Member Area
You are here: Home US Virgin Islands St. John
From underwater weddings to ceremonies at sea PDF Print E-mail
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – From underwater weddings to ceremonies at sea, America’s Caribbean offers dozens of memorable and intimate settings for couples considering island nuptials. The U.S. Virgin Islands boasts an abundance of experienced wedding planners who stand ready to turn vision into memorable reality, wherever the setting.

“Because the islands operate under U.S. laws, language and currency, it is surprisingly easy to get married here,” says Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson Doty. “But, beyond that, we remain quintessentially Caribbean. The settings are varied and exquisite, including lush botanical gardens, historic churches, stunning overlooks and palm-fringed beaches.”

Listed in the U.S. Virgin Islands “Wedding & Honeymoon Guide,” the island’s well-connected wedding planners are the key to coordinating a unique and memorable wedding celebration. These experienced planners call on trusted contacts to coordinate strikingly original ceremonies, including nuptials on a private island reached only by helicopter or seaplane, seaside ceremonies on horseback, scuba weddings complete with a natural underwater chapel or weddings while parasailing.

As one of the most popular ways to wed is aboard a private yacht, there are more than a dozen yacht brokers who specialize in weddings at sea. Whether for just a few hours or a week-long celebration, private yachts afford the ultimate privacy and personalized service. Surrounded by the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean, weddings at sea typically include the services of the captain and crew, as well as a gourmet chef.

In addition, many couples take their cue from the islands’ rich and colorful history to incorporate authentic music and traditions into their ceremonies. One such custom, “Jumping the Broom,” is a centuries-old wedding ritual with African origins that signifies the joining of two families. Other customs include traditional steel drum music and “Black Cake,” a rum-cured cake that is given to wedding guests as a parting favor. Some visiting couples add island flavor by incorporating a traditional wedding feast into their celebration with a regionally-inspired menu: stewed mutton, conch in butter sauce, king fish in Creole sauce and pigeon peas and rice.

Singular Settings

Known for its exceptional diving, St. Croix offers one of the most unique ways to tie the knot. Adventurous couples can literally “take the plunge” in an underwater ceremony complete with scuba gear at the Hotel Caravelle. In fact, St. Croix holds the world record for the largest underwater wedding: an event that drew more than 100 certified divers as guests. For those who prefer to begin their life together on land, other St. Croix settings include 19th-century churches and a lush botanical garden.

Exquisite natural beauty takes center stage in ceremonies on St. John, the smallest of the islands, where wedding settings include pristine beaches, waterfront gazebos, island chapels and tropical villas. The island, two-thirds of which is undeveloped, is an extraordinary choice for nature lovers who will find the 11,560-acre Virgin Islands National Park an incomparable setting featuring 800 varieties of plants and 160 species of birds.

On St. Thomas, settings can take on the island’s more cosmopolitan atmosphere, including the bustling backdrop of Charlotte Amalie harbor. Forty beautiful beaches, including heart-shaped Magens Bay, voted one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic, ensure there’s no shortage of shoreline for seaside nuptials. For those spellbound by local legend, the medieval-style Skytsborg, better known as Blackbeard’s Castle, adds a touch of the 17th-century lore to the wedding day.

Wedding Party Particulars

A 20-page “Wedding & Honeymoon Guide” details everything brides and grooms need to know to plan a memorable experience. Available at any U.S. Virgin Islands tourist office or by calling (800) 372-USVI, the brochure is an invaluable resource, providing contact information for dozens of experienced wedding planners, picturesque places of worship, wonderful florists, photographers, transportation services and yacht brokers.

To apply for a wedding license, both parties must visit the Superior Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands together; applications may be downloaded at www.usvitourism.vi. After the Court receives a completed and authorized application, there is a required eight-day waiting period. If either party is divorced, he or she must have a certified copy of the divorce decree or a notarized affidavit stating when the divorce was granted. Additionally, couples should specify whether the marriage will be performed by a Judge in the Court or by a member of the clergy. The combined marriage application fee and license fee is $100. Civil ceremonies before a Judge of the Superior Court cost an additional $200 and an appointment is required.

For information about the United States Virgin Islands, call 800-372-USVI (8784) and visit http://www.usvitourism.vi. As a United States Territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require proof of citizenship from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.

Comments

avatar Pamela Mooney
0
 
 
I am about to launch a website where I will be selling
"Mermaid Bouquets" underwater Wedding bouquets.I have been a designer for
over 25 years in the Wedding business and have come up with a design I think
divers would be interested in. I will send you my web address as soon as it
is ready.Thank you,Pamela Mooney/ Beaucoup Bokays
Sunday 28 February 2010, 20:55
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Ving
0
 
 
That saves me. Thanks for being so seinsble!
Wednesday 01 June 2011, 18:13
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Keyaan
0
 
 
At last, someone comes up with the "right" anwser!
Wednesday 01 June 2011, 18:18
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Aslan
0
 
 
What a joy to find such clear thinking. Thanks for psointg!
Thursday 02 June 2011, 10:41
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Kenelm
0
 
