Tying the Knot in Paradise: Your Guide to a St. Thomas Wedding
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A St. Thomas wedding brings together Caribbean charm and romantic moments. Having grown up with family in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas was a frequent and beloved escape for me, known for its walkable streets, vibrant nightlife, and historical appeal. It also holds a special place in my heart, as it was part of my honeymoon.
In this guide, I’ll take you through planning your St. Thomas wedding. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect beachfront venue and infuse your celebration with local charm, ensuring your wedding day is as captivating as the island itself.
Where is St. Thomas?
This picturesque island is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It lies to the east of Puerto Rico and the west of the British Virgin Islands, making it a central point in the Caribbean’s archipelago.
For more information about a destination wedding in Puerto Rico, check out our post here.
Despite its modest size, the island is rich in diverse landscapes. It has a bustling harbor in Charlotte Amalie and sandy beaches that stretch along its coast. Additionally, the island’s location makes it a popular destination for travelers seeking a blend of American convenience and Caribbean allure.
Why a St Thomas Wedding?
St. Thomas stands out as a premier choice for destination weddings, and for good reason. Its unique blend of natural beauty, convenient accessibility, and rich cultural tapestry makes it a dream location for couples looking to tie the knot in a tropical paradise.
Breathtaking Natural Scenery
The island’s stunning landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for any wedding. From the pristine, white sandy beaches to the lush, rolling hills, St. Thomas offers a variety of natural settings for your ceremony and photographs. Imagine exchanging vows with the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea, creating a romantic ambiance that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Easy Accessibility
As part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas offers ease of travel, especially for U.S. citizens who don’t need a passport to visit. The island is well-connected with regular flights from the mainland United States. Plus it has a cruise port that’s a popular stop for Caribbean cruises. This accessibility is a significant plus for couples expecting guests from various locations.
Rich Cultural Experience
St. Thomas is not just about stunning views; it’s also rich in culture and history. You can incorporate local traditions, cuisine, and music into your wedding, giving your guests an authentic Caribbean experience. From steel drum bands to tropical floral arrangements, the local flavor will add a unique touch to your celebration.
Honeymoon Paradise
Lastly, what better way to start your married life than with a honeymoon in the same beautiful location? St. Thomas is not only great for weddings but also for honeymoons, offering a plethora of activities from snorkeling and sailing to simply relaxing on the beach.
I recommend splurging on your honeymoon if you can, here are where I would splurge!
When my husband and I stopped there on our honeymoon we quickly marked it down as one of our favorites. We did a tour of Blackbeard’s Castle and it was amazing to see almost the entire island from the top of the structure. Keep in mind though that this tour is only available when cruise ships are in port.
Cons of St. Thomas Weddings
While St. Thomas is a captivating destination for weddings, it’s important to consider a few potential drawbacks. Understanding these challenges can help you plan more effectively and ensure your special day aligns with your expectations.
Limited All-Inclusive Options
One of the primary concerns is the scarcity of all-inclusive resorts. Unlike some other Caribbean destinations, St. Thomas has fewer resorts offering all-inclusive packages. For couples dreaming of a hassle-free, all-in-one wedding experience, this limitation can be significant. The available all-inclusive options are often on the pricier side, which might stretch your budget more than anticipated.
Not Ideal for Large Groups
Another aspect to consider is the suitability for large wedding parties. Unfortunately, the all-inclusive resorts in St. Thomas might not equipped for larger groups. If you’re planning a grand wedding with many guests, this could pose a logistical challenge. The intimate nature of most venues means they are more suited to smaller, more personal gatherings.
High Demand for Venues
The limited number of resort-type options also means that these venues are in high demand. St. Thomas is a popular destination, not just for weddings but also for vacations and honeymoons. This popularity can lead to venues being booked up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It’s crucial to plan well in advance if you have your heart set on a specific location.
Tips for Overcoming These Challenges
- Book Early: To secure your preferred venue, start planning and book as early as possible.
- Consider Alternative Accommodations: Explore villas or boutique hotels, which might offer more flexibility for larger groups.
- Budget Accordingly: Be prepared for the potential higher costs of all-inclusive packages and plan your budget to accommodate this.
- Embrace the Island’s Charm: Consider incorporating local vendors and services, which can offer a more authentic and potentially cost-effective alternative to resort packages.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in the US Virgin Islands?
The cost of getting married in the US Virgin Islands varies widely based on venue, size, and details of the event. On average, couples can expect to spend between $3,000 to over $20,000. This range includes venue, catering, and other wedding essentials, but prices can fluctuate based on specific choices and guest count.
How Much Does the Average Destination Wedding Cost in St. Thomas?
The average cost of a destination wedding in St. Thomas typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000. This estimate includes venue, accommodation, catering, and other essentials. However, the final cost can vary significantly based on the wedding’s scale, the number of guests, and the chosen details.
If you want to guess your destination wedding cost for St. Thomas put in your guest count below! Just make sure that you enter in how many people will actually go to the wedding!
St Thomas Wedding Calculator
From my experience, a couple deciding on a destination wedding in St. Thomas should look to have at least $25k for 60-75 guests. This is also going to be depending on the resort that you select.
What Do You Need to Get Married in the Virgin Islands?
To get married in the Virgin Islands, you need a marriage license from the Territorial Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This requires a completed application, a $200 fee ($100 for the application and $100 for the license), and photo IDs. There’s also an 8-day waiting period from the application date. Couples must also provide proof of their arrival date in the Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas Wedding Vendors
Planning your St. Thomas wedding with local vendors has its ups and downs. On the plus side, these vendors know the island inside out. They can guide you to the best spots and times for your big day, adding a true Caribbean touch. Also, working with them helps the local economy and makes coordinating things a bit easier, since they’re familiar with the area and other local services.
On the flip side, choices might be limited on a smaller island like St. Thomas. This can mean fewer styles and higher prices, as local vendors often charge more for destination weddings. Popular vendors get booked fast, especially in the busy season, so you need to plan ahead. And sometimes, it’s hard to check out their work online, as not all local vendors have a lot of reviews or big portfolios.
Is A St Thomas Wedding For You?
St. Thomas offers a breathtaking backdrop for your destination wedding, blending Caribbean charm with unforgettable experiences. While planning a wedding here comes with its unique set of considerations – from choosing the right venue to navigating the pros and cons of local vendors – the end result is a magical day set in a tropical paradise. Remember, the key to a seamless St. Thomas wedding lies in early planning and informed choices.
Ready to take the next step in bringing your dream wedding to life? Don’t let the details overwhelm you. Book a call with me, and together, we’ll navigate the intricacies of planning your perfect St. Thomas wedding. Let’s turn your vision into a beautiful reality!