The Buccaneer’s 340-acre estate has played host to the rich and famous since 1947. Five minutes east of Christiansted, The Buccaneer offers St. Croix’s finest accommodations with 131 rooms and a six-bedroom villa, three beaches, an 18-hole golf-course, tennis facilities, two pools, superb cuisine, spa, watersports and wedding coordinators. No passposts are required for U.S. citizens.
1-800-255-3881
www.thebuccaneer.com
Located on 23 beachfront acres at the base of lush tropical forests, Carambola Beach Resort is the ideal destination for your special event. Whether it is a serene vow renewal ceremony you are looking for or an unforgettable wedding reception, the events team at Carambola can help curate your special day. Estate
This beautiful 6-bedroom villa is situated beachfront on a sandy beach and is a
Sweeping panoramic views. Stunning sunsets. Lush 5-acre, private oceanfront peninsula.
Sweeping panoramic views. Stunning sunsets. Lush 5-acre, private oceanfront peninsula.
Designed with your vacation experience in mind.
Designed with your vacation experience in mind.
5-minute stroll from Cruz Bay, St. John 340-776-6434 | gallowspointresort.com
5-minute stroll from Cruz Bay, St. John 340-776-6434 gallowspointresort.com
Modern “island-to-table” cuisine.
Modern “island-to-table” cuisine.
Traditional Caribbean dishes with a modern twist.
Traditional Caribbean dishes with a modern
The freshest local ingredients available. Stunning views for a sunset dinner. Professional staff, refined service, chef-driven dishes & craft cocktails.
The local ingredients available. Stunning views a sunset dinner. Professional staff, refined service, & cocktails.
to this issue of Virgin Islands Wedding & Honeymoon! With six main islands and countless cays and islets scattered across a sea of brilliant blues, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands are truly delightful places in which to begin the next chapter of your love story.
In this issue, we shared insider info from the experts on gifts to give your wedding party, how to personalize your venue, and how to introduce your guests to the islands through fun pre-wedding activities. We also shine the spotlight on several Virgin Islands weddings, giving you plenty of inspiration for your own big day. Even if you aren’t planning a wedding, this issue’s exquisite photographs and informative stories are sure to entertain.
We thank the many professionals and local businesses who support Virgin Islands Wedding & Honeymoon, as well as the couples who share their special wedding day stories and photos for us to feature. Please like us on Facebook and visit us at www.virginislandwedding.com for plenty of captivating stories and wedding day inspiration.
Thank you and enjoy!
Leslie Hurd Associate Publisher
Meeting a significant other’s parents is a relationship milestone that typically occurs once a couple has reached a certain level of commitment. In Ashley and Sam’s case, however, this step circumvented the relationship altogether.
“We met more than a decade ago when I first became friends with Sam’s parents,” says Ashley. “I am a bit older than Sam, so we always joked that we liked each other but had to wait for Sam to be old enough.”
The couple knew they wanted to do a destination wedding, and they looked to the USVI due to there being no passport requirements for U.S. citizens wishing to travel here.
“We started in St. Thomas, and although beautiful, it didn’t seem right,” says Ashley. “We decided to take the ferry over to St. John and immediately fell in love. I sent my mom a picture of Trunk Bay and told her I thought this was the spot. She replied with a photo of three-year-old me and my father, John, in that exact spot the last time I’d been to the Virgin Islands. My father has since passed. The photo my mom sent was the slam dunk. Trunk Bay was our spot!”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
“Our wedding was nothing short of a dream,” says Ashley. “The natural beauty of the island and all it has to offer made it a spectacular setting for us and all of our guests.”
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Blue Glass
Photography
“Alain made everything easy, comfortable, and fun. The images he captured were spectacular. The water shoot was our favorite. On our ride to and from the beach, he shared local knowledge and history of the island. He also gave us pointers and recommendations that we followed and appreciated.”
RECEPTION VENUE: Morgan’s Mango
“Absolutely incredible. The food, service, and atmosphere is top-notch.” –Ashley
HAIR: Boho Bridal’s Amie Miller
MAKEUP: Jazmin Isabel
“They were punctual, talented, and fun to work with. Everyone was pleased with their hair and makeup. They made it very easy for me. The schedule was set and choices were made prior, so I had nothing to worry about on our big day.”
DJ: DJ Adonis
“The best we have ever experienced. He had the entire party up and dancing before the salads were even served. He followed our recommendations to a T and exceeded our expectations.” –Ashley
OFFICIANT:
Ashley’s cousin, Susan Ofstein “She made the wedding, in our opinion. We could never put into words how thankful we are for the support she gave before, during, and after. She confirmed and solidified what we were about to vow to each other, gave us pointers, and reassured us that everything would go smoothly and perfectly. She delivered the most beautiful, heartfelt ceremony.”
Show love and appreciation to your wedding party with Virgin Islands-inspired gifts
From planning the bachelorette party to giving feedback on venue selections, you’ve likely had the help of a few close friends and family during the wedding planning process. Giving gifts to show your supporters how grateful you are is a thoughtful touch that’s sure to be appreciated.
Jewelry is a popular gift in the Virgin Islands, where you can find pieces with ties to the territory. The hook bracelet, originally created by Sonya Hough of St. Croix, is a well-known V.I. design that features a touch of romance. Wear the hook facing away from your heart to indicate you’re open to new love, or wear it facing towards your heart to show that you’re taken.
