How To Plan a Destination Wedding in St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands
So you’re thinking about getting married in St. Thomas?!
First of all, YES. Excellent choice. Obviously I’m a little biased, but I’ve spent a whole lot of time photographing weddings, proposals, families, couples and basically every kind of celebration you can imagine around this island, and there is a reason people come here and immediately start wondering how they can stay forever.
But I’m also going to be real with you.
Planning a destination wedding in St. Thomas is AMAZING, but it is not exactly like planning a wedding at home where you can hop in your car, drive 20 minutes to the florist, swing by the venue, taste the cake and be home before dinner.
We are on an island.
A very beautiful island. A very hilly island. A very sunny island. An island where your GPS may tell you something is 3 miles away and somehow that feels like a 30 minute journey.
So here is everything I want you to know before you start planning your St. Thomas wedding.
First Things First: Choose Your Wedding Style
Before you start looking at flowers, dresses, photographers and cake flavors, figure out what kind of wedding you actually want.
St. Thomas can do a tiny barefoot elopement with just the two of you, a 20 person intimate wedding, a 50 person destination wedding, or a much larger resort wedding with all the bells and whistles.
You can get married:
• On the beach
• At a private villa
• At a resort
• In a garden
• At a private estate
• On a boat
• At a restaurant
• At a private event space
• Or somewhere completely outside the box
The island has options for pretty much every wedding personality.
Some popular wedding and resort areas include Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, Lindquist Beach, Morningstar Beach, Secret Harbour, Frenchman’s Reef, along with private villas and dedicated wedding venues.
The USVI tourism department also highlights everything from beachfront ceremonies to garden weddings and resort wedding packages.
When Should You Get Married in St. Thomas?
This is a BIG one.
St. Thomas is warm year-round, so technically there isn’t really a bad month to get married here. Average temperatures are around 77°F in winter and 82°F in summer.
But there are definitely differences between seasons.
December through April
This is generally considered peak travel season.
The weather is typically beautiful, the island is busy, hotels can be more expensive and popular wedding vendors can book up quickly.
This is also when you’ll see a lot more visitors escaping cold weather back home.
Translation: gorgeous weather, lots happening, but don’t wait until two months before your wedding to start booking vendors.
May through June
This can be a really nice shoulder-season option.
You may find better availability and potentially better hotel pricing while still getting that beautiful Caribbean weather.
The island also starts feeling a little less packed.
July through November
This is generally the quieter and potentially more budget-friendly time of year.
But this is also hurricane season.
That does NOT mean your wedding is doomed if you choose August, September or October. St. Thomas is a year-round destination and plenty of people get married during these months.
It does mean you need to be smart.
Have a weather backup plan.
Talk to your venue about what happens if there is heavy rain or a storm.
Consider wedding insurance.
And please, please don’t schedule your entire wedding day around one outdoor setup with absolutely no Plan B.
Mother Nature does not care about your Pinterest board.
And Then There Is The Sun…
This is something I talk about ALL THE TIME with my couples.
The sun goes down earlier here than a lot of mainland couples expect.
For example, in late September, sunset is around 6:10 PM. In December, sunset is around 5:40 to 5:55 PM. Around June, sunset is closer to 6:45 PM. Exact times change by date, so always check your actual wedding date.
So if you are dreaming of those glowy sunset wedding portraits, don’t schedule your ceremony at 5:00 PM and assume we will just wander down to the beach afterward for an hour of sunset photos.
We will not have an hour.
We will have a very beautiful but very short window.
For a sunset wedding, I usually want to know:
What time is the ceremony?
And most importantly, WHERE is the sun setting from that particular location? These islands are hilly and mountainous, the sun often goes over a hillside before actual sunset.
Your photographer will build the timeline backward from sunset.
This is one of those little destination-wedding details that can make a huge difference in your photos.
Getting Legally Married in St. Thomas
Good news!
Getting legally married in the US Virgin Islands is pretty straightforward, but you DO need to plan ahead.
The marriage license is handled through the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
As of 2026, the current process allows couples to file electronically through the court’s e-filing system. The application packet includes the marriage cover sheet, marriage application and proposed marriage license.
