If you want your wedding to be an unforgettable experience, the U.S. Virgin Island’s shores are calling you. Consistently ranked as one of the top five wedding and honeymoon locations in the Caribbean, the U.S. Virgin Islands is the perfect place to begin a new life with your soul mate. From the tranquil beaches on St. John, to the shopping and nightlife on St. Thomas and the historical and cultural sights on St. Croix, the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a bevy of romantic scenes and provides endless opportunities for saying “I do.”

On a mountaintop or underwater, on a beautiful beach or in a botanical garden, in a formal church wedding or African “Jumping the Broom” ceremony, our islands have every setting you can imagine. No matter which site you choose, the U.S. Virgin Islands have many experienced wedding consultants and planners who can help you arrange the perfect ceremony and reception. As a U.S. Territory, we operate under the laws of the United States Government, so your wedding will be as hassle-free as a wedding anywhere in the mainland U.S.

You don’t have to go far to find your perfect honeymoon spot when you get married in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Luxury resorts, intimate guesthouses and condos, island villas with private pools, and private yachts are all available. Whichever you choose, you are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

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THINGS TO DO

Sights & Attractions

St. Croix

• Buck Island: Buck Island National Monument is an environmentally sensitive area protected by the National Parks System. For more information, visit www.gotostcroix.com.

• Carambola Golf Club: A 6,843-yard course, Carambola hosts the annual LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Golf Tournament every year.  For more information, call (340) 778-5638 or visit www.golfcarambola.com.
• St. George Village Botanical Gardens: Dedicated to conservation and preservation of both the historical and living collections on its grounds, the garden is a unique spot to take in the natural beauty of St. Croix. For more information, call (340) 692-2874 or visit www.SGVBG.org.
• TanTan Tours: Featuring driving expeditions through St. Croix’s landscapes, rainforest and fantastic cultural spots, TanTan Tours is a one-of-a-kind experience. For more information, visit www.stxtantantours.com.

• Whim Plantation Museum: An authentic Danish sugar estate dating from the 1700’s, the museum offers guests tours of the furnished great house, and access to the sugar factory ruins the surrounding grounds. For more information, call (340) 772-0598 or visit www.stcroixlandmarks.com.

St. John

• Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins: At this former sugar plantation, travelers can revisit the remnants of plantation life and the occupation of slaves during the 18th century.  Park rangers conduct demonstrations of cultural traditions, including basket weaving, music and dance, each week. For more information, call (340) 776-6201 or visit www.nps.gov.
• Mongoose Junction: In downtown Cruz Bay, visitors can enjoy St. John’s premier collection of shops and restaurants. For more information, www.mongoosejunctionstjohn.com.
• Snorkeling at Trunk Bay: One of the most popular athletic activities in the U.S. Virgin Islands, snorkeling is a favorite at Trunk Bay, where the Virgin Islands National Park offers an underwater snorkeling trail. For more information, visit www.stjohnbeachguide.com.
• Virgin Islands National Park: A landmark of natural preservation, the park takes up 7,000 acres on the island of St. John. For more information, visit www.virgin.islands.national-park.com.

St. Thomas

• Coral World Marine Park & Observatory: Located on the northeast shore at Coki Point, Coral World is recognized as an internationally renowned tourist attraction.  The 4.5-acre park consists of an underwater observatory tower, a tropical nature trail, a marine gardens aquarium, and an 80,000-gallon coral reef tank. For more information, call (340)775-1555 or visit www.coralworldvi.com.
• Mahogany Run Golf Course: A par-70, 18-hole championship course designed by George and Tom Fazio, a highlight of the 6,022-yard course is the challenging Devil’s Triangle where the Caribbean poses perhaps the world’s ultimate water hazard. For more information, call (340) 777-6250 or visit www.mahoganyrungolf.com.
• Shopping
  • Havensight Mall: With over 100 stores and businesses, Havensight Mall is St. Thomas’ most popular one-stop destination for shops, refreshments, entertainment, service and professional needs. For more information, call (340) 777-5313 or visit www.havensightmall.com.
  • Yacht Haven Grande: St. Thomas’ premier marina facility for mega-yachts within the Caribbean, Yacht Haven Grande encompasses a 48-slip mega-yacht marina with a variety of entertainment, restaurants and shops. For more information, visit www.yachthavengrande.com.
  • St. Thomas Skyride: One of the “must do” activities in the Caribbean, the St. Thomas Skyride takes visitors 700 ft. above the town of Charlotte Amalie. For more information, call (340) 774-9809 or visit www.paradisepointtramway.com

CUISINE

International cuisine abounds on all three islands, but of course local cuisine is a must.  Casual to sophisticated, the United States Virgin Islands has it all. Try these local favorites for a real taste of the islands:

