Your Guide to Eloping in the Virgin Islands
Updated: Jan 4
Your Ultimate How to Guide to Eloping in the Virgin Islands
Have you been dreaming of warm weather, sand beneath your feet and the sound of the wind in the palm trees while you look into the eyes of your best friend.
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
It is easier than you think!
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
No passport necessary, blue water and ocean breeze it just a flight away. This is your ultimate guide to eloping in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This will guide will tell you all you need to know about eloping in the tropical US destination of the US Virgin Islands
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
The Virgin Islands, especially the island of St. John hold a special place in my heart. Not only did I photograph my first destination wedding on St.John on 11/11/11. I knew on that day I was meant to live there. Upon arriving in love city, St. John’s nickname, I met my now husband my first day on island. In our travels we moved there twice, living and loving there many years.
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
A little history of the US Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of 4 main islands and are located in the Caribbean. The islands are St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island. St. John, St. Thomas and Water island are all very close together and St. Croix the largest is a day long ferry ride away. The islands were originally taken over by Denmark for their sugar plantations but later sold to the United States in 1917. Fun fact I actually lived in a danish sailboat for a year brought to St.John around this time. The USVI became an unincorporated territory of the US in 1978.
A little island guide to the different U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John
St. John is a small little island only 11 miles wide. It is the most popular of the three US Virgin Islands and is a favorite due to its beautiful easily accessed and well preserved beaches. It is predominately National Park some of the favorite beaches are Maho Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Trunk Bay! If you get lucky you might even snorkel with a sea turtle, ride waves with a dolphin, or see whales and Manta rays jumping! St. John offers many hiking trails such as Ram Head, Reef Bay, and Leinster Bay, and old sugar plantations such as the Annenberg Ruins
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is the main territory of the Virgin Islands, and where you will fly into at Charlotte Amalie and is also a cruise ship destination. It also boast many docks, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. The beaches are fantastic and there are many resort areas. A little over 25% of the island is taken up by US Virgin Islands National Park.
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Water Island
Water Island is very unique to other Caribbean Islands because of its small size and limited development. Water Island had a very relaxed atmosphere and it common to see golf carts traversing it’s road ways. It is accessed by ferry and once there, there is a free ride that will take you to the beach!
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
St. Croix
St. Croix, is also home to three national parks and numerous other parks that provide enough scenic beauty to last a lifetime! St.Croix is the largest of the four islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands and has a population of 35,000 people among its 15 square miles of land. It has 10 miles of palm-lined beaches and some of the best sailing in all of the Caribbean.
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Are you excited yet?! Ready to go fly out and say “I do” Yay! Keep Reading I’m going to give you the step by step guide to Eloping in the Virgin Islands
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Step 1: Pick your island then pick your location. So you want to elope the beach or maybe on a mountain top overlooking all the bays and islands. Don’t forget you can get married at sea! Once you have found your island I would love to help you narrow this down.
Step 2: Reserve your vendors: You’ll want to reserve all of the other vendors that will make your day epic as well! This is your day so you can make it whatever you want. There are the options of hair, makeup, an officiant, music, florals, videography, and me (your elopement photographer!)
Step 3: Marriage certificate:
Let’s make this marriage legal! Visit the Family Division in the judicial district to file your marriage application between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Bring your patience. You must dress business casual (no shorts!). You can also pre-arrange to visit on a Saturday/Sunday for an extra fee. There is a $100 application fee and a $100 marriage license fee to be paid when you pick it up.
Where should you stay on your trip?
Each island boast everything from luxury resorts to eco campgrounds. I can help you find the best place to fit your vision!
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
When is the best season to Visit the Virgin Islands?
Though the weather is almost always perfect in the Virgin Islands there are some things to consider
Weather- In the winter months it averages about the low 80s and in the summer months high 89s low 90s. The winter is breeezier and better for sailing. May-September, it averages about high 80s with less wind.
Hurricane Season- Hurricane season runs through June 1 to November 30. The weather tends to be cooler beginning in September and the crowds much smaller and the prices lower.
Holidays-Check the holidays and events in the USVI. The carnival season takes off in the middle of April and is celebrated during the holiday season. Unless you want to be part of the big party, to avoid big crowds make sure you check the island calendars.
Cruise Ships are another thing that bring in the big crowds. You can check the schedule here:
Other Activities to Enjoy while in the US Virgin Islands
Explore the National Park Beaches and historic sites
Take a boat trip, my personal favorite way to spend a day on the island.
Zip line
Parasail
Rent a dinghy and go on your own adventure
Go snorkeling or scuba diving
Check out the many great hikes.
To sum up this US Virgin Island Elopement Guide
This place is perfect for a destination elopement location.
No passport needed
Many vendors, locations, delicious food, great vendors and yummy food and drinks available
Weather is always fantastic
Full of activities
Let’s have some fun in the sun and get you married!
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Photo by Destination Life Photography www.destinationlifephotography.com
Comments