You will need government-issued identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license.
If either person has previously been married, additional documentation may be required. For example, a divorced applicant needs a certified copy of the divorce decree. A widowed applicant needs a certified copy of the former spouse’s death certificate.
There is currently:
$100 non-refundable marriage application fee
$100 marriage license fee
So you’re looking at $200 in court fees for the license process.
If you want a Superior Court judge to perform the ceremony, the current listed fee is an additional $400.
The REALLY important part
Marriage applications are posted for public examination for 8 days before the license can be issued.
So do not arrive in St. Thomas on Thursday and plan to get legally married on Saturday.
Please don’t do that to yourself!
The court specifically states that applications are posted for eight days, and the completed license must be returned to the court after the ceremony.
You can file electronically ahead of your trip, which is definitely something I recommend looking into as soon as your wedding date is locked in.
If you are coming from off-island, the court also asks for your current mailing address and telephone number.
And one more thing people sometimes don’t realize: the USVI does NOT require blood tests or physical examinations for the marriage license.
Always check the Superior Court’s current requirements before submitting anything because government paperwork has a funny little habit of changing when you’re not looking.
What About a Beach Wedding?
This is where things get fun.
St. Thomas has a LOT of beautiful beaches, but not every beautiful beach is necessarily the easiest place to hold a wedding.
Some are better for a tiny ceremony.
Some have more parking.
Some have bathrooms and changing areas.
Some have restaurants nearby.
Some are much easier for elderly guests or anyone with mobility limitations.
And some are simply better for photos.
Also, most beaches in the USVI are public, but public does not automatically mean “free wedding venue.” Different locations have different rules, fees and restrictions.
Magens Bay
Magens Bay is probably the beach most people picture when they think of St. Thomas.
It’s that famous giant crescent-shaped bay surrounded by green hills and turquoise water.
It’s beautiful. It has bathrooms, showers, food, chairs and other amenities, and it is relatively easy for guests to access.
The current wedding site fee is $250, with additional admission costs for guests. Because fees and policies can change, confirm the exact wedding fee and guest admission with the Magens Bay Authority before finalizing your budget. This is something your wedding planner can/will typically handle.
Magens is also VERY popular.
That means cruise ship schedules and the number of people on the beach can matter.
If your dream is a quiet, romantic beach ceremony, ask your planner or photographer what the beach looks like on your specific date and time.
There is an online schedule where you can check which ships will be visiting St. Thomas, when they arrive and depart, and how many guests are on board. Here is the link below:
Sapphire Beach & Pretty Klip Point
Sapphire is another incredibly popular option.
The water is ridiculously blue, you have views toward St. John and the British Virgin Islands, and there are restaurants, beach amenities and accommodations nearby.
And then there is Pretty Klip Point.
This is the rocky little peninsula extending out beside Sapphire, surrounded by Caribbean water. It gives you a completely different look from a traditional sandy beach ceremony.
Current wedding information lists the Sapphire/Pretty Klip site fee at $100 for groups of 10 or fewer and $250 for groups over 10. Again, confirm current pricing directly before booking.
One thing to know about Pretty Klip: it’s rocky.
Which is gorgeous.
But maybe not the place for your grandmother to casually stroll barefoot in six-inch heels. Just saying.
Lindquist Beach
Lindquist is another gorgeous option, especially if you want something a little more natural and less resort-like.
Current wedding resources report a $250 ceremony/site fee plus beach admission, but check the current rules and pricing before budgeting around those numbers.
Lindquist can also be affected by seasonal sargassum, so it’s worth having a backup plan if you’re getting married during a time when seaweed is more likely.
Morningstar Beach
Morningstar is especially convenient for couples staying around Frenchman’s Reef or Charlotte Amalie.
It’s also a popular sunset location because of its western-facing views, especially in the winter.
The beach itself is public, while nearby resorts and venues may offer wedding and reception options.
This is one of those locations where convenience can be a HUGE advantage.
And trust me, convenience matters more than you think once you have 40 people dressed in formalwear on an island with hills.
