Figuring out how to get married in St. Thomas is one of the best decisions you’ll make as a couple. The U.S. Virgin Islands offer warm weather year-round, stunning ocean views, and a surprisingly simple legal process that makes it one of the easiest Caribbean destinations for a wedding or elopement. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony for two or a small celebration with friends and family, this guide walks you through every step.

Why Couples Choose St. Thomas for Destination Weddings

St. Thomas has a few practical advantages that other Caribbean islands don’t. Since it’s a U.S. territory, American citizens don’t need a passport to visit. The currency is the U.S. dollar, English is the primary language, and your cell phone works just like it does at home. That removes a lot of the stress that comes with planning a wedding abroad.

Beyond the logistics, the island itself is hard to beat. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is a historic port town built into the hillside with colorful Danish colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views of the harbor. It’s the kind of setting that makes every wedding photo look like it belongs in a magazine.

The island is also incredibly accessible. Direct flights from major U.S. cities like Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Charlotte land at Cyril E. King Airport, and the flight is only about 3–4 hours from the East Coast.

St. Thomas Marriage License Requirements

Before you can get married in St. Thomas, you’ll need a marriage license from the USVI Superior Court. Here’s the good news: you can now complete the entire application online, and there’s no waiting period or blood test required.

What You’ll Need

• Valid government-issued photo ID for both partners (driver’s license or passport)
• Social Security numbers for both partners
• If either partner was previously married: divorce decree or death certificate
• A credit card for the application fee
• The $200 marriage license fee (paid directly to the USVI)

Important Details

• No residency requirement. You do not need to live in the USVI to get married there.
• No waiting period. You can apply and get married as soon as your license is processed.
• Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
• The marriage license is valid for 180 days from the date of issuance.

How to Apply for Your USVI Marriage License: Step by Step

The USVI Superior Court now handles marriage license applications through an online e-filing system. This means you can complete most of the process from home before you even arrive on the island. Here’s exactly how it works:

Step 1: Visit the USVI Superior Court Website

Go to the official USVI Superior Court marriage license page. This is the only official source for your application.

Step 2: Access the E-Filing System

Scroll past the application instructions on the page and click “E-filing” in the bottom right corner. Then select “Become an E-filer Today” to create your account.

Step 3: Complete the Application

Fill out the required forms with both partners’ information. Have your Social Security numbers, any prior marriage documentation (divorce decrees or death certificates), and a credit card ready. The process is straightforward, but take your time to make sure everything is accurate.

Step 4: Submit and Wait for Processing

After submitting your forms, expect to wait about one week for processing. During this time, the court reviews your application.

Step 5: Request Direct Delivery

Here’s a tip that saves you a trip to the courthouse: email family-stt@vicourts.org and let them know you’d like to skip the in-person courthouse visit and have your documents emailed to you directly. Most couples find this much more convenient, especially if you’re arriving close to your wedding date.

Step 6: Get Married

Have your ceremony performed by your officiant. After the ceremony, your officiant takes the signed marriage license to the Virgin Islands Superior Court. Your certified copies will be mailed to you.

That’s it. The entire process is designed to be simple for destination wedding couples, and most people find it much easier than expected.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in St. Thomas?

The legal costs are minimal. The marriage license fee is $200, paid directly to the USVI Superior Court as part of your application. Beyond that, your costs depend on the type of ceremony and experience you want.

Here’s a general breakdown of what couples typically spend:

• Marriage license: $200 (required)
• Officiant: $150–$400 depending on the officiant and ceremony length. Many wedding packages include a non-denominational officiant.
• Photography: $300–$2,000+ depending on the length of the session and whether you want edited images or raw files.
• Flowers: $100–$500 for a bridal bouquet and boutonniere. Tropical arrangements using local flowers are popular and beautiful.
• Venue: This varies the most. Beach ceremonies can be free (public beaches) or require a permit. Private venues like boutique hotels, historic estates, and gardens range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Full wedding packages: Many St. Thomas venues and planners offer all-inclusive packages that bundle the officiant, photography, flowers, cake, and champagne together. These typically start around $1,500–$3,000 for an elopement-style ceremony and go up from there for larger celebrations.

The beauty of getting married in St. Thomas is that you can keep it as simple or as elaborate as you want. A couple can have a meaningful, legal ceremony with ocean views for well under $1,000, or they can plan a multi-day celebration with all the extras.