Sonya’s designs can be found at Sonya Ltd. on St. Croix, where Lead Sales Coordinator Imani Evans says she’s seen the hook incorporated in weddings in
numerous ways. Imani’s sister, who’s getting married this year, placed her wedding invites in a box along with a hook bracelet for each wedding guest.
“Part of the wording she’s using for her invitation is ‘come with us to get hooked in St. Croix,’” says Imani. “Guests are supposed to wear the hook bracelets to the wedding.”
Another design with a touch of romance is the Crucian knot, also known as the love knot, found at Crucian Gold.
“It’s a simple yet elegant design with two strands of gold or silver wire tied in a tight embrace,” says Crucian Gold owner Therese Trudeau. “We have these designs in 14-karat gold or sterling silver as bracelets, earrings, charms, rings, keychains, and money clips. The keychains and money clips make great groomsmen gifts.”
Cufflinks, another good choice for groomsmen, are on offer at Bajo El Sol Gallery on St. John, where other groomsmen gifts consist of Caribbean aged premium rums and stunning woodturnings by master woodturner Avelino Samuel. Bajo El Sol also offers fun gifts for the ladies.
“For the bride and the bridal party, we have ceramics, jewelry, and bridal hand fans designed by Debbie Sun,” says gallery owner Priscilla Hintz Knight.
Couples can even consider sourcing their wedding rings in the Virgin Islands, with designs evocative of the islands to serve as a lasting reminder of your chosen wedding destination.
“Friends of mine used hook rings as their wedding bands,” says Sonya Ltd.’s Imani. “They were of the mind to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on a big expensive ring that may end up lost one day. Instead, they got matching hook rings that will cost about $100 to get replaced.”
The Turkshead design, a hand-woven single strand ring in the style of the ancient decorative sailing knot for which it’s named, is a popular wedding band in the Caribbean, says Crucian Gold’s Therese.
“This knot, seen on a boat or ship’s wheel, is used to identify and steer the boat on the right path,” she says. “The ring is often used as a wedding band or anniversary band.”
One-of-akind jewelry ensembles can be crafted for you by talented local jewelers
Wear a hook bracelet facing towards your heart to show that you're committed
Chaney, or shards of fine china, is incorporated into jewelry designs
Chaney adds an element of V.I. style to everything from pendants to cufflinks
Custom designs are also on offer at most Virgin Islands jewelry stores, and at Bajo El Sol, whose talented metalsmiths Morgan Rosenberg, Kim Nogueira, Devin Trujillo, and Monika Wendland can create wedding bands or jewelry gifts for your wedding party that are one-of-a-kind.
Giving gifts that remind your wedding party of the fun and beauty of your Virgin Islands wedding is a wonderful way to show your gratitude, and to keep the memory of your special day alive for years to come.
Meg and Jordan met in 2015 through mutual friends in Boston, where the couple still live today. They fell in love over traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and laughter. The couple’s travels included a yearly two-week trip to St. John.
“We knew a destination wedding was a lot to ask of our guests, but we were so excited to show off our favorite place,” says Meg. “Our friends and family were not disappointed.”
Meg shared her thoughts on the couple’s Virgin Islands wedding vendors.
VENUE: Gallows Point Resort
“The location cannot be beat and the property and views are just stunning. We’ve always marveled at the beauty of Gallows Point so we were thrilled when we found out we could host our wedding there! I don’t think you could find a more picturesque spot on the island. The lawn has the most stunning views of the water and the resort itself, with its lush greens, beautiful flowers and even a peacock that struts about the property, looks to be straight out of a magazine!”
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY:
Island Media Company. “Spencer and Madison are so talented and made us feel so at ease on our wedding day.”
TUXEDO: Blank Label
CATERING: Ocean 362
“So many people complimented the food!”
MAKEUP: Sugar & Spice
“The artists are so talented and had the wedding party feeling and looking beautiful.”
DRESS: Made With Love Bridal
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “For anyone looking to get married in the USVI, we would suggest planning a group activity like a sunset sail or a big beach day to allow everyone the chance to explore the island’s beauty,” says Meg. “And for anyone planning a destination wedding, our advice would be to hire a planner with boots — or in our case sandals — on the ground to help you. Enjoy the process and don’t sweat the small stuff. While all of our amazing vendors helped our wedding vision come to life exactly as we’d hoped, we were mostly just happy to marry each other surrounded by so many of our loved ones.”
WEDDING PLANNING: Paradise Planning
“Michelle helped make the entire day, and week, possible. We couldn’t have done it without her.”
CEREMONY MUSIC: Chris Robbert
“Having our wedding party walk down the aisle to a live violinist playing was exactly was we wanted, and Chris is so talented.”
DESSERT:
Queen of Tarts
“Elizabeth baked the most delicious cookies. They were the perfect end-of-the-night treat.”
COCKTAIL HOUR
MUSIC: After Irma “They were fabulous; a perfect way to kick off cocktail hour.”
RECEPTION MUSIC: Jared Warren “Jared put together the most amazing group of musicians that had our guests on the dance floor all night long.”
n the age of Pinterestperfect weddings and Instagram-worthy moments, there’s no shortage of inspiration when it comes to making your wedding venue your own. Think of your wedding venue as a canvas waiting to be styled with the elements that tell your love story and give your guests a peek into the personalities of you and your betrothed.
