A Captain's Conundrum: Self-Solemnization At Sea

Although popular media has perpetuated the idea that ship captains can officiate weddings, this is largely a myth. Ship captains generally do not have the legal authority to officiate weddings, and no state has enacted a statute explicitly authorising them to do so. However, there are a few exceptions, such as in Japan, Bermuda, and Romania, where ship captains are permitted to perform wedding ceremonies under certain conditions. In some cases, ship captains may obtain additional certification or utilise loopholes to legally solemnise marriages. Despite the romantic notion, it is essential to verify the captain's qualifications or opt for a separate legal ceremony to ensure the validity of your wedding.

Sea captains can marry same-sex seafarers in 11 US states and many foreign ports

Sea captains have long been thought to be able to officiate weddings, thanks to their position of authority aboard a ship. This is, however, largely a myth. While sea captains can marry someone, they cannot, by law, marry other people—that is, officiate at wedding ceremonies.

There are, however, exceptions to this rule. In 11 US states and many foreign ports, a sea captain can marry another seafarer of the same sex. Additionally, in some countries, captains do have the authority to officiate weddings. For example, Japanese sea captains can marry two Japanese people, and Romanian law gives the same power to aircraft captains. Bermuda also allows ship captains to officiate weddings, as long as the ship is registered in Bermuda.

In the United States, sea captains who want to officiate weddings can get extra certification to do so. It is relatively easy to become ordained in the US, with various organizations offering this service online, sometimes for free.

Despite the legal restrictions, some sea captains continue to perform wedding ceremonies, with the understanding that they do not have the power to make the marriage legally binding. In these cases, the couple will typically have an official marriage ceremony before or after the wedding at sea, in front of a judge or minister.

US and British Navies have issued rules reminding officers they cannot perform weddings at sea

While sea captains are allowed to marry someone, they are not allowed to officiate at wedding ceremonies. This means that a sea captain can marry their partner but cannot marry other people.

The United States Navy and the British Navy have explicitly stated that their commanding officers are not allowed to perform marriage ceremonies on board their ships or aircraft. The US Navy Code of Regulations includes the following:

> "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."

Despite this regulation, some people have chosen to have their weddings at sea officiated by boat captains. In these cases, the marriages may not be legally binding, and the courts have had mixed results when ruling on their validity.

To legally marry a couple, a sea captain would need to obtain extra certification. In some states, such as California and Massachusetts, a skipper can file for a 24-hour marriage-performing authorization at their local courthouse. Additionally, organizations like the Universal Life Church offer online ordination for a small fee, which is recognized in most US states.

In summary, while sea captains may be romantically associated with weddings at sea, they cannot legally officiate weddings for other people unless they obtain additional qualifications. The US and British Navies have issued specific reminders to their officers, clarifying that they are not authorized to perform weddings at sea.

Captains can marry couples if they fall under the category of persons qualified to solemnize marriages

While it is a common misconception that a ship captain can marry people, this is not the case in most parts of the world. In fact, the United States Navy and British Navy have explicitly stated that captains are not allowed to perform weddings at sea.

However, a ship captain can marry a couple if they fall under the category of "persons qualified to solemnize marriages" as prescribed by the laws of the state they are in. For example, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the following individuals are qualified to solemnize marriages:

• Active or retired justices, judges, or magisterial district judges of the Commonwealth
• Active or senior judges or full-time magistrates of the District Courts of the United States for the Eastern, Middle, or Western District of Pennsylvania
• Active, retired, or senior bankruptcy judges of the United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern, Middle, or Western District of Pennsylvania who are residents of the Commonwealth
• Active, retired, or senior judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit who are residents of the Commonwealth
• Mayors of any cities or boroughs of the Commonwealth
• Ministers, priests, or rabbis of any regularly established church or congregation

In addition, there are a few countries, such as Japan, Bermuda, and Romania, where ship captains are given the authority to perform marriages, as long as certain conditions are met. For instance, in Japan, ship captains can officiate weddings only between two Japanese citizens. Similarly, in Bermuda, captains can perform weddings if the ship is registered in Bermuda.

In some US states, captains can file for a 24-hour marriage-performing licence

The US Navy explicitly prohibits captains from performing weddings on board their ships or aircraft. Despite this, some captains have gone ahead and performed wedding ceremonies, with the understanding that they do not have the legal authority to make the marriage binding. In such cases, the couple would need to get married officially in front of a judge or minister before or after their wedding at sea.

In some cases, captains have obtained additional certification to be able to marry couples. For example, captains of Princess Cruise's Golden Princess, Star Princess, and Grand Princess have Bermuda licences to perform weddings, as Bermuda law allows ship captains this privilege if their ship is registered in Bermuda. Similarly, captains of British-flagged vessels and captains in Japan and Romania have the authority to perform weddings.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding who can officiate weddings vary by state and country, and it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities before planning a wedding.

In some countries, captains can perform weddings if they have the right ship licence

It is important to note that the notion of captains officiating weddings is deeply ingrained in popular romance and media. This idea has been perpetuated by countless movies and TV shows, creating a worldwide belief that captains possess this authority. In reality, captains generally do not have the legal right to officiate weddings solely by virtue of their maritime licence. The authority to solemnize marriages is typically granted to specific professions, such as judges, ministers, mayors, and other similar officials.

Despite the legal restrictions, there have been instances where captains have performed weddings, and the courts have had mixed rulings on the validity of these marriages. To navigate this legal grey area, some captains choose to obtain additional certification or get ordained to legally perform weddings. This can be a lucrative side business for captains, as they can offer wedding services to couples seeking a unique ceremony at sea.

In summary, while it is true that captains can perform weddings in certain countries and under specific circumstances, it is not a widely recognized legal authority. The popular perception of captains as wedding officiants is largely influenced by media and romantic ideals.

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