St. Thomas destination wedding guide

Choosing your location

St. Thomas is the main arrival point for many guests visiting the US Virgin Islands, and it offers resorts, hillside villas and beach settings. Choose the property first, then keep the ceremony, the dinner and guest rooms close together. Hillsides can mean winding roads and stairs, so ask how guests of all ages will reach the ceremony. If you are comparing islands, see the St. John guide and the St. Croix guide. See Visit USVI: official tourism board for destination background.

What to ask your venue

Ask whether the beach, terrace or lawn is private to your event, how much shade there is, and which room is the indoor backup. Confirm outside photo and film team approval, any fees or passes, and how guests and suppliers reach and park at the property.

Planning your wedding photographs

Keep the main portraits on or near the property. A beach or lookout session is a separate block with its own travel time and a backup if the weather turns, and you should ask the venue what is permitted at any public location.

Planning your wedding film

Wind and the sound of the water can compete with outdoor vows, so agree microphone placement before the ceremony and test the sound at the ceremony spot. Decide where speeches happen if the ceremony moves under cover.

Timing, light and weather

Ask the venue for photographs from your month and a complete indoor alternative. Check the light for your own date, find out which hours the ceremony space is in sun or shade, and plan shade and water for guests outdoors.

Bringing Bella Vita with you

Choosing a photo and film team before you travel gives you time to discuss style, priorities and the moments that matter. For combined coverage, ask for a proposal naming both team members, their roles, the hours on each day and the finished photographs and films you will receive. Flights and accommodation are part of the travel plan; they do not replace the creative fee. Ask for a written total covering travel, lodging, transfers, venue access costs, currency and taxes before committing.

Before you reserve

• Is the ceremony space private, and is there shade?
• How do guests of all ages reach the ceremony spot?
• Are outside photo and film suppliers approved, and is there a fee?
• Confirm whether you want a legal marriage abroad or a symbolic celebration, then obtain the current requirements directly from the relevant authority.
• Ask your suppliers to confirm any permissions needed to work at the destination and venue before booking travel.

Destination resources

Visit USVI: official tourism board

Destination background checked November 12, 2026. Photography and timeline suggestions are Bella Vita editorial planning advice. This guide is not a claim of a previous Bella Vita wedding at these locations. Confirm current access, venue policies and arrangements for your date.