The 17 Newlyweds of the RMS Titanic

Kadi Brazil January 29, 2026

When people think of the RMS Titanic, they often focus on her grandeur, her passengers, and the tragedy that ended her maiden voyage. Less frequently discussed, however, are the deeply personal stories carried aboard—among them, the lives of 17 newlywed couples who had chosen Titanic as part of the beginning of their married life.

Our museum defines a newlywed as married for one year or less. These couples came aboard Titanic for different reasons. Some were returning home from honeymoons in Europe, while others were emigrating to the United States to start a new life together. Regardless of class or destination, each couple shared the same hope for the future and the promise of a life just beginning.

First-Class Newlyweds (8)

John Jacob & Madeleine Astor (Madeleine survived; John Jacob perished)
Dickinson & Helen Bishop (Both survived)
Albert & Vera Dick (Both survived)
Dr. Henry & Clara Frauenthal (Both survived)
George & Dorothy Harder (Both survived)
Daniel & Mary Marvin (Mary survived; Daniel perished)
Lucien & Eloise Smith (Eloise survived; Lucien perished)
John & Nelle Snyder (Both survived)

Second-Class Newlyweds (2)

Edward & Ethel Beane (Both survived)
John & Sara Chapman (Perished together)

Third-Class Newlyweds (7)

William & Anna De Messemaeker (Both survived)
Pekka & Elin Hakkarainen (Elin survived; Pekka perished)
Karam Joseph & Maria Elias Karam (Perished together)
Betros & Zahie Khalil (Perished together)
Neal & Eileen McNamee (Perished together)
Julius & Emelie Van der Planke (Perished together)
Antony & Celiney Yasbeck (Celiney survived; Antony perished)

Among these 17 newlywed couples, five of the wives were expecting their first child at the time of the voyage: Madeleine Astor, Helen Bishop, Mary Marvin, Eloise Smith, and Ethel Beane. For these families, Titanic was not only a journey into marriage, but into parenthood as well.

The fate of these couples varied greatly. Some survived together, some were separated by loss, and others perished side by side. Their stories reflect the broader human experience of the disaster—love, sacrifice, and the randomness of survival—while also reminding us that Titanic was not only a ship of tragedy, but of beginnings.

Each February, the Titanic Museum Attraction commemorates these couples during Sweetheart Month, honoring the newlyweds and the many other love stories connected to the RMS Titanic. Through their stories, we are reminded that even in the shadow of history’s greatest maritime disaster, human connection remains central.

In recognition of these 17 newlyweds and the enduring role of love aboard Titanic, our team has curated a selection of historically inspired, love-themed items connected to the ship’s legacy, available to explore this Valentine’s season.