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Getting Married in the Virgin Islands...Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Hints



Today's Weather in Saint Thomas and St. John, Virgin Islands
 

 

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What if it rains on my wedding day ?
Usually tropical showers do not last long. If there is a time frame, we all wait a few minutes until it passes, or go under cover to perform the ceremony. The show must go on, especially if you are on a one day cruise in port. If there is torrential rain, we will reschedule for sometime during your stay.


What should we wear?
The islands are known for their casual-elegance. A soft-flowing cocktail length sheer strapless dress and a white dinner jacket with an open tuxedo shirt with rolled up pants might be your look to be married in ..or you can go for the formal tails and long beaded dress ...dashingly becoming as you make your exit from the luxury limousine. A white swimsuit or a bikini with a sarong.... or get even more creative with a train attached to your swim suit, he... in khaki shorts and a white silk t-shirt...the choices are endless. Just remember to be cool... and comfortable! Keep your wedding attire with you in case of delays and lost luggage.

If I marry someone from outside of the US will this be legal in the other country?

Yes, your marriage is legal and protected in your country. A separate apostle document is $25 plus express mail fee.

Rely on the expertise of the Wedding Coordinator you have chosen to help you with your arrangements. They live in the islands and have been in the business...they know what to expect and when...From the weather to the court and the traffic and usually have their own staff of professionals who work with them as a team.

Rely on the cruise line or travel agent you have booked your wedding with. More than likely, they will lead you right back here, to Fantasia, your expert in wedding coordination in the USVI. 

St. Thomas is American, and your marriage is legal wherever you go. We speak English, (some West Indian Creole), use American money and drive on the left...Yes, this was a Danish island a while back and the tradition and history still lingers on.

Always remember to smile and say "Good Morning; Afternoon or Nite" to all whom you pass you or come in contact with directly or indirectly, even on the telephone. It is a courtesy we proudly respect.

Lastly, bring sun screen and watch the little no-see-ems at sunset! Bottled water is always best even in restaurants and although there may be clouds in the sky, the sun still burns through them. Sunsets are always a favorite time for marriages, however, if you don't plan the time just right or after a hard rain, little flying bugs with big teeth will bite your ankles on the beach.. Avon's Skin-So-Soft works on mosquitoes!

Legal Hints:

Make sure you have proper photo identification when swearing in at the Superior Court. A photo drivers license, voters registration or passport is sufficient. Ensure your wedding officiant is in "good standing" by being hired through a reputable wedding company and mails you a complimentary copy of your certified copy of your marriage license within two weeks. This way you are positive you are married because it has been filed with the Superior Court. Most companies are in good standing with a business license, but you can still check with the business license bureau. Because it is not a requirement for a minister to have a business license in the USVI (only an ordination), some ministers work independently of wedding coordinators. This is why is it better for non-denominational ministers to be represented through a wedding company which is required to perform the legal duties. When you are married by a wedding company which holds a business license, is incorporated and relies on its integrity, you can feel confident. With these details in place, the company you are doing your business with is safe, so is your marriage.

Very last hint... Keep it simple...Remember why you ran away to the Virgin Islands to get Married! Away from the family decision making the pompous over priced halls and large crowds..... 

 



What if our ship doesn't come into port?
Make sure you buy travelers/wedding insurance. If you are traveling on a cruise line and Fantasia has booked the wedding directly, we will honor a re-scheduling time when you can fly back and arrange to be married. Fantasia does not have a refund policy, only a guaranteed re-scheduling of events.

What do I do if my dress is wrinkled. How to I transport it to the islands?
Usually our brides hand carry the dress on the plane and hang it in the garment section. Purchase an inexpensive hand steamer and carry it and your makeup, on the plane in case of lost luggage.

What is the weather like in winter?
Typically, the weather never changes. It is always a mild 85-89 degrees. The "Christmas Winds" in November and December drop the evening temperature to about 75 degrees...this is "chilly!"

