A Welsh groom is part of the first same-sex marriage to ever take place in British Antarctic Territory. The couple, who are both stewards on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, have been together for 20 years.
Welshman Stephen Carpenter, who is from Caerphilly, and his partner Eric Bourne made history when they tied the knot, as the first same-sex couple, in Antarctica on Sunday, April, 24. The wedding took place on the polar ship the RRS Sir David Attenborough where crewmembers were the best men and Captain Will Whatley performed the ceremony.
Stephen and Eric have been together for 20 years, both working on ships throughout their career, and decided on Antarctica after Stephen joined the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Stephen said: “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!"
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The couple also added a very sweet detail to their wedding rings as they engraved the coordinates of the chilly location into their wedding rings. They tied the knot overlooking the Antarctic Peninsula which has mountain peaks and icebergs in the bay making it their favourite icy view.
British Antarctic Territory reformed its marriage laws in 2016, making it easier to arrange marriages in the territory and to include same-sex marriages. Stephen and Eric's wedding included telegrams from home and live music.
The couple will continue to celebrate their marriage with a wedding reception at the Rothera Research Station in May, where there will be 100 staff present and further live music from the station's resident band. Stephen and Eric will also celebrate with their family and friends in Spain, swapping to a warmer destination, later this year.
