need to send away for specific documentation and credentials.
In New York, for instance, anyone over the age of 18 can apply for a one-day marriage officiant license, which gives them the authority to solemnize a marriage for 24 hours anywhere in the state. This license costs $25 and must be sent to the Manhattan Office of the City Clerk.
It's important to note that even with the proper certification, ship captains may not have the authority to officiate weddings in some countries. For example, in the United States Navy, there is a specific regulation that prohibits commanding officers from performing marriage ceremonies on board their ships or aircraft. Similar restrictions may exist in other countries or regions.
Therefore, it is essential to research the specific laws and requirements for the location in which you plan to officiate weddings before beginning the certification process.
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Common law marriage
A ship's captain generally does not have the legal right to officiate a wedding at sea. However, there are exceptions. In Japan, Bermuda, and Romania, sea captains can marry couples, provided they are citizens of their country. In Bermuda, the couple must also be 21 and have picture identification showing proof of age. Additionally, on some ships with a Bermuda license, such as Princess Cruise's Golden Princess, Star Princess, and Grand Princess, the captain may perform weddings.
In the United States, a ship's captain must also fall into one of the categories of "persons qualified to solemnize marriages" prescribed in the laws of the state they are in. This could include being an active or retired justice, judge, or minister.
In some cases, sea captains may obtain additional certification or get ordained to be able to officiate weddings. However, this is not a requirement, and some captains choose to simply officiate the wedding ceremony without signing off on the legal documentation.
Now, when it comes to common-law marriage, the concept varies across different states and countries. For example, in Colorado, a common-law marriage can be established by two individuals living mutually and openly as a married couple. In this case, the marriage is subject to the laws and authority of the state of Colorado, and no official officiant is required.
However, it is important to note that common-law marriages are not recognized in most states today. The legal recognition of a common-law marriage can vary widely, and it is essential to understand the specific requirements and regulations of the relevant authorities.
So, while a ship's captain may be able to officiate a wedding ceremony, the legal validity of the marriage will depend on multiple factors, including the location, the captain's qualifications, and the specific laws and regulations governing marriages in that jurisdiction.
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Frequently asked questions
In most cases, ship captains are not legally allowed to perform weddings unless they are also pastors or fall into one of the categories of \"persons qualified to solemnize marriages\" prescribed in the laws of the state they are in.
Yes, there are a few exceptions. Japanese ship captains can perform weddings as long as they are the captain of a Japanese ship and the couple has Japanese passports. In Bermuda and Romania, ship captains are also allowed to officiate weddings.
The common notion that sea captains can officiate weddings may have stemmed from the fact that sea captains once had near-absolute authority over their vessels. They had the power to arrest and jail those on board, create birth and death certificates, and function as a notary for official documents.
Ship captains who want to officiate weddings can obtain the extra certification needed to do so. In some states, they can file for a 24-hour marriage-performing license at their local courthouse. Alternatively, they can become ordained online through various organizations.