Do I Need a National Park Permit?
Here’s where I want to clear up a common misconception.
Magens Bay is not part of Virgin Islands National Park.
Magens Bay is managed by the Magens Bay Authority.
Virgin Islands National Park is primarily on St. John.
So if you’re getting married at Magens Bay, you are dealing with the appropriate beach/venue authority, not the National Park Service.
If you decide to have your wedding on St. John in an area managed by the National Park Service, that’s a different permitting situation and you should check directly with the National Park Service for current special-use permit requirements and fees.
This is another reason I always recommend working with a local planner if you’re planning something more complicated than a tiny ceremony.
Getting to St. Thomas
You’re going to fly into Cyril E. King Airport, airport code STT.
The airport is only about two miles from Charlotte Amalie, so you’re not landing in some mysterious airport 90 minutes from civilization.
There are direct flights from several mainland cities, although routes are seasonal and change, so always check current schedules when booking. As of 2026, service carriers include American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country and United, with routes varying by airline and season.
And if you’re connecting through Puerto Rico, San Juan is a major gateway for getting to the USVI. Cape Air is a great affordable option, and a fun little plane to fly in!
US citizens do not generally need a passport to fly directly between the mainland and the US Virgin Islands, although you should travel with valid government-issued identification and check current airline requirements.
If you’re planning to continue on to the British Virgin Islands, that’s different. Bring your passport.
One Airport Tip You Should Actually Know
The airport is undergoing infrastructure work, including runway-related work in 2026.
VIPA currently lists nightly runway closures from 10 PM to 5 AM through December 31, 2026, with additional resurfacing work planned. Check current airport notices and your airline before travel.
And when you fly home, don’t treat the airport like your local Starbucks where you can casually stroll in 45 minutes before departure.
VIPA advises travelers to arrive at least three hours before scheduled departure. I want to say this is not a suggestion. During peak season, waits can exceed 3 hours and lines can extend outside of the airport. Unless you plan to extend your trip (not the worst idea?) then don’t wait, get there early!
Do You Need a Rental Car?
This is one of those “it depends” answers.
St. Thomas drives on the LEFT.
Yes.
Even though most of the cars are American.
Even though most visitors are American.
Even though your brain will absolutely tell you that you should be driving on the right.
You drive on the left.
And the roads are… island roads.
We have steep hills, tight turns, narrow roads and some roads that will make you question every decision that brought you here.
But that’s part of the fun.
If you’re comfortable driving in unfamiliar conditions, a rental car can give you a lot of freedom.
If you’re staying at a resort, mostly hanging around the beach and planning to use taxis, you may not need one.
The USVI tourism department confirms that visitors can drive with a valid US or foreign driver’s license for up to 90 days.
For weddings, I often recommend thinking about transportation BEFORE you finalize your venue.
Because your guests need to get:
Airport → hotel
Hotel → welcome event
Welcome event → hotel
Hotel → wedding
Wedding → hotel
And potentially:
Hotel → beach
Hotel → ferry
Hotel → rehearsal dinner
Hotel → airport
That can become a lot of moving pieces very quickly.
Where Should Your Guests Stay?
This really depends on the vibe you’re going for.
Charlotte Amalie / Frenchman’s Reef area
Great if you want to be relatively central and close to town, shopping, restaurants and the airport.
East End / Red Hook
Great for people who want restaurants, nightlife, boat trips and easy access to the St. John ferry.
Sapphire / Nazareth
Beautiful for a more beachy resort experience and convenient access to the East End.
North Side / Hillside villas
Great for privacy, views and a more “we rented a gorgeous Caribbean house and everybody is living their best life” experience.
There are also plenty of hotels, resorts, condos and villas around the island, so don’t feel like everyone has to stay in the same property.
In fact, for larger groups, giving guests a few accommodation options at different price points can make attending much easier.
A Few Popular Hotel & Resort Areas to Look At
Some of the properties couples commonly consider include:
Villa and vacation-rental properties around the island
The best location really depends on whether your priority is luxury, beach access, nightlife, privacy, wedding venue convenience or being close to the ferry.
