A Ferry Wonderful Wedding

Some people wishing for a lifelong Nantucket wedding memory arrange to have their ceremony aboard a ferry. One couple recently called one of the ferry lines to ask if they could have their ceremony performed by the Captain next Valentine's Day during the Hyannis to Nantucket run. Says the Port Captain, "It's an old wives' tale that the Captain of any ship, ferry or not, can legally marry a couple." But, it turns out, there's no reason why it can't be done as an adjunct to a "regular" wedding. You could have the legal wedding on land, or you could bring your own JP or clergyperson along to do the legal part, provided he has sealegs.

"We don't frown on shipboard weddings," said the PC, "as long as it doesn't become some sort of fad." (What? Weddings a fad?) And of course, he added, a lot depends on the level of complexity of the nuptials. Will this be a ceremony with scads of guests and a lot of hoopla including attendants, caterer, dance band, the works? Or will it be a small, quiet celebration, perhaps out on deck? Some couples in the past have actually purchased tickets for all their guests far enough ahead of time to be assured that everyone will be accommodated. But obviously, this would be more easy to do in the non-busy season.

The Charter Manager of Hyline says they've had quite a few weddings and receptions on board, but the size of the guest list is critical: "In most cases our island vessels are not available for private charter because they're running their full schedules, and we couldn't allow a wedding party to have a boat exclusively to themselves because there's no separate place for the group to go." She recalls a couple buying out the entire first-class lounge, and that was the equivalent of buying 70 one-way tickets (a substantial outlay). "And," she says, "we cautioned them that it might be tricky-the boat couldn't wait if the band or the caterers or any guests were late; we had to leave on schedule." There's no reason, she says, that a couple can't hire a private charter, but a lot of people have sentimental reasons to want to be married on the ferry.

In any case, she said, there's an important caution if you're planning any sort of nautical nuptials: be aware that the wind and the weather might not cooperate. One couple planned their wedding reception on the Great Point; it was to be a formal catered affair, with tuxes and gowns and attendants and 50 dressed-up guests. But when the appointed day came, so did the wind and rain. The trip was very rocky. There was a trio bravely trying to keep the music going, but the bandleader was the first of the crowd to succumb to the queasies. Still, the bride and groom claim they had a wonderful, certainly unforgettable day, and they've good-humoredly returned every year for almost a decade to celebrate their anniversary on board the Great Point.

One fellow who's worked on what islanders still refer to as "the steamship" (which indeed it used to be) for over 20 years was married aboard in October, 1996. The bride, groom, and wedding party were in formal attire and the 100 guests were dressed as for a church wedding. The ceremony was held on the top deck, with the wedding guests and other passengers watching from the deck below. "It was a little chilly," said the bride, "but it was wonderful. Our yellow Lab, Sadie, was the ring-bearer-she brought the ring to the minister, received her cookie in return, and trotted back to her place." So really, they were hitched without a hitch. Now living on "the other island," Martha's Vineyard, Sean and Paula and their ring-bearer Sadie have been joined by Shannon, brand-new baby.

Other memorable weddings that have taken place over the briny waves have included a military affair with all the requisite pomp and circumstance-crossed swords, shiny brass buttons, and for all we know a six-gun salute! This time the weather couldn't have been more perfect. (Of course perfect weather is the norm in Nantucket waters...)

There's no doubt that a shipboard wedding can be beautiful, fun, and dramatic. Here are some rather obvious hints for a water wedding. Be a good sport about the vagaries of the weather. Plan way ahead. Include guests who are good sports. Know that the Captain can marry you for fun and dramatic effect, but that alone won't make it strictly legal. A shipboard wedding may be for the adventurous, but no one is likely ever to forget it.

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