GETTING MARRIED IN ST. THOMAS

HOW TO APPLY FOR A USVI MARRIAGE LICENSE

This is the most thorough guide to getting a marriage license in St. Thomas or St. John Virgin Islands. And it turns out, the whole application process can take less than 15 minutes and is entirely painless if…

…you follow this step-by-step guide.

A simple destination wedding in St. Thomas by Island Mike

Here, you’ll learn how to get legally married in paradise quickly and easily. I’ll answer all of your questions about the Virgin Islands marriage license process. I’m also going to read your mind and answer a few questions that you may be thinking right now.

RIGHT NOW YOU MIGHT BE THINKING…

How the heck do we even start the process?

So you start asking yourself questions like:

Are marriages in the Virgin Islands legal in the United States?

Yes, marriages in St. Thomas and St. John, Virgin Islands are legal in all US states and territories.

I don’t know anyone on the island, how can I be sure the courthouse knows what they’re doing?

The Virgin Islands is a US Territory, therefore all of its courts are governed by US Federal Law and the US Constitution. And they process thousands of marriages each year. So yes, they know what they’re doing!

Is it safe to send money and documents thousands of miles away to a place I’ve never been to?

Our courthouse does an excellent job. They haven’t lost a license yet!

Did I just make a horrible decision?

No way! Marriage is awesome…and it’s even better when you start your marriage on a beach.

(You may also want to check out: 13 Things You Must Know Before Having a Wedding in St. Thomas after you finish this post.)

Believe it or not, our little rock is pretty experienced at weddings and elopements. We host thousands of weddings, elopements, and even vow renewal ceremonies each year between St. Thomas and St. John.

So you can trust that you’re in good hands to get legally wed.

If you need help with all the other details you might want to check out my St. Thomas Wedding Packages or St. John Wedding Packages.

US Virgin Islands Marriage License

  1. As mentioned earlier, St. Thomas and St. John are part of the Virgin Islands, which is a US territory. So your marriage license will be recognized in every jurisdiction of the United States.
  2. There are no residency requirements to get a marriage license.
  3. There is no waiting period to get your marriage license after you file the application. But note, the marriage application must be received by the courthouse 8 business days prior to pick up.
  4. There are no blood tests required.
  5. Same-sex marriages are legal in the Virgin Islands.
  6. Most foreign countries also recognize a marriage performed in the Virgin Islands through an additional document called an Apostille (see below under “Additional Items”).
  7. And lastly…the process is actually very simple, so don’t worry this post is so long. I just want to give you every possible bit of information you’ll need.

Steps for How to Get Married in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

The USVI Superior Court now allows you to file your marriage license application online. If you don’t have access to a computer or if want to download the forms, print them, fill them out, mail them in, and then stop by the courthouse in person, let me know and I’ll send you the instructions to do so.

  1. Go to the marriage license application page on the Superior Court Website
  2. Scroll past the long version of the application instructions and click “E-filing” on the bottom right of the page
  3. Select “Become an E-filer Today”
  4. Have both of your information (including social security numbers; divorce decrees/death certificates, if previously wed; and credit card) on hand.
  5. Submit your application
  6. Wait a week or two and email [email protected] and let them know you’d like to skip the courthouse and have your documents emailed to you directly.
  7. Get married by license officiant or minister
  8. Return signed marriage license to Virgin Islands Superior Court – you can skip this step since I’m happy to take the signed license back to the courthouse, get your certified copies and mail them to you!

You Might Be Wondering

01. Is it really this easy?

Yes. And that’s by design. Planning your island wedding doesn’t have to be difficult, tedious, or time-consuming. My team and I are ready to set our cocktails down and make some wedding magic happen.

02. Do you plan elopements, vow renewals, same-sex weddings?

HELL YES! Whether it’s just the two of you or you have all your favorite people with you, we’re happy to raise a glass with you. If you’re re-celebrating (i.e. renewing your vows) we’ll raise two glasses.

Two brides? Two grooms? Shouldn’t have to ask. It’s going to be double the fun.

03. How do I file for a marriage license and do I need to?

Easy! Just follow these step-by-step- instructions on how to file for a US Virgin Islands Marriage License.

04. Do you plan receptions?

YES! While wedding packages are designed to go down smooth – no chaser required,  everybody’s gotta eat. We’re happy to help plan your reception as well.

05. How do I get started?

Yay! Drop your details in the contact form and I’ll send you everything you need to know to plan your wedding.

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