USVI wedding packages exist because getting married in the U.S. Virgin Islands is far simpler than most couples expect — no passport, no foreign paperwork, and a single flat license fee that applies across the whole territory. What varies is where you say your vows and how much of the day is handled for you. This guide explains how USVI wedding packages actually work, what they typically include, the legal steps that are the same on every island, and how to choose an intimate boutique ceremony in St. Thomas over a crowded resort event.

Why the U.S. Virgin Islands for a Destination Wedding

The U.S. Virgin Islands — St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John — sit about 1,100 miles southeast of Florida, and for American couples they hit a rare sweet spot: a genuine Caribbean setting that’s still on U.S. soil. That single fact removes most of the friction that comes with marrying abroad.

You don’t need a passport if you’re a U.S. citizen. There’s no waiting period once your license is approved. The dollar is the currency, English is the language, and your marriage is legally recognized the moment you return home. For couples comparing the Caribbean’s many wedding destinations, that combination is exactly why USVI wedding packages have become such a popular way to plan the day without a planner of your own.

The territory also gives you three distinct settings to choose from. St. Croix leans quiet and historic. St. John is national-park green and barefoot. St. Thomas is the arrival point for nearly every visitor — home to the cruise harbor, the main airport, and the historic hillside of Charlotte Amalie, where The Mary Anne sits.

What USVI Wedding Packages Typically Include

Across the islands, most USVI wedding packages are built around the same core set of elements. Whether you’re looking at a beach resort on St. Croix or a boutique hotel in St. Thomas, expect the essentials to be handled: an officiant, flowers, photography, and someone coordinating the timeline so you’re not doing it yourself.

A typical package covers:

• A non-denominational officiant to lead and legally solemnize the ceremony
• Tropical florals — at minimum a bridal bouquet and a boutonniere
• Photography, from a short session to full-day coverage depending on tier
• Coordination — a point of contact who manages vendors, timing, and setup
• A ceremony location on the property or at a nearby landmark
• Often a toast, cake, or welcome touch to mark the moment

The bigger differences show up around lodging and scale. Resort packages tend to bundle in large guest counts and ballroom-style receptions. Boutique USVI wedding packages, like the ones at The Mary Anne, are built for elopements and small parties instead — the couple, a handful of loved ones, and a private setting rather than a shared event lawn.

The Legal Side: One Process for the Whole Territory

Here’s the part that surprises couples most: the legal steps are identical no matter which island you marry on, because the U.S. Virgin Islands share one court system.

You apply for your marriage license through the USVI Superior Court, which lets you file online before you ever board a plane. The license fee is a flat $200, paid directly to the territory and separate from any package price. There’s no residency requirement and no blood test. Once the court approves your application, an officiant can perform the ceremony and file the signed license, and your certified copies are mailed to you.

Because this process is the same across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, it isn’t something a package can change — but a good coordinator will walk you through the timing so your license is ready on the day. Give yourself two to three weeks of buffer to be safe.

Choosing Your Island

Since USVI wedding packages are available on all three islands, the real decision is which setting fits your day.

St. Thomas is the most accessible and the most photographed. It has the international airport, the cruise port, and Charlotte Amalie’s historic district — cobblestone streets, pastel storefronts, and harbor views. If any of your guests are arriving by cruise ship, St. Thomas is effectively your only practical choice.

St. Croix is the largest and quietest island, with Danish colonial towns and a slower pace. It suits couples who want distance from the crowds.

St. John is roughly two-thirds protected national park. It’s the barefoot, boat-in option — beautiful, but the least convenient for guests.

For most couples weighing USVI wedding packages, St. Thomas offers the easiest logistics without giving up the scenery — which is where a boutique property earns its place.

Intimate USVI Wedding Packages at The Mary Anne

The Mary Anne Boutique Hotel sits atop the Charlotte Amalie hillside in St. Thomas, next to historic Blackbeard’s Castle and the iconic 99 Steps. With just six rooms, a rooftop pool overlooking the harbor, and lush tropical grounds, it’s one of the most private venues in the territory — the opposite of a packed resort ballroom.

