Nearly 30 years after it first transfixed the country, the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is back in the spotlight with the debut of the first installment of Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story” anthology.
The limited series, inspired by author Elizabeth Beller’s “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,” follows the romance of Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly), the son of former President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Bessette, later Bessette-Kennedy (Sarah Pidgeon).
As of now, five of the nine episodes in the limited series have been released, with Episode 6 — titled “The Wedding” — airing March 5 at 9 p.m. ET. The episode centers on John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s secret 1996 wedding, exploring the intense media attention and pressure they faced leading up to their private ceremony.
The secret ceremony took place on Cumberland Island, a secluded barrier island about two hours north of Jacksonville, Florida. Known for its unspoiled beaches, maritime forests and wild horses roaming freely across the landscape, the island feels almost cinematic.
Here’s what we know about the couple’s intimate ceremony, what makes the location so special, and how to visit Cumberland Island today, including how to get there and see the historic venue for yourself.
Watch ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’ trailer
How to watch ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’
New episodes of “Love Story” air on FX at 9 p.m. ET on Thursdays and are available to stream on Hulu at 12 a.m. ET (Friday). The series finale is scheduled to air on March 26.
When do the next episodes of JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette ‘Love Story’ come out? See episode schedule
“Love Story” will have nine episodes in total. With five episodes out now, here’s what the upcoming schedule looks like:
Episode 6: ‘The Wedding’, The secret wedding of JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette at Cumberland Island
On September 21, 1996, John F. Kennedy Jr. married Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in an intimate, private ceremony on Cumberland Island.
The couple exchanged vows at the historic First African Baptist Church, a small church established in 1893 by a Black congregation. The church was small with only eight pews and no air conditioning.
How did guests arrive to JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’s wedding at Cumberland Island? How many people attended?
Determined to keep the event out of the public eye, the pair kept the location secret from the press, and guests were asked not to disclose details until after the ceremony.
About 40 people attended, including John’s sister, Caroline Kennedy, along with close friends and family from both sides. To preserve privacy, guests were flown into Georgia on private planes and then transported by boat to the island.
Why is Cumberland Island famous? Is it worth the trip?
Cumberland Island is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, with wild horses roaming pristine beaches, diverse ecosystems — including maritime forests, dunes, and marshes — and a rich human history. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Carnegie family mansions, including the Dungeness Ruins, as well as significant African American heritage sites, all preserved within the National Seashore.
Its remote atmosphere, loggerhead sea turtle nesting grounds, and status as Georgia’s largest barrier island make it a one-of-a-kind destination where nature and history meet.
Where is Cumberland Island? How to get there
Cumberland Island is a protected, undeveloped barrier island off Georgia’s southeastern coast, about six miles east of St. Marys. The island is accessible only by boat, either via the 45-minute passenger ferry from downtown St. Marys or by private vessel.
Want to visit? Here’s how to get to Cumberland Island:
How long is the Cumberland Island ferry ride?
The ferry from St. Marys, Georgia, to Cumberland Island takes about 45 minutes each way, providing a scenic journey across Cumberland Sound to the island’s beaches and historic landmarks. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as trips fill up quickly due to the island’s popularity.
Pricing for taking the ferry:
Can you visit the First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island today? How to See JFK Jr.’s Wedding Site
According to the National Park Service, the church is located 15 miles north of the Sea Camp dock. Due to the distance, the Park advises day visitors against visiting the church unless taking part in the Lands & Legacies Tour, and warns that despite doors being open, the facility is not staffed.
Things to do at Cumberland Island
Can you stay overnight on Cumberland Island?
Yes, visitors can spend the night either by camping at one of the island’s five designated campgrounds or by staying at the Greyfield Inn, the island’s only hotel. The Inn is a historic mansion that once belonged to the Carnegie family. Reservations are essential for both options and should be made well in advance. Campers must obtain permits and bring all supplies with them, while the Greyfield Inn offers more luxurious accommodations and requires booking through their private ferry service.
Interestingly, the Greyfield Inn also played a role in history: following their secret wedding, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette held a small reception there. The menu reportedly featured Southern-inspired dishes, including fresh local seafood.
‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’ cast
Cast members include:
See JFK Jr., Carolyn Bessette ‘Love Story’ cast vs. real-life people
When is the finale for ‘Love Story’?
For fans eager to see how it concludes, Love Story wraps up with Episode 9, set to release on March 26 — even though the tragic ending is already known.
Contributing: Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, and Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Where Is Cumberland Island? JFK Jr.’s secret wedding site
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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