One way you can tell your story is through photos.
Carambola Beach Resort weddings specialist Brian Postle says couples are incorporating photos into their decor both as centerpieces and as a standalone item.
“The family photo table is a new trend, featuring photos of when the couple was dating and family photos,” says Brian. “A lot of couples are using photos in their table centerpieces.”
Your heritage can also be incorporated into your wedding day decor, as a groom did recently at Sol Y Sombra villa on Virgin Gorda.
“One couple with ties to a small Caribbean island, where
saw palmetto grows plentifully, wanted to honor their island roots, and so chose to create tall, elegant table pieces featuring the palm fronds,” says property manager Bernadette George. “The groom made a Blue Glass Photography
Think of your wedding venue as a canvas waiting to be styled with the elements that tell your love story and give your guests a peek into the personalities of you and your betrothed.
number of narrow, tall wooden frames that held the elegant palm branches. The pieces were simple, minimalistic, natural, and elegant.”
Personal photos and meaningful flora are relatively budget-friendly ways to tell
your story through your wedding decor.
Carmen Hamilton-Rawlins, event manager at The Buccaneer St. Croix Beach & Golf Resort, encourages couples to keep budget in mind when deciding how far to take their wedding day personalization.
“Personalizing a wedding takes a lot of effort, money, time, and dedication,” she says. “Personalizing items with the couple’s initials or based on the wedding’s colors or theme can add up pretty quickly.”
Venues like The Buccaneer offer wedding packages giving couples the choice between the florist’s recommendation or an upgrade, or a DJ or live band for the reception. These options allow a couple to express their personalities while staying within budget, says Carmen.
Your very choice of venue can be an expression of your personality, particularly with a unique space like Elevate Island on St. Thomas. A kava and coffee consumption lounge, this alcohol-free facility will also offer an oxygen bar and hookah bar. With skyand-cloud-painted ceilings, a rainbow-hued VIP room, and water features that flow throughout the space culminating in a waterfall that flows into a fish tank, Elevate Island is a venue for those looking to infuse their special day with the most mellow vibes.
Some venues are so immersed in natural beauty, couples opt to let the space speak for itself. The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas, which recently reopened following a multimillion dollar renovation, is one such venue.
Memories that will last forever.
The Hills Weddings & Events offers three dedicated ceremony and reception sites boasting indoor and outdoor functionality.
The Hills Weddings & Events offers three dedicated ceremony and reception sites boasting indoor and outdoor functionality.
The Hills Weddings & Events offers three unique dedicated ceremony and reception sites boasting indoor and outdoor functionality. Centrally positioned in Cruz Bay, our hilltop views stand above most other venues, our venue embraces traditional elegance all nestled among the natural atmosphere of the Caribbean. This unique venue accommodates up to 120 guests for your special event.
“Couples who get married here choose their flowers and color schemes, but one of the reasons people select us is because of our backdrop, our venues, and our proximity to the ocean,” says the resort’s director of sales and marketing, Mike Lorenz. “When you provide this kind of environment, there’s not much else to do. It’s a backdrop that doesn’t need any decoration.”
The same is true at Miss Lucy’s, a charming seaside restaurant on the southeast side of St. John.
“Couples often decorate with tropical flowers like hibiscus and bougainvillea, but Miss Lucy’s is so beautiful, it doesn’t need additional decor,” says restaurant manager Candida Charles. “Just looking at the space inspires you to be adventurous and
creative. It’s so down to earth.”
Regardless of which venue you choose and how far you want to go to make it your own, David Adams of The Hills, a high-end luxury condominium complex on St. John, recommends couples hire a wedding planner to help them navigate the work that goes into a destination wedding.
“I recommend that all couples get a wedding planner with local knowledge,” he says. “And depending on the time of year, have a rain backup plan.”
Whether opting for tiny touches that speak to your personality or an all-out customization of your venue, remember the most important thing about your wedding day. It’s a celebration of your love for one another, and that alone will stand the test of time beyond your centerpieces and choice of florals.
DINNER SERVED FROM 5 PM DAILY 7 DAYS A WEEK
Weekend lunches
Saturday - Sunday
at noon
Miss Lucy’s
340-693-5244
Route 107, Friis Bay
St. John, USVI
19 acres of forest, fields and coastline - solar powered, stunning sunsets, historic buildings and sustainable stewardship.
MARCH 11, 2023
Jordan and Shane met in October 2019 on the Dutch Caribbean island of Saba, where they’d both traveled to scuba dive.
“Over the week we were there, Shane and I only spoke three times for a total of about 15 minutes,” says Jordan. “But during those brief conversations, we learned just enough about each other that prompted us to strike up an email correspondence following the trip. We both had dreams of uprooting our lives and moving to the Caribbean.”
Emails turned into phone calls which turned into video chats. Jordan, in Colorado, and Shane, in Washington, D.C., visited one another three times over the course of six months. Shane invited Jordan to go house hunting with him on St. Croix, a trip that ultimately became a relocation.
“We hooked up with Ryan and Corina at the Featherleaf Inn very early on after our arrival, and we became friends and business partners in coral restoration,” says Jordan. “When Shane proposed in February 2022, it seemed right to have our wedding at Ryan and Corina’s beautiful hotel.”
