Can a yacht captain legally marry you?

No, a yacht captain cannot legally marry you in most places: the sea-captain wedding is a movie tradition, not maritime law. US states, the BVI and the Bahamas all require a licensed officiant or marriage officer, and a captain’s license grants no such authority. The exceptions are narrow: a captain who is also an ordained minister, or a Florida notary, can officiate because of that second credential, not the stripes. Couples handle it simply. Sign the legal paperwork at a courthouse or with a shoreside officiant, then let the captain lead the symbolic ceremony on deck: guests never know the difference, and many crews have done dozens. A honeymoon charter pairs naturally with the vows.