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Many couples are
opting to save the money (not to mention the stress and hard work)
of a big wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a
combination wedding/honeymoon. Upon their return, they can share the
event by showing the video and photographs at an informal reception.
All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have become a
major promotional tool.
So why should you choose St. Thomas above others?
First are the practical reasons. As we are a U.S. Territory, there
are no legal, language, or money hassles to deal with. No blood test
or waiting period is required, and the simple application process
can be done by mail. A local wedding planner can handle this for you
along with your other arrangements, ensuring that all is in order
before you arrive. Or you may contact the Territorial Court
yourself, at (340) 778-9750. The license fee is $50, and if you have
been married before you will need a certified copy of the divorce
papers or death certificate. You will need to pick up the license
yourself on arrival; this only takes a few minutes but must be done
on a regular business
day.
 That
takes care of the business part - then comes the fun of choosing
from the numerous romantic ceremony sites around the island for the
wedding of your dreams. On a mountain top or underwater, on a
beautiful beach or in a botanical garden, in a formal church wedding
or an African "Jump the Broom" ceremony, St. Thomas has every
imaginable setting, all with the island theme you desire. No matter
which venue you choose, St. Thomas has several experienced wedding
consultants and planners who can help you arrange the perfect
ceremony and celebration.
 Your
Honeymoon.
You don't have to go far to find your perfect honeymoon spot when
you get married in St. Thomas . Luxury resorts are available for
couples who like to be waited on hand and foot. Intimate guest
houses or condos are another wonderful way to spend your special
time together. You may choose one of our many island villas,
equipped with private pools, for a more exclusive honeymoon. Of
course, there are private yachts available to charter for a
customized honeymoon on the waters of the Caribbean. Whichever you
choose, you are sure to have the time of your lives.
Photos Courtesy Lee Ashley
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The
marriage license application fee is $100 ($50 for
application fee and $50 for the license). There is an 8 day
waiting and processing period, which can be waived depending
on circumstances. The application is good for 1 year. Court
marriages in front of a judge are performed on weekdays by
appointment and will cost around $200. Religious ceremonies
should be arranged directly with church officials. If either
party has been divorced, a certified copy of the divorce
decree must be presented. If you are requesting a marriage
license through the mail, without the help of a local
wedding planner you will have to pick up the license
yourself on arrival. This can only be done of regular
business days. |
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St. Thomas /St. John
Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
P.O. Box 70
St. Thomas, USVI 00804
Telephone: (340)774-6680 |
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