Jordan shares her thoughts on the couple’s Virgin Islands wedding vendors.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Kerissa Noelle
Photography
“Kerissa is an amazing photographer who created dream-like images that I felt really captured the magic of our wedding day. I would 100% recommend her.”
REHEARSAL DINNER/ RECEPTION:
Ridge2Reef Farm
“They hosted our rehearsal dinner on Friday night and provided dinner for the reception. We love supporting them because they are all about sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.”
VENUE: Feather Leaf Inn
“They really went above and beyond to make it an awesome experience for us and our guests. We had them do a vegan brunch the next day, and even my Texan family didn’t notice that it was vegan. You could tell they really cared.”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “We wanted to share the culture and beauty of St. Croix with our friends and family, so we had special island touches throughout the night including steel drums at the ceremony, a moko jumbie dancer, and energetic soca and dancehall music at the reception. I highly recommend using a planner if you’re going to get married in St. Croix. They have already vetted the best and most reliable vendors.”
Treat your guests — and yourselves — to unforgettable experiences before the big day
You’ve likely got your wedding day planned down to the minute, but what about the days leading up to the big to-do? Your friends and family will all be in one place for your wedding, and you’ll surely want to show off your chosen destination while encouraging your families to get to know one another.
The Virgin Islands offers plenty of ways for brides’ and grooms’ families to bond with
one another while discovering this beautiful tropical playground. From hiking historic trails with intriguing plantation ruins to lounging on one of the islands’ stunning beaches in the shade of a sea grape tree, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands lend themselves to eco-expeditions that allow visitors to soak up the stunning scenery through various active pursuits.
If you’d prefer to let the experts serve as your group’s
tour guide, check out local businesses like Virgin Islands Ecotours, which offers a range of tours “designed not only to showcase the breathtaking natural wonders of the Virgin Islands, but also to serve as a platform for families to come together, bond, and create lasting memories,” says V.I. Ecotours’ Diana Sorrentino.
Activities like kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking are combined in various tours that
Let the experts lead the way with a guided kayaking tour.
“Excursions serve as a platform for families to come together, bond, and create lasting memories.”
- Diana Sorrentino, Virgin Islands Ecotours
invite you and your guests to get out and explore. Kayak through the mangroves, hike along the hills, and snorkel the placid waters, where you can hover on the surface as sea turtles chomp their way across seagrass beds below. V.I. Ecotours experiences offer fun touches like a hermit crab race after a kayak to Cas Cay, just off St. Thomas’s southeast side.
“Our kayaking adventures aren't just about paddling; they're about teamwork, laughter, and maybe a little friendly competition,” says Diana. “Whether you're cruising through secret coves, riding the waves, or snorkeling with sea turtles, it's all about the family bonding. We believe the magic happens when the shared thrill of exploration transforms strangers into lifelong friends.”
On St. Croix, Cane Bay Dive Shop invites couples and their loved ones to dive deep with a discover scuba excursion. One activity they offer that’s sure to bring smiles to your guests is a mermaid tail experience. Slip on a tail, show off your best mermaid smile, and practice gliding through the water like a sea maiden.
“You hear the sounds of the ocean splashing on shore and you get that fresh sea air coming through right next to the aromatherapy oils. It's heavenly and a most unique experience.”- Dale Mapp, Ocean Spa
While you certainly want to make your guests’ time in the Virgin Islands fun and adventurous, couples should also be sure to pencil in some time to de-stress together. One of the best ways to reduce that prewedding stress is by enjoying a couples massage.
Massage is a proven wellness practice that benefits the body, mind, and soul. Beyond the physical benefits of improving circulation and reducing muscle tension, endorphins are released during a massage contributing to a positive emotional state, sure to be especially beneficial as you approach one of your life’s most memorable days. There are several spas and mobile massage therapists across the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, so you won’t have a hard
time finding the right team to help you discover your inner tranquility.
On the tiny British Virgin Island of Jost Van Dyke, Dale Mapp has upped the relaxation ante by offering massage services at his floating facility, aptly dubbed Ocean Spa. The spa’s simplistic construction — it’s made of lumber salvaged after Hurricane Irma ravaged the island in 2017 and floats on a single pontoon anchored to the sandy sea floor — invites the special kind of tranquility only Mother Nature can inspire. Located in Jost’s famed White Bay, this spa’s locale is one of the most beautiful in the world.
All the favorite modalities are on offer here, with the added bonus of watching fish
glide ethereally through the sea below you as you enjoy your treatment. The sights glimpsed through a glass window beneath the massage table, from the gentle crystalline turquoise waters to tropical fish and even a dolphin from time to time, only add to the ultra-relaxing experience of enjoying a massage with your partner. The sound and gentle rocking of the sea encourage even deeper relaxation.
“It’s as if you’re being rocked in a cradle,” says Ocean Spa owner Dale Mapp. “You hear the sounds of the ocean splashing on shore and you get that fresh sea air coming through right next to the aromatherapy oils. It’s heavenly and a most unique experience.”
De-stress together with a couples massage at a floating spa.
Carving out quality time for an activity like a couples massage, especially at a facility like Ocean Spa, offers a shared experience that fosters a deeper connection and intimacy.
“It’s an exceptionally healthy way to relax before the high-demand occasion of a wedding,” says Dale.