Rather than one-size-fits-all, The Mary Anne offers four tiers so your package matches your guest list:

• Anchored in Love — for cruise couples who want a full island ceremony during their port day, with no overnight stay. Includes a day-use prep room, officiant, photographer, florals, a toast, and port transportation.
• Wedding Story — an elopement-style celebration for two, with a three-night stay, officiant, florals, cake, champagne, and a photography session.
• Island Escape — the same experience opened up across two rooms for a small wedding party.
• Signature Celebration — the fullest tier, across three rooms, adding an 8-inch cake and a rum tasting for the groom’s party at Blackbeard’s Castle.

Every ceremony can take place on the property or next door at Blackbeard’s Castle, one of the most striking spots on the island. For couples who want total privacy, the entire property can be reserved — all six rooms, the rooftop pool, the game lawn, and a dedicated on-site host for up to 15 guests.

For a full tier-by-tier breakdown of exactly what’s inside each option, see our detailed guide to St. Thomas wedding packages.

What USVI Wedding Packages Cost

Every couple builds the day differently, so exact pricing is shared on inquiry rather than posted as a flat rate. What stays consistent are the two fixed costs you can plan around from the start:

• The $200 USVI marriage license, paid to the territory.
• An 18% service fee applied to the package at The Mary Anne.

From there, the variable part is your add-ons — a flower arch, a private chef dinner, spa and beauty services, a sunset sail, extra nights, or additional guests. The smartest way to budget is to start with the tier that matches your guest count, then layer extras on top. For broader trip planning, the official Visit USVI tourism site is a helpful resource to share with your guests.

How to Book Your USVI Wedding

Once you’ve settled on an island and a package, the sequence is straightforward:

1. Pick your date and tier. Peak season runs December through April; the shoulder months of May, June, and November bring lovely weather and better availability.
2. File your marriage license online through the USVI Superior Court, well ahead of your travel dates.
3. Confirm your ceremony location — on property or at a nearby landmark like Blackbeard’s Castle.
4. Finalize add-ons and let your coordinator handle the vendors and timeline.

That’s the appeal of USVI wedding packages over piecing a wedding together yourself: the officiant, florals, photography, and coordination arrive as one, so your only real job is showing up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do USVI wedding packages cost?
Pricing depends on your island, guest count, and add-ons, so it’s shared on inquiry rather than listed as a flat rate. Two costs are fixed everywhere: the $200 USVI marriage license paid to the territory, and — at The Mary Anne — an 18% service fee on the package.

Do I need a passport to get married in the USVI?
No. U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to travel to or marry in the U.S. Virgin Islands; a valid driver’s license is sufficient. You would only need a passport if you planned to visit the neighboring British Virgin Islands.

Which island is best for a USVI wedding?
St. Thomas is the most accessible — it has the main airport and cruise port and the historic Charlotte Amalie district. St. Croix is quieter and more historic, and St. John is the barefoot, national-park option. For easy logistics with strong scenery, most couples choose St. Thomas.

Can cruise ship passengers use a USVI wedding package?
Yes. The Mary Anne’s Anchored in Love package is designed for couples arriving by cruise, with a day-use prep room, port transportation, and coordination around your ship’s schedule so you’re back on board in time.

How many guests can an intimate USVI wedding package hold?
It varies by venue. The Mary Anne is built for elopements and small parties — six rooms, with a full property buyout hosting up to 15 guests — rather than large resort-scale events.

Start Planning Your USVI Wedding

The best of the USVI wedding packages isn’t the one with the longest list — it’s the one that fits how you want the day to feel. A quiet ceremony for two, a small gathering of your favorite people, or a private hillside weekend with the whole property to yourselves. Whichever you choose in St. Thomas, the officiant, the florals, the photography, and the coordination are handled, so the day belongs entirely to you.

Ready to picture yours? View our wedding packages or contact our team to check your date and start planning.