Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
garden, which has a private freshwater pool and Jacuzzi. The daily rate is $22,500
to $36,000, depending on the number of guests, and includes food, drinks, and
activities (tennis, snorkeling, windsurfing, boating, and sea kayaking, to name a
few) for up to 26 people.
GETTING MARRIED IN THE
VIRGIN ISLANDS
The U.S. Virgin Islands are increasingly popular as a wedding venue. Each island
boasts wedding consultants who work hand in glove with resort hotels, and take care
of everything from airline tickets to flowers. Although there are some independent
small consultants, we have found that the best deals are arranged by a specialist at
one of the resort hotels. Our favorites include
Vera Payne
at Caneel Bay on St. John
(
&
340/776-6111
),
Luza Gutierrez
at Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marri-
ott Beach Resort on St. Thomas (
&
800/FOR-LOVE
[367-5683]), and
Candy
McGinley
at the Buccaneer on St. Croix (
&
800/255-3881
or 340/773-2100).
Marrying in the U.S. Virgin Islands
No blood tests or physical examinations are necessary, but there is a $50 license
fee, a $50 notarized application, and an 8-day waiting period, which is sometimes
waived, depending on circumstances. Civil ceremonies before a judge of the ter-
ritorial court cost $200 each; religious ceremonies performed by clergy are equally
valid. Fees and schedules for church weddings must be negotiated directly with
the officiate. More information is available from the
U.S. Virgin Islands
Department of Tourism,
1270 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
(
&
800/372-USVI
[372-8784] or 212/332-2222; www.usvitourism.vi). The guide
Getting Married in the U.S. Virgin Islands
is distributed by U.S.V.I. tourism offices;
it gives information on all three islands, including wedding planners, places of
worship, florists, and limousine services. It also provides a listing of island accom-
modations that offer in-house wedding services.
Couples can apply for a marriage license for St. Thomas or St. John by contacting
the
Superior Court of the Virgin Islands,
P.O. Box 70, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
00804 (
&
340/774-0640
). For weddings on St. Croix, contact the
Territorial
Court of the Virgin Islands,
Family Division, P.O. Box 929, Christiansted, St.
Croix, U.S.V.I. 00821 (
&
340/773-1130
).
Marrying in the British Virgin Islands
There's no requirement of island residency, but a couple must apply for a license at
the attorney general's office, and stay in the B.V.I. for at least 3 days while the paper-
work is processed. You'll need to present a passport or an original birth certificate and
photo identification, plus certified proof of your single marital status, including any
divorce or death certificates pertaining to former spouses. Two witnesses must
accompany the couple. The license fee is $110. Local registrars will perform mar-
riages, or you can choose your own officiate. For information and an application for a
license, contact the
Registrar's Office,
P.O. Box 418, Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I.
(
&
284/494-3701
or 494-3492).
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