Getting legally married in the U.S. Virgin Islands is fairly straightforward, but there is paperwork you should handle before the flight. Here’s the current process, fees and timeline.
The beach is the romantic part.
The marriage license is the part that makes it legal.
Fortunately, getting married in the U.S.Virgin Islands is relatively straightforward once you know the timeline.
The mistake is treating it like something you can figure out after checking into the hotel.
You shouldn't.
Do U.S.Citizens Need a Passport to Get Married in the USVI ?
The Superior Court currently requires a valid government - issued ID , which can be a passport or driver's license.
So no, a passport is not specifically required as your marriage - license identification if you have another accepted government - issued ID.
For U.S.citizens traveling directly from the mainland to the USVI, a passport is also generally not required for the trip itself.
Where Do You Apply ?
Marriage licenses are handled through the Family Division of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
Applications can currently be submitted through the court's electronic filing system.
The court also accepts in -person applications through its Family Division in both judicial districts.
That means you do not need to wait until you are standing in the Virgin Islands to begin the process.
How Much Does a USVI Marriage License Cost ?
As of 2026:
Marriage application: $100
Marriage license: $100
The application fee is non - refundable.
If you want a Superior Court judge to perform the ceremony, the currently listed ceremony fee is an additional $400 .
Weekend and certain holiday license distribution can also be arranged in advance for an additional surcharge.
Always verify current fees with the court before filing.
Is There a Waiting Period ?
There is an important timing rule.
Marriage applications are posted for public examination in the Clerk's Office for eight days.
That means a spontaneous Thursday decision to fly down Saturday and marry Sunday is not the plan I would build around.
Submit early.
Let the administrative part happen while you are still deciding what shoes to pack.
What Information Will You Need ?
The application currently asks for information including:
• full legal names
• ages
• dates of birth
• Social Security numbers
• nationality
• usual residence
• parents' names and places of birth
• previous marital status
If either person has been divorced, the court requires a certified copy of the divorce decree.
If someone is widowed, a certified copy of the former spouse's death certificate is required.
The court specifies that those documents need proper certification from the originating authority.
Do not arrive with a screenshot of a divorce decree and hope for the best.
Do You Need a Blood Test ?
No.
The Superior Court states that there is no physical examination or blood - test requirement.
One less wedding errand.
Can You Apply Online ?
Yes.
The Superior Court currently provides an electronic filing process.
You obtain and complete the marriage packet, register for e - filing, upload the required documents and pay the applicable fees.
A clerk reviews the submission and can contact you if something is missing.
The court then advises applicants when the license is available for pickup or downloading through the electronic system.
Can You Apply in Person ?
Yes.
The Family Division currently accepts in -person marriage applications Monday through Friday.
The court lists normal office hours of 8 a.m.to 5 p.m., with cashier hours ending earlier.
There is also a dress requirement for appearing at court.
Business casual.
No shorts or slippers.
Yes, even though you are in the Caribbean.
Can a Judge Marry You ?
Yes.
If you want the ceremony performed by a Superior Court judge, contact the Family Division to schedule it.
The current court fee for a judge - performed ceremony is $400.
Most destination couples instead hire a local officiant and hold the ceremony at a beach, resort, villa or other approved location.
Can You Bring Your Own Officiant ?
Do not assume someone authorized to marry you in your home state automatically has authority to solemnize a marriage in the Virgin Islands.
If you want to bring a particular officiant, confirm their eligibility with the Superior Court before building the ceremony around them.
This is one of those details that is much easier to solve by email three months ahead than on the morning of the wedding.
Getting Married in Virgin Islands National Park
The marriage license and the ceremony - location permit are separate things.
If your ceremony takes place within Virgin Islands National Park on St.John, the National Park Service currently requires a Special Use Permit for weddings.
Getting a marriage license from the Virgin Islands government does not give you permission to hold a ceremony anywhere you choose within National Park land.
Handle both.
After the Wedding
The paperwork is not quite finished when everyone starts drinking champagne.
The completed marriage license must be returned to the court after the ceremony.
The court currently requires return within ten days.
Certified copies can then be requested through the Family Division for a small additional fee.
You may want several certified copies if you plan to change names, update identification or handle other legal records after the wedding.
A Simple Timeline
Two to six months before
Choose the island.
Choose the ceremony location.
Confirm your officiant.
Start the marriage application.
At least several weeks before
Submit the paperwork.
Resolve any divorce / death - certificate documentation.
Apply for any location permits.
Confirm the license process with the court.
Before traveling
Bring your government - issued IDs.
Bring any original / certified documents the court has instructed you to carry.
Keep copies somewhere separate from your luggage.
After the ceremony
Make sure the completed license gets returned to the court.
Order certified copies if needed.
The Part That Is Actually Easy
You do not need to turn this into a courthouse scavenger hunt.
The Virgin Islands court has an electronic filing system.
There is no blood test.
The required documents are clearly defined.
The main requirement is simply not waiting until the last minute .
Local Tip
Do the legal work first.
Then forget about it.
Nobody wants to be sitting beside the pool three days before their wedding wondering whether the Clerk received page four.
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Conditions, access, prices, schedules, and availability can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the responsible operator or public authority before you travel.