In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Weddings in the U.S. Virgin Islands: What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a truly unique destination for your wedding, look no further than the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This scenic paradise offers everything you could want in a tropical setting, from white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to lush vegetation and stunning mountain views.
And with average temperatures in the mid-80s, you and your guests can enjoy a warm and sunny celebration.
The Virgin Islands are also home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, historic sites, and impressive architecture.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony on the beach or a grand affair at a resort, you’ll find that the U.S. Virgin Islands have everything you need to make your wedding day unforgettable.
So start planning your dream wedding today – the Virgin Islands are waiting.
But first: you need to know where in the world the U.S. Virgin Islands is…
Where is the U.S. Virgin Islands?
The United States Virgin Islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago and are located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles to the east of Puerto Rico and west of the British Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the three main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas and 50 other surrounding minor islands and cays.
Area: 134 sq mi (348 sq km). Population: (2022 est.) 83,300. Capital: Charlotte Amalie.
U.S. Virgin Islands Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar
- Airports: Cyril E. King Airport (STT), Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.visitusvi.com/
- Driving side: Left
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting U.S. Virgin Islands for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in the U.S. Virgin Islands:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in the U.S. Virgin Islands or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a U.S. Virgin Islands wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in the U.S. Virgin Islands:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in the U.S. Virgin Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in the U.S. Virgin Islands:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
- What are the marriage requirements for the U.S. Virgin Islands?
- What is the weather like in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
- What should you pack for a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
- What things are there to do in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
- What are the best U.S. Virgin Islands wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in the U.S. Virgin Islands Cost?
The marriage license costs in the U.S. Virgin Islands is $100, and must be paid before the marriage license is picked up.You can apply online on this link.
Judges/magistrates, and most officiants charge $200 to perform the ceremony.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Couples wishing to get married in USVI must send a marriage application to the court. Upon receipt of the marriage application, an eight-day waiting period is required, during which time the application is posted for public inspection.
There is no waiting period to get your marriage license after you file the application, but the marriage application must be received by the courthouse 8 business days prior to pick up.
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport.
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- There are no blood tests required.
- It is recommended that married couples provide a supporting letter with their application that includes information on the date of their visit and the duration of their stay.
- Same-sex marriages are legal in the Virgin Islands.
- The bride must have two witnesses and the groom must also present two witnesses.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in the U.S. Virgin Islands, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into English by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
The ideal time to visit the US Virgin Islands is from December to April, when it is the least hot and outside of hurricane season; in particular, January, February, and March would be good since those are the driest months. Even in December, it can still rain, especially on the island of Saint Croix in the south.
Temperatures rise somewhat in April, and in some years the intensity of thunderstorms rises as well, but it’s still a pleasant month to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands.
June and July are often less rainy than August and September, and also the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes is lower (which are more probable between August and October).
What should you pack for your trip?
From December and April, you should pack light clothing, as well as potentially a scarf for the wind and a sweatshirt for the evenings.
Pack lightweight clothes from May through November, and consider bringing a light sweatshirt and a light raincoat just in case there are rains. Also bring a sweatshirt and a pashmina for places that are air-conditioned.
U.S. Virgin Islands Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit U.S. Virgin Islands:
Average Temperatures in the U.S. Virgin Islands
The table below shows the average temperatures in the U.S. Virgin Islands each month:
Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
January | 23.1 | 28.9 | 26 | 74 | 84 | 78.8 |
February | 23.1 | 29.1 | 26.1 | 74 | 84 | 79 |
March | 23.2 | 29.2 | 26.2 | 74 | 85 | 79.2 |
April | 24.2 | 29.8 | 27 | 76 | 86 | 80.6 |
May | 25.3 | 30.7 | 28 | 78 | 87 | 82.4 |
June | 26.3 | 31.6 | 29 | 79 | 89 | 84.1 |
July | 26.3 | 32.1 | 29.2 | 79 | 90 | 84.6 |
August | 26.4 | 32.1 | 29.2 | 80 | 90 | 84.6 |
September | 26.4 | 31.8 | 29.1 | 80 | 89 | 84.4 |
October | 25.7 | 31.3 | 28.5 | 78 | 88 | 83.3 |
November | 24.8 | 30.3 | 27.6 | 77 | 87 | 81.6 |
December | 23.8 | 29.6 | 26.7 | 75 | 85 | 80.1 |
Year | 24.9 | 30.5 | 27.65 | 76.8 | 87 | 82 |
Average Rainfall in the U.S. Virgin Islands
The table below shows the average rainfall in the U.S. Virgin Islands each month:
Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
January | 50 | 2 | 10 |
February | 35 | 1.4 | 8 |
March | 35 | 1.4 | 7 |
April | 70 | 2.8 | 8 |
May | 80 | 3.1 | 10 |
June | 70 | 2.8 | 8 |
July | 65 | 2.6 | 9 |
August | 95 | 3.7 | 12 |
September | 140 | 5.5 | 13 |
October | 155 | 6.1 | 14 |
November | 140 | 5.5 | 13 |
December | 70 | 2.8 | 12 |
Year | 1005 | 39.6 | 124 |
Sunshine Hours in the U.S. Virgin Islands
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in the U.S. Virgin Islands each month:
Month | Average | Total |
January | 8 | 250 |
February | 8 | 225 |
March | 9 | 280 |
April | 9 | 270 |
May | 8 | 250 |
June | 8 | 240 |
July | 9 | 280 |
August | 9 | 280 |
September | 8 | 240 |
October | 8 | 250 |
November | 7 | 210 |
December | 7 | 215 |
Year | 8.2 | 2985 |
Sea Temperatures in the U.S. Virgin Islands
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in the U.S. Virgin Islands each month:
Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
January | 26 | 80 |
February | 26 | 79 |
March | 26 | 79 |
April | 27 | 80 |
May | 27 | 81 |
June | 28 | 83 |
July | 28 | 83 |
August | 29 | 84 |
September | 29 | 84 |
October | 29 | 84 |
November | 28 | 83 |
December | 27 | 81 |
Year | 27.6 | 81.7 |
What To Wear in the U.S. Virgin Islands? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in the U.S. Virgin Islands so that you can make the most of your time there.
- A comfortable pair of shoes: You’ll want a comfortable pair of shoes to explore all the beaches and hiking trails.
- A hat or sunglasses: The sun is strong in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Be sure to pack a hat or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen!
- Beachwear: the U.S. Virgin Islands are all about beach life. Pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and any other beach gear you need.
- Camera: the U.S. Virgin Islands are incredibly photogenic. Be sure to bring along a camera to capture all the memories.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in the U.S. Virgin Islands
There are many different things to do in the U.S. Virgin Islands, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Honeymoon Beach
- Pirates Treasure Museum
- Water Island
- Ram Head Trail
- Mountain Top
- Secret Harbour
- Buck Island Reef National Monument
- Maho Bay Beach
- Drake’s Seat
- Lindqvist Beach
- Trunk Bay Beach
- Magens Bay
- Sapphire Beach
Best U.S. Virgin Islands Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- The Buccaneer
- Villa Norbu
- Seascape Villa
- Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
- Gallows Point Resort
- Secret Harbour Beach Resort
- Bluebeards Historical Castle
Hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Estate Lindholm – St John
- The Waves at Cane Bay – Kingshill
- Coconut Coast Villas – Contant
- Sapphire Beach Villa – Tutu
- St John Inn – Contant