www.usvitourism.vi

If you want your wedding to be a beautiful and unforgettable experience, why not get married in the U.S. Virgin Islands? Nothing could be more romantic than beginning your life together in one of the most gorgeous places on earth. The U.S. Virgin Islands is the premier upscale wedding destination in the Caribbean, and for good reason.

On a mountaintop or underwater, on a beautiful beach or in a botanical garden, in a formal church wedding or an African "Jump the Broom" ceremony, our islands have every setting you can imagine. No matter which site you choose, the U.S. Virgin Islands have several experienced wedding consultants and planners who can help you arrange the perfect ceremony and reception. As a U.S. Territory, we operate under the laws of the United States Government, so your wedding will be as hassle-free as a wedding anywhere in the mainland U.S.

You don't have to go far to find your perfect honeymoon spot when you get married in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Luxury resorts, intimate guesthouses and condos, island villas with private pools, and private yachts are all available. Whichever you choose, you are sure to have the time of your life.

THINGS TO DO

Sight & Attractions
St Croix- Christopher Columbus landed here over 500 years ago, so expect to feel as though you have traveled back in time. Be sure to take advantage of the Heritage Trail, which will take you to the most important land marks in the islands history. The towns of Christiansted & Fredriksted are home to beautiful historic churches and ports. Take the time before you leave the island to visit Estate Whim Plantation & Cruzan Rum Factory.

St John- Popular historical sights

• The Elaine Ione Sprauve Library & Musem
• Ivan Jadan Museum
• Annaberg Sugar Plantation

St Thomas- Found a to combine island beauty with a cosmopolitian vibe. The Capital, Charlotte Amaile is by far the most beautiful port/ harbor, it’s easy to spend a day just walking around. Be sure to also visit Fort Christian, Paradise Point Tramway, The Mountain Top and St Peter’s Greathouse.

Adventure
Hiking- There is many guided hikes offered led by experienced herbalists and naturalists, hikers will discover our exotic vegetation & wildlife. National Park rangers on St. John also provide bird watching tours. Popular hiking destinations include Reef Bay on St. John and Estate Mount Washington on St. Croix.

Biking- A great & eco- friendly way to experience the islands is by bike. Guided tours are available on St. Croix, and on Water Island off the coast of St. Thomas. Bike rentals are always available for those who want to discover the island on their own!

Horse Back & Donkey Rides- available on all three islands. St Croix offers guided rides along its west end. Thoroughbred racing can be found on St Croix and St.Thomas. Donkey rides are available in the Virgin Islands National Park on St John


Water Sports

Snorkeling- The best snorkeling can be found off of Bucks Island that has one of only two national water monuments. Virgin Island National Park on St John as well as the coastline off of St Thomas also offers ideal conditions and spectacular marine life for snorkeling.

Scuba Diving- St Croix's north shore wall features underwater caves, tunnels, and pinnacles. There is a 1,000-foot Salt River Canyon off of St. Croix. The waters of Pillsbury Sound between St. Thomas and St. John contain several shipwrecks for exploration, including the freighter W.I.T. Shoal. St John's uninhabited Carvel Rock and Congo Cay offer great dives for exploration.

Windsurfing- Our consistent trade winds and calm waters provide ideal conditions for windsurfing. Rentals & instruction are often offered at hotels or beach shop.

Fishing- Rentals and charters are almost always being offered. From July through September, St. Croix and St. Thomas host several fishing tournaments as part of the Harms Series.

*Also available Parasailing, Snuba on St John, Submarine and glass-bottom boat rides are available on St. Thomas and last but not least Sea kayaking

Shopping- The U.S. Virgin Islands are a duty-free port, with no sales or luxury taxes on items such as watches, cameras, fine jewelry, china, and leather goods. Look for bargains on perfume, liquor, cameras, china, porcelain, crystal, imported clothing, leather goods, watches, jewelry, and gold, as well as crafts made by local artisans. Many of these items can be bought for 40 percent less than in the United States; liquor and cigarettes are often 60 percent less.

Golf- The U.S. Virgin Islands has some of the finest courses in the Caribbean for golfers of all skill levels.

• St. Thomas'  Mahogany Run- a par-70 championship course
• St. Croix's Carambola Golf Course
• The Buccaneer Resort's- par-70 course on St. Croix

CUISINE

International cuisine abounds on all three islands, but of course local cuisine is a must.  Casual to sophisticated, the United States Virgin Islands has it all. Try these local favorites for a real taste of the island

• Kallaloo-okra, meat, seafood stew with delicious greens & spices
• Souse- a lime flavored stock made from pig head, tail and feet
• Fungi- a side dish made of cornmeal & okra
• Johnnycakes- deep fried unleavened bread
• Coconut or Guava Tart
• Soursop Ice Cream

MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS

To make your dream wedding become a reality, request an application for a wedding license from the Territorial Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

If you're planning to get married on St. Thomas or St. John, mail your request to the Administrator/Clerk of the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 70,
St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., 00804
or call 340-774-6680.

To get married on St. Croix, write to the
Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 929, Christiansted
St. Croix, U.S.V.I., 00821

or you can call 340-778-9750 and request a marriage license application. After the island receives a completed and authorized application, there is a required eight-day waiting period. If either party is divorced, he or she must have a certified copy of the divorce decree or a notarized affidavit stating when the divorce was granted.  Additionally, please specify whether the marriage will be performed by a judge in the court or by a clergy member. If you wish to be married in court, you need to make an appointment. You can make appointments for court marriages on St. Thomas, Monday through Friday, and on St. Croix, Monday through Thursday by calling the appropriate Territorial Court. The marriage application fee is $25 (U.S. dollars) and the marriage license fee is $25. If you are not being married in the court by a judge, there is a fee of $200 for the ceremony. Personal checks are not accepted.

HOTELS