United in Pride and Hope

The United States has its own pieces of the Caribbean and the US Virgin Islands are among the top destinations in Paradise. As such, they are fantastic locations for weddings and honeymoons.

50 islands and cays make up the USVI, with St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix being the largest. Known for their stunning natural beauty, the islands boast sheltered bays with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, lush mountains, and tropical forests.

St. Thomas

St. Thomas’ main town of Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the US Virgin Islands. The island is also home to two major cruise ports, plenty of high-end duty-free shops, sophisticated dining, a hopping nightlife with a variety of resorts including the large and luxurious types.

St. Thomas maintains a distinct Caribbean atmosphere while also being the most sophisticated of the islands. There are a variety of activities including the Skyride 700 feet above the city, for the more adventurous. Golf on the world-renowned golf course; a visit to Fort Christian which once served as the point of defense for the island, to the childhood home of Camille Pissarro, one of the best-known French Impressionists, or be awed by one of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere.

St. John

St. John, the smallest of the islands, was purchased in 1917 by the United States from the Danish West India and Guinea Company. With two-thirds of the island designated as a national park, St. John is known for its pristine beauty and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean including the well-known Trunk Bay with its crystal sands and underwater nature trail. St. John also offers the best shallow water snorkeling in the Virgin Islands. While there, be sure to go hiking through the national park or snorkel at one of the many reefs – a great experience awaits!

St. Croix

St. Croix is the largest of the islands and has a fascinating history and showcases its rich cultural diversity through its Spanish, English, Dutch, French and Danish influence in its arts, crafts, music, foods, festivals, and cultural events. St. Croix is peaceful and offers visitors beautiful beaches, world class diving, an array of recreational activities, fine dining, casinos, golf and of course rum tours. The Cruzan Rum distillery was founded in 1760 and more recently, the Captain Morgan (Diageo) new state-of-the-art distillery started operation 2012. Both distilleries are opened for tours.

Although each island has its own flare and personality, they can each cater to your wedding and honeymoon visions. Choose a historic church or synagogue with centuries-old architecture, one of the many ancient forts, a historic sugar-mill, an expansive luxury villa, or opt for a quiet palm-lined beach at sunset. Whether you are on a budget or the sky is your limit to opulence and luxury, the USVI is waiting to welcome you and plan your dream wedding.

Marriage Requirements for USVI

There is no waiting period for either of you to be on the island, but the paperwork and payment must be in the Courthouse on St. Thomas at least 8 days prior to your arrival.

Marriage License Application Requirements and Instructions

To obtain a Virgin Islands Marriage License, you must submit the following at least 8 working days prior to your arrival in the Territory, along with a money order or certified check payable to Superior Court of the VI for $200.

The Bridal couple must pick up their own marriage license, in person, from the Courthouse in St. Thomas prior to their wedding day. Photo ID is also required before the license is released to you.

Ceremonies of St. John is not allowed to apply for or pick up your marriage license on your behalf. The forms must be completed/filled out electronically, and then printed and submitted by the Bridal couple.

Click below to download form, complete, then print a copy to be mailed.
Download Marriage License Application
Download Court Letter

What You Will Need

• The completed Marriage License Application Form, using full names and no abbreviations. Document will be notarized by the Virgin Islands court.
• Court Certified Copies of a Divorce or Death Certificate (if applicable). Do not send in the originals, as the documents are not returned to you. A Court certified copy means that you will find a notarized seal from the courthouse that issued the divorce located on the last page of the Divorce Decree. Call the lawyer that assisted with the divorce or the Courthouse that issued the Decree to get your court certified copy.
• A $200 money order or certified cashier's check, payable to the Superior Court of the V.I.
• A letter to the court (download above) explaining your arrival and departure date to the island and the name of your Officiate.

Mailing

Mail the application, payment for $200 and any necessary documents to:

Superior Court of the V.I.
Family Court Division
P.O. Box 70
St. Thomas, USVI 00804

If you want to overnight express mail your application and necessary documents using FedEx or DHL, use this address:

Superior Court of the V.I.
Family Court Division
5400 Veterans Drive
St. Thomas, USVI 00802

Two weeks after mailing the Marriage License Application form to the courthouse, call the courthouse at (340) 774-6680 and ask for the Marriage Department. Confirm that the court has received your application and request your Marriage License Confirmation number. Once you receive the Confirmation number, you will know that the license is prepared and waiting for you to pick it up.

What to take with you to the Courthouse on St. Thomas

You both have to go in person to the courthouse in St. Thomas, show a photo ID and sign for the license prior to your wedding day. Most couples visit the courthouse the same day they arrive in the territory as it is only 15 minutes from the airport and is open:

Monday - Friday from 8AM until 5PM
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays by appointment only.
Courthouse charges an additional $150.00 to open.

What to wear to the Courthouse

Although your attire may be cordial, wearing apparels such as flip flops and shorts are not permitted when appearing before the Court.
The St. Thomas courthouse is very strict about clothing allowed when picking up your license. Please dress as if you were going to court - no flip flops, shorts, tank tops, or miniskirts.

After the Ceremony

After the wedding ceremony has concluded, the Minister will sign the license and we will take it back to the courthouse and have it notarized for you. This is called a court certified copy of your license. The certified copy is mailed to your home address and is what you will use if you need to change your name with any Government agencies back at home.

Allow two to three weeks for the certified copy of the license to arrive at your home address. On the day of your wedding, you receive a signed copy of your marriage license for your records. However, your marriage is not legal until the courthouse certifies the document.

Important Links for USVI

To learn more about the US Virgin Islands, please see the important links below:

Entry Requirements for US Virgin Islands

https://www.visitusvi.com/getting-here/

How to Get to the US Virgin Islands

https://www.visitusvi.com/getting-here/

Places to Stay in the US Virgin Islands

https://www.visitusvi.com/places-to-stay/#

Things To Do in the US Virgin Islands

https://www.visitusvi.com/things-to-do/

Getting Around the US Virgin Islands

https://www.visitusvi.com/island-hopping/

USVI Calendar of Events

https://www.visitusvi.com/calendar-of-events/

Dining in the US Virgin Islands

https://www.visitusvi.com/places-to-eat/