• Kallaloo-okra, meat, seafood stew with delicious greens & spices
• Souse- a lime flavored stock made from pig head, tail and feet
• Fungi- a side dish made of cornmeal & okra
• Johnnycakes- deep fried unleavened bread
• Coconut or Guava Tart
• Soursop Ice Cream

PLANNING YOUR USVI WEDDING

There are over 87 beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands to get married, from Magens Bay on St. Thomas to Trunk Bay on St. John, which Condé Nast Traveler consistently ranks as two of the top ten beaches in the world. St. Croix’s Chenay Bay is a great hideaway for a quiet, blissful ceremony. For those who prefer a different atmosphere for the big day, each of the three islands provides its own unique setting for tying the knot.

Take the Plunge on St. Croix

Known for its exceptional diving, St. Croix offers one of the most distinctive ways to get hitched.  Adventurous couples can literally “take the plunge” in an underwater ceremony complete with scuba gear at the Hotel Caravelle.  In fact, St. Croix holds the world record for the largest underwater wedding: an event that drew more than 100 certified divers as guests.  For those who prefer to begin their life together on land, other St. Croix settings include 19th-century churches and a lush botanical garden.

Get Hitched in Secluded Natural Splendor on St. John

Exquisite natural beauty takes center stage in ceremonies on St. John, the smallest of the islands, where wedding settings include waterfront gazebos, island chapels and tropical villas. The island, two-thirds of which is undeveloped, is an extraordinary choice for nature lovers who will find the 11,560-acre Virgin Islands National Park an incomparable setting featuring 800 varieties of plants and 160 species of birds.

Take Your Pick on St. Thomas

On St. Thomas, settings can take on the island’s more cosmopolitan atmosphere, including the bustling backdrop of Charlotte Amalie harbor.  Forty beautiful beaches, including heart-shaped Magens Bay, voted one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic, ensure there’s no shortage of shoreline for seaside nuptials.  For those spellbound by local legend, the medieval-style Skytsborg, better known as Blackbeard’s Castle, adds a touch of the 17th-century lore to the wedding day.

ACCOMODATIONS

Whether you’re flying out your family and friends to your destination wedding or jetting off with your newlywed for a relaxing honeymoon, the U.S. Virgin Islands offers an assortment of romantic accommodations. Below is a sampling of hotel options:

The Buccaneer, St. Croix

Consistently ranked as one of the top resorts in the world, the Caribbean’s longest running resort, The Buccaneer, was founded in the 17th century and has been family-run for generations. Blending the historic with the modern, this romantic resort is the premier location for weddings and honeymoons. For more information, visit www.thebuccaneer.com or call (340) 712-2100.

Carambola Beach Resort, St. Croix

Carambola Beach Resort offers a spectrum of activities and services for a couple’s romantic getaway. Amenities include a fitness room, two restaurants, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a whirlpool, on-site auto rental, dive shop, meeting facilities, game room, dry cleaning service, lounge, nearby golf courses and ocean side private beach. For more information, visit www.carambolabeach.com (340) 778-3800.

The Westin, St. John

Its Beach Garden Gazebo is just one of several options to choose from as you create your perfect Caribbean Wedding. You may choose to have your ceremony on our picturesque beach and then move the party to our Palm Terrace for a beautiful tented reception. Or, the lush tropical landscape of the Garden Gazebo area witch provides a private and intimate location for you, your friends and family during your ceremony yet just steps away from the waters edge. For those who prefer a Tropical Garden with the Caribbean Sea serving as the backdrop, our Hilltop Garden location is ideal. For more information, visit www.westinresortstjohn.com, or call (866) 716-8108.

Caneel Bay Resort, St. John

Situated on 170 lush acres with seven breathtaking beaches, the Caribbean resort of Caneel Bay boasts an unrivalled setting for honeymoons and weddings in the Virgin Islands. Whether you are hosting a team strategy session, recognizing key clients or rewarding top sales executives, your guests will be captivated by Caneel’s gracious service and simple elegance. For bridal parties and honeymooners, Caneel charms with romantic tranquility, expert catering and endless activities. For more information, visit www.caneelbay.com, or call (340) 776-6111.

Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, St. Thomas

Carved into a mountainside and surrounded by the natural beauty of St. Thomas in the USVI, the 294-room, newly renovated Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, near the island of St. John and neighboring islands. Private balconies overlook lush mountains, white beaches and sparkling waters offering a spectacular view unprecedented by other St. Thomas hotels. Outside, enjoy a host of onsite activities including miniature golf, tennis, SCUBA, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking or windsurfing. For more information, visit www.wyndham.com or call (340) 777-7100.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas boasts 180 newly-renovated guestrooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace. Cast as a tropical escape teeming with exotic marine life and endless opportunities to dine, relax and explore, the award-winning beachfront Virgin Islands hotel at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas features four dining establishments, over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and function space. For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com, or call (340) 775-3333.

