Sunset Nautical Wedding Aboard Selina II on Shelter Island's Peconic Bay

On a warm summer evening in eastern Long Island, Shelter Island and the glassy Peconic Bay stage a private ceremony that feels as if it were made for film. The Nautical Wedding Package aboard Selina II offers an intimate, waterfront wedding for up to six guests on a classic wooden yacht, exchanging vows as the sun slips below the island's tree-lined shore. Selina II is a traditional wooden sailing yacht whose varnished teak and brass fittings make every photograph feel deliberately cinematic.

The setting is distinctive: Peconic Bay is an estuary of shallow flats, salt marshes, and quiet coves where ospreys quarter the inlet and harbor seals sometimes haul out near remote shoals. Off the stern the shoreline of Shelter Island Heights appears low and wooded, with the island's protected bays—fringed by salt-tolerant grasses and maritime pines—framing the ceremony. For couples who want a small, focused celebration, a two-hour private cruise at sunset condenses the best of the East End: coastal light, a gentle sea breeze, and that particular hush that descends as day becomes evening.

What separates this package from a standard venue is the motion of the boat itself. Vows delivered on water carry a sense of private movement—an immediate intimacy that a hall can't replicate. Practical comforts are built in: the experience is limited to six guests for a private atmosphere, and optional add-ons let you customize the night—premium flowers, a curated charcuterie board, a professional photographer, chilled bubbly, or even a custom sail message.

Logistics are straightforward for visitors: many couples book nearby lodging in Sag Harbor or Greenport and arrive via ferry or car. Timing your ceremony for the last hour of daylight maximizes color and avoids the rush of marina traffic. Because Selina II is a wooden vessel, the crew keeps dress and footwear in mind—non-marking soles and careful step-up etiquette keep the yacht pristine.

This offering is a small-boat celebration that taps directly into Shelter Island’s maritime culture: a place shaped by yachting, shellfishing, and quiet preserves such as Mashomack. It’s ideal for couples who prioritize atmosphere over scale, who want sound of water and seabirds to underscore vows, and who want wedding photography that leans on natural light and the yacht’s authentic wooden details. Book early—the small group size and sunset preference mean the best dates go quickly.

Onboard staff handle navigation and ceremony coordination, and they work with local vendors when you add photography or floral services. Couples should confirm ferry schedules and docking plans when booking, especially if guests arrive from the North or South Forks. The result is a compact, low-footprint celebration that leaves a lighter environmental imprint than a large waterfront reception while delivering maximum atmosphere in minimal time.