Encircled by a choice of luxurious resorts and idyllic white-sand beaches fringed by gently swaying palm trees, the US Virgin Islands is the perfect spot to say 'I do' – and the ideal destination for that long dreamt of beach wedding!
The US Virgin Islands offers a wide choice of stunning venues for your destination wedding.
The legal requirements for getting married in the US Virgin Islands are quite straightforward.
There is no residency requirements, but you need to submit your Marriage Licence Application Form together with payment to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands at least eight working days prior to your arrival in the US Virgin Islands.
Note: Allow at least 14 days prior to your wedding date to allow for mail delivery, processing, etc. There are no blood tests required.
Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name.
All documents must be issued in English, otherwise they must be translated by an Official Translator and subsequently notarised.
Documents required for getting married in US Virgin Islands, include…Mail the application, certified documents and money order to the Superior Court of Virgin Islands, Family Division – Marriage Licenses, P.O. Box 70, St. Thomas, USVI 00804.
You can phone the Family Division, Marriage License office (tel: (340) 774-6680) to confirm that the court has received your application. Ask for your Marriage Licence confirmation number to verify that the licence is prepared and awaiting pick up.
You are required to pick up the Marriage Licence, in person, from the Courthouse in St. Thomas prior to the wedding day. Photo ID (Driver's Licence or Passport) is also required before the licence is released to you.
If you plan on visiting the courthouse on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, you must mention this in your cover letter, and include a further USD$150.
Note: The St. Thomas courthouse has a strict dress code. Please dress as if you were going to court: flip flops, shorts, tank tops or miniskirts are not allowed.
At the courthouse, after you are both sworn-in by the clerk, you are required to attest that the information provided is true and accurate. Allow about 5 minutes for your paperwork to be completed.
Marriages performed in US Virgin Islands are internationally recognised and legally binding.
The marriage ceremony can be conducted by the Judge of the Superior Court (at the Court) or by a licenced Minister / Marriage Officer at a place of your choosing.
You are free to get married in a local church, the grounds of a hotel or on one of the many beautiful beaches.
After your wedding ceremony, the Minister will sign the Marriage Licence and your wedding planner will take it back to the courthouse and have it certified. Only after the courthouse certifies the document – Court Certified Marriage Licence – is your marriage considered legal.
Allow two to three weeks for the certified copy of the licence to arrive at your home address.
European Union citizens (except the United Kingdom and Ireland) may need to have their Marriage Certificate apostilled (or authenticated).
This does not apply to citizens of United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Citizens of Asian countries, South and Central America should check with their Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer as to whether an Apostille is required for your country.
Your wedding planner can assist you in obtaining the Apostille.
Some faiths may require additional documents for a church service. You may want to check this with your wedding planner or local minister.
For instance, couples of the Roman Catholic faith should allow sufficient time before the wedding date in order to process all the necessary paperwork (certificates of baptism, dispensations, statements of freedom to marry, etc.).
The wedding ceremony of a Roman Catholic must take place in a church rather than in a resort or on a beach.
Marriage Licence – USD$200
The majority of hotels in US Virgin Islands provide professional wedding planners who can insure that the entire process of getting married in US Virgin Islands, including fulfilling all legal requirements, is stress free.
For more information visit the wedding section of the US Virgin Islands Tourism website to learn more about recommended wedding planners and wedding venues.
Further information: visit the marriage portal of the Superior Court of Virgin Islands website, where you can download a Marriage Information Fact Sheet, the Marriage Licence Application form and the Licence and Certificate of Marriage form.
Mailing address: Superior Court of the V.I. Family Court Division, P.O. Box 70, St. Thomas, USVI 00804 (Tel: (340) 774-6680).
Physical address: Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center, 5400 Veteran's Drive, St. Thomas, USVI 00804.
Hours of the Court are 8am to 5pm, Monday – Friday, Saturday 10am to 12pm (by appointment only and USD$150 fee), and Sunday 9:30am to 11am (by appointment only and USD$150 fee).
Please note: while accurate at time of publication this information is for guidance purposes only and liable to change without notice. Please check with your wedding planner at your resort of choice or the relevant embassy of the country in which you intend to marry for up-to-date details before your wedding.
Latest update: How to get married in US Virgin Islands: 13 January, 2023
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