Elope on board?

I always thought the reason captains historically were able to marry couples at sea was because it used to take a very long time to cross an ocean and sometimes the happy couple couldn't wait due to um "pressing circumstances" that might arise during a long voyage.

I would love to hear if anyone knows more about the history of this custom.
 
We got married off a Royal Caribbean ship 13 years ago. We did work with RCI to travel to the wedding venue etc. We got married in St. Thomas because I didn't want to have to go to the courthouse before or after the island wedding. You have to go to the courthouse that day to sign the marriage licence. It is not something you can do spur of the moment but you can plan it out and do it on your cruise. They have the information on the web and you pay a licence fee. Best of luck. I am so happy we did the island wedding. So much less stress.
 
Well, sort of. Here's the requirements for getting married in Florida. It says you have to wait 3 days after the license is issued to be married. Unless you complete their pre-marital counseling course. Not sure how long that takes, but I'd think it would take a lot of time to get that all in in one day.

EDIT: This was not an official Florida website, and I've learned that non-Florida residents don't have to wait the 3 days (not mentioned here):

Florida Marriage License
Every marriage license is issued by a county court judge or clerk of the circuit court under his or her hand and seal. Marriage licenses are issued by counties and you can apply for your license at any county clerk's. Click Here for Clerk of the Court contact information by county. You can get married in any county in Florida, regardless of where you obtained your marriage license. To obtain a marriage license you need:

  • Identification: a picture ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or valid passport; both parties will also have to provide their Social Security numbers, but do not need to provide their Social Security Cards.
  • Fees: $93.50. Marriage license fees can be reduced by up to $32.50 if you complete a licensed Florida pre-marital course.
Marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance. You must perform the ceremony of marriage before this 60 days has expired. Blood Tests are not required. There is a 3-day waiting period after issuance of the license before you can get married, unless you have completed the Florida pre-marital course, in which case the waiting period is waived. Florida Marriage Statutes can be found here: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0741/0741.html
WOW..a lot has changed in 39 years since we were married. In Fl blood tests were required and I don't recall the 3 day waiting period or a per-marital course.
 

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