Best Places to Get Married in St. Thomas

The island has no shortage of beautiful ceremony locations. Here are some of the most popular options:

Historic Hilltop Venues

Charlotte Amalie’s hilltop neighborhood is home to some of the most iconic ceremony spots on the island. Blackbeard’s Castle, a 17th-century watchtower, sits atop Government Hill with panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding islands. Several boutique hotels in the area offer private ceremony spaces with the same stunning backdrop.

Beaches

Magens Bay is the most famous beach on the island, but Sapphire Beach and Lindquist Beach are also popular for morning ceremonies with fewer crowds. Beach weddings on public beaches may require a permit from the local government.

Private Villas and Boutique Hotels

For couples who want privacy and a more personal setting, small hotels and private properties offer an intimate alternative to large resorts. Many include rooftop terraces, tropical gardens, and plunge pools that double as ceremony and reception spaces.

Catamaran and Boat Ceremonies

Some couples choose to say their vows on the water. Sunset catamaran sails and private boat charters offer a unique ceremony experience with the islands as your backdrop.

Planning Tips for Your St. Thomas Wedding

If you’re seriously planning to get married in St. Thomas, here are a few practical tips that will make the process smoother:

• Book your officiant early. St. Thomas is a popular wedding destination, and the best officiants get booked months in advance, especially during peak season (December through April).
• Consider the time of year. The dry season (December through April) has the best weather and the most demand. May, June, and November offer beautiful weather with fewer crowds and often better rates on accommodations and vendors.
• Plan for the heat. St. Thomas is tropical, and midday ceremonies can be uncomfortably warm. Late afternoon and sunset ceremonies are the most popular for a reason. The golden hour light is also unbeatable for photos.
• Think about your guests’ travel. Since St. Thomas doesn’t require a passport for U.S. citizens and has direct flights from many major cities, it’s one of the most accessible Caribbean destinations for wedding guests. The ferry to St. John is also just a short ride away if you want to add a day trip for your group.
• Work with a local coordinator. Even for small weddings, having someone on the ground who knows the island, the vendors, and the logistics is invaluable. Many hotels and venues include a coordinator as part of their wedding packages.
• Don’t forget the marriage license timeline. Apply for your license at least 2–3 weeks before your ceremony date to give yourself a comfortable buffer for processing.

Getting Married on a Cruise Ship Stop in St. Thomas

One option many couples don’t realize is available: you can get married in St. Thomas during a cruise ship port stop. Charlotte Amalie is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, and couples arriving by ship can have a complete ceremony with an officiant, photographer, flowers, and champagne in just a few hours.

The key is planning ahead. You’ll still need your marriage license processed before you arrive, and you’ll want a venue and coordinator who understands the cruise ship schedule. Most cruise stops in St. Thomas are 6–8 hours, which is plenty of time for a ceremony, photos, and a celebratory toast before heading back to the ship.

Some venues near the cruise port offer specific packages designed for cruise ship couples, including transportation from the dock, a private room for getting ready, and full coordination so you don’t have to worry about timing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in St. Thomas

Do I need a passport to get married in St. Thomas?

No. U.S. citizens can travel to St. Thomas with just a valid driver’s license. However, if you plan to visit the British Virgin Islands during your trip, you will need a passport.

Is there a residency requirement?

No. You do not need to live in or be a resident of the USVI to get married there.

Is there a waiting period?

No. Once your marriage license is issued, you can get married immediately.

How long is the marriage license valid?

Your USVI marriage license is valid for 180 days (about 6 months) from the date it’s issued.

Can same-sex couples get married in St. Thomas?

Yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the USVI since 2015.

Do I need witnesses?

Yes, you need at least two witnesses present at your ceremony. Your photographer and coordinator can serve as witnesses if needed.

Start Planning Your St. Thomas Wedding

Getting married in St. Thomas is one of those rare experiences that manages to be both incredibly romantic and refreshingly simple. The legal process is straightforward, the island is easy to get to, and the natural beauty speaks for itself.

If you’re looking for an intimate setting with privacy, personal service, and views that your guests will talk about for years, The Mary Anne Boutique Hotel in Charlotte Amalie offers wedding packages for couples, small parties, and even cruise ship guests. Located next to Blackbeard’s Castle and the historic 99 Steps, it’s one of the most unique ceremony settings on the island.

View our wedding packages or contact us to start planning your day.