About the photo: The Mystic Seaport Lighthouse is a replica of the Brant Point Lighthouse in Massachusetts. Built in 1966, it stands 25 feet tall and has an exhibit called Sentinels of the Sea in its base.
About the photo: Because the Mystic Seaport Lighthouse has the Sentinels of the Sea exhibit in its base, space inside is very limited. Nearly all couples get married outside the Lighthouse instead.
About the photo: The Greenmanville Church at Mystic Seaport is a real, historical building, not a reproduction. The anchor in front of Greenmanville Church is another historical artifact, now used by people as a background for photos. (And kids for climbing, of course.)
About the photo: The interior of Greenmanville Church is typical of its time, about 1851. The interior is severely plain, so that people paid attention to the service. Here the platform has a sand ceremony set up, ready for the wedding. The figurehead on the right is a real relic of wooden ships. The memorial candle near it burns in memory of departed loved ones.
About the photo: Mystic Seaport Museum has the last wooden whaling ship in the world: The Charles W. Morgan. Still afloat and seaworthy, the Morgan has regular tours.
About the photo: This loving couple eloped at the Mystic Seaport Lighthouse, then we took pictures of them at various spots around the Seaport.
About the photo: The wooden steamboat Sabino waits patiently for her passengers for the sunset cruise. Built in 1908, she is still powered by her original engine.
“The steamboat Sabino is the oldest wooden, coal-fired steamboat in regular operation in the U.S.”
(quoted from the Mystic Seaport's web page about the Sabino.)
About the photo: Weddings aboard the Sabino are extra special. The Sabino sails on the Mystic River from the Mystic Seaport, through the Bascule bridge, and people on both sides of the river often applaud as the wedding party goes by. Sometimes other watercraft salute the couple with their horns. (Yes, I’m the one holding the stones for the unity ceremony.)
To have your marriage ceremony at Mystic Seaport Museum
- Mystic Seaport Museum’s address is 75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 06355.
- From Interstate 95 Exit 90 you’ll see signs pointing the way.
- The Seaport’s full name is “Mystic Seaport: The Museum of America and the Sea”.
- The locals call it simply “Mystic Seaport” or “The Seaport”.
- It is important to note that Mystic Seaport is a Museum, not a working seaport.
- You’ll see a lot of genuinely old ships, boats, and buildings, along with reproductions which are clearly labeled as such.
- Seaport employees and volunteers want people to ask questions and to chat with you!
- Mystic Seaport is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which charges admission to visit. The fee applies to you, your wedding party, officiant, and guests. Parking is free.
- To discuss fees, you can call 860-572-0711. Prices vary and there may be discounts (see the link immediately below).
- Please wear comfortable shoes! The Seaport is very handicapped-accessible.
- You’ll get your marriage license at the Stonington Town Clerk’s Office:
- The address is 152 Elm Street, Stonington, CT 06378.
- The phone number is 860-535-5060.
- Stonington, CT’s official website is WWW.Stonington-CT.Gov.
- It would take you about 9 minutes to drive the 4.8 miles from the Seaport to the Town Clerk’s Office.
- You might want to visit the borough of Stonington while the Town Clerk’s Office prepares your marriage license. “Quaint” is a word I don’t use lightly!
- Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mystic Village (a reproduction shopping center), and Historic Downtown Mystic with its Bascule Bridge and free public park are a short drive away.
- Hotels, motels, restaurants, and B&Bs abound in the area, including Historic Downtown Mystic.
- You can tell that I love the area where I grew up. And, of course, I’d love to be your wedding officiant! Your questions are always welcome.