SERVICES

As the U.S. Virgin Islands is heavily geared towards romantic events, there are dozens of florists, photographers, wedding planners and venues to choose from on all three islands.

Wedding Planners

The U.S. Virgin Islands’ well-connected wedding planners are the key to coordinating a unique and memorable wedding celebration.  These experienced planners call on trusted contacts to coordinate strikingly original ceremonies, including nuptials on a private island reached only by helicopter or seaplane, seaside ceremonies on horseback, scuba weddings complete with a natural underwater chapel or weddings while parasailing. Contact Kristin Owen, The Westin, St. John’s expert wedding planner, for tips on the perfect romantic wedding. For more information, call (340) 693-8000, or visit www.westinresortstjohn.com.

Yacht Brokers

As one of the most popular ways to wed is aboard a private yacht, there are more than a dozen yacht brokers who specialize in weddings at sea.  Whether for just a few hours or a week-long celebration, private yachts afford the ultimate privacy and personalized service.  Surrounded by the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean, weddings at sea typically include the services of the captain and crew, as well as a gourmet chef. Contact John Macy, Captain Big Beard of Big Beard’s Adventure Tours & Wedding Services on St. Croix, who will orchestrate your wedding on a romantic yacht of your dreams as you gaze over the endless blue sea. For more information, call (340) 719-2245 or visit www.bigbeards.com.

Wedding Customs

Many couples take their cue from the islands’ rich and colorful history to incorporate authentic music and traditions into their ceremonies.  One such custom, “Jumping the Broom,” is a centuries-old wedding ritual with African origins that signifies the joining of two families.  Other customs include traditional steel drum music and “Black Cake,” a rum-cured cake that is given to wedding guests as a parting favor.  Some visiting couples add island flavor by incorporating a traditional wedding feast into their celebration with a regionally-inspired menu:  stewed mutton, conch in butter sauce, king fish in Creole sauce and pigeon peas and rice.

To make your dream wedding become a reality, request an application for a wedding license from the Territorial Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you’re planning to get married on St. Thomas or St. John, mail your request to the Administrator/Clerk of the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 70,
St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., 00804
or call 340-774-6680. To get married on St. Croix, write to the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 929, Christiansted
St. Croix, U.S.V.I., 00821 or you can call 340-778-9750 and request a marriage license application. After the island receives a completed and authorized application, there is a required eight-day waiting period. If either party is divorced, he or she must have a certified copy of the divorce decree or a notarized affidavit stating when the divorce was granted. Additionally, please specify whether the marriage will be performed by a judge in the court or by a clergy member. If you wish to be married in court, you need to make an appointment. You can make appointments for court marriages on St. Thomas, Monday through Friday, and on St. Croix, Monday through Thursday by calling the appropriate Territorial Court. The marriage application fee is $25 (U.S. dollars) and the marriage license fee is $25. If you are not being married in the court by a judge, there is a fee of $200 for the ceremony. Personal checks are not accepted.

MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

To make your dream wedding a reality, request an application for a wedding license from the Territorial Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If you’re planning to get married on St. Thomas or St. John, mail your request to the

Administrator/Clerk of the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands

P.O. Box 70,

St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., 00804

or call 340-774-6680.

To get married on St. Croix, call 340-778-9750 and request a marriage license application, or send a letter to:

Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands

P.O. Box 929, Christiansted

St. Croix, U.S.V.I., 00821

After the island receives a completed and authorized application, there is a required eight-day waiting period. If either party is divorced, he or she must have a certified copy of the divorce decree or a notarized affidavit stating when the divorce was granted.  Additionally, please specify whether the marriage will be performed by a judge in the court or by a clergy member. If you wish to be married in court, you need to make an appointment. You can make appointments for court marriages on St. Thomas, Monday through Friday, and on St. Croix, Monday through Thursday by calling the appropriate Territorial Court. The marriage application fee is $25 (U.S. dollars) and the marriage license fee is $25. The combined marriage application and license fee is $100. If you are not being married in the court by a judge, there is a fee of $200 for the ceremony. Many USVI wedding planners will happily assist you with completing the application and submitting it to the Court. Personal checks are not accepted.

For more information on destination weddings and honeymoons in the USVI, check out the Wedding and Honeymoon Guide to the U.S. Virgin Islands, found online at the following address: www.usvimarketing.com.