Entertaining your guests and making time for self-care are easy in a destination like the Virgin Islands, where opportunities for adventurous fun and relaxing tranquility abound.
Ocean Spa BVI is a floating spa anchored off the coast of the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Rocking gently on the serene, salty waters, it is one of the only floating spas in the Caribbean.
“Sammy did a wonderful job styling my naturally curly hair. I did not have the time for a trial due to my travel plans but she was able to create the hairstyle I wanted exactly as my photo inspiration showed. She is very talented and has a nice, bubbly personality to help you feel comfortable on your big day.”
Karley and Jason met when they were both in undergraduate school in Philadelphia. Their first date was to the Camden Aquarium, but a mix-up in directions landed them at a fish store — a mistake Jason feared he couldn’t recover from, but which Karley found funny and endearing.
“From the start, we both knew our relationship was special and we had connections to one another that we had never experienced before,” says Karley. “Jason and I dated for six and a half years before getting married. We both experienced
“A wonderful DJ who will set the vibe to get everyone out on the dance floor. We sent him our playlist and had certain ‘must-play songs,’ which he made sure to include. He also had a few top hits of his own that kept everyone out on the dance floor and having a great time.”
graduate and professional schooling, COVID, multiple moves, many adventures, and buying a dog together before we decided to tie the knot.”
The couple took a trip to St. Thomas and St. John in 2020, when they realized they wanted to get married in the Caribbean.
“We initially looked into St. Thomas and St. John before coming across St. Croix and The Buccaneer, which stole our hearts,” says Karley.
Karley shares her thoughts on the couple’s Virgin Islands wedding vendors.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “You cannot go wrong with any of the Virgin Islands for your wedding,” says Karley. “There are wedding coordinators on each island who understand that planning a destination wedding can be difficult long distance. The Virgin Islands is beautiful and the scenery creates a dreamlike feeling for your special day.”
FLOWERS: Antilles Lilies
“Gloria did an amazing job meeting all of our flora needs and requests within a reasonable price. She provided us with various options in case we needed to find a more budget-friendly arrangement. She really has a wonderful eye.”
VENUE: THE BUCCANEER
“In one word: impeccable. Not only is the property beautiful, which creates amazing wedding photos, but the Buccaneer also offered various options for wedding packages that allowed us to meet our ideal wedding image.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: Kelly
Greer Photography
“Impeccable photographer who puts in the extra effort to get the perfect shot. We hired Kelly and her husband to get color and black and white photos and they did not disappoint. She was very professional and had a wonderful personality.”
Abby Frizzell and Brent Holder’s love story began when a mutual friend set them up on a blind date. The couple quickly fell in love and after Brent proposed a few years later, they decided to start planning a destination wedding. Although St. John held a special place in Abby’s heart, as she’d traveled there several times with her family, she settled on The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef to accommodate her guests.
“We wanted our guests to be together,” says Abby, who visited the St. Thomas resort with her mother, a wedding designer, in November 2022 when it was still undergoing extensive renovations. “We had a hard hat tour wearing goggles to see a 3D vision of what it would look like. We immediately fell in love and knew it was the right place.”
Abby shares her thoughts on the couple’s Virgin Islands wedding vendors.
VENUE: The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef
“Associate Director of Sales Kolleen Vincent and her team really rolled out the red carpet for us. The food was phenomenal and they sourced Ghost Tequila for our spicy margarita signature cocktail. They didn’t have a table big enough for our wedding party so they handmade us this beautiful table to accommodate everyone.”
FLOWERS: East End Flower Shop
“Ali was incredible. My mom specializes in flowers and she sent Ali our vision along with pictures of our bridesmaid outfits. Ali matched it all perfectly with the flowers. They were absolutely gorgeous.”
ENTERTAINMENT: Island Fire Gina
“At the end of the night, we gave everyone popcorn and surprised them with a fire show. Gina incorporated us into her show, which was a total surprise. It was a really neat ending for the night.”
TRANSPORTATION: Chris Taxi & Limousine Service / David Marsh
“The day after everyone arrived, we took all 90 of our guests to St. John. Chris took us on three chartered buses to the ferry, then David Marsh had four taxis waiting for us on St. John. We took a taxi tour to Cinnamon Bay. Seeing our guests’ eyes as they experienced the beach for the first time was priceless.”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “I definitely recommend couples visit their wedding destination ahead of time,” says Abby. “Everyone in the Virgin Islands is so accommodating. Just being there, I met so many people who gave me great referrals.”
Follow these tips for a match made in paradise. From paperwork to planning your destination wedding, we’ve got you covered with our need-to-know insights.
Whether you’re dreaming of nautical nuptials or you want a toes-in-the-sand ceremony, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands offer countless stunning settings in which to begin the next chapter of your love story. Here’s everything you need to know about dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s before you can say “I do” in the Virgin Islands.
BVI
Visit the Civil Registry & Passport Office in person to apply for your marriage license. There are two locations: First Floor, Sakal Place, #286 Walter James Francis Drive, Wickham's Cay, Road Town, Tortola, and Hazel Point Building, The Valley, Virgin Gorda.
You’ll need to submit original documents including valid passports, and, where applicable, a divorce decree, death certificate, previous marriage certificate, or affidavits as proof of identity. Two witnesses must be present on the day of your application. These two witnesses do not need to be the same two witnesses who will be present the day of the wedding ceremony.
