Couples may wish to marry in the Virgin Islands, especially on the island of St. John. On St. John, they can select from so many natural wonders to hold the ceremony. Couples may exchange their vows at sunset on a white sandy beach, or at a private villa by the water, or they may use historical ruins as a backdrop. They may also choose to get married at a resort, with all the trimmings.

Trunk Bay Beach

The most popular beach for weddings, this white sand beach is surrounded by coconut palms and sea grapes. The bay extends about a quarter of a mile long and forms a heart shape. Its aqua-blue water and rustling waves, combined with the sparkling sand make this location a photographic favorite for wedding couples, especially at sunset, when the beach is less crowded, and the sunset is breathtaking over the water.

Trunk Bay Beach
North Shore Rd., Rte. 20
St. John
stjohnbeachguide.com

St. John Villas

Private villas allow couples to relax by their own swimming pool and deck and have access to Peter Bay. This villa is only 50 feet above the ocean, so having it on several levels will provide couples with multiple views of the ocean. Couples may enjoy gazing out “Anniversary Point,” named after the owners’ 25th wedding anniversary, where they can stare at the coral reefs in Peter Bay and watch the waves in the water. On their wedding day, couples may choose to exchange their vows near their villas on Peter Bay Beach. If couples wish to host a reception, they need to get permission from Villa management to bring in up to 30 guests.

St. John Villas
Island Hideaways
(800) 832-2302
islandhideaways.com

Annaberg Sugar Mill and Plantation Ruins

This former Danish estate still stands in the U.S. National Park on St. John. St. John’s was known for sugar making, and the mill was named after the daughter of plantation owner William Gottschalk, and means, “Anna’s Hill.” Sugar making was hard manual labor and done by slaves at the wind-driven mill. The National park has protected the sugar mill and plantation ruins, and the stone terraces on the hill provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. The natural beauty and the history of the plantation appeal to many couples.

Annaberg Sugar Mill and Plantation Ruins
U.S. National Park at St. Johns
Visitor Center
(340) 776-6201
nps.gov

Westin St. John Resort and Villas

Located on Cruz Bay, this pristine resort allows couples to relax and celebrate in a tropical paradise on 47 acres of lush gardens and sandy beaches. Couples will relax in fine accommodations, with views overlooking the beach, the garden or the pool. They may choose where they wish to exchange their vows, in the beach-side gazebo, in the tropical hilltop gardens or on the beach by the sparkling waters. The resort will assist couples in planning their reception as well, by arranging tables under a tent by the Palm Terrace. They will also have their caterers suggest fine cuisine for the reception, and suggest local entertainers and florists so that the wedding will be perfect.

Westin St. John Resort and Villas
P.O. Box 8310
St John, USVI
(888) 627-9113
westinresortstjohn.com