TRAVERSE CITY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Marriage Excursion Aboard Impulse: An Intimate Boat Wedding on Traverse City's Waters
An all‑inclusive, LGBTQIA‑friendly marriage ceremony aboard the sailing vessel Impulse in Traverse City; this guide explains what to expect and how to plan your wedding at sea.
Marriage Excursion Aboard Impulse: An Intimate Boat Wedding on Traverse City's Waters.
Experience the magic of a boat wedding with Seaside Sailing Excursions in Traverse City aboard the sailing vessel "Impulse." Clergy Captain Ger, an ordained clergyman, officiates intimate ceremonies as the vessel sails the region’s stunning waters; the operator describes the offering as non‑denominational, LGBTQIA‑friendly and all‑inclusive.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A small, certified sailboat for intimate ceremonies
Your ceremony takes place aboard the sailing vessel Impulse, a passenger vessel certified to meet US Coast Guard regulations and operated by a licensed Master captain, offering an intimate platform for a private wedding on the water.
Clergy Captain Ger officiates your ceremony
Ceremonies are facilitated and officiated aboard by Clergy Captain Ger, an ordained clergyman who can legally officiate marriages in Michigan, allowing couples a legally binding service at sea.
Intimate, non‑judgmental, and customizable
Seaside Sailing Excursions positions the Marriage Excursion as an intimate, all‑inclusive, non‑denominational and LGBTQIA‑friendly experience, and works with couples to design the ceremony to their needs.
What the day feels like
What the experience feels like
You meet the crew, board Impulse, and exchange vows as the boat sails the waters of Traverse City with Clergy Captain Ger officiating; the operator frames the excursion as a private, tailor‑made ceremony that emphasizes intimacy and inclusivity.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this Marriage Excursion suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress in layers—the air over the water can be about 10 degrees cooler than on land. Bare feet are common aboard, but if you wear shoes choose rubber‑soled, secure footwear. Bring swimsuits, towels, a sweatshirt or jacket, and any small coolers for finger food; the crew provides blankets, bottled water, and unbreakable cups and dishes.
Meet at 13501 S W Bay Shore Dr.; the boat is along the seawall at the north end of Elmwood Marina (arrive ~15 minutes early). Free parking is provided at the drop‑off location with an overflow lot behind the Subway across the road.
The crew maintains sanitation between excursions and screens staff; if anyone in your party is symptomatic or exposed, contact the operator to reschedule or cancel without penalty.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need to book in advance?
Last‑minute reservations are welcome, but to avoid disappointment the operator recommends booking in advance; you can book online or call to discuss details.
What should I wear?
Guests often go barefoot aboard; if you wear shoes choose rubber‑soled, secure footwear. Dress in layers as the air over the water is often about 10 degrees cooler than on land; swimsuits, towels and a sweatshirt or jacket are recommended, and blankets are available on board.
Are pets allowed on board?
Pets are not permitted aboard the vessel for the safety and comfort of guests and crew; the operator can provide a list of local boarding facilities.
Do you provide food and refreshments?
The crew provides bottled water, unbreakable cups and dishes; guests are invited to bring food and drinks—simple finger food and coolers work well.
What about the weather?
The captain monitors weather and makes decisions about sailings until about two hours before departure; threatening conditions such as fog, lightning or high winds may force rescheduling or refunds according to the captain’s discretion.
What is your cancellation policy?
A full refund is offered for cancellations made at least 72 hours before the scheduled excursion, or you can reschedule based on availability.
How many people can be in our party?
Impulse has a maximum capacity of six paying passengers plus crew in accordance with US Coast Guard regulations; for larger parties the operator can often partner with affiliates and coordinate side‑by‑side sailings.
Is your sailboat safe?
Impulse meets or exceeds US Coast Guard regulations for construction, stability, safety equipment and electronics for passenger service, and the captain holds a US Coast Guard Master certification.