With gorgeous beaches, rich history, and endless culture, the U.S. Virgin Islands invites couples from around the globe to come and celebrate love!
Located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is an excellent choice for couples seeking to host their destination weddings and events.
Deemed “America’s Caribbean Paradise,” the U.S. Virgin Islands consists of three beautiful main islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.
Each of these luscious island escapes has its perks for travelers; however, it is particularly convenient for citizens of the United States who can ditch their passports and enjoy a quick 3 to 4-hour flight from New York!
Beyond the essence of convenience, USVI has SO much to offer.
From saying “I do” on the white sands of one of its famous beaches to staying at one of its luxury resorts, there are endless ways to celebrate love here!
Couples can partake in water sports, golf outings, or a historic shipwreck dive in sparkling blue waters on their honeymoon. They can explore historically preserved sites, enjoy a relaxing boat ride, or simply immerse themselves in local culture.
To learn more about what the U.S. Virgin Islands has to offer couples looking to plan their destination weddings and events, we spoke with Public Relations Representative, Ayana L. Young, of Development Counsellors International.
In addition to why couples should book a flight to one of USVI’s many islands, Ayana also gave insight into how the territory remained resilient following COVID-19 and what makes them stand out amongst all the other beautiful destinations in the Caribbean.
Keep reading below to find out why you should add the U.S. Virgin Islands to your travel bucket list!
**Join us in the U.S. Virgin Islands for our 10th annual Coterie Retreat! Learn more about how to attend here!**
- Destination: The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)
- Population: Approximately 99.1 thousand in January of 2023 (Source: Data Report)
The most unique and appealing aspect that sets USVI apart from other Caribbean destinations is the ease of travel from the continental U.S., as there is no need for a passport.
– Ayana L. Young
For multicultural couples, USVI is the perfect place to celebrate and embrace their culture.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands were and continue to be a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities,” Ayana shares. “The Department of Tourism has worked to ensure its marketing campaigns reflect the expansive diversity of our people, welcoming guests to a place where they can feel seen, included, received, and, most importantly, safe.”
The U.S. Virgin Islands has made a remarkable post-Covid recovery, particularly within the wedding industry!
According to the Wedding Planner Institute, the USVI ranked the second-most popular out-of-town wedding destination for Americans, second to Hawaii.
Ayana recalls, “As COVID testing restrictions lifted and couples looked to plan their long-awaited destination wedding, the U.S. Virgin Islands reinforced its position as a top choice in the Caribbean.”
Based on findings by the Wedding Report, the average amount couples spent on weddings also raised with spending increasing from US$22,500 to US$24,300.
“2022 was the busiest year on record,” Ayana adds, “with approximately 2.87 million weddings, up from 1.93 million in 2021.”
The three distinct islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix) also provide a unique backdrop for any couple seeking to plan a memorable experience beyond just their wedding ceremony.
As Ayana explains, “From luxury accommodations, eco-friendly venues, budget-friendly options, easy access to at-sea venues (yachts, catamarans, etc.), pristine beaches, historical venues like the synagogue in America and the forts of St Croix, and much more… there’s something for every couple and their guests alike!”
Creating destination weddings and events is not easy; however, USVI is dedicated to making the process as simple as possible.
Ayana shares, “The USVI has a very knowledgeable Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) and sales team which works closely with Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and Travel agents worldwide to help facilitate all planning needs for visitation to the territory.”
Connecting couples directly with the many local vendors of the USVI is also incredibly beneficial to the wedding planning process.
It also helps the territory sustain great relationships between tourists and local businesses, all while benefitting USVI’s economy and preserving local traditions and customs as well.
USVI boasts top-notch vendors like florists, caterers, transportation, bakers specializing in wedding cakes, and hotels that help make hosting events easier for couples and industry professionals.
– Ayana L. Young
Couples wishing to add traditional or local flair to their events can have dancers, Moko Jumbies, musicians, and DJs playing steel pans, reggae, and soca music.
– Ayana L. Young
Pristine beaches…
Ultimately, if you’re seeking a beautiful destination with endless culture, gorgeous beaches, and exquisite accommodations, the U.S. Virgin Islands has you covered! Whether planning your wedding, an island getaway with friends, or simply taking a solo adventure, this destination is worth visiting.
Stay tuned for more Caribbean reviews next #TravelTuesday!
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**Join us in the U.S. Virgin Islands for our 10th annual Coterie Retreat! Learn more about how to attend here!**
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