
Wedding & Civil Ceremonies Aboard the River Queen in Brielle, NJ
Officiated by a U.S.C.G. Licensed Captain aboard the River Queen in Brielle, New Jersey
Captain Adam Glantzman performs marriage and civil union ceremonies exclusively aboard the family-run River Queen, offering couples a seamless and meaningful way to celebrate on the water. The River Queen is a replica Mississippi River boat featuring climate-controlled upper and lower cabins, solid mahogany floors, oak paneling, two fully stocked bars, and three spacious outdoor viewing decks. After your ceremony, you and your guests will depart along the calm inland waterways of the Manasquan River, Point Pleasant Canal, and Barnegat Bay, for an experience that both distinctive and memorable.
Ceremonies on the River Queen with Captain Adam
Performing nautical nuptials aboard the River Queen since 1988
Captain Adam Glantzman is a U.S.C.G. Licensed Captain and a Reverend of Universal Ministries who has been performing wedding ceremonies aboard the River Queen in Brielle, New Jersey for nearly two decades. His experience on the water, combined with his role as an officiant, offers couples a seamless and meaningful way to celebrate their ceremony on board. As a nondenominational minister, Captain Adam works with couples of all backgrounds and beliefs.
The Universal Ministries is founded on the principle of respecting each individual’s right to follow their own spiritual path, allowing ceremonies to be personalized in a way that feels authentic and true to each couple. This flexible approach allows couples to create a ceremony that reflects their values, whether traditional, modern, spiritual, or non-religious, while ensuring that all ceremonies are conducted in accordance with legal requirements.

Tie The Knot
Wedding and Civil Union Ceremonies
Whether you choose to write your own vows or follow a more traditional format, Captain Adam works with you to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared as you move into your ceremony. Each ceremony is approached with flexibility, allowing it to reflect your relationship, your preferences, and the tone you want to create. Couples also have access to ceremony guides, including options for shorter and longer formats, as well as a selection of meaningful rituals that can be incorporated into the experience.
Popular additions are the sand, handfasting, jumping of the broom, breaking the glass and unity candle ceremonies. In a sand ceremony, both partners pour sand into a single vessel to symbolize the joining of their lives, and it can also include family members to represent the blending of families. In a unity candle ceremony, each partner lights a shared candle using their own, symbolizing unity while honoring individuality. When you’re ready to begin planning your ceremony, Captain Adam is available to guide you through the process and help bring your vision to life.
What do I need to prepare for my ceremony?
Planning your ceremony aboard the River Queen is a straightforward and unintimidating process. From obtaining your marriage or civil union license to finalizing the details of your ceremony, each step is designed to ensure everything is in place so your day can unfold smoothly and without stress.
Ceremony Preparation and Requirements
All-inclusive corporate event packages designed for ease and flexibility
To perform a marriage or civil union ceremony aboard the River Queen, a valid New Jersey marriage or civil union license must be obtained in advance. Both parties must appear together at the local Registrar of Vital Statistics office in the municipality where either party resides.
Applicants must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of residency, and, if applicable, documentation confirming the termination of any previous marriages or civil unions. The application requires a fee, and there is a 72-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid. Once issued, the license remains valid for 30 days.
Following the ceremony, the officiant and one witness will sign the license, which must then be returned to the Registrar for official recording. Requirements may vary slightly by municipality, so it is recommended to confirm details directly with your local office. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the State of New Jersey guidelines. Ceremonies aboard the River Queen can only be performed once proper licensing has been obtained.

Confirmation and Booking
To reserve your ceremony date aboard the River Queen, a ceremony fee of $350 is required. Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order.
All ceremonies must be confirmed at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled date and time. This confirmation ensures all details are finalized and allows for any last-minute adjustments, helping your ceremony proceed smoothly and without confusion.


I had my wedding ceremony aboard the River Queen and was thrilled with Captain Adam. Not only did he make the process easy and stress free, but our family members thought it was so cool to have a captain, in his uniform, performing our ceremony while overlooking the water! I’ll never forget my ceremony! Thank you!
CAT
Plan Your Ceremony
Have a question or ready to start planning? We’re here to help guide you through the process, whether you’re booking a wedding, private event, or public cruise experience. Reach out using the form rovided, and a member of our team will get back to you with availability, next steps, and any details you may need
800 Ashley Avenue
Brielle, New Jersey 08730
732-528-6620