Two stewards on a polar research vessel married on Monday, making them the first same-sex couple to marry in the British Antarctic Territory, according to the British Antarctic Survey.
Eric Bourne and Stephen Carpenter married on the helideck of the RSS Sir David Attenborough at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station on Sunday in bright sunshine.
The ship’s captain officiated the ceremony, which was the second involving BAS employees since the law was changed in 2016 to allow marriages to be organized in the territory.
The British Antarctic Territory Government, based in London, will register the union, which will be recognized in the United Kingdom.
Julie Baum and Tom Sylvester, polar field guides, were the first couple to marry in the territory in July 2017.
Carpenter braved the frigid temperatures in a kilt – and snow boots – on Sunday, while the ship’s crew, dressed in full uniform, welcomed the newlyweds by forming an archway with ice axes held aloft.
He said Antarctica, with a backdrop of icebergs and snow-covered mountains, was “the perfect place” to get married.
Before heading south, the couple had the coordinates of the location – 67 34′ S 68 08′ W – engraved into their wedding rings.
Before tucking into a wedding cake topped with penguins, the couple received toasts and telegrams and heard speeches from their best men.
When the ship returns to the Rothera research station on May 8, a larger reception with all staff will be held.
A celebration for their family and friends is planned for later this year in Spain, where Bourne resides.
