Seventeenth century weddings were events rich with social and spiritual meaning, just as they are today. These loving rites of passage were defining moments in the lives of the Wampanoag and the English settlers. In June, Plimoth Plantation presented the first of three weddings, an English country wedding that never would have happened in Plimoth Colony.
The historic nuptials continue this Saturday, Aug. 14, with the reenactment of Governor Bradford’s wedding that took place in Plimoth Colony almost 400 years ago. Although Plimoth Plantation’s English Village is usually set in the year 1627, the museum is coming out of the year 1627 all week long, for the first time in more than a decade, to invited Museum visitors to be wedding guests, capturing a window on this historic 1623 event.
“Memory informs the way we look at the world. Think of how the weddings that you experienced as a child shaped your perception of marriage rituals and receptions, and what we think they should be like when it is our turn to marry: The dress; the father-daughter dance; cutting the cake,” Deputy Executive Director Richard Pickering said. “Whether we know it or not, each one of us spends his or her life creating memories, while at the same time playing a role in someone else’s memories. Our loved ones who have passed exist in the stories that we tell of their lives and our remembrances of moments shared together. Plimoth Plantation’s season of weddings will provide a window to those very important experiences, while creating lasting memories for today.”
Saturday’s wedding recreates the summer 1623 marriage of Gov. William Bradford and Alice Carpenter Southworth. Weddings in Plimoth Colony were very different from marriage practices in England during the 1600s. In fact, documented history shows that Edward Winslow, on more than one occasion, had to defend Plymouth’s ceremonies on his trips back to England. The Plymouth Church frowned on wedding rings and, although there was feasting after the ceremony, it did not feature English country dancing and toast after toast to the bride and groom.
While the human landscape of this wedding will be visually stunning, the wedding itself was simple and swift, a five-minute civil ceremony performed by a magistrate. But the governor’s wedding was also an elaborate diplomatic event attended by Wampanoag sachem Massasoit, his men and one of his six wives. From a letter describing the wedding, we know that the Wampanoag people danced after the ceremony, making the wedding a festive and memorable day for all. As a part of Plimoth Plantation’s reenactment, close to 20 Native people will be in attendance, making for an authentic bicultural reenactment.
During the early part of the day, townsfolk will prepare for the afternoon wedding by moving furniture to the site of the Bride Ale, cooking for the feast and by getting dressed in their best clothing.
At 1 p.m., Massasoit and his queen will arrive at the south gate, along the Eel River, with other Native guests. They will be greeted by Governor Bradford and honored with a military salute. Shortly thereafter, the governor will be given a gift of turkeys and the Native men will store their weapons in the governor’s house.
At 1:30, Museum guests will see Native dancing on the green followed by the giving of gifts to Massasoit by the English.
Just before 2:30 p.m., a runner will be sent to get the bride. Once she arrives, Issac Allerton will give a final reading of the banns of marriage. At 2:45, the wedding ceremony will be performed.
By 3 p.m., a Bride Ale will follow at the clearing on the south side of town. Townspeople will be seen feasting on such delicacies as venison pasties, a lombardy tart and bridal cake. Singing, dancing and games will be ongoing as part of the celebration.
At 4:30, guests can experience the formal goodbye as the Native guests gather up their weapons and depart. Soon after the newly married governor will call for Captain Standish to set the night watch for the close of the day.
Museum guests are invited to share in the festivities throughout the day. However, for health code reasons Plimoth Plantation is not permitted to offer food to Museum guests in the 17th Century English Village. With that in mind,the Museum’s Patuxet Café has designed a 17th century wedding-inspired luncheon menu available for $7.95 throughout the day in the Henry Hornblower II Visitor Center The menu includes venison stew, a seasonal sallet of greens, fresh cod with green sauce and rice pudding.
All Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II guests who purchase a combination ticket between Aug. 7 and 13 are invited back to the Museum Saturday, Aug. 14, to experience the governor’s wedding for free, Just show a paid admission receipt at the ticket booth to receive the complimentary admission to the wedding of the 17th century,
Rehearsal/Share a Pint with a Pilgrim
Although there will not be an official rehearsal of Governor Bradford’s wedding, in honor of the upcoming Bride Ale, Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower Ale will present a unique event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, as the Plantation presents “Share a Pint with a Pilgrim.” This unique opportunity gives Museum guests the opportunity to taste Mayflower Ale, while speaking to one of Plimoth Plantation’s very talented Pilgrim Colonists, as well as representatives from Mayflower Ale. This event is $5 for Museum members and those with a valid Plimoth Plantation or Mayflower II admission receipt from August 13, or just $8 for walk-ins. This price includes Mayflower Ale, fruit and cheese and a Mayflower Ale glass to take home.
Native Wampanoag Wedding Reenacted
Not to be outdone by Governor Bradford’s wedding, a 17th century Native Wampanoag wedding is scheduled at Plimoth Plantation’s Wampanoag Homesite Saturday, Sept. 18. Plimoth Plantation’s final wedding of the season comes in September and is the first time that the Museum has represented a Wampanoag wedding in many years. This special ceremony will demonstrate its own rituals of reverence and joy, as it relates to the Wampanoag culture. Museum guests will see the ceremony, celebration, feasting and the fun that would have accompanied this very important rite of passage for a young Native couple. The wedding will take place at 1 p.m., the reenacted feast begins after the ceremony and the traditional Native football game begins at 3:00 p.m.
2010 and Beyond
In addition to 17th century wedding reenactments, dozens of contemporary couples begin their lives together week after week with modern wedding celebrations at Plimoth Plantation.
Museum weddings are just the first of many unforgettable memories new couples share together. Plimoth Plantation’s experienced event planners assist brides and grooms with every decision along the way, while attending to the smallest details with professional and impeccable service. The Museum offers a unique Colonial English setting for outdoor ceremonies in the historic Hornblower Garden, as well as picturesque and spacious reception spaces in Gainsborough Hall, the Peabody Pavilion or the Accomack Room. Each sets the stage for the exquisite culinary creations Plimoth Plantation’s dining services are known for, so couples and their and guests can celebrate their special day in an unforgettable way. Those interested in inquiring about modern weddings at Plimoth Plantation should contact Diane Cox at dcox@plimoth.org, or 508-746-1622, ext. 8365.
Plimoth Plantation is a 17th-century living history museum located an hour south of Boston in Plymouth (Exit 4, Route 3 south) and 20 minutes north of Cape Cod. The museum is a private, nonprofit, educational institution supported by admission fees, contributions, memberships, function sales and revenue from dining programs/services and museum shops. Plimoth Plantation is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Federal Institute of Museums and Library Services, The National Endowment for the Humanities, private foundations, corporations, and local businesses. For more information visit www.plimoth.org.
