Can a Florida Notary Public perform a marriage on a cruise ship at sea?

Question

The cruise will be from Tampa, Florida to Mexico & The Cayman Islands.

Answer 1

No, even at best, they can only be a witness after obtaining proper identification from both parties.

A Notary Public's sole duty/responsibility/authority is to ensure a person signing a document is who they say they are and be able to tesitfy to that in a Court of Law.

Answer 2

Even though it is believed to be a regular event, a ship's captain generally doesn't have the legal right to perform a wedding at sea. In order for a Captain of a ship to perform a marriage at sea, he must be a judge, a justice of the peace, a minister or an officially recognize officiant such as a Notary Public.

Japanese ships allow Captains to perform a marriage ceremony at sea, but only if the couple has valid Japanese passports.

Through Bermuda law, and because the captains have Bermuda licenses to perform weddings, captains aboard Princess Cruise's "Golden Princess" and the "Grand Princess" can perform weddings aboard ship and at sea. 800-774-6237

A romantic alternative is to have your wedding aboard ship while it is docked in a port. You need to follow the port's requirements for such a wedding. All cruise lines offer this option.
Many cruise lines will require that once in port, you will need to leave the ship, swear before a judge that everything is correct with previous prepared paperwork, then go back to the ship for your ceremony.

If you want to renew your vows at sea, you need to show proof of a valid marriage.

If the captain obtains a temporary permit to perform your wedding, a Cruise West captain can officiate your wedding within Alaska waterways.

Best wishes!

Answer 3

If the ship is in Florida state waters when the ceremony takes place.

Answer 4

Sure, but its legality may be challenged unless he is an official cleric or captain of the ship.