Planning Your Destination Wedding in the US Virgin Islands
You're getting married to the love of your life—and you're doing it in the beautiful, sun-soaked US Virgin Islands! You couldn't be more excited. But before you walk down the aisle and say your vows, you need to plan your ceremony. Here are some tips for putting together a destination wedding event in the USVI, the loveliest islands on earth!
Rent a Resort for Your Guests
Keeping everyone together makes the trip much more fun for your group. Many resorts or large villa complexes in the USVI allow you to book blocks of rooms or even the entire property. It creates a sense of community and makes logistics a lot easier. You won’t have to worry about guests getting lost on their way to the ceremony if everyone is already on-site. Plus, it gives you more time to hang out by the pool with your favorite people before the main event.
Watch the Weather Forecast
Timing is everything in the Caribbean. The USVI’s hurricane season runs from June through November. While you can find great deals during these months, it comes with a higher risk of rain or storms disrupting your plans. High season, from December through April, is when the weather is excellent, but flights and accommodation tend to be more expensive. May is a sweet spot—known as the "shoulder season"—where you get the best of both worlds with decent weather and lower rates.
Dress for the Tropical Weather
While that ballgown with ten layers of tulle looks gorgeous in a magazine, it might be a nightmare on a humid beach in St. Thomas. When picking a wedding dress, prioritize lightweight fabrics like chiffon, silk, or organza that let the skin breathe. For suits, a linen suit in tan or light gray will be much more comfortable than a black wool tuxedo.
You'll want to consider your wedding party, too! When planning bridesmaid dresses for a destination wedding, pick shorter, airier styles. For the groomsmen, what about lightweight khakis paired with breathable button-down shirts?
Finally, give your guests a clear dress code on the invitation. "Beach Formal" or "Island Chic" tells them it's okay to leave the heavy jackets and stilettos at home. They'll appreciate the heads-up when they're packing.
Handle Paperwork Early
Even though the USVI is a US territory, you still have some legal boxes to check. Getting your marriage license isn't too difficult, but it does take a bit of processing time. You’ll need to submit an application to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
Start this process a few weeks before you travel so you aren't stressing about paperwork when you should be sipping a painkiller cocktail on the beach. While US citizens don’t technically need a passport to enter the USVI, having one (or a raised-seal birth certificate) simplifies the identification process required to obtain a marriage license.
Hire Local Vendors
Bringing vendors from home can get expensive quickly when you factor in travel and accommodation costs. The USVI has incredibly talented florists, photographers, and caterers who know exactly how to handle the lighting at sunset or keep a wedding cake from melting in the heat. They also know the hidden gems for photos that a visiting photographer might miss. Why not hire them instead to save money, create a more memorable event, and support the local economy?
Celebrate in Paradise
These tips for planning a destination wedding in the US Virgin Islands will hopefully give you ideas for a ceremony that celebrates you and your partner's love and pays homage to the paradise you're tying the knot in. Good luck on the big day, and congrats on your upcoming marriage!