Marriage license fees are as follows:
• Regular license: $120
• Special license for those who have not been in the territory for at least 15 days: $220
• In-office wedding room fee: $120
• Civil/marriage officer to officiate: $220
The turnaround time for a marriage license is one to three business days, so be sure to apply several days ahead of your wedding ceremony.
To contact the Civil Registry & Passport Office with questions, email infocris@gov.vg or call 284-468-3036 in Tortola or 284-468-6058 in Virgin Gorda.
To file online:
• Find the necessary forms at www.vicourts.org. Fill them out as thoroughly as possible, then register for e-filing at usviefile.vicourts.org. Upload your complete packet and pay the associated fees.
• A clerk from the Family Division will contact you should they find any errors or omissions. Applicants will be contacted when their marriage license is ready for pickup or download. Review the license carefully and advise the clerk of any issues.
To file in person:
• Visit the Family Division on St. Thomas or St. Croix. Business casual attire is required. No shorts are permitted, and you must wear closed-toe shoes.
• Applications must include each applicant’s full name,
age at last birthday, social security number, date of birth, nationality, name and place of birth of parents, and previous marital status. If applicants are divorced or widowed, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate with raised seal or original stamp from the originating court must be submitted.
• There is an eight-day waiting period after the application has been submitted before a marriage license will be issued.
• There is a $100 application fee and a $100 fee for the marriage license.
• Contact the Virgin Islands Superior Court with any questions at 340-774-6680 or family-stt@vicourts.org for St. Thomas, or 340-778-9750 or familydivisionstx@vicourts.org for St. Croix.
Navigating between the many U.S. and British Virgin Islands is a breeze thanks to public and private charter options.
With eight main islands in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, there is much to see and do in this archipelago. You’ll arrive by air on St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola’s Beef Island. From there, the islands are well connected by ferry boat and air service.
About 46 miles south of St. Thomas, St. Croix is the most far-flung of the area’s main islands. Travel options between St. Thomas and St. Croix consist of a ferry, which crosses open ocean and is not recommended for those with motion sickness, and seaplanes and small airplanes that offer regular service.
St. Thomas and St. John are just three miles apart with regular ferry service that runs on the hour, every hour, provided by Varlack Ventures. This long-standing business also provides rental cars, which are highly recommended, on the island of St. John.
Phone: 340-693-9933
Phone: 340-776-6412
Fax: 340-693-8276
Email: info@varlack-ventures.com
You’ll arrive by air on St. Thomas, St. Croix, or Tortola’s Beef Island. From there, the islands are well connected by ferry boat and air service.
There are many ferry options between the USVI and the BVI including Speedy’s, which connects St. Thomas, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda with regular service. Travelers should note that a passport is required when traveling between the USVI and BVI.
If you’d prefer to travel on your own schedule, look into a private water taxi like the service offered by Ocean Dreams, which also offers island tours, day boat trips, and taxi services in the USVI and BVI. Ocean Dreams even offers ferry service from Puerto Rico to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
While ferry schedules are generally adhered to, it’s best to call ahead to verify check-in and departure times, particularly when traveling between the USVI and the BVI. Happy island-hopping!
Connie Zhou and Lee Cowie met in the British Virgin Islands, where she was on vacation and he was working as an executive chef at CocoMaya.
“A friend of mine who owned a villa on Virgin Gorda invited me and my girlfriends to vacation there,” says Connie. “On our first night there she threw a big party. Lee was an attendee and I met him there. We hung out all week.”
Connie returned to New York and Lee took the couple’s fleeting vacation romance to the next level when he reached out to her through Facebook, where the two had some mutual friends.
“We would talk every single minute for like two weeks straight,” says Connie. “It just came naturally. We just got along.”
Lee traveled to New York to visit Connie, kicking off a long-distance relationship that spanned four years. Virgin Gorda, where Lee was working as executive chef at Coco Maya, is off the beaten path and requires at least one flight and one ferry ride to reach. Connie often made the trip from New York due to her job’s flexibility.
“He was working 16-hours days as the executive chef at CocoMaya, and they were opening a new restaurant on Tortola called The Dove, so most of the time when I came to visit, I’d go to the beach by myself and wait for him to finish work to get a little bit of time with him,” says Connie.
“Our wedding was held at my husband’s old restaurant, CocoMaya. The owner and the head chef who took on my husband’s role after he moved to New York were both in our wedding party. We’re super close to the staff there, and the place is special to us, which is why we chose to celebrate there.”
After spending four years living more than 1,500 miles apart, the couple tied the knot in 2020 and Lee relocated to New York to be with Connie. They opted to celebrate in a big way in 2021 in the BVI, once the threat of the global pandemic had waned.
Connie shares her thoughts on the couple’s Virgin Islands wedding vendors.
“We kept it really simple and she was great. She provided the vases and did a mixture of pampas grass and flowers, and provided all the bouquets.”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “The British Virgin Islands is a very special place to us,” says Connie. “Not only has my husband lived and worked there on and off for more than 10 years, but it’s where we met for the first time. It’s a place where we had lots of adventures together during our four years of dating long distance. We are so happy to have chosen the BVI as our wedding location; we couldn’t have asked for better support from our local friends to make our vision come true.”
