The U.S. Virgin Islands consists of the three main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas as well as multiple smaller islands.
They are located in the eastern Caribbean Sea about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico.
Each of the three islands have their own special characteristics, so there is much to explore during your time there!
Why Get Married In The US Virgin Islands?
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a great location for a destination wedding because for those that live in the United States, a passport isn’t required to go there. This makes the traveling process a lot easier for you and your wedding guests! Their gorgeous white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are another feature that attract millions of visitors all year long.
What to Know:
- The average temperatures range from 77 degrees in the winter to 83 degrees in the summer. If you’re planning a U.S. Virgin Islands beach wedding, you may want to have it during the islands dry season, which is in the winter.
- The U.S. Virgin Islands are located within the Atlantic hurricane belt, so if possible avoid planning your wedding there during the months of June – November!
- St. Croix is known for having Danish influences and many historical towns and sites. St. John is mostly a national park and known for its romantic beaches and breathtaking views. St. Thomas is known for its beautiful harbors and exciting nightlife. Choose which island is best for you and your fiance!
- The official language in the U.S. Virgin Islands is English and the official currency is the U.S. Dollar. This again shows how easy it is for those living in the U.S. to travel to the islands. Since planning a wedding can be stressful, features like these are important to consider!
What is it Known For?
U.S. Virgin Island beach weddings are popular because the setting is so romantic and beautiful. The beaches are exactly what couples dream of when choosing a tropical destination. Everywhere you go looks like a postcard! St. Thomas is the most known island and is the most visited port in the Caribbean.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are also known for being a sunny and warm location. Fortunately, it’s easy to “island hop” and you can see all three main islands during your time there. However, it’s important to know that on the islands they drive on the left side. If you don’t feel comfortable renting a car, there are water taxis and helicopters available!
When is the Best Time to Get Married in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Peak tourist season in the U.S. Virgin Islands is December – March, which is when the weather is most ideal. Temperatures are around 80 degrees and there is very little rainfall! This is also a popular time for people to take vacations to get out of the cold or to celebrate the holidays.
If you’re planning a U.S. Virgin Islands beach wedding and weather is the most important to you, then the winter is the best time for you to get married on the islands. However, this might only be possible if you have a larger budget. Since it’s peak season, flights and accommodations are going to be more expensive than other times of the year.
If you have a smaller budget but still want to avoid hurricane season, April and May are two great times to get married in the U.S. Virgin Islands. During these two months the prices are lower, average temperatures are still in the 70s and 80s and chance of rain is still pretty small. Visiting a location in between their high and low seasons is sometimes the smartest decision!
When planning your U.S. Virgin Islands beach wedding you will want to avoid June – November. Not only is this the islands rainy season, there is also a risk of hurricanes. A storm not only ruins your outdoor wedding plans but can also affect your travel plans. You won’t want to worry about you or your guests flights getting cancelled!
Planning a regular vacation and planning a wedding is a lot different. When planning a vacation you may be able to take the risk of having a few rain showers during your trip. However, a wedding is even more expensive and the most important day of your life. Stay on the safe side and get married in the U.S. Virgin Islands during the months of December – May!
What are the Marriage Requirements in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Before sending out your save the dates and booking your flight, make sure you’re aware of all the marriage requirements in the U.S. Virgin Islands. These requirements will most likely affect your travel plans and itinerary.
In order to get married in the U.S. Virgin Islands you have to fill out an application for a marriage license along with a money order and submit it to the Territorial Court at least 8 working days before your arrival. There is no waiting period for either party to be on the island as long as this is done beforehand! For the complete list of marriage requirements click here.
What to do next? Read more about planning a destination wedding here.