A South Essex man and his partner have become the first couple to have a same-sex marriage take place in British Antarctic Territory.
Eric Bourne, from Rochford, and Stephen Carpenter have been together for 20 years and tied the knot aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough on Sunday.
The pair, who are both crew members, were married by Will Whatley, the ship’s captain, at the British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station.
They shared the special day with 30 crew.
Speeches by the couple’s best men, telegrams and toasts followed the ceremony as did live music with songs performed by the ship’s doctor.
A wedding reception with all the staff at Rothera Research Station will take place when the ship returns for its final call on 8 May.
Mr Bourne has spent the last three years working for BAS and the pair decided Antarctica would make the perfect venue for their nuptials after Mr Carpenter joined the ship’s crew.
He said: “We’re both very proud to be the first same-sex marriage to happen in British Antarctic Territory.
“BAS is such a welcoming and accepting employer, and we feel very lucky to be able to live and work in such an incredible community and place together.”
Mr Carpenter added: “Antarctica is such an incredible place.
“We have been together for 20 years but now we’ve both been to Antarctica together, it felt like the perfect place for us to finally tie the knot.”
The pair are both experienced seafarers and have travelled the world together on a variety of ships.
The wedding will be registered with the British Antarctic Territory Government, which is based in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and will be valid in the UK.
The couple will hold a second celebration for family and friends later in the year, in the warmer climes of Spain.
Cpt Whatley, master of RRS Sir David Attenborough, added: “It was such an honour to be officiating Eric and Steve’s wedding.
“The RRS Sir David Attenborough is not only our place of work but also our home, and it is a privilege to help two integral members of our crew celebrate their special day.”
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