How to Get Married in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

carolina51630
Sep 30
3 min read

Dreaming of saying “I do” on a Caribbean beach? The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) make it easy and unforgettable. With turquoise waters, soft white sand, and world-class venues, St. Thomas is one of the most popular destinations for couples planning a wedding in paradise.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Legal Requirements for a USVI Wedding

To have a legally binding wedding in St. Thomas, you’ll need to:

Complete an Application – Fill out the Application for a Marriage License from the U.S. Virgin Islands Superior Court. Include a cover letter with your contact information, travel dates, and desired wedding date.
Pay the Fees – Application fee ($100) + license fee ($100), payable by certified check or money order.
Observe the Waiting Period – Eight days from when the court receives your completed application. You don’t have to be on island during this time.
Pick Up in Person – Both partners must appear before the Clerk of the Court to collect the license before the ceremony.
Provide Documents – If divorced or widowed, provide certified copies of divorce decrees or death certificates.

Choosing Your Island & Venue

St. Thomas (most popular)

Known for its vibrant culture and accessibility, St. Thomas offers both luxury resorts and hidden-gem venues.

Emerald Beach Resort – A beachfront hotel just minutes from the airport with sweeping views of Lindbergh Bay. Perfect for ceremonies under the palms or receptions by the sea. Get married on the beach with your feet in the sand, ask about ceremony pricing under $900. Contact: sales@emeraldbeach.com
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas – Luxury setting with gazebos, terraces, and ballrooms.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort – Boutique, tranquil beach weddings.
Hideaway at Hull Bay – A private, intimate venue with villas and a chef.

St. John (tranquil, nature-focused)

Gallows Point Resort – Waterfront venue near Virgin Islands National Park.
Inspired USVI (Mandavilla) – Romantic hillside villa in Cruz Bay.
Westin– Beach front, south side

St. Croix (historic & grand)

The Buccaneer Hotel – A historic resort overlooking Beauregard Bay.
Carambola Beach Resort – Serene beach ceremonies.
Castle St. Croix – Luxury estate on 102 acres.

Enhance Your Wedding Experience

Beyond the ceremony, St. Thomas offers unforgettable group activities for bridal parties and guests:

Virgin Islands Wedding Fair – A new planning hub where you choose your vendors and experiences, putting all the decisions in your hands.
Hook Bracelet Sizing Experience – Share the tradition of the Virgin Islands with custom-fitted hook bracelets for your bridal party at Cardow.
Rum Mixology Class – Toast your new life together with a hands-on cocktail class featuring rums only available in St. Thomas, led by a renowned local mixologist. Learn more at RumToursVI.

When to Marry in the USVI

Best Season: December–April (dry season, cooler weather).
Shoulder Season: April–May (great weather, fewer tourists).

Tips for Organizing Your USVI Wedding

Consider a symbolic ceremony if you prefer to handle legal paperwork at home.
Budget realistically: Destination weddings here range from $10,000–$30,000.
Work with a local wedding planner such as Island Bliss Weddings, Flawless Weddings & Events, Paradise Planning, or STX Weddings to simplify logistics.

💍 Whether you’re envisioning a barefoot beach wedding, a villa celebration, or a resort ballroom event, St. Thomas offers it all. From planning your wedding with Virgin Islands Wedding Fair, to celebrating with unique group experiences, your USVI wedding wi