Visit USVI has an updated hotel guide if you’re comparing properties and areas.
Hire a Local Wedding Planner
I know.
You’re thinking, “Do I REALLY need one?”
Maybe.
For a tiny elopement with two people and an officiant, probably not.
For a 50-person destination wedding with a villa, catering, rentals, florals, transportation and a reception?
I would seriously consider it.
A planner who actually lives here can help with the things that are difficult to solve from 1,500 miles away.
They know which vendors answer their phones.
They know which beaches actually work.
They know what happens when it rains.
They know which roads are going to turn your 15-minute drive into 35 minutes.
They know where to send your aunt who forgot her earrings.
And they can help coordinate all the moving pieces.
There are several established local planners serving St. Thomas and St. John, and many offer everything from full-service planning to day-of coordination and elopement packages.
My two go-to planners are Blue Sky Ceremony and Island Mike Weddings.
Build Your Vendor Team Early
At minimum, you’ll probably want to think about:
Wedding planner/coordinator
Venue
Photographer (check out my portfolio!)
Videographer
Florist
Officiant
Hair and makeup
Caterer
Cake/dessert
DJ or live music
Rentals
Transportation
Bartending
Stationery/signage
Decor
And possibly a content creator
The earlier you book, the more choices you have.
Especially during peak season.
And please don’t book your photographer based solely on “Do they have pretty pictures?”
Ask how they handle destination weddings.
Ask about timelines.
Ask how they handle rain.
Ask if they’ve worked at your venue.
Ask whether they understand the island.
Ask how much time they need for travel between locations.
Those little things matter.
Give Yourself More Time Than You Think
Island logistics are different, and island time is a real thing!
If your ceremony is at one location and your reception is somewhere else, don’t schedule them back-to-back with a 15-minute cushion because Google Maps said it takes 12 minutes.
Google Maps does not have to find parking.
Google Maps does not have 30 wedding guests getting into taxis.
Google Maps does not have to move a wedding dress through a narrow staircase.
Give yourself breathing room.
Your wedding day should feel like a vacation, not an episode of The Amazing Race.
Plan Your Wedding Timeline Around the Light
This is one of my favorite parts.
If you want those beautiful golden Caribbean photos, your photographer should help you plan the day around the sun.
A sample sunset wedding timeline might look something like:
2:00 PM Hair and makeup finishing touches
3:00 PM Getting dressed
3:30 PM First look
4:00 PM Couple portraits
4:30 PM Ceremony
5:00 PM Wedding Party and Family Portraits
5:30 PM Newlywed portraits
5:45 PM onward Cocktail hour/reception
Obviously, your exact timeline will depend on the date, location, ceremony length and sunset.
And if your wedding is in December, you need to move everything earlier because the sun is disappearing around 5:40ish.
This is why I LOVE building photography timelines around the actual wedding date rather than copying a generic wedding timeline from Pinterest.
Don’t Forget the Heat
It may be 75 degrees.
It may be 85 degrees.
But when you’re wearing a wedding dress, standing in direct Caribbean sunlight with 30 people around you, it can feel like approximately 700 degrees.
Bring water.
Have shade.
Consider fans.
Don’t make elderly guests stand in the sun for 45 minutes.
And think about your hair and makeup accordingly.
Humidity is very real.
Your makeup artist should know that.
Your hair stylist should know that.
Your photographer definitely knows that.
What About Rain?
Welcome to the Caribbean.
We can have a beautiful blue sky, a quick tropical shower, and then sunshine again 15 minutes later.
Or we can have a rainy afternoon.
Or a completely random cloud park itself directly over your ceremony.
This is why I always tell couples not to panic over every cloud.
A rain shower does not automatically mean your photos are ruined.
Some of the prettiest Caribbean photos I’ve taken have happened immediately after rain.
But your venue needs a legitimate backup plan for sustained rain or severe weather.
Not “we’ll figure it out.”
An actual plan.
What About Cruise Ships?
This is a BIG St. Thomas-specific thing.
St. Thomas is a major cruise destination, and cruise ship traffic can affect how busy certain areas and beaches feel.