WELCOME DRINKS: Little Dix Bay
About half of Connie and Lee’s guests also stayed at this Rosewood Resort north of the island’s main hub, Spanish Town.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals / Raku Villa
“Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals helped us book all the villas for our wedding guests. We told them our needs and what we wanted, and they did a great job. They’ll pick you up at the airport, check you in, stock your fridge — they take care of it all for you.
We stayed at Raku Villa, which is a beautiful property. We had brunch at the villa the day after the wedding with this big spread by the pool. My mom was in a detached guest house on the property so she wasn’t disturbed while everyone was partying at the main house. Everyone had their own little space on the property, so you felt together without being on top of one another.”
MUSIC: Al Broderick / DJ Bertram
“Al came with a huge band and they were awesome. Then the DJ played for hours. I had shared a playlist of songs I wanted to be played, and when we met, Bertram said, ‘I saw your playlist. I totally understand what you need.’ He completely knew what to play. We did some karaoke in the middle and it was so much fun.”
TRANSPORTATION: Chillout Charters
“To get to Virgin Gorda, you have to either take two ferries from St. Thomas, or a small plane from Puerto Rico, or you can fly into Tortola’s Beef Island then take a communal ferry. I had our guests fly into St. Thomas, then chartered a boat from Chillout Charters that brought everyone directly to Virgin Gorda. It was super easy.”
DECOR: CocoMaya’s Debbie Ridgway
“It’s hard to source a lot of things on Virgin Gorda, so I shipped down four boxes of candles, lots of fabric from the Garment District, some lights, and a ton of fake flowers from Amazon. CocoMaya’s general manager, Debbie Ridgway, really helped me put it all together. She made the wedding arch we got married under. It was a very DIY wedding, but Debbie was my main facilitator for making it happen.”
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Unique Lapin Photography and Weddings Virgin Gorda
“Our friend Sheena Kim of Unique Lapin Photography flew from New York to photograph our wedding, and Weddings Virgin Gorda was a wonderful local photographer.”
Not long after moving to Raleigh, N.C., Valerie met Alex at the annual Battle of the Broker Bands, hosted by the area’s commercial real estate community. The following week, Alex asked Valerie out on a date, and “the rest is history,” says Valerie.
When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple decided to follow in the footsteps of Valerie’s parents, Steve and Renee Derrick, who were married on St. Croix in 1986.
Valerie shares her thoughts on the couple’s Virgin Islands wedding vendors.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Blue Glass Photography
“Alain did a great job capturing our event from beginning to end. I especially love looking back at some of the pictures of the venue, beautifully set up for our guests to arrive.”
FLORIST: East End Flower Shop
“Stunning florals and bouquet! Jess was great to work with and was flexible with me when I made a change to the floral design close to our wedding date. She created the most gorgeous florals that elevated the beauty of the islands.”
WEDDING PLANNER: Island Bliss Weddings
“Janelle and her team know all the vendors on the island and the lay of the land. It was great having their insight and contacts when planning from afar.”
VENUE: Villa Norbu
“Alain and his wife were incredible hosts who thought of everything for our wedding. The food and drink was exquisite. Our guests still talk about both to this day.”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: “We never wanted a big wedding, just a relaxing vacation for our closest family and friends, which is what we were able to accomplish,” says Valerie. “I highly recommend that couples tell their guests to book lodging well in advance. We had a 60-person wedding and it was a busy holiday being New Year’s Eve. Many of our guests who waited until the last minute struggled to find accommodations.”
Clockwise from top left: Kerissa Noelle Photography, Weddings
Virgin Gorda, Kerissa Noelle Photography
ACCOMMODATIONS & VENUES
THE BUCCANEER BEACH & GOLF RESORT
5007 Estate Shoys, Christiansted, St. Croix
800-255-3881
www.thebuccaneer.com
CARAMBOLA BEACH RESORT
Estate Davis Bay, St. Croix 340-778-3800
www.marriott.com/sxtbr
COCOMAYA
Fort Point, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda 284-495-6344
www.cocomayavg.com
CORNUCOPIA
Little Trunk Bay, Virgin Gorda 284-541-6888
https://cornucopiabvi.com
FEATHER LEAF INN
325 Prospect Hill, Frederiksted, St. Croix 340-474-1358
www.featherleafinn.com
