Some weddings stay on land. This one sets sail, with 11,000 square feet of canvas billowing overhead and the Toronto skyline slowly turning on the horizon.
The Empire Sandy is Canada's largest sailing tall ship. Built in 1943 as a deep-sea tug that served in Second World War transatlantic convoys, she was later transformed into a three-masted schooner and has cruised Toronto Harbour and Lake Ontario for more than 30 years.
Wedding cruises have long been the ship's specialty. Couples can hold the ceremony on board as well as the reception, or simply bring their guests aboard to celebrate after saying their vows elsewhere.
The ship is Transport Canada certified to carry up to 275 passengers and can comfortably seat approximately 160 guests below decks. Wide decks and wood-panelled lounges give the day both an open-air side and a warm, sheltered one.
Charters are based on a four-hour rental, with a boarding period, a three-hour sail and time to disembark, and additional time can be arranged.
Onboard culinary-trained chefs prepare sit-down dinner and cocktail menus, and menus can be customized to the couple's tastes. The bar can be arranged as a host bar, cash bar or with drink vouchers.
The team can help with many parts of the planning and is happy to tailor a package to each couple. As the sails go up and the ship leaves the harbour, guests might gather at the rail for photographs against the city and the Toronto Islands.
For couples who picture their celebration on the water, with history underfoot and a breeze off the lake, the Empire Sandy offers a wedding that feels like a true voyage.
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