Motto: "Ever Conscious of God We Aspire, Build and Advance as One People"
Language: Dutch, Papiamentu, English
Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
Airports: Franklin Delano Roosevelt (EUX)
Known for: Marine life, historic preservation, The Quill (dormant volcano)
Official Tourism Website: statia-tourism.com
Drives on the: Right Side
Calling Code: +1 599

The Hidden Gem of the Dutch Caribbean!

Towering nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, the dormant volcano known as The Quill reigns over the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, affectionately called Statia. Though just 8.1 square miles, this island boasts a wealth of natural beauty and history.

Quill National Park offers hiking trails that wind along the ocean and around the volcano. Inside The Quill's large crater lies a tropical rainforest teeming with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and lianas. Designated a national park in 1997, it invites hikers to experience multiple vegetation zones, from dry forest to evergreen seasonal woodland. Adventurous visitors can trek to the crater’s rim for breathtaking views, then descend into the lush heart of the volcano, where fruit and silk cotton trees grow in abundance.

Surrounding Statia are narrow beaches of volcanic sand and the protected waters of St. Eustatius National Marine Park, a paradise for divers. Beneath the surface, you’ll discover ancient shipwrecks, submerged cannons and anchors, vibrant coral reefs, and a colorful array of marine life, from tropical fish and rays to sea turtles.

A Storied Past

Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, Statia has a long and complex history, having changed hands 22 times before becoming a permanent Dutch territory in 1816. In the 1700s, the capital, Oranjestad, was a major trading hub for slaves and commodities like sugar, cotton, and tobacco from Europe.

Modern-Day Magic

Today, Statia offers a charming selection of accommodations, from small hotels and cozy lodges to luxury villas. Dining is equally inviting, with plenty of local restaurants serving beloved dishes such as goat meat with rice and peas, a must-try island specialty.

A One-of-a-Kind Destination Wedding

Looking for an unforgettable wedding venue? Statia is perfect. Beyond the beaches and the courthouse, you’ll find historic treasures like Fort Oranje, built in 1636, the ruins of the Honen Dalim Jewish Synagogue (1793), and the serene Miriam C. Smith Botanical Gardens. It’s a setting where history, nature, and romance meet.

So, if you’re seeking a destination that offers more than just sun and sand, something raw, real, and rich with culture, look no further. Welcome to Statia. We’ve been waiting for you.

Marriage Requirements for St. Eustatius

If you plan to get married, you first need to register this intention. This is called notice of intent to marry (betroth). It is a means of giving official notice of your intention to get married. You submit a written request to the Census Office to get married with desired date, time and place. You need to do this at least three weeks (3) before the intended date of the wedding. The wedding must take place within one year of the notice of intent to marry.

  • Must be at least 18
  • A valid proof of identity (copy passport)
  • A recent copy of your birth certificate (with the parent’s name)
  • A recent proof of “Single” status.
  • If previously married, a recent copy of the divorce certificate or a recent death certificate.

They must be at least 18. You may bring along your own witnesses if you so desire, however a copy of their valid passports must be submitted in advance. If the desire is to be married inside the Courthouse at the Government’s Guesthouse, two witnesses are needed. If the desire is to be married outside of the Government’s Guesthouse six witnesses are needed. If you do not have any witnesses of your own, you can request a witness.

Documents from certain countries must be legalized or provided with an apostille stamp. Documents from abroad that are not written in Dutch, French, German or English must be translated into English by a sworn translator. These documents should not be older than 6 months.

In the space of time between the date of notice of intent to marry (betroth) and Solemnization of marriage, a wait of two weeks has to be observed. For marriage dates, please don’t make wedding plans unless you have first contacted the Census Office.

To review all documents in advance or if any additional information is needed please contact the Census Office:

Customer Service desk via
Email: census.office@statiagov.com
Phone: +599 318 2027 (directly)

Three days before the wedding day the Census Office will need all the original documents, requests and information listed.

The ceremony can be performed in English, Dutch, Spanish or Papiamento. You can contact the census office from Monday to Friday from 7:30 – 15:30 (Open during lunch hour):

Census Office
Kenip Road, Princess Garden,
St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean
Phone: +599 318 2497 (general)
Fax: +599 318 2963
E-mail: census.office@statiagov.com

Important Links for St. Eustatius

To learn more about St. Eustatius, please see the important links below:

How to Get to St. Eustatius

statia-tourism.com/plan-your-trip/how-to-get-here/

Places to Stay

statia-tourism.com/places-to-stay/

Things To Do

statia-tourism.com/enjoy-fully/

Getting Around St. Eustatius

Taxi and Rental Cars: statia-tourism.com/plan-your-trip/practical/

Events

statia-tourism.com/visit/events/

Cuisine

https://statia-tourism.com/food-drinks/

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