GALLOWS POINT RESORT
3AAA Gallows Point Road, Cruz Bay, St. John 340-776-6434 / 800-323-7229
www.gallowspointresort.com
THE HILLS ST. JOHN
11 Bay View Terrace, Cruz Bay, St. John
800-727-6610
https://thehillsstjohn.com
PARADISE PROPERTIES
6345 Smith Bay Rd., St. Thomas 340-775-0111
www.crystalcovevi.com
SOL Y SOMBRA VILLA
Little Trunk Bay Valley, Virgin Gorda 284-542-2118
www.solysombrabvi.com
SEBASTIAN’S ON THE BEACH Apple Bay, Tortola 284-495-4212
https://sebastiansbvi.com/
THE WESTIN BEACH RESORT & SPA AT FRENCHMAN’S REEF
7338 Estate Bakkeroe, St. Thomas 340-693-4800
www.frenchmansreefstthomas.com
ACTIVITIES
BAJO EL SOL Mongoose Junction, St. John 340-693-7070
https://bajo-el-sol-gallery.business.site/
CANE BAY DIVE SHOP
2 Strand St., Frederiksted, St. Croix 340-718-9913
www.canebayscuba.com
OCEAN DREAMS
6186 Estate Frydenhoj, St. Thomas 340-998-6720
www.oceandreamswatertaxi.com
VIRGIN ISLANDS ECOTOURS
6526 Estate Nadir, St. Thomas 340-779-2155
www.viecotours.com
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURISM
800-835-8530
www.bvitourism.com
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURISM
800-372-USVI
www.visitusvi.com
FLOWERS
BELLA BLOOMS
Skelton Bay Lots, Fish Bay, Road Town, Tortola 284-495-3100
www.bellabloomsvi.com
BLOSSOMS FLORIST
265 Cutlass Tower, Road Town, Tortola 284-494-3906
www.blossomsfloristbvi.com
BOU-QUET
Cruz Bay, St. John 340.774.7600
www.sallysbou-quet.com
BUDS & ROSES FIORI
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 340-514-5439
EAST END FLOWER SHOP
6200 Estate Frydenhoj #6, St. Thomas 340-779-2619
FOREVER FLOWERS
Rue de St. Barthelemy, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
340-774-9370
https://flowers.vi/
GIFTS & JEWELRY
BAJO EL SOL
Mongoose Junction, St. John 340-693-7070
https://bajo-el-sol-gallery.business.site/
CRUCIAN GOLD
1112 Strand St., Christiansted, St. Croix 340-773-5241
https://cruciangold.com
ELEVATE ISLAND
6200 Smith Bay Rd., Suite 3, Smith Bay, St. Thomas
340-693-0420
www.elevateisland.com
SONYA LTD.
2101 Company St., Suite 1, Christiansted, St. Croix 340-778-8605
www.sonyaltdstore.com
HAIR SALONS
BOHO BRIDAL
Amie Miller
On-location bridal hair, St. Thomas & St. John www.bohobridalstthomas.com
SHADES OF HAIR
Drakes Passage, Ground Level, St. Thomas 340-774-2337
https://www.facebook.com/shadesofhairvi/
PHOTOGRAPHERS
BLUE GLASS PHOTOGRAPHY
St. Thomas 340-775-3916
www.blueglassphotography.com photos@blueglassphotography.com
ISLAND MEDIA CO.
9901 Emmaus, St. John 816-291-0071
www.islandmediaco.com
KELLY GREER PHOTOGRAPHY
2209 Queen Cross Street, Ste. 3, Christiansted, St. Croix 340-514-3620
www.kellygreerphotographer.com
KERISSA NOELLE PHOTOGRAPHY St. Croix
707-540-2595
www.kerissanoellephotography.com
MEREDITH ZIMMERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY St. Croix
757-288-1332
www.meredithzimmermanphotography.com
STEVE SIMONSEN PHOTOGRAPHY
340-513-9687
www.simonsen.photoshelter.com
UNIQUE LAPIN PHOTOGRAPHY & WEDDINGS
347-633-1773
www.uniquelapin.com
REAL ESTATE
340 REAL ESTATE
13 A Carolina, St. John 340-643-6068
www.340realestateco.com
RESTAURANTS & CATERING BATH TURTLE & CHEZ BAMBOO
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda 284-545-1861
www.bathturtle.com
COCOMAYA BEACH RESTAURANT
Fort Point, Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda 284-495-6344
www.cocomayavg.com
D COAL POT
Carrot Bay, Tortola 284-545-6510
www.facebook.com/dcoalpotbvirestaurant
DE WEDDING BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola 284-340-0699
Facebook: De Wedding Bar & Restaurant
THE DOVE
67 Main St., Tortola 284-494-0313
www.thedovebvi.com
ISLAND SWEET STUFF
4126 Anna's Retreat, Tillett Gardens, St. Thomas 340-201-6436
www.islandsweetstuff.com
MISS LUCY’S
Route 107, Friis Bay, St. John 340-693-5244
https://misslucysrestaurant.com
SPAS
OCEAN SPA BVI
White Bay, Jost Van Dyke 284-340-0772
https://theoceanspabvi.com/
PRANA SPA
Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas 340-776-7899
www.spausvi.com
TRANSPORTATION
OCEAN DREAMS
6186 Estate Frydenhoj, St. Thomas 340-998-6720
www.oceandreamswatertaxi.com
SPEEDY’S FERRIES
284-341-7145, 284-340-5240, and 284-495-5240
https://www.bviferries.com
VARLACK VENTURES
Cruz Bay, St. John 340-694-9933
https://www.varlack-ventures.com/
WEDDING CAKES
ISLAND SWEET STUFF
4126 Anna's Retreat, Tillett Gardens, St. Thomas 340-201-6436
www.islandsweetstuff.com
H BAKES & CANAPES
Upper Pleasant Valley, Tortola 284-543-6445
WEDDING CONSULTANTS
BVI WEDDINGS
Waterfront Drive,Tortola 284-346-7830
https://weddingsbvi.com
ISLAND BLISS
WEDDINGS
4605 Tutu Park Mall, Suite 133, St. Thomas 340-514-2685
www.islandblissweddings.com
PARADISE PLANNING
PO Box 595, Cruz Bay, St. John 310-968-3789 / 866-553-2221
www.paradiseplanningusvi.com
