A Complete Guide to Planning a US Virgin Islands Destination Wedding

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Couples with their hearts set on getting married in Caribbean settings often envision paradise-like backdrops. A United States Virgin Islands destination wedding literally takes place in paradise. The trio of islands—St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix—has earned the nickname "America's Caribbean Paradise." White-sand beaches, glistening waters and Creole cuisine are enough to make anyone feel like they've escaped to somewhere heavenly.

Other paradise-like perks? The easier nature of getting married in the US Virgin Islands. There's no passport required, and couples hoping to legally and symbolically wed in a USVI destination wedding face far fewer hurdles than other Caribbean hotspots making it one of the best destination wedding locations for Americans.

Still, couples dreaming of a USVI destination wedding will want to consider some important factors, such as budgeting, weather and finding vendors in an area they aren't as familiar with. US Virgin Islands destination wedding planners can be valuable resources—some venues may offer them. This comprehensive guide can help you find US Virgin Islands destination wedding venues, planners the best travel deals and more.

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In this article:

• Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love US Virgin Islands Weddings
• The Best Places to Get Married in the US Virgin Islands
• The Top US Virgin Islands Destination Wedding Hotels
• US Virgin Islands Wedding Legal Requirements
• US Virgin Islands Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love US Virgin Islands Weddings

Photo: Laurie Chamberlain / Getty Images

They don't call the US Virgin Islands America's Paradise for nothing. The year-round tropical temperatures make it an ideal spot for couples hoping to have a beach wedding in winter. Many US Virgin Island destination wedding venues are located right on the beach, making holding a waterfront ceremony and dancing by the shoreline a breeze that doesn't involve a shuttle. The food is also simply delicious—Creole cuisine like pates and well-seasoned seafood that lean into the waterfront surroundings are wedding-menu staples.

The US Virgin Islands also offers plenty for couples and guests to do between parties, like snorkeling, scuba diving and shopping. Island hopping between the three is also simple. Couples don't have to entertain guests every minute, and they can also have a "weddingmoon" by combining their big day and honeymoon with a blissfully extended stay in USVI.

A destination wedding in the US Virgin Islands also requires less hassle than in other Caribbean or far-flung locales. Since it's a US territory, citizens do not need a passport to enter, and flights from many areas of the US are frequent and direct. The currency is the US dollar.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace for USVI wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Places to Get Married in the US Virgin Islands

While it's easy to travel between St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, you'll want to settle on one for your destination wedding in the US Virgin Islands. St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix all fall under the umbrella of the US Virgin Islands, but each has unique characteristics. Which one is best? You can't go wrong, and it depends on your vision for a US Virgin Islands destination wedding.

St. Thomas

Photo: Laurie Chamberlain / Getty Images

"The Gateway to Paradise" is as dreamy as it sounds. The easiest to get to, travelers often call St. Thomas "home" during their getaways but visit the other two islands. However, getting married in the US Virgin Islands may be enough for one getaway. You and your guests will find plenty to do between parties, like high-end shopping on Charlotte Amalie, indulging in a lively restaurant and bar scene or cruising at sunset aboard a luxury yacht. Of course, simply relaxing between parties on a beach is also a cinch. There are several beaches in St. Thomas, and your luxury resort is likely set on one.

St. John

Photo: M Swiet Productions / Getty Images

Natural beauty is a hallmark of all three islands. However, St. John is truly paradise found for to-be-weds who find refuge in nature. The Virgin Islands National Park stretches through most of St. John. Quieter than St. Thomas and home to fewer boutiques and restaurants, St. John is a place to tune into tranquility and Mother Nature's soundtrack. Think hearing the waves lap on the shoreline or birds chirping in tropical forests as you share intimate vows.

St. Croix

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The largest of the three islands, St. Croix, is home to Cruzan Rum Distillery. You'll also find rum-soaked craft cocktails in the island's resorts. Signature drink inspiration, anyone? Not into rum (or squarely zero-proof these days)? St. Croix offers plenty more. Charming cobblestone pathways give St. Croix a European charm, and the sprawling 17-acre St. George Village Botanical Garden is a tranquil place to explore during downtime. Fine dining establishments ensure couples and their guests can have a night out away from the resort if they fancy.

Pro tip: As you consider USVI wedding locations, remember your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing US Virgin Islands honeymoon with our complete guide.

The Top US Virgin Islands Destination Wedding Hotels

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Whether you're strongly considering hosting a fête in America's Caribbean Paradise or are completely sold on the idea, you'll want to look into venues. Many resorts in the USVI host weddings, making it easier for guests and couples alike to go from dinner and dancing to sleep. Moreover, these venues often have planners to help couples coordinate all the things from afar.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

A luxury waterfront hotel along the sparkling Turquoise Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, exudes romantic charm at every turn. Couples can exchange rings al fresco in a gazebo nestled between trees and overlooking the water. Smaller parties can also take advantage of the private beach space. Bright, airy indoor venues ensure natural light and seafaring surroundings are always part of the decor. Expert planners can help pairs customize a day that's all their own. An on-site spa is an invitation for pre-wedding pampering.

Gallows Point Resort

A posh spot in St. John, Gallows Point Resort is a quick five-minute stroll from the ferry and calls the Virgin Islands National Park part of its backyard — it's a mile away. Gallows Point Resort can host small and mid-size weddings of up to 120 guests in spaces with waterfront and sunset vistas. The area's beaches also allow nuptials of up to 60 guests. From there, couples and their guests can dig into a meal and hand-crafted beverages prepared by the culinary team at the on-site restaurant Ocean362, where modern twists on Caribbean classics are the order of the day, every day.

Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino

Retreat to USVI's largest island, St. Croix, where the waterfront surroundings and casual digs at Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino epitomize the laissez-faire that draws people to the area in the first place. Though this resort doesn't offer US Virgin Islands wedding packages like other island-based Divi locations, couples can lean into the idea of a bespoke affair that feels anything but cookie-cutter. Beach nuptials and dinner at sunset are some of the options couples will have when tying the knot here. An on-site casino, a quick trip to a golf course and watersport rentals give to-be-weds and guests other ways to enjoy their time in St. Coix.

The Buccaneer Hotel

Another St. Croix-based resort, The Buccaneer Hotel, has been a popular tourist home base since it opened in the 17th century. Its perch overlooking Beauregard Bay is one reason why. Couples can marry on a white-sand beach and even hold receptions in open-air venues near the shoreline. US Virgin Islands wedding packages are available, from two-person elopements to those for 20 or more adult guests. Perks vary, but transportation to and from the airport for the couple, on-site coordination help and 60 minutes of photography are among the ones that make planning easier than an ocean breeze.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your USVI wedding venue, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guest can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

US Virgin Islands Wedding Legal Requirements

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Getting married in the US Virgin Islands isn't all sunshine and soft sands. You'll want to make sure your marriage is legal. The good news? Unlike other destination wedding locations, getting a marriage license in the US Virgin Islands (and other legal logistics) is easier to navigate. Still, you'll want to be sure every box is checked. A US Virgin Islands destination wedding planner or the coordinator at your resort will likely have experience helping couples hold legal and symbolic ceremonies in these parts. They can be invaluable resources during the process. The Superior Court of the Virgin Islands also has helpful information.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

Couples hosting a destination wedding in the US Virgin Islands have two options: A legally-binding ceremony or a symbolic one. If choosing a symbolic wedding, pairs will take care of the legal aspects of getting married prior to touching down in the US Virgin Islands. This step might mean going to the local town hall. A symbolic ceremony in front of family and friends (and perhaps waterfront surroundings as far as the eye can see) would take place at the pairs' US Virgin Islands wedding venue of choice.

Required Legal Documents

The process for getting legally married in the USVI is relatively straightforward. US citizens don't need a passport, and bloodwork and physical examinations aren't required. If either partner has been previously married, they'll need certified documents (divorce decree or death certificate) to prove their current marital status.

Legal Marriage Timeline

Couples must submit a marriage application to the court. The application should include a detailed cover sheet with the date of marriage, phone numbers, best email addresses, information about the officiant and length of stay.

Once a marriage application is received, there's an eight-day waiting period. Couples don't need to be on the island during this time (though it might be fun). However, to-be-weds will need to appear before the Clerk of the Court or a designee to obtain a marriage license in USVI before their legal ceremony.

Legal Marriage Cost

Couples will need to pay a non-refundable $100 marriage application fee, and the marriage license is also $100. Couples who would like a judge to perform their marriage ceremony will pay a $400 fee.

US Virgin Islands Wedding Planning Tips

Photo: John P Kelly / Getty Images

While the legal and travel aspects of a US Virgin Islands destination wedding set it apart from other far-flung bashes, couples will still need to navigate vendor selection, transportation plans and more from afar. Wedding planners—which may be included at your venue of choice—can be helpful, but having the lay of the land is never a bad idea. These tips will help you plan a destination wedding in the US Virgin Islands.

How to Get to US Virgin Islands

Flights to the US Virgin Islands from the States. Couples traveling from New York and Georgia can find direct flights to St. Thomas that last under five hours. To-be-weds and guests traveling from the West Coast will have a longer journey. It's more than 11 hours from San Fransisco to St. Thomas, with at least one layover.

A rental car makes getting around the USVI easier and lets you travel at your leisure. Since you'll be on an island, boarding a boat is also an option (naturally). If island hopping, couples and guests can use the ferry system or book a tour that involves a day cruise.

Best Months to Marry in US Virgin Islands

The United States Virgin Islands is home to warm, tropical climates year-round. However, the area is prone to hurricane season from June through November, with storms typically peaking in August and September. The peak tourist season runs outside of this period — December to March. During this time, couples may face higher travel and hotel fees and competition to secure their desired wedding date. Consider booking early if you have your heart set on a specific date for your Big Day, such as the anniversary of the day you met. Opt for an April and May wedding in the USVI to avoid hurricane and tourist seasons.

Choosing Your US Virgin Islands Wedding Venue and Vendors

Choosing vendors can be a touch more challenging when planning a destination wedding. Couples may not be able to meet their pros in person. Still, technology makes meeting virtually, such as over Zoom, an option. Like many weddings, seeing a vendor's portfolio online and reading reviews is a good idea. Many venues offer planning assistance, and on-site coordinators with plenty of experience working with USVI vendors can steer couples toward pros who can flawlessly execute their vision (within budget).

In addition to any services your venue may provide, couples can use The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find planners and other vendors specializing in USVI destination weddings.

Budgeting Tips

Depending on the locale, a destination wedding cost can be less expensive than one in or near your hometown. It's challenging to give a one-size-fits-all price tag for a USVI wedding. The venue, length of stay and the price tag on items like decor will all factor in. Generally, couples can expect to pay about $10,000 to $30,000 on a USVI destination wedding, which is less than the 2023 national average of $35.000.

One way to save money is to choose a date in April and May after the high tourist season wanes. The USVI's gorgeous landscape provides natural beauty, so you may not need to spruce up a space with tons of flowers and decor.

Couples won't have to do any currency conversions when budgeting and tracking costs because the US dollar is the official currency in the United States Virgin Islands.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your USVI wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.