From parties to privacy, St. Thomas has it all -- making it a perfect 'I Do' location no matter what your style.
By: Melissa Sperl|
Lawfully Wedded It’s easy to get married on St. Thomas. Just send a notarized marriage-license application (and a certified divorce decree, if necessary) to the island’s territorial court; your license ($50) will be ready eight days after the court has received your application. You must appear together in person to pick up the license; passports are not required. For more information, contact the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands (809-774-6680; virginisles.com/weddings/legal). |
If you dream of getting married on a Caribbean island—exchanging vows on the beach, dancing to a steel-drum band and feasting on fresh seafood— St. Thomas might be just the place for you. The bustling 385-room Marriott Frenchman's Reef Resort has several popular bars and many young guests, so it always feels like there's a party. For your "I do" spot, choose the bougainvillea-trimmed gazebo or the neighboring Morning Star Beach Resort's quiet beach. For your reception, there are four indoor and eight outdoor options. One can hold up to 800 guests, and some of the beach ones work for barbecues. Your family and friends can feast on conch chowder, chilled lobster or grilled salmon with pineapple relish—a true Caribbean menu. For more information visit marriottfrenchmansreef.com.
At the 300-room, all-inclusive Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa , you can be married on the stunning St. John Terrace, which features views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. It's perfect for a ceremony of up to 40 guests, after which you can move to a reception on the Ocean Club Terrace. If your party is half that size, and you're all staying at the Wyndham, consider simply making a dinner reservation at the resort's Manor House restaurant; meals are covered in the hotel rate, so it will keep things simple, and you'll avoid setup fees and additional catering charges. Either way, you'll get to feast on savory beef satay and baked snapper. For more information visit destinationweddingsbywyndham.com.
At the 300-room, all-inclusive Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa , you can be married on the stunning St. John Terrace, which features views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. It's perfect for a ceremony of up to 40 guests, after which you can move to a reception on the Ocean Club Terrace. If your party is half that size, and you're all staying at the Wyndham, consider simply making a dinner reservation at the resort's Manor House restaurant; meals are covered in the hotel rate, so it will keep things simple, and you'll avoid setup fees and additional catering charges. Either way, you'll get to feast on savory beef satay and baked snapper ! For more information visit destinationweddingsbywyndham.com.
Another good choice for small weddings: the 60-room Secret Harbour Beach Resort, whose beach is a great spot for a sunset ceremony. You might also want to consider exchanging vows on the dock. A reception dinner on the beach might feature broiled lobster tail or rum-glazed salmon. Flowers, champagne and an officiant's services are included in your room rate, and there is no site fee for receptions. Now that's a no-fuss wedding! For more information visit secretharbourvi.com.