If you’re getting married at a popular beach, especially Magens Bay, your planner should look at the cruise schedule and think about how that affects your ceremony and portraits.
If you’re planning a cruise-ship wedding and only have a few hours on island, transportation and timing become even more important.
Do not schedule a 4:00 PM ceremony when your ship sails at 5:00.
I feel like I shouldn’t have to say this.
But, I do!
Welcome Parties Are SUCH a Good Idea
One of my favorite things about destination weddings is that the wedding doesn’t have to be the only event.
You can turn it into a whole wedding weekend.
Welcome drinks.
Beach day.
Boat day.
Rehearsal dinner.
Sunset cruise.
Pool day.
Wedding.
Brunch.
Farewell dinner.
And yes, I highly recommend hiring a photographer for at least one of these.
Your wedding photos are amazing, but some of the most fun memories can happen outside of the actual wedding day.
A Few Things I Would NOT Do
Don’t plan a wedding without a rain backup.
Don’t assume every beach is interchangeable.
Don’t schedule everything based on Google Maps.
Don’t forget that sunset comes earlier than many mainland couples expect.
Don’t wait until the last minute to file your marriage license.
Don’t assume every vendor can accommodate last-minute changes.
Don’t have 50 guests all rent cars unless you’re okay with a small island parking adventure.
Don’t underestimate transportation.
Don’t forget to tell guests that we drive on the left.
Please tell them.
Seriously.
My Ideal St. Thomas Wedding Planning Timeline
12+ Months Before
Choose your date.
Choose your approximate guest count.
Choose your wedding style.
Research venues.
Research accommodation options.
Hire your planner if you’re using one.
Book your venue.
Book your photographer.
Start building your vendor team.
9 to 12 Months Before
Send save-the-dates.
Book major vendors.
Start planning transportation.
Reserve room blocks if applicable.
Start thinking about welcome events.
File your marriage license application as early as appropriate.
6 to 9 Months Before
Finalize your wedding design.
Book hair and makeup.
Finalize florist.
Finalize catering.
Book entertainment.
Plan your welcome party and rehearsal dinner.
Start building your wedding day timeline.
3 to 6 Months Before
Finalize guest transportation.
Finalize your ceremony details.
Finalize your photo locations.
Create your shot list.
Confirm all vendor contracts.
Start watching the weather if you’re in a more weather-sensitive season.
1 Month Before
Confirm EVERYTHING.
I mean everything.
Flights.
Hotels.
Transportation.
Vendors.
Timeline.
Rain plan.
Marriage license.
Guest count.
Dinner.
Flowers.
Hair.
Makeup.
Photography.
And then stop trying to control everything because you’re on an island and sometimes the island is going to island.
Wedding Week
RELAX.
Seriously.
You’ve done the work.
Let your planner and vendors do their jobs.
Go to the beach.
Have a drink.
Eat some good food.
Spend time with your people.
And remember why you came here in the first place.
So… Is a St. Thomas Destination Wedding Worth It?
I obviously think St. Thomas is an incredible place to get married.
But more importantly, I think it works because your wedding can actually feel like a vacation.
Your guests aren’t just flying somewhere, attending a six-hour wedding and flying home.
They’re coming to the Caribbean.
They can snorkel.
Take a boat day.
Explore Red Hook.
Visit St. John.
Go to the beach.
Eat ridiculously good food.
Watch the sunset.
And celebrate you.
That’s pretty special.
Planning from far away can definitely feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to coordinate an entire wedding on an island you’ve never planned an event on before.
But that’s exactly why having local vendors matters.
We know the island.
We know the beaches.
We know the roads.
We know that “it’s only three miles away” does not necessarily mean “I’ll be there in five minutes.”
And we know how to make the most of this little Caribbean rock we call home.
If you’re planning a St. Thomas destination wedding and need a photographer who knows the island, knows the light and can help you build a timeline that actually makes sense, I’d love to hear from you.
And yes, I will absolutely tell you if I think your timeline is trying to fight the sunset.
Because somebody has to!
:::
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