 
You have shed a ray of susnhine into the forum. Thanks!
Thursday 02 June 2011, 10:41
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Hippie
0
 
 
That’s more than snesilbe! That’s a great post!
Thursday 02 June 2011, 11:24
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar javatrg
0
 
 
7GPhJ1 jodzxpgeynky
Sunday 05 June 2011, 10:31
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Pam Mooney
0
 
 
Check out mermaidbokays.com for lovely hand designed underwater wedding bouquets that are affordable and also a selection of Permenant Botanical Wedding Bouquets for the Landlubbers.
Tuesday 04 May 2010, 15:58
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar research paper
0
 
 
That's a unique idea Pamela, but looking for a market of your service would be a bit of a challenge specially if it's that wedding is what we're talking about.
Monday 31 May 2010, 06:09
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar buy beats
0
 
 
that's a great idea
Saturday 10 July 2010, 08:54
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Beena
0
 
 
dissertation service and other marker service should represented in another way i suppose
Saturday 11 December 2010, 11:15
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar croisiere
0
 
 
Hello!
I can see that you are an expert in this field! I am launching a website soon, and this information is very useful for me. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
Wednesday 02 February 2011, 12:08
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar [url=www.easybets.com]sport betting[/url]
0
 
 
Nice Post ! Thanks for sharing
Tuesday 03 May 2011, 03:29
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Swiss Watches
0
 
 
Nice Post !! I love it!
Tuesday 03 May 2011, 03:30
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar V-Yeah watches for wife
0
 
 
best
Wednesday 01 June 2011, 22:54
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Floor Polishing
0
 
 
I love to see green fish, well thinking if how I can go in that virgin Island!!!
Tuesday 28 June 2011, 22:02
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar MBT Fashion Shoes Online
0
 
 
My dear friends, do you want to keep healthy? A pair of diffent sport shoes will help you!
We specialize in the MBT sport shoes. We are international trade. We serve you MBT Health Shoes Women, MBT Health Shoes Men. Healthy sport shoes with different shapes and styles will fit you. Your satisfication is the biggest energy for us. Welcome to our website: http://www.mbtshoesonlinem all.com
Saturday 20 August 2011, 05:18
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Hana Vacation Rentals
0
 
 
Hanabythesea.com offers you the great way to experience Hana Vacation Rentals, Condo Rentals, Beachfront Rentals and much more. Visit the site to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation! for more information please visit http://www.hanabythesea.com/about/hana-oceanfront -cottages/
Thursday 10 November 2011, 13:47
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Agriculture Products
0
 
 
This is one of the highly attractive, informatics, well-written and highly crisp blog that has been explained in fabulous manner to help out reader and visitors. All information found here is genuine and realistic.http://www.thegreenfarmer.eu
Monday 27 February 2012, 08:37
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
avatar Dissertation Help
0
 
 
Nice post.
http://www.uk-dissertation -help.co.uk/
Monday 19 March 2012, 06:24
Post Reply
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
Cancel
Name *
Email (For verification & Replies)
Code   
ChronoComments by Joomla Professional Solutions
Submit Comment
 
Discover The Virgin Islands...
  • Pause
  • Previous
  • Next
1/6
 
Adventures

A Most Diverse Diving & Snorkeling Destination

U.S.VIRGIN ISLANDS – Combine St. Croix’s underwater national monument, St. John’s protected underwater reserve and St. Th...
Just Relax

Nature's Theme Park: The Family-Friendly U.S. Virgin Islands

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The U.S. Virgin Islands enjoys a long-standing reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most family-fri...
Under the Sun

Vacations on a Low Budget

The first thing you should consider when vacationing on a low budget is where you will stay.

A hotel or rental property/r...

More:
A bit of history

US Virgin Islands shared history appeal and attractions

In addition to picturesque beaches, the U.S. Virgin Islands share a rich history from colonial forts, restored plantation...
Expedia.com
Link to eBags.com Home Page

Visit our Store

Banner

Relax

SUN

Great Food

Creative Commons License
Some of this work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
Welcome To Virgin Island Spots. Designed by JoomlArt.com. Copyright © 2005 - 2008. Joomla! is Free Software released under the GNU/GPL License.

Virginislandspots.com and its parent companies does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or product represented on this site. Virginislandspots.com does not endorse or recommend anything. The views of the authors are owned by them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of virginislandspots.com, its management team or owners. Further, virginislandspots.com does not recommend any product or service found via any advertisement within this site. When using this site, you may find many links to 3rd party Internet sites. virginislandspots.com is not responsible for the content or availability of these 3rd party sites. costaricanspots.com does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information found on external or 3rd party site. There are no Pop-Ups anywhere within the virginislandspots.com site. If you receive one as a result of clicking on any of the 3rd party links found within this site -- know that they did not originate from our site. The articles on our site do not dispense medical, legal or professional advice, nor do they prescribe any treatment or strategy that should be tested without the advice of a professional. Information presented on this site is for educational or entertainment purposes only. You are responsible for your own actions should you use any information found on this site.