What is the summer weather like?
The same holds true in summer, 85-89 degrees, the humidity gets a little higher and the fog comes in from Montserrat. Nothing a tourist would notice that much.

When is the hurricane season?
Meteorologically speaking from June 6th-October 15th, but history has shown mid September to be our most vulnerable time. However, we prefer to think positively! 

What do I do about taxis and transportation?

Your prices include bride & groom to the Superior Court to obtain your marriage documents and to the wedding location only.

What if I bring friends and relatives?

Whether you are arriving from a cruise ship, or staying in a hotel, for guest transportation to and from wedding location please contact www.movemygroup.com and speak to Alan. For your guests transportation we have a fun open air safari bus we recommend.At the cost of $15 pp round trip or $10 pp, one way. Everyone can then stay and enjoy the reception without rushing. The front desk at Emerald Beach resort will make sure you have a taxi for your return trip, usually at $10 pp. Emerald Beach hosts all Fantasia wedding clients from the Fantasia wedding packages and from the cruise lines.  It is not a private resort, it is open to the hotel guests, however, the wedding area is secluded from the rest of the hotel area. On-lookers are welcomed to congratulate the couple...and don't be too surprised if you see an iguana joining in on your wedding day! They love our fresh coconut on the wedding cake! Extra guests are invited to stay for the reception which consists of cake and champagne toast. This is an additional charge of $15 for service of over four guests.

(If you select a helicopter to a private island or a sunset sail and are affected by heights or the ocean, bring preventive medication with you)

Shopping Hints:

The US Virgin Islands are a duty free port, so if you have time, there is an abundance of jewelry stores to shop for your wedding band. Precious and semi-precious gem stones are making a popular fashion statement along side or combined with the long standing diamond. Your wedding coordinator can recommend where to shop.



How do I secure my Marriage License in the Virgin Islands?

It's easy click here for all the details

Is the court open on Sundays and Holidays?

Yes, on Sundays and some local holidays only, (9:30 am-11:30 am) by arrangement made only through your wedding coordinator. There is an additional fee of $150 per couple.  Will I get my divorce decree back from the court?

No, usually it is not necessary for you to have it any longer, your status has changed from divorced to married. However if you need it returned, please provide a second photocopy when mailing it into our office. At the swearing in procedure, ask the clerk to return the original and keep the copy for their files.

Do I get the application notarized in my district?

This is done by the clerk at the Superior Court of the USVI on the day of the wedding and will notarize the re-typed version upon re-signing of the document to verify that the information in the license is true and correct.

What if my fiancé, lives in another town?

You can express mail the document for him/her to sign or fax a copy and attach it to the original. Upon arrival at the court the piece will be put together in front of the clerk.

What does a Certified Copy of my Divorce Decree mean?

This is a copy, not an original, but it contains a certified stamp or raised seal prepared by the clerk of the court and signed by the judge.

We Welcome Your Ideas

If you have any other helpful hints to share with our newly to be married...such as go barefoot, leave the stockings at home...or think of the children in your vows; or with some thing special such as a candle lighting or a ceremony giving each a family medallion... please share them with us.

We will be happy to share your helpful hints on destination weddings and honeymoons in the Caribbean.


Fantasia is represented by the Association of Bridal Consultants, the Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel Association. Fantasia is incorporated and has a staff of four non-denominational ministers. Please specify religious or non-religious when you book your wedding. Our religious minister is of the Methodist and Anglican faith. The additional fee for his religious ceremony is $150.00 
 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO
BRIDE-GROOM and WEDDING GUESTS 

Please be advised that the US Virgin Islands' time zone is ATLANTIC TIME.  It means that we don't change time at daylight savings.  Therefore, we ask you to make a note of this during the daylight savings period.  Some ships travel on EASTERN TIME during daylight savings; however, should this be the case it means that when the ship has 8:00am -  St. Thomas has 9:00am.  Our scheduled PICK-UP times are ALWAYS on ATLANTIC TIME.  We ask your cooperation by being ON TIME for your scheduled PICK-UP.   Thank you.