Hollywood gave a big boost to the myth that captains could legally join couples on the open seas. In South Florida, Captain Ray Goad, also an ordained minister, is making this myth a reality. Somewhere along the line, with a big boost from Hollywood, people got it into their heads that sea captains, nattily dressed in their crisp uniforms, could legally join couples on the open seas. Florida State
Law 741.07 - "Persons authorized to solemnize matrimony." (1) All regularly ordained ministers of the gospel or elders in communion with some church, or other ordained clergy, and all judicial officers, including retired judicial officers, clerks of the circuit courts, and notaries public of this state may solemnize the rights of matrimonial contract, under the regulations prescribed by law. Captain Ray was years ago asked to marry some friends; and, since has found that many couples not formally associated with any particular church, find the requirements of being married in churches can be unnecessarily intrusive with requirements, limitations and prerequisites often not personally relevant to their marriage. Captain Ray provides an alternative, that takes advantage of his life long experience as a professional with a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, a career as a corporate General Counsel, more than five years of actual on board experience as a Master Captain, certified by the U.S. Merchant Marines Officer. Wether on a South Florida beach at dawn or sunset with just the couple in attendance, or with dozens of friends and family, at home or on the decks of a Yacht or Club venue, with his accumulated wisdom, he helps his Wedding Clients create just the feeling they are looking for, with vows that are personal and most meaningful to them
All variations of religious, secular, traditional and personal ceremonial practices are often incorporated into the ceremonies as directed by the wishes of the client. Captain Ray believes that this is their day, and not a time to for him or others to impose their requirements. Captain Ray feels that it is an honor to officiate the sacred vows of marriage between Brides and Grooms brought together by love, and genuinely appreciates the opportunity to participate with them in their moment of solemn matrimony.
