Need a Passport?

Don’t Have a Passport Yet? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Planning Your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon

Planning your dream destination wedding or honeymoon? If you’re among the many Americans who don’t yet have a valid passport, don’t panic—there are still stunning tropical getaways that don’t require one. But if your heart is set on an international escape, you’ll want to act fast to get your documents in order.

Why You Need a Passport

Most Caribbean destinations require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to enter the country and to re-enter the U.S. by air. This includes popular wedding and honeymoon hotspots like Jamaica, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic. Processing times can vary, so it’s wise to apply early—especially during peak travel months.

How to Apply

To apply for a U.S. passport for the first time, you’ll need to appear in person at an official passport acceptance facility (often a post office, library, or courthouse). You’ll need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate)
• Government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license)
• A passport photo (taken within the last 6 months)
• Completed Form DS-11
• Fees for a first-time adult passport book: $165 for routine service ($130 application fee plus $35 acceptance fee), or $225 with expedited processing, before optional delivery charges.

For official details, visit the U.S. State Department website:
travel.state.gov/passports

Current State Department processing estimates are 4–6 weeks for routine service and 2–3 weeks for expedited service. Mailing time is additional and may add up to two weeks each way. Check the current estimate before booking travel.

A No-Passport Option: 🇻🇮 The U.S. Virgin Islands

If you’re pressed for time or just want to keep things simple, consider the U.S. Virgin Islands. Because they’re a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico can visit St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix without a passport, provided their itinerary does not include a foreign destination. For airport screening, travelers age 18 or older should bring a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, or another TSA-accepted ID. Be prepared to show evidence of U.S. citizenship when departing the USVI, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate alongside your accepted photo ID.

Bonus: The USVI offers breathtaking beaches, vibrant local culture, and plenty of luxury resorts—perfect for weddings and romantic getaways.

Another No-Passport Option: 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

U.S. citizens traveling between the mainland and Puerto Rico without visiting a foreign destination do not need a passport. Travelers age 18 or older should bring a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, or another TSA-accepted ID. Enjoy the island’s mix of tropical scenery, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife, perfect for a romantic escape without leaving the U.S.

Marriage License Requirements

Every destination has different rules for obtaining a marriage license. If you plan to legally marry abroad, research the local requirements ahead of time—some islands require advance applications, translations, waiting periods, or notarized documents. You’ll also want to check if your U.S. state will recognize the foreign marriage certificate.

For example, USVI marriage applications normally require an eight-day posting period before a license can be issued, unless waived. Both applicants must appear before the Clerk before issuance. Check the Superior Court’s marriage-license requirements, forms and filing instructions well ahead of your ceremony.

Final Thought

Whether you’re headed to the Virgin Islands or somewhere farther afield, don’t let passport panic delay your dream plans. With the right info and a little prep, your Caribbean romance is well within reach.