Click for Burger Click for Perko Click for Nordhavn Click for YF Listing Service Click for Abeking

Can Yacht Captains marry?

Discussion in 'Licensing & Education' started by S Smith, Feb 15, 2005.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. S Smith

    S Smith New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2005
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Palma
    Good morning Yachties

    Does any one know if a Yacht Captain is allowed legally to "marry" a couple on the yacht as part of a charter?
    If not is it possible to apply to be able to do this?

    any information gratefully received
  2. Crewagency

    Crewagency Guest

    A Captain is not official allowed

    Sorry but this does not work.

    But have a look here http://www.ewald-baus.onlinehome.de/wedding.htm


    Tell me time and date and send an invitation to all Yachtforims members.
    This will be a never forgotten party :)

    Best wishes

    Alex
  3. CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2004
    Messages:
    871
    Location:
    Greenwich CT/ Stuart FL
    Many Moons ago, I ran yachts. On a few occasions, we would have weddings on board. I would be very involved in the ceremony in my formal Captains attire, but a preist would always have to perform the technicalities.
    Many people say that Captains can marry people if they are "X" miles from shore. This isn't true so don't believe them. The Marriage will not be valid.
  4. Wilson

    Wilson New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2005
    Messages:
    16
    Location:
    San Francisco, CA
  5. Capt.Doug Metko

    Capt.Doug Metko New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2005
    Messages:
    8
    Location:
    Tampa Bay,Fl. USA
    Some states rules are different but in Florida a Notary can marry people,a Captian can't.
    I added a notary licence to my capt's licence years ago for that reason and have used it to marry many people,it also provides another service to a prospective or current employer. ;)

    Capt.Doug Metko
  6. Indigo2

    Indigo2 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2005
    Messages:
    31
    Location:
    USVI-Maine
    I married folks on board during the bareboat phase of my career with the disclaimer that it was only good for the duration of the voyage.
    To make it stick you need to go through the usual formalities of a state marriage license or what is required for the marriage to be recognised by the authorities.
  7. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2005
    Messages:
    2,933
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Hmm, interesting.

    How do ya add a notary licence to yer capt's ticket in Florida...?

    Is there an initial and annual fee involved?
  8. Indigo2

    Indigo2 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2005
    Messages:
    31
    Location:
    USVI-Maine
    Don't know. If you are concerned you should check into it. I Have never been married and don't know the procedure. I just thought that all you needed to do to get the marriage recognized by the state (notary, lawyer, minister or judge) is to get a marriage license. If other things need to be done I am not aware of them. I thought a church, layman, (captain) wedding was just fluff unless your church is important to you.

    (this is a friend, to get a notary in Fl go to the county clerks office and fill out the papers, get someone of good standing to vouch for you. then do what the clerk says to do. will cost about 50 bucks.. i'm a notary in the state of georgia thats what i did.)
  9. Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2005
    Messages:
    2,933
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Don't do it..... :D
  10. Jaye Thirteenth

    Jaye Thirteenth New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2005
    Messages:
    12
    Location:
    Boston, MA USA
    That's pretty funny, it could launch some great whirlwind romances!
    ...with an out as soon as they disembark. Heh.

    -Jaye
  11. cnkale80

    cnkale80 New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2007
    Messages:
    21
    Location:
    Chino Hills, CA
    I don't think it matters where you conduct the actual ceremony. It's all about the state you register in.