The USVI are one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world. For couples who want to break free of the mainland of America but still enjoy the perks of their citizenship (no passport required!), a U.S. Virgin Islands destination wedding fits the bill. Find out why the USVI is a great choice for the ultimate destination wedding.

The possibilities are endless: With its pristine beaches and aquamarine waves, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas complements the island’s natural beauty with elegantly renovated wedding venues, exceptional catering, and expert event-planning services. Gallows Point Resort in St. John, one of the most sought-after honeymoon islands in the Northern Hemisphere, offers two stunning wedding locations on a lushly landscaped grounds for a perfect (and affordable) island wedding, all with picturesque water views and gorgeous sunsets. Same-sex couples should look no further than The Palms at Pelican Cove in St. Croix, a former “gay but straight-friendly” resort which, under new owners, still thoughtfully maintains an open attitude among its diverse guests. And for the ultimate, bespoke, wedding experience, brides can even say “I do!” on a luxury yacht deck with the blue ocean as a background.

It’s extremely convenient: Unlike most overseas ceremonies, American citizens don’t need any special paperwork to host a wedding in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The whole process is conducted online, with no blood test or waiting period required. As a bonus for American twosomes and their family and friends, the U.S. dollar is used here, making it a seamless transition from back home. Plus, there is no need to jet off to a tropical locale after the wedding ceremony. You’re already there!

It offers a plethora of unique experiences: Beyond the ceremony, the three islands of the USVI offer hiking, dining, sailing, diving, and a host of other activities for couples and their guests. Plan a wedding during Carnival (April in St. Thomas, July in St. John or December in St. Croix) to have not only your family and friends, but the whole island celebrate love and life with you!

 

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas reopened in late 2019, following a period of extensive enhancements from its $100 million renovation.

Resort Photos

Lady Lynsey II

The all-encompassing project also included the return of the resort’s exclusive luxury sailing catamaran, Lady Lynsey. The 65-foot vessel returned in the form of a brand-new Lady Lynsey II.

Weddings

The resort offers the intimate and romantic Nautical Nuptials package, which offers a wedding ceremony aboard Lady Lynsey II with personalized wedding coordination service. The package also includes an officiant for the ceremony, signature bouquet and specialty boutonniere, photography for wedding ceremony, One hour of digital photography (to include 72-100 digital images with ownership of images on DVD/cD-roM and a personal website), solo musician, 1.5 hour sunset cruise with chef’s selection of cold hors d’oeurves, open bar, celebratory champagne toast to the new couple, marriage license processing and courthouse fee, court concierge and roundtrip transfer to territorial court for marriage license, shoe valet upon boarding and de-boarding the vessel, and a dedicated events manager to assist with planning all details throughout the planning phase and wedding day.

  • Capacity: Package covers 30 guests. Additional guests (up to a capacity of 49) may be included for an additional $95 per person plus 22% service charge.
  • Cost: $10,000 USD

Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort at Frenchman’s Reef, just opened its doors on May 18, welcoming a new vacation hotspot in Saint Thomas.  Part of an extensive $425 million rebuild project at Frenchman’s Reef, the resort features 94 guest rooms, including two suites, and offers a pure island escape and open-air paradise a stone’s throw away from the sand and turquoise waters of St. Thomas. With multiple boats available to accommodate groups small and large, an array of adventures await, including the prized member of the fleet: the Flying Frenchman – a private luxury catamaran with a capacity of up to 125 persons for daytime snorkel trips, sunset sails, and more.

Part of the same $425 million rebuild project at Frenchman’s Reef, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa is set to open in late summer 2023. Against a stunning backdrop of tropic blue, visitors will be immersed in a dreamy, world-class resort experience, featuring 392 rooms, including 28 suites. Amenities will range from a signature spa and salon experience, a pool deck with stunning views of the Virgin Islands, a pool bar, 85,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, and multiple dining experiences.

Couples can celebrate their dreamy St. Thomas wedding at these venues with 18,000 sq. ft. of combined event space.