Introduction
If you dream of saying “I do” with turquoise water, trade wind breezes, and a sandy aisle, st thomas all inclusive wedding packages can make that vision simple, romantic, and surprisingly stress-free. This guide walks you through everything from beachfront ceremony options and legal requirements to budget tips, vendor selections, and sample itineraries. Whether you’re planning a small intimate elopement, a luxury resort celebration, or a full destination wedding with guests, you’ll find practical examples and actionable advice to plan a memorable Caribbean wedding.
Why Choose St Thomas for an All-Inclusive Destination Wedding?
St Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, blends easy travel access with breathtaking beaches, waterfront resorts, and a relaxed island culture. Couples often choose all inclusive wedding packages here because they simplify logistics: one contract, one price, and one point of contact to coordinate ceremony, reception, catering, and accommodation. Benefits include:
- Simplified planning: Resorts handle permits, vendors, and timelines.
- Cost predictability: Packages bundle venue, food, and often photography, cutting surprise expenses.
- Local expertise: Experienced on-site wedding planners know legal requirements, beaches, and timing for the best light.
- Guest convenience: Room blocks and shuttle services make travel easier for family and friends.
Types of St Thomas All Inclusive Wedding Packages
Not every package is the same. Resorts and wedding planners generally offer a range of options to suit different tastes and budgets:
- Elopement packages: Small, intimate ceremonies for two or a few guests—perfect if you want a low-stress beach wedding.
- Standard ceremony packages: Basic officiant, bouquet, boutonniere, and a simple reception or toast.
- Full-service packages: Includes ceremony, cocktail hour, multi-course reception, DJ or live band, cake, and photography.
- Luxury and resort packages: Upgraded décor, private beachfront venues, premium menus, open bar, and spa treatments.
- Honeymoon add-ons: Romantic dinners, couples’ massages, and excursion credits often bundled for after the wedding.
What’s Usually Included — and What’s Not
Understand what’s included to compare packages and avoid hidden costs. Common inclusions:
- Ceremony venue (beach, gazebo, or terrace)
- Officiant and basic decoration
- Bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
- Photography package (hourly or basic coverage)
- Cocktail hour or reception with plated or buffet menu
- Wedding cake and a bottle of champagne
- Coordination by an on-site wedding planner
Typical extras or items often not included:
- Legal fees, marriage license, and apostille/translation (if applicable)
- Guest room upgrades, resort taxes, or service charges
- Specialty florals, custom décor, or premium photography/videography
- Transportation for guests outside standard shuttle routes
- Tips for vendors and staff
How Much Do St Thomas All Inclusive Wedding Packages Cost?
Prices vary widely based on season, guest count, and level of luxury. Ballpark estimates:
- Elopement packages: $800–$2,500 for the ceremony, a few photos, and basic flowers.
- Standard packages (20–50 guests): $3,500–$12,000 including venue, catering, and basic photography.
- Luxury resort packages (50+ guests): $12,000–$50,000+ with upgraded menus, open bar, entertainment, and decor.
Tips to keep costs down:
- Choose an off-peak month (May–June and September–November) for lower rates.
- Limit the guest list—destination weddings save considerably per guest compared to large local events.
- Pick a package that includes photography and catering to avoid hiring separate vendors.
- Ask about taxes and service charges—resort billing often adds 10–20% to the base price.
Legal Requirements and Practical Steps
One benefit of St Thomas is that it’s a U.S. territory—U.S. citizens generally face fewer hurdles than in foreign countries. Still, follow these steps:
- Apply for a marriage license: Visit the St. Thomas Clerk’s office or complete the required paperwork ahead of time. Requirements typically include photo ID and proof of residency if applicable.
- Plan timing: Some jurisdictions require a waiting period; verify current rules and allow buffer days for processing.
- Use a local officiant: Resorts usually provide an officiant who understands local requirements and can help file the license.
- Consider legal documents: If you need an apostille or certified copies, request them before leaving the island.
Example checklist:
- Confirm residency rules and documents needed for the marriage license.
- Book ceremony date and confirm officiant availability.
- Request a certified copy of the marriage certificate for your records.
Picking the Right Venue: Beachfront, Resort, or Private Villa?
St Thomas offers diverse options. Consider the vibe you want, guest accessibility, and weather contingencies.
- Beachfront ceremonies: Iconic sunset photos and barefoot ceremonies. Pros: stunning views; cons: wind, uneven footing, noise. Ask the resort about backup venues for rain.
- Resort ballrooms and terraces: Climate-controlled, easier logistics for food and AV. Good for larger guest lists and older attendees.
- Private villas: Intimate and flexible, ideal for boutique celebrations. Often require outside vendor coordination and a local wedding planner.
Tip: Visit venues through virtual tours or schedule a site visit during a resort stay. Request sample menus, seating diagrams, and lighting options for evening receptions.
Vendors: Photography, Music, and Florals
A hallmark of all inclusive packages is vendor coordination, but you may want to upgrade or bring in specialized services. Best practices:
- Photography: Ask for a sample album and confirm how many hours are included. For full-day coverage, budget for a second shooter.
- Music and entertainment: Live bands are popular for Caribbean weddings—ask about sound ordinances for beachfront venues. DJs are often included in higher-tier packages.
- Florals and décor: Local florists offer island blooms like orchids, frangipani, and hibiscus. Provide photos of your desired look and ask about seasonal availability.
- Hair & makeup: Schedule trials for the bride and key attendants and confirm travel and timing on the wedding day.
Example vendor timeline for the wedding day:
- 8:00 AM — Hair and makeup begin for bridal party
- 11:00 AM — Photographer arrives for getting-ready shots
- 2:00 PM — Ceremony rehearsal or final venue check
- 4:00 PM — Ceremony (golden hour timing recommended)
- 6:00 PM — Cocktail hour and reception
Budgeting Tips and Hidden Costs to Watch
A transparent budget prevents surprises. Besides the package cost, watch for:
- Resort service charges and local taxes
- Gratuities for the wedding planner, catering staff, and vendors
- Travel insurance and vendor cancellation policies
- Fees for additional guests beyond the package limit
- Equipment rentals (lighting, dance floor, extra seating)
Suggested budgeting approach:
- Start with a maximum total budget.
- Allocate 40% to venue and catering, 20% to photography & entertainment, 10% to florals/decor, 10% to attire and beauty, 10% contingency, 10% travel & accommodation for the couple.
Sample Itineraries: From Elopement to Three-Day Celebration
Examples make planning easier. Here are three sample itineraries tailored to different package types:
Quick Elopement (2 Days)
- Day 1: Arrive, relax with couples’ massage, rehearsal dinner on the beach.
- Day 2: Morning vows at sunrise or late afternoon beach ceremony, intimate dinner. Depart Day 3.
Weekend Wedding (3 Days)
- Day 1: Guest arrivals and welcome cocktail at resort.
- Day 2: Beach ceremony in afternoon, reception under lights, local band performance.
- Day 3: Group brunch, optional island excursion (snorkeling or historic Charlotte Amalie tour).
Luxury Multi-Day Celebration (4–5 Days)
- Day 1: Welcome party with local food stations and rum tasting.
- Day 2: Rehearsal and casual beach BBQ for out-of-town guests.
- Day 3: Main ceremony and upscale reception with fireworks or a live steel band.
- Day 4: Farewell brunch and guided island excursions or a private boat trip to nearby islands.
Real Couples’ Tips from St Thomas Weddings
- Plan for wind: Lightweight gowns and secure décor help—use heavier floral tape and weighted table centerpieces.
- Time it for light: For photographers, late afternoon (golden hour) delivers the best light for beach portraits.
- Pack a day-of kit: Sunscreen, bug spray, a light wrap for guests, and flip-flops for the reception if you want to go barefoot.
- Communicate travel details: Provide guests with a simple itinerary, local contacts, and weather-prepared suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are marriage licenses easy to obtain in St Thomas?
Yes, as a U.S. territory, St Thomas typically has straightforward procedures for U.S. citizens, though documentation and timing vary. Work with your resort’s wedding planner or check the local clerk’s office for current requirements and processing times.
2. Do all inclusive packages include accommodations for guests?
Most packages include accommodation for the couple and offer room blocks or discounted rates for guests, but guest rooms are usually billed separately. Confirm group rates, cut-off dates, and any resort fees.
3. What’s the best time of year for a St Thomas wedding?
Peak season (December–April) has the driest weather but higher prices. Shoulder seasons (May–June and September–November) offer lower rates and fewer crowds—just be mindful of hurricane season (June to November) and consider travel insurance.
4. Can I bring my own vendors or decorations?
Many resorts allow outside vendors but may charge a vendor fee or require insurance and certification. If you want custom décor or a preferred photographer, arrange approvals and vendor logistics well in advance.
5. How do I handle gratuities and service charges?
Some packages include service charges, but tips for the wedding planner, catering staff, and vendors are still customary. Ask the resort for guidance on customary gratuity amounts or include tips in the wedding budget.
Conclusion
St Thomas all inclusive wedding packages offer an accessible, romantic, and well-supported option for couples seeking a Caribbean destination wedding. With the right package, a trusted on-site wedding planner, and clear budgeting, you can enjoy a beautiful beachfront ceremony, seamless logistics, and memorable moments for you and your guests. Whether you choose an intimate elopement or a multi-day luxury celebration, use this guide to compare packages, ask the right questions, and plan an unforgettable island wedding.
Ready to explore packages? Start by listing your top priorities—guest count, budget, venue type—and contact two or three resorts